This episode of Calendar Commentary covers the Maastricht treaty and the Parliaments reaction to this, the Home Secretary's actions, and the Guardians Michael Whites opinions on the new Parliament. This episode of Calendar Commentary is introduced by Geoff Druett who begins by mentioning the three main topics this instalment will cover; the Maastricht debate, the home secretary Kenneth Clark, and Michael Whites verdict on the new parliament. Druett then opens the show in front of...

This episode of Calendar Commentary covers the Maastricht treaty and the Parliaments reaction to this, the Home Secretary's actions, and the Guardians Michael Whites opinions on the new Parliament. This episode of Calendar Commentary is introduced by Geoff Druett who begins by mentioning the three main topics this instalment will cover; the Maastricht debate, the home secretary Kenneth Clark, and Michael Whites verdict on the new parliament. Druett then opens the show in front of Westminster Abbey, MPs have just finished voting in the debate on the bill to ratify the treaty and he will be interviewing a number of politicians involved. First, he passes the show back to Richard Whiteley in the studio to give more context on the debate for the viewers, Whiteley notes that this debate is the latest stage in the process which began months before as well as the opinion that some have about it leading to a federal Europe after a previous speech by Margaret Thatcher encouraged this. Richard Whiteley also goes into more specific detail regarding Conservative and Labour party views on this. He states that the Conservative view is mostly under whip and should be supporting the government and John Major but a small group of rebels remained unconvinced whereas Labours strategy was to abstain on the main motion but to vote on the amendment underlining their European credentials by criticizing the government by refusing to support the social chapter (the Labour rebels however fought against the amendment saying that was more European). Throughout this segment video recordings of the debate are shown whilst showing all four major arguments as Whiteley narrates on top. The show then returns to Geoff Druett in front of Westminster Abbey with four MPs, first is two Conservative MPs. James Cran (Conservative MP for Beverly) and Quentin Davies (Conservative MP for Stamford & Spalding) both appear to speak on their differing opinions. Cran states more people wished to vote against that actually did and Davies refers to the vote as a tremendous step forward. Geoff Druett then dismisses them and turns to speak to two members of the Labour party, first is Ann Taylor (Labour MP for Dewsbury, front bench spokesperson) who supported the Labour amendment and then Bob Cryer (Labour MP for Bradford South) who believes it was a political error to vote yes. Druett then wraps up this segment and the episode returns back to Richard Whiteley in the Leeds studio. Richard Whiteley then carries the show into the next segment which is focused on the recent actions of home secretary Kenneth Clark. Furthermore Whiteley speaks on the changes the home secretary wishes to make to the police services. Following this is a report from Calendar Commentary's reporter Peter McNerny from Scarborough police federation conference where Kenneth Clark is outlining his plans. Peter McNerny narrates this segment whilst videos from the conference and Clarks speech is shown. There is also interview with individuals at the conference conducted by Calendar Commentary in front of the building, first is Alan Eastwood (Police federation chairman) who asserts that the changes are nothing of worry, next is Paul Brough (West Yorkshire delegate) who remains sceptical. Finally McNerny interviews the home secretary who declares that the police force will get the necessary resources they need with regard to the economic situation. After that segment the episode returns to Richard Whiteley in the Leeds studio to gauge the reaction to the home secretary's initiative from two MPs, John Greenway (Tory MP for Ryedale and former policeman) and John Battle (Labour MP for Leeds West). John Battle states his opinion that the government need to take more serious action due to the increasing crime rate in Britain and John Greenway backs the initiative and believes it will create more efficient behaviour. This segment ends with the introduction of the Guardians political editor Michael White to speak on how the Labour party is fairing and more specifically Neil Kinnock. White shares his opinions and that concludes the episode. Featuring JOHN BATTLE MP, JOHN GREENWAY MP, MICHAEL WHITE Research GAYNOR BARNES VT Editor NIGEL ROWE Graphics DAVE HARTLEY Production Assistant LEAH PUPLETT Director ALAN RODMAN Producer PETER MCNERNEY Political Editors RICHARD WHITELEY & GEOFF DRUETT Executive Producer RICHARD GREGORY YTV 1992