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Ann Widdecombe webchat 14 June 1.30-2.30pm

(108 Posts)
GeraldineGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 01-Jun-12 13:41:51

We're delighted that Ann Widdecombe is joining us for a live webchat on Thursday 14 June. A former Minister in the Home Office, as well as Shadow Health and Home Secretary, Ann is the author of four novels and a star (many would say the star) of Strictly Come Dancing. Latterly she has taken to panto, appearing last year and next opposite Craig Revel Horwood. From the serious business of prisons, for which she was responsible, to the rather less serious business of sequins, she will be happy to answer our questions.

Gally Fri 01-Jun-12 15:10:45

I don't believe it - I think it was I who suggested asking the lovely Widders onto GN some long time ago and now she's coming and I will be on holiday far away without the benefit of internet connection hmm Anyway here's a flag and a brew for our Widders

JosieGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 01-Jun-12 16:50:38

Feel free to ask her a question in advance, Gally, and we'll do our best to make sure she answers it!

glassortwo Fri 01-Jun-12 17:28:22

Where is jingle she will be pleased to hear Widders is coming on smile

greenmossgiel Fri 01-Jun-12 19:18:57

I'm so pleased to see that Ann Widdecombe's coming on! Don't know what questions I'll have for her yet, but I'm really looking forward to hearing what she has to say about things. smile

Anne58 Fri 01-Jun-12 20:15:45

Not sure if I'll be around that day, or even if I can think of a question, but I have the utmost respect for Anne, I don't always agree with her on every issue, but I admire her immensely.

She should definitely have got the post of Speaker of the House of Commons!

Gally Sat 02-Jun-12 08:15:48

flag Ann, flag you have devoted so much of your life to politics, charities and latterly to dancing, tv, theatre, pantomime and even briefly opera. When, finally, you are on your own in your Devon home, how do you relax? Do you enjoy your own company or are you desperate to be off on your next venture. For what it's worth, I believe you are the best Speaker who never was - I was so disappointed when you decided not to go for it, particularly when the present incumbant was elected!! Do you miss the cut and thrust of politics or was it a relief when you finally retired?

j04 Sat 02-Jun-12 10:26:16

Hello Ann.

A few years back the government and the Beeb were trying desperately to get us all online.

As you were in government then (or at least in the other lot) could you tell me why this was? And do you think it such a good thing after all?

I am thinking of, for example, online gaming with the trials and tribulations, not to mention mindless time wasting, that that involves. And forums, such as this one and its sister site Mumsnet, where we do spend a lot of time talking to virtual 'friends', sometimes to the detriment of other things, like reading, hobbies, and family interaction. I think, with that latter example, it is more worrying perhaps with Mumsnet, where maybe children could be time deprived.

Do you ever read Mumsnet. Does it worry you?

j04 Sat 02-Jun-12 10:27:08

Well done with the dancing thing btw. smile

nanaej Sun 03-Jun-12 20:45:21

Hello Ann,

Do you still advocate the death penalty? If so how do you justify that with your Christian faith?

Joan Sun 03-Jun-12 23:39:36

Hello Ann,

What do you think of the way Sayeeda Warsi is suddenly being picked on re expenses?

Do you agree that it is not a coincidence that this is happening after she said the conviction of a gang of mainly ethnically Pakistani men for sex crimes against under age girls is a race matter.(The official line is that the offenses were not a racist issue - that the offenders' culture was irrelevant)

Far be it for a woman to tell an unpalatable truth, and confound an important emotional issue with facts.

Greatnan Mon 04-Jun-12 05:25:49

Hello Ann,
Can you tell us why you feel women cannot serve as priests when they played such a big role in the early years of your religion (although their contribution has been largely ignored)?

gkal Wed 06-Jun-12 18:32:21

Hello Ann, I have rather a serious question I'm afraid. I wonder how you came to terms with having to defend in parliament, in 1996(?), the shackling (using handcuffs and chains) of pregnant prisoners until just before they gave birth or until they had received an epidural and were therefore unable to escape through paralysis of lower limbs. Anyone who has given birth will know how frightening it can be at times. If I had been chained to my bed during labour, I think I would have become hysterical. I know this still happens in the US but in Sweden it is considered a barbaric practice and now I think in the UK, it has been banned. Thanks in advance for your point of view.

Grannylin Wed 06-Jun-12 18:52:52

Hello Ann,
Do blondes have more fun?

j04 Wed 06-Jun-12 20:39:42

Ann. How long do you think it is reasonable for the world to stand by whilst children are being brutally murdered and maimed in Syria?

And how can this standing by be justified.

Yes, I know it's complicated, but you know what Jesus said - "Whosoever harmeth one of these my little ones, it is better for him that a millstone be tied around his neck and he be cast into the sea....."

j04 Wed 06-Jun-12 20:40:59

And I think standing by and doing nothing is pretty well as bad as the act itself.

whenim64 Wed 06-Jun-12 21:15:55

Hear, Hear! Jingle! When are they going to take action and rid Syria of this murderous regime?

paradisemerton Fri 08-Jun-12 12:35:54

Hello Ann

Do you think Germany is achieving by stealth and economic pressure what it failed to do in two World Wars, ie total domination and control of Europe?

glassortwo Fri 08-Jun-12 13:11:26

Hello Ann,

Welcome to Gransnet.

Do you think your career would have been different had married Colin Maltby?

glassortwo Fri 08-Jun-12 13:44:54

Should read

Do you think your career would have been different had you married Colin Maltby?

j04 Fri 08-Jun-12 17:13:57

Hello again Ann. Are you a lark or an owl? I find I'm neither these days. I do like my bed. Are you the same or do you spring out of bed full of the joys, etc.

j04 Fri 08-Jun-12 17:15:35

Also, what form of exercise do you favour make yourself do, now the dancing is behind you?

POGS Fri 08-Jun-12 19:43:39

Grannylin, Lovely question.

Dear Anne

What do you make of Speaker Bercow's obvious bias in H.O.P. ?

I find it very sad Scotland may be seperated from the rest of the U.K. How do you feel about loosing one of our countries from the union. Can it all end in tears or could it go smoothly?

Jacey Sat 09-Jun-12 23:25:47

Hi Ann

I wondered if there was a piece of legislation that you strongly feel, during your time as an MP, should not have been put on the statute books? Why?

And of course, the other side of the coin ...was there something really close to your heart that never got passed?

lucid Sun 10-Jun-12 15:44:40

Hi Ann.....just wondered what you think about this Coalition Government...do you think David Cameron made a mistake by joining forces with Nick Clegg?

I'm a big fan of yours and thoroughly enjoyed watching you 'dance' on Strictly. smile