I wish I could say that I was shocked by the comments.

The comments are unfortunate, but not shocking in the least. This is a very instructive example of some of the pitfalls which arise from the state attempting to monopolize public discourse; people would be much more willing to listen to reason on the Hampstead issue had the Beeb not burned its credibility, for years defending the likes of Saville and Prince Andrew.

Minitrue can say the sky is blue and 2+2=4, but I think at this point it won't make a difference to the proles. You can only lie to the people so many times, before the only thing they'll listen to is calls for your blood.