This is a third page of your comments.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
We live in a democracy and should be free to express an opinion. I think Kilroy should be back on air.
Gaynor Murray, Manchester
YES. Arab people need to see clear action on the part of the BBC and Mr Kilroy-Silk should make a full statement including an apology for failing to clearly distinguish between rogue Arab states and the Arab people as a whole. Only then should he be allowed back on the air.
Ifan Morgan, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
So called political correctness is becoming a very worrying form of censorship. His comments were justified and the BBC has totally over-reacted - assuming, wrongly that the general public would back their stance.
Andy Trombala, Stirling, Scotland
I cannot believe that anyone defending Kilroy-Silk has actually read the article. He refers to 'Arabs' more than once in a way that is clearly offensive and derogatory - to a race, not to individuals or even specific states. That's not exercising free speech, it's inflaming racial tensions which are high enough as it is. As for people squawking 'political correctness gone mad', I'm afraid that's just clich� gone mad. PC is a label used to belittle something when you can't think of a better reason to oppose it.
Phil, London
No he should not have been taken off the air, and to all of those people who say that we have freedom of speech - wake up! We don't have it any more!
Roy Livingstone, Preston
Regarding all above posters who support K-S on the grounds of freedom of speech, are they also in favour of abolishing the UK laws on racial abuse, anti-Christian speech, anti-Semitic / holocaust deniers etc? I doubt it. There is a tendency to support freedom of speech ONLY when the people at the receiving end are not in the "mainstream".
R. Ribala, London
Yes, I do think his talk-show should have been taken off air. His comments were both untrue (Arabs have contributed nothing to civilisation - come on!) and offensive. It is also clearly a very biased viewpoint, and surely the BBC is supposed to be unbiased.
Juliet Kavanagh, London, United Kingdom
The BBC should not censor Kilroy-Silk for his comments he his entitled to air his views. It is unhealthy for a society to pretend certain views do not exist. It's a form of denial. The BBC has a duty to inform and entertain. It is not the BBC's role to "protect" the public and treat them like children. We live in a free society not a police or "nanny" state. The people responsible for this act of biased opinion should be given the sack there is no place in the BBC for social engineers.
Ian Sadler, Exmouth England If the BBC is going to take this line of action with Kilroy Silk for speaking the truth about Arab states then they must also take the same line of action about anyone making derogatory statements about the Americans. We will end up with nobody on TV! We must uphold freedom of speech.
Iain, UK
Kilroy has just expressed an opinion and most of what he said is true. Some Arab Regimes are evil, that's a fact and not racist. The article was printed almost a year ago so why didn't the BBC take him off air then instead of waiting for a slow news week when someone gets offended.
Dave, London
This was taken out of context and taken the wrong way by people who want to do that. Freedom of speech we've still just about got freedom to tell the truth. You tell me. I'm say no unless you've got nothing to lose. This has been blown up out of all proportion. Kilroy is not a racist he was just giving a opinion. One which a lot of people might share and legislation wont cover up those views. We believe in telling the truth. I and many others will continue to do so whatever the Government think. There is good and bad about the Arab world and we will discuss both without lies and censorship spoiling our arguments.
Gerald Phillips, London
Are the BBC trying to tell us Arab countries do not have suicide bombers, do not amputate limbs and do not repress woman?
Jim Wilson, Westhill, Aberdeenshire.
Although Kilroy's comments were extremely ignorant and stupid, this is a democratic society and as such he is still allowed to express his opinions however stupid they may be. Perhaps it would be better for him to actually learn a little bit more about the communities he is insulting and then he wouldn't appear so stupid when he exercises his freedom of speech.
Lena Walton, Tadworth
I believe the BBC was right to take off Kilroy's programme and to disassociate themselves from him. His views are what you would expect from a racist and bigot. We do not want to see or hear from him again. There is no such thing as absolute freedom of speech, hence laws against incitement, plagiarism, libel and racism exist.
Tauqir Ishaq, London
This is political correctness gone mad, and infringement of freedom of speech. Liberals in this country defend the freedom of speech of people like Abu Hamza who actually wants to destroy British freedoms and impose Islam on the world. I think Robert Kilroy-Silk was speaking freely and making the point that some Arab regimes and some citizens who engage in Islamic extremism do not conform to human rights and democracy. Freedom of speech cannot be infringed just because some people find what someone has to say as disagreeable.
Adam, Exeter, Devon
Let's grant RKS his freedom of speech if he is prepared to pay libel damages to the hundreds of millions of Arabs who are not suicide bombers, limb-amputators, and women repressors.
Afsar, Leeds
Yes, the BBC were right. Kilroy should have been taken off air, and should remain so. The BBC must remain impartial and he has been doing the job long enough now to know that what he wrote could be misconstrued. We all know about Human Rights violations in the Middle East, and yes we are allowed to say it but he made a sweeping generalisation about the whole of the Arab culture. He may not be guilty of racism but he needs some lessons in tact and more than a few lessons in history, if he thinks the Arab has brought nothing to the world.
Pat, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear Kilroy-Silk's original article in the Express was a crude racist slur on Arab people. He is now trying to justify himself by claiming he was referring to Arab states rather than people. He should be ashamed of himself as should the Express for paying him a huge amount of money for racist rubbish. I suggest Kilroy stays permanently off air and then maybe Mr Kilroy-Silk will have some free time to educate himself a little more about the wonders of the Arab world.
Stuart, London
Kilroy should definitely be taken off the air. The back lash against hard working, law abiding Muslims (Arabs) is unfair since 911. He is just making it worse with his ignorant views.
Yac Latif, Rotherham, South Yorkshire
In his interviews now he talks about Arab governments and their policies which is obviously acceptable but in his newspaper article he talked about and cast slurs upon Arab people as a whole which is racist and therefore unacceptable.
Peter Hines, London UK
It is a sad day in the UK when we cannot say what we feel and what we like without being forced from our jobs. It seems that many small groups in the UK are trying to impose their religious and social beliefs on the majority. Kilroy was right to voice his own opinion and it should be recognised as exactly that! Not the opinion of the BBC or of general public opinion. There was not the same outcry when the Australian press stereotyped the British. Long live British Free Speech!
Stephen, UK
Kilroy has the right to freedom of expression as far as any other journalist, as proven by the fact that his diatribe was published by the Sunday Express despite its going beyond the boundaries of what many of us would consider acceptable. This freedom of speech, however, does not extend to a right to a salary paid from License Fee funds. Just as Rod Liddle was forced to choose between a BBC post and an opinionated column, so should Kilroy - although having lost the goodwill of so many viewers it is clear which job he should retain, and which he should be denied.
Tom, London, UK
Yes, I think it is very right to take him off air... it is a disgraceful article he wrote - you cannot generalize! I just wonder, will that be ever tolerated in this country if he speaks about Jews (and he will not) in the same way referring to the atrocities happening on the daily basis by the Israeli army in Gaza and the West Bank? BBC is a neutral, respectful establishment and such views from a front line presenter cannot be tolerated. Mr. Kilroy did that before in 1992 referring to the Irish in a similar bad way!
Dr Adam, Leeds
Freedom of speech for all. Do we not have this anymore? Where's the debate? Who decides what is right and wrong to say? It smacks of double standards. Maybe we should all not speak at all. That would solve the problem wouldn't it?
Jay, Hove, UK
I do not believe Kilroy should have been taken off the air because of his comments. Much of what he has said is the truth. Unfortunately the article seems to have reference to all Arabs instead of the ones who are against the West. Hopefully he will be re-instated quickly. Too many people in this country are scared to speak out these days for fear of being branded a racist, as what has happened!
Gary Scott, Glasgow, UK
No; once again the BBC is pandering to political correctness, and licence-payers are sick of its craven attitude. People from other cultures routinely malign and insult ours, yet we are not allowed to make any criticisms in response. What Mr Kilroy-Silk said was correct, and it's time we stood up more for ourselves and our culture.
Dave Marriott, England, Nottm Another example of the stupidity of "Political Correctness"... brush the issues under the carpet and pretend it doesn't exist. KS should not have been taken off the air. Isn't the UK a free country... obviously, not.
Stewart, Toronto
When first accused Mr Kilroy had the nerve to blame his secretary instead of taking responsibility. This incident and everything afterwards has exposed the man as an arrogant bully more obsessed with his image than any genuine cause, he deserves no quarter for his behaviour. I for one will be very disappointed if the BBC allow him to continue to show his face again.
Darren Harris, London
I think that the CRE should be more concerned about the nerve that Kilroy has touched upon in this country, and the implications that their tide of sympathy is about to change.
Tony, Wales, UK
This smacks of one rule for one and one rule for another, Arab TV stations show clips of terrorist leaders asking their people to revolt against the US and UK... so... we're not allowed to answer back without it being 'racist' then? There is one simple way to not have these things said about you... don't do them! If the cap fits etc...
Jo, Derby UK
The right to free speech is a precious one, to be defended against all attackers. How ironic that the states which Kilroy-Silk criticises definitely do not embrace this cornerstone of our democracy. Pot, kettle, black?
allan Crowley, Coventry, England
I agree everyone has a right to free speech - and no-one is trying to take that away. However, no-one has a right to have their views broadcast or printed - that is where he erred. He has abused the responsibility given him.
Steve D, Newport, Wales
Mr K-S's freedom of expression is not being challenged. His mandate to represent the BBC is. Many of the West's Arab 'ally' regimes are a human rights disgrace. Pakistan is no better. But KS did not show he was talking about regimes rather than race and that is a position the BBC cannot be seen as condoning.
Roy Pinnock, London
I did not agree with much of what Kilroy said, but I believe the right to freedom of speech should always come first. No, Kilroy should not be kept off the air. It concerns me that a number of people who have made comments on this website seriously think it is acceptable to sack someone over a few sentences they do not agree with, after more than a decade of public service in airing topical issues on his show. This is vindictiveness pure and simple; it says much more about those who call for Kilroy to be permanently silenced by the BBC than it does about him.
Michael, Cambridge, UK
 |  Are we afraid of all other cultures to the detriment of our own?  |
Many people in this country openly criticise England/UK and are not penalised. What is happening to the freedom of speech which we boast about so much? This country is becoming far too politically correct. Are we afraid of all other cultures to the detriment of our own?
Cass Naylor, England I am more than a little tired of this pussyfooting around caused by an insurgence of politically correct do gooders over the last few years. Kilroy has every right to voice his view on Arabs as he sees them. This is a view shared by quite a lot of people in Britain today. That does not make the comments correct... they were NEVER MEANT TO BE TAKEN AS A FACT. The fact is Kilroy's job is to spark national debate and whether he has over stepped the line by embarrassing those above him or not, he has certainly accomplished his goal. All hail Kilroy and the freedom of speech!
Barry McDonald, Ardrossan Ayrshire
The full contents of his comments should be aired fully in all media then and only then will the public be able to make up their mind with an informed view instead of widely advertised "out of context" comments made by Kilroy. I am a housewife who watches Kilroy when I can and although I am not a member of any political party am an avid viewer of all political TV programmes and take on board all their views when voting time comes around.
Cathy Tolhurst, Ayrshire Scotland
I think it's fair to say that RKS should be quite within his rights to say his opinions on these matters, but he should also have to take the consequences of doing so. Silencing him would be wrong. However, the BBC may not want to associate with him after these comments, and so are quite within their rights to take him off air.
Tim Blunt, H|elston, Cornwall
This whole issue has again highlighted the fact that a substantial proportion of the population believes that we live in a straightjacket of "political correctness". I believe that this undermines race relations and inter-racial understanding. Equally we do not understand how the Arab world feels about the UK. Perhaps if we were exposed to uncensored Arab feeling we might appreciate the need to foster communication and understanding?
Mark, Sussex
The guys a disgrace, and should be taken off air permanently. I'm all for free speech, but Kilroy's employer is the BBC, a global institution, and a pillar of impartiality. The BBC will now not want to be associated with such a bigot. I don't understand how Kilroy can now come out and apologise for his article. It's not like an off-the-cuff comment one can make and quickly regret. The guy was writing an article, and certainly had enough time to think about what he wanted to say! He's words of apology which soon ensued were only said so that he keep his job.
Scott, London
The comments that Kilroy made were printed completely out of context by a tabloid newspaper. However, it is important to remember that many people who do read such newspapers take everything at face value and so the BBC was doing what it thought best at the time. I do believe that Kilroy should be reinstated immediately since he has apologised for the comments. This is just political correctness gone wrong!
Michael Forster, Newcastle, UK
His views are quite correct in some cases, his mistake however was to generalise. Generalisations based on facts that are only true about part of an ethnic group are what gives away the racist. However, although two wrongs do not make a right, he is being treated unfairly if compared to a number of notoriously extremist religious figures who call for violence and promote a self imposed segregation.
Alex, Gibraltar
While I agree with the right to free speech I feel that the Sunday Express should have offered an equally strong Arab or Muslim viewpoint. Isn't it that mechanism of openness, balance and fairness that makes his show so successful? All cards on the table please...
Stephen, Heidelberg, Germany
I think the BBC is right in excluding Kilroy over his racist remarks. He is in a show that is supposed to be fair-minded and there is nothing fair-minded about these disgusting comments. However, I would add that Anne Robinson's comments about Welsh people were equally obnoxious when she said 'What are they for' and I think in fairness she should be sanctioned too. There are many Arabs worldwide who are contributing to the welfare of their fellow human beings - more so that Kilroy - and their dignity and that of all Arabs must be safeguarded.
Caroline Collett, Bristol, S. Glos No the BBC are not right. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, even if the BBC do not agree with it. What Robert Kilroy said is true. It's about time people started speaking out instead of being afraid to tell the truth. We all have the right to state our beliefs, this is after all supposed to be a free country.
Lyndsey Robinson, Swindon, England
I agree that he should have the right to say what he believes. He was not inciting racial hatred, or suggesting that we attack people was he? We give this freedom of speech to anyone who enters this country, so we should be able to do the same. It is a sad day when you are unable to speak the truth as you believe it without fear of losing your job, or worse.
Mike Eckhoff, Reading/England
Kilroy's comments were most definitely racist. More worryingly, as I can see from comments posted to this website, not uncommon. It is not freedom of speech that they are defending but freedom to be racist and exercise prejudice. The BBC should not allow itself to be a platform for someone considered by a big chunk of license fee payers as racist.
Mona Tayara, London
This has nothing to do with freedom of speech. Kilroy does have freedom of speech, and he used it in his newspaper comments. The issue is not whether he should have been allowed to say what he said; it is whether he should be allowed to present a chat show given his strong and controversial opinions. If so many people, including myself, are offended by his views, why would the BBC want him as a flagship daytime presenter? I wouldn't.
Dan, UK
Would any one else have said what everyone was/is thinking? Right or wrong, we shouldn't be made to feel that our views are incorrect... just in case it upsets someone. At least people are now addressing the fears and thoughts that most of the country have probably got about what is happening in the world at this moment.
Rianna
We have gone PC mad in this country! Everything he said was fundamentally correct there is little or no democracy in the Arab World, what's the point in hiding the truth?
Mike Turner, Shrewsbury UK
I participated in a Kilroy show which was "debating" the issue of Bush's state visit. I wasn't allowed to develop the argument I'd been primed by the programs researchers to support, in the event I was cut off sounding as if I was an apologist for Blair which was the last thing I wanted to get across. Kilroy's problem is that he is too fond of the sound of his own voice: he is conceited to believe that his own intellect and opinions are superior to the people he is interviewing. More articulate he may be, but superior - I don't think so. "Kilroy" is a profoundly unimportant red-top program and whether it survives or dies is of no consequence.
Simon Field, Broadstone, Dorset
So much for free speech in this country. It appears free speech is only permitted. Would BBC reacted in same way if it was against the Pope and the catholic faith? Have we forgotten what atrocities people have done in the name of Islam so easily? The regimes in Middle East and parts of Africa are despotic and brutal.
Bruce V Fox, Bournemouth, UK
Of course RKS has the right to freedom of speech. He can (within limits of slander, or incitement to various crimes) say what he likes. The issue is whether the BBC would like to be associated with him. A presenter that can't make a distinction between some 'evil and tyrannical' Arab nations and all Arab people seems to be a bit of a liability.
James Roberts, London, UK
The BBC should not let Mr Kilroy's programme on air until he apologises fully as he has attacked and insulted the whole Arab world.
Abbas Alidina, London, UK
I think it's about time this political correctness nonsense was put to bed. You daren't speak without being accused of being racist or upsetting minorities. What about majorities being upset, why don't we look after our own any more? What about the thousands who died to defend this country and its freedom. Have they died in vain?
Jim Marsh, Preston, England
| Freedom of speech cannot be free if we shackle it with values and conditions |
Freedom of speech cannot be free if we shackle it with values and conditions, I believe Kilroy-Silk has made a mistake with his comments, but he has every right to say as he feels, to say otherwise is to impose my views on him and I will not do that. The greater risk here is that people are taking sides and lines are being drawn over a talk show host while the real issues are being ignored.
Neill, London No he should not have been taken of off the air. If anything one of his shows should have been to discuss what he had written in the article. Sweeping opinions under the carpet won't help. Are we as a Western civilisation not repeatedly accused of Moral Corruption and decadence by other people? I have seen many hypocritical opinions - one by an Arab newspaper who said his comments were an 'insult to the whole Arab nation' and in the same line stated that 'this is the continuing Western act of trying to repress the Arab people'. Is that not a sweeping statement as well?
Stuart Bushell, UK Grays
Kilroy has done nothing wrong and is not a racist. Typical in this day and age somebody makes a comment and they are automatically branded a racist. That word is too loosely used especially from anti-racist organisations all I can say is get a grip. Kilroy is a good man and I'm with him on this one, he has contributed allot to British TV over the years and the BBC is out of order for dropping him at a flash of a hat. Where's the loyalty he deserves from the BBC? Stop being gutless and stand by this man to owe a lot too.
Christian Reason, Neath, Wales
I understand how some people think that Kilroy's comments were merely his own opinion. But I was deeply offended (even as a non Arab). It's all well and good saying that he has the right to a view but how can he be expected to host a chat show that deals with racial and religious matters when he has such bigoted views himself. I find it sad that he has used it as a publicity stunt to turn the blame on to the BBC. I have read the whole article and it outraged me. He has not even apologised fully for his article, which i find arrogant of Kilroy. I for one won't be watching his TV programme any longer. Disappointed!
Hannah A, Cardiff
I think he should be taken off air. The impact of a man of his status on the people in England is astounding. He is highly influential and due to his position as a chat show host he is likely to create racial hatred as a result of his 'we owe Arabs nothing' article
Aisha Abbasi, London England
The worst thing about this affair in my eyes is that we're all being told what to think but not allowed to make up our own minds. All we're shown is some quotes from the article he wrote, out of context, and then told they were racist comments. I'd like the opportunity to read the article for myself and make my own mind up. Instead the major media outlets, sadly including the BBC, are guilty of superficial reporting.
If he was referring to all Arabs, as alleged, then he should probably apologise for making broad generalizations. If he was just referring to Arab States then he has nothing to apologise, and it becomes a matter of freedom of speech. But how can we say whether Kilroy-silk is right or wrong if we're not allowed to see anything more substantial than a few choice quotes?
Dominic St Leger, Scotland, UK
I have a Muslim friend who once said to me that the world whether you like it or not was made so that men are above women. Kilroy is expressing against that view that predominantly exists in most sections of the Arab/Moslem world.
Lis, UK
How is it that people like myself who work in areas such as the police and prison service are told by the CRE (Commission For Racial Equality) and other government agencies that we are racists, sexists, etc. even though many of us have black and gay friends/partners. Is this not the same ignorant, uneducated, 'blanket' comment that the CRE and others are accusing Mr Silk of? One rule for some one rule for the rest.
M. Hall, Durham, UK
| Kilroy deserves everything he has got for making sweeping generalisations about millions of people |
Kilroy deserves everything he has got for making sweeping generalisations about millions of people, especially in this age of the "war on terror". Given the despicable acts of the British Empire we owe the whole world a huge debt not yet repaid, never mind Arab countries.
Daley, Sheffield, UK Kilroy's comments were disgraceful. Now that everything is out in the open he is trying to change his story by saying that he was writing about Arab "states" and not Arab people. Well, if he was writing about Arab states I want to know how states are supposed to "dance in the streets"? He should go.
Sue Collins, London
Kilroy clearly has a great feeling of self importance. It is his vanity that has come across on his non-informative show for years. The sooner his show is taken off the air permanently, the better. He should not be allowed to use his position to deliver an ill judged rant the way he did.
Paul Alger, London, UK
As a license-payer, I find it intolerable that someone who would make such offensive and obviously racist comments is being funded by my fees. However, if Kilroy's programme is re-instated, I would fully expect that Angus Deaton would also be given his job back. In my eyes, his "crimes" were far less serious.
Lisa, Cambridge, UK
It's important to distinguish between freedom of speech and the responsibility of the mass media not to print clearly racist and ignorant opinions. If we take the view that newspapers can print what ever they like, if we give them carte blanche in the name of 'freedom of speech' we will be reading opinionated, ill informed, rubbish on a daily basis. Even more so than we already do. Having just come back from Jordan on holiday, having met many of the local moderate Arabs, and having spent time in what is clearly a very rich and ancient culture, it's clear that Mr Kilroy-Silk is quite simply talking out of his hat!
Robert Dunbar, London
Poor old Kilroy! Of course, he got it all wrong! Even, if he thinks that in days of political correctness he can say whatever he thinks or likes, he either is getting old or stupid! But, I do not think he has to be taken off the air, it will only show that BBC can not tolerate individual opinion.
Inga, England
Mr Silk should be commended for saying what he thinks. HE is paid by the express for his opinions because he is in a position to give them, so for him to then be taken of the air by the BBC is disgusting. I am Irish and am fully aware of his comments several years ago, but laughed them of. I still respect him and would ask the BBC to put him back on air and give him their full support.
Phil Flanagan, Chertsey, Surrey
| I don't believe freedom of speech runs to advocating genocide in the national press |
Mr Kilroy-Silk is supposed to be an expert communicator and yet it seems he is incapable of conveying what he means, if we are to believe his justification that he was just criticising certain Arabic regimes. Because to me the article seemed to convey the idea that all Arabs where murderous sub-humans who should be cleansed from the world. I'm sorry but I don't believe freedom of speech runs to advocating genocide in the national press.
Colin Wright, UK "You've written an ignorant racist article attacking Arabs everywhere? The Express has printed it twice? The BBC has suspended you? What are you going to do now?" Continue to say stupid things and draw flak by the looks of it. "I have done more for race relations than the Commission for Racial Equality, empowering black people and presenting them in a positive light."
This is just going to get funnier.
John McAvoy, London
Freedom of speech is a flawed term. No one has the freedom to say whatever they wish. For example, standing up in a cinema and shouting Fire! In theory, freedom of speech is a stupid phrase.
Dave, Newbury
What i would like to see in these cases, rather than a load of people calling Kilroy racist, is a counter argument. Some Arab countries do consider women as third class citizens, and suicide bombers to seem to proliferate in the Middle East. These are facts. Kilroy has simply embellished them as any good column-writer would. Perhaps everyone who is so angry at his comments would do well to examine the tyrannical regimes he describes and ask themselves why they still exist in the 21st century. Then they should be thankful that we in the UK and we don't execute our citizens for airing personal opinions.
Ed , Hertfordshire, UK
As everyone knows, the English are a nation of ignorant, football hooligan shopkeepers. Making broad statements about any national or ethnic characteristic is just plain stupid and inflammatory. Someone who expresses such views has no place with a public broadcaster. If Mr Kilroy-Silk wants to join the BNP he can rant about what he likes, but he shouldn't be funded by my licence fee. Can we get some interesting daytime TV now? Oh, and if Kilroy wants to know what the Arabs have done for us - how about writing, mathematics, astronomy, medicine...
Dan, UK
Mr Kilroy-Silk's comments were correct in some respects, but he should have specified the regimes/governments/incidents in his enumeration of events. He could, I suspect, find similar comments to make about white governments, certainly some African governments, and maybe even Israel. The Saudis practice amputation routinely; Taliban most certainly represses women; and the Nigerians sentenced one woman to death by stoning (not carried out). So he was speaking the truth.
Paul, Madrid, Spain
It's very unfair that certain people cannot have an opinion about anything these days especially other races, religion and colour!
Jacqueline Minter, Grove, Oxfordshire - United Kingdom
My husband and I both think that Kilroy should have the right to freedom of speech. I have Asian origin and don't feel offended. I am sure worst is said on the national TV in other countries about the UK and Europe in general by TV presenters. Kilroy's show should be put back on air! Good luck Kilroy!
Yogita Kindell, London
No. Free speech must not become a personal stigma. He was simply trying to tell what Arabs suffer from, despotic and ultra nationalist regimes that will never accept reforms to bring in democracy.
Handrain Marph, London
| Freedom of speech does not give us the right to make false and defamatory accusations against others |
Freedom of speech does not give us the right to make false and defamatory accusations against others. When these are directed against a whole people it becomes racism, which must be condemned in the strongest possible way. The BBC was right to take the show off the air and I applaud their action. I hope that Mr Kilroy-Silk will not be offered another job by the corporation, ever.
Steve, UK It is only an opinion and as such you can agree with it or disagree with it. There is a real fear at the highest level that public opinion may get the better of political correctness. Not allowing people to express themselves will lead to a giant step backwards to rampant nationalism - maybe this is the plan? A government based on ignorant prejudice would be very powerful indeed.
R.C. Robjohn, UK
I'm amazed how many people are saying "I believe in freedom of speech, but...". You either do or you don't. If you do, it has to apply to everyone - even those you disagree with. If you don't, fine - just be grateful you're living in a country where the majority of us do.
DK, UK
The BBC acted cowardly. They are scared of freedom of speech. Kilroy-Silk wasn't being racist he was referring to some Arab states and some Arabs.
Peter Saxton, London, UK
As far as I am concerned Robert Kilroy is only saying what the majority of this country think but are afraid to utter. His programme airs a great deal of wrongs in this country and he should be allowed to carry on with his programme.
Trisha Sanders, Wallingford, Oxfordshire
As a supporter of the BBC and the licence fee to help fund it I am disappointed at the BBC's decision to suspend Kilroy. It is important that the BBC support free speech and allow certain issues to be discussed freely. Only then can opinions be changed. Kilroy may be mistaken in his sweeping statements as applied to all Arabs but the BBC should allow these issues to be tackled. In the Kilroy shows I have seen many issues discussed and often unpopular views are aired. This is a vital part of providing a publicly funded broadcasting service. Kilroy has apologised for any offence caused and should be reinstated. After all free speech is one of the keystones of democracy.
Caroline Jones, Leigh-on-sea, Essex
Absolutely. Mr Kilroy Silk has proved himself to be crass and ignorant. He is being disingenuous by saying that he was criticising Arab states, which he is entitled to do. If the article had been about blacks or Jews, it would have rightly caused offence and he would have been taken off air.
M Afzal, Birmingham.
I'm all for FREE speech, and think it is time that ALL British people have the right of free speech - I also think that we are becoming a Nation of British people having to watch our P's and Q's too much regarding our opinions. What Happened to Free Speech for ALL before we become a Nation afraid to express our thoughts - I am in full support of anyone who is not afraid to speak his/her mind regarding our country being a state which is afraid to comment.
Sheila D'Arcy, Warrington
How absolutely ridiculous. A storm in a teacup and bowing down by the BBC. I do not particularly like the Kilroy programme but it is popular, I believe. Why Kilroy would want to do it I cannot understand as he has not appeared to be well. He should leave. If the BBC do not support him why should he stay?
Judith Baker, Somerset UK
I would be interested to see if those defending Kilroy's position on the basis of "free speech" would accept a daytime chat show on the BBC hosted by a Muslim fundamentalist who openly supported Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. I suspect that they wouldn't.
Brendan, London UK
| I'm fed up with all this political correctness in this country |
Give the man his show back. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has the right to free speech in this country, why can't they be expressed then? I'm fed up with all this political correctness in this country, put Kilroy back on air now!
SB, Croydon, UK Having the ability to speak is not the same as a Right to free speech. Right are given but they come with Responsibilities. If you claim a Right to free speech you have to accept the responsibility not to be Racist, bigoted, dishonest etc. I have an ability to fight, but I can not claim a Right to do so unless I accept the responsibility to do so only in self defence.
Patrick, England
This is another example of the BBC being compromised by employees who also freelance for newspapers or other media. Surely there needs to be a review of this or the BBC will continue to see such conflicts of interest disrupting broadcasting and discrediting the corporation.
Susanna, London, UK
I think Kilroy is great. I find him unbiased and honest. I'm disappointed you have taken him off air. His show is the best talk show around and i don't think he intended to upset anyone he was putting across his point of view. What happened to freedom of speech? Does this mean that anyone that says anything that others do not like will lose their jobs? I think you were wrong to take his show off air - he has apologised and if people are upset with him they don't have to watch do they?
Pamela Smith, London, England
Every Englishman has the right to say what he wants. That is unless we no longer have freedom of speech. If anybody disagrees with any statement, that is also their right. However, to punish somebody just because you disagree with them or to ask for them to be criminalised (as the CRE want to), is clearly an attempt to deny human rights to the free peoples of this world.
Stewart Allen, Leipzig, Germany
I've read the Kilroy-Silk article in full and have to say that, by any reckoning, it's nothing more than a perfect populist rant, by the lowest common denominator for the lowest common denominator, fuelled by nothing more than ignorance, prejudice and fear. Put him back on telly - he's perfect for the job!
Bob Simons, Cambridge, UK
I think the BBC has had a knee jerk reaction. Kilroy is a balanced and fair man and popular. The article has been taken out of context and the beeb will lose a good man over this.
Margaret Hazell-Smith, Crowborough, East Sussex
He's provided years and years of unbiased material. His whole programs ethos is about looking at the big picture and sorting out our differences. Even though I don't agree with his comments, I certainly don't think he should be taken off the air. It's just another example of the BBC worrying too much about their household name being tainted.
Andy Hughes
Of course he should be taken off the air. Some of his points may have been valid criticisms of certain Arab regimes, but he seems to attack all Arabs, which makes him look ignorant and racist. This rant gives fuel to the extremists who paint a picture of Westerners hating Arabs and could anger moderates, driving them to a more aggressive stance. The BBC cannot be seen to support or condone this outburst, so they have to cut him loose.
Jon, London, UK
| I completely disagree with much of what he said but is far more healthy to have all points of view aired in public for debate |
No he should not have been taken off air. I completely disagree with much of what he said but is far more healthy to have all points of view aired in public for debate than people having such views but having the whole issue swept under the carpet.
Sam, UK Free speech is clearly alive and well in the UK. Say something a bit controversial that some people might find pushes the mark and find yourself shunned. I was always taught that freedom of speech meant that opinions had to be tolerated even if you didn't agree with them and even if you found them repugnant. I guess freedom of choice is made for us and freedom of speech is what we are told to say.
John B, UK
The overly sensitive BBC has had a predictable knee-jerk reaction prompted by a lack of knowledge and understanding. Hopefully when they look at the individual and his record they will reinstate the programme. Kilroy's article was possibly a little strong but bearing in mind the original context it was written in it is probably not unreasonable. Unless we want our media to be an endless diet of showbiz dribble this form of article should be encouraged for the debate that it provokes.
Phil Eadie, London, UK
Kilroy has no right to use 'political correctness gone mad' as a defence to in my view, grossly offensive, inaccurate and racist comments.
Vhora, UK
Kilroy should not be taken off the air, some people might not agree with him but we should defend his right to freedom of speech. Without the freedom to say what you think you will be putting this country back a thousand years, its better to have everything out in the open rather than simmering below the surface. We must protect the individuals right to express himself, it is time this political correctness etc. came to an end or you will have major problems!
Thomas Davison, Hexham
Yes absolutely. How anyone can make the sort of comments that Mr Kilroy-Silk made, then expect to host an impartial TV show is beyond belief. I see that Mr Silk is now playing the Martyr card, crying 'witch hunt' and appealing for support. How contemptible.
Simon Watkins, Cardiff, Wales. There are a number of ways to look at this. Firstly, speech is either free or it's not. We can't live in a system that advocates freedom of speech, and then reprimands someone for speaking freely. Kilroy's comments, however, were ill judged. He only needed to add words to the effect that there are bad elements within every race and culture, and that the vast majority of Arabs were not part of this element. This would have been a more balanced approach, had he really needed to make the comments at all. As for taking him off the air? Well, frankly I think he is the rudest and most unprofessional talk show host I have ever seen on TV. The way he shouts over his audience makes my blood boil. Take him off the air for good, for all I care. Extend the breakfast news.
Andy R, UK
In a word no. Political correctness in the scourge of this country and this is a prime example of how daft it is. Everyday there are articles published that criticise someone or something - are we no longer allowed an opinion, are we no longer allowed to state our point of view? It was perhaps badly written but is in no way inflammatory.
J. Harriat, London, England
Surely if he wanted to 'tell the truth' about certain Arab states, then why generalise in the way that he did? If he is as expert in communicating and as popular as he now claims he always has been then surely he would have thought the article through before it was originally published? As for the BBC, then as far as I'm concerned all they've done is taken a very poorly made programme off the air which can only be a good thing.
Alan, London, UK
Personally I think his programme should have been taken off the air long ago. Mr Kilroy-Silk always lets his (often extreme) personal views colour the way he interviews the participants in his programme.
David Looser, Ipswich England
The fact is Mr. Kilroy-Silk DID NOT limit his comments to Arab states. He DID refer to Arabs as a people, and it's much too late now to pretend that the article was not racist. That being said, I do believe in free speech, so I'm torn about whether he should be allowed back on the air.
Marc Keelan-Bishop, England
What he said was stupid and ignorant and certainly not what one would expect from someone employed by the BBC. I can understand and support their decision to suspend him. But that is as far as it should go. Western society treasures the right to free speech and the price of that is occasionally having to put up with some idiot gaining more exposure than he deserves. I find the fact that this has prompted a police investigation far more disturbing than Kilroy's self-inflated bigotry.
Sven, London, UK
I wish to show support for Kilroy. I have watched his program for many years and always found him to be balanced and unbiased. Never has it occurred to me that he has any 'racist' tendencies. I have read the article in question and agree with his sentiment. I thought we lived in a free country...
Barry Parsons, London, UK
As a British citizen with an Iraqi father and English mother I am highly offended by the comments made by Robert Kilroy-Silk. I am not so much upset about his comments about Arabs being limb-amputators, suicide bombers and women repressors as I am intelligent to realise that some Arab states are responsible for these things. However, I am utterly appalled by his discreditation of Arabs as an entire race. How dare he, falsely, claim thay Arabs have not contributed anything to society. Has he no concept of history? It is for these reasons that I feel he needs to be taken off air. How can he remain an impartial chat-show host if his ignorant opinions are known by all?
Natalie Zara, London
I read the original article last year and did not think it was racist as he was talking about specific regimes and not all Arabs. I feel the article has been taken out of context but that the original article still remains valid. Racism? I don't think so. When are we going to stop being over cautious about our freedom of speech? Does anyone cry racism when Westerners are routinely described as 'infidels' on the news? Pandering to those who over react
Rory Kavanagh, Herts, England I'm all for freedom of speech but Kilroy's undeniably racist comments went way to far.
Ghaz Iqbal, London
They shouldn't have taken him off air, it's typical of the BBC to over-react. They should get Kilroy to do a program on Arab nations, and discuss the points he raised.
Dave, Coventry
Kilroy is pouring petrol on hot embers. Such comments do not help in the slightest. Tarring everyone with the same brush is pure racism. Maybe a suspension of the show would be in order with a fine. As a TV show host he does have responsibilities and the TV networks don't want mass complaints because one of their staff got out of hand.
Moo, London, UK
Whilst I do not think there should be limits to free speech, I think it is wrong for Mr Kilroy Silk to abuse the platform he has as a TV presenter. I think his comments following the debacle are disingenuous - he is not an average individual expressing an opinion but capitalising on the shock effect of his tawdry show. The BBC would have shown more judgement to have cancelled his programme years ago - it is moribund and it's hard to believe he has been doing it for so long and still does it so badly!
Graham Thomas, London, UK
How else are we supposed to have any respect for our broadcasters opinions if their true opinions are subject to such pathetic outrage. Pulling him from the air is nothing sort of censorship
Marie, Wales
I think the issue has been over reacted. Not justifying what Kilroy stated but its commonsense he tried to emphasize on specific Arab regiments than just about every Arab. Being the person he is, he should have been more careful and a better apology should have been made by him. And the BBC is over reacting too for every small thing by taking his show off. The BBC needs to stand its ground at times.
Vijay Bysani, Newcastle, UK In my opinion there are many reasons to take the Kilroy programme off the air, his comments in the press are not one of them!
Rob Blake, Derbyshire
Absolutely not. He has the right, as does everybody else to say whatever he likes. Or does freedom of speech not exist in this country anymore?
Andrew Neary, United Kingdom
Yes, not only it should have been taken off the air it should be cancelled permanently. I am a British Arab and was totally offended by Mr Kilroy's remarks. Such remarks are disgraceful if it comes from a public figure. The article was all full of lies, he even didn't bother to get the facts before writing such an article. I will be very disappointed if the BBC put back his show on the air. A person with such views should not be seen by the public. Can I also tell Mr Kilroy that I am a women from the Middle East and I had all the rights as a man.
Nihad Moussa, Southampton, England
Yes, I found his comments to be undeniably racist. I hope you all remember when Danny Baker said something about referee's a few years back on Radio 5 his show was taken off air. Why not this one?
Ahmed Saeed, UK
| Freedom of speech in this country is accompanied by responsibility for the consequences |
Yes. Freedom of speech in this country is accompanied by responsibility for the consequences. The majority of the population of the UK is not yet intelligent enough to think for themselves - they believe what they are told. He should have realised this, and thought more carefully about what he said.
Tom G, UK No, we live in a free society and free speech is fundamental to our democracy.
Alexandra, The Netherlands (British)
Kilroy should be taken off not because he is racist but because he displays a level of ignorance unacceptable in a public commentator. The Arabs gave us higher mathematics, chemistry, astronomy; and pioneered the humane treatment of the mentally ill at a time when we were burning them as demons. The great Arab Universities were a conduit for Greek culture into Europe at a time when this continent was without light or learning. We owe Arab culture a great debt.
Martin Ternouth, UK
The BBC should live in the real world and allow freedom of speech, Kilroy has done nothing wrong and should be reinstated
Sylvia, Wigan
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
