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Tory MP In Broadcasting Storm

by | 24th, January 2006

‘HUNDREDS of listeners have complained to the BBC after a ‘live’ radio report for the People And Places programme went disastrously wrong. The report was billed as ”a candid investigation into the world of the homosexual”, and featured a visit by the Conservative MP Jonathan Marlowe to a private party in West London.

From the start it was apparent that drink had been taken in liberal quantities, and a debate about social attitudes soon turned into a frank discussion of personal habits.

One man told Mr Marlowe that he was not qualified to pass judgement on something that he had not himself experienced, and jokingly challenged him to ‘give it a go’.

This was a clear reference to the infamous occasion on which the MP smoked cannabis in a similar spirit of inquiry. ”Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it,” cried another voice, to general laughter.

To everyone’s surprise, Mr Marlowe agreed – at which point the BBC sound recordist could be heard to ask if he was serious. ”Yes, absolutely,” replied Marlowe. There then followed the first sexual act ever to be performed on air in the United Kingdom.

Marlowe provided a running commentary throughout, although at times he was clearly breathless and struggled to maintain his usual fluency.

”I am now being b******* vigorously by a dark-haired man of medium height,” he announced at one point. ”The experience is not wholly unpleasant.” Later he spoke of ”an enormous feeling of wellbeing”.

Although the programme was heard by a relatively small audience and is unlikely to be repeated, it has already achieved widespread notoriety. Mary Whitehouse, of the National Viewers’ and Listeners’ Association, declared herself ‘sick and defiled’, and has ordered a tape and a full transcript from the corporation.

Mr Marlowe’s constituency party will meet later this week to discuss his future, and the matter has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, although it is unlikely to bring charges.

Marlowe told journalists yesterday that he had not set out to participate in any sexual activity, but insisted that he had no regrets.

When asked if he intended to continue with his investigations, he replied that he had no plans to do so, and admitted that he couldn’t explain his impulsive behaviour.

”I don’t know what came over me,” he said.’



Posted: 24th, January 2006 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink