This is a second page of your comments
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
I think it is disgusting of the BBC to take Kilroy's show off the air. I'm not interested in watching Kilroy's show or reading the Sunday Express, but I believe he has a right to express his views. Furthermore, those views are not racist. Nobody is even disputing his remarks about Arab regimes - they are as he describes - unelected and oppressive. I feel this is typical BBC pandering to politically correct people who refuse to criticise Arabs/Muslims, yet have no issues at all criticising Israel or the Bush administration (or Americans in general). What does the BBC have to say about Tom Paulin?
Nick Everest, Harlow, UK
Trouble is, he's apologised for the article but is unrepentant about its content. Which just goes to show he's not as intelligent as many (including himself) thinks he is - anyone with half a brain would have been much more circumspect and taken a much, much longer period of history into account.
Steve, UK
No, on both counts. By taking him off air, his comments have become bigger news than they have a right to be. As regards freedom of speech, the word "Freedom" is the opposite of having limits, so if limits on a freedom are imposed, then it's no longer freedom, is it?
Ayoub, London, England
I am appalled that BBC has removed Mr Kilroy-Silk's program! Anyone who has ever watched him knows that the man speaks his mind, and an astute, intelligent one it is. I often disagree with him, and feel free to do so. But anyone who thinks this man is ignorant enough to believe his comments in his column were meant to include the entire Arab world, and every one of its citizens, is looking for a reason to eliminate an honest man who is not afraid to speak and write what he believes. I think it is shameful that BBC is knuckling under to this kind of pressure.
Ellen Ritman, London
There is free speech and there is stupidity. His comments were demeaning, offensive and outright racist. He never struck me as a smart person and he has proven that. I don't buy the argument that he should still be on air.
Ade Ojo, Sheffield
To shut up someone simply because his opinion is offensive or politically incorrect or whatever is to leave a harm done. Shut up the opinion or view in open debate by showing it off for what it is, not the person. Do not protect the public from such views - educate them by discussion. Do not muffle jingoists, show them to be what they are. "Sticks and stones can hurt my bones, but words can never touch me."
Alma Cristina, Windsor, USA It does not surprise me that RKS has once again opened his mouth and inserted both feet, he does this regularly on his morning programme and has a penchant for being opinionated and constantly interrupts his guests when they are trying to have their say. If he indeed only meant to address a small minority in his racist comments against the Arab nation then he should have been more specific and less ambiguous. His statement "We owe the Arabs noting" apart from being factually incorrect is a huge over generalisation and only highlights the enormous ego and bigoted beliefs of RKS.
Anon, Dundee
Yes, he should be allowed to say that, but only as one part of a balanced overall picture: Rather than remove and shut him up, isn't it far more meaningful to require him either; (1)to enter into public debate with a well informed articulate opponent? (2) require that he present all sides of the issue or damning opinion. Have your say, then put it into its larger context. Of course Robert Kilroy-Silk can speak his mind as he sees it - that is his right. However, having read his article, the BBC has the right to maintain its credibility as a quality news service.
Don Voss, St Charles, Missouri, USA
While I don't like his show - it and its ilk leave me cold - he should not have been removed from the screen. He spoke the truth, as he sees it and is being punished for such. Where is the freedom of speech, so hard won for every citizen in this country?
Martin Campbell, Belfast. N. Ireland
The right to free speech? When are we going to understand that with our rights come responsibilities? Kilroy's piece was at best irresponsible. As for not linking his Express article with his BBC show, rubbish. If I wrote a similar piece for our local rag, my employer would probably sack me too. Not because of the moonlighting, (I am an engineer) but because of the content.
Alistair, Wakefield, UK
Regardless of the content of the article, how does the BBC justify only taking this action on the second publication of the text? Discuss please.
CSK Mac, London
The whole political correctness thing has now gone dangerously too far in this country, and too many people are using it to hide behind and adopting a holier than thou attitude. I haven't got an issue with any race or nationality, but I do reserve the right to have my own views and opinions, and air them when I choose to. I'm not a racist at all, but I do have a serious problem with do-gooders telling me exactly what I can and can't say. I think RKS is fully entitled to his opinion just like everybody else in a so called free country, whether you agree with what he said or not is another issue entirely.
Ryan, Milton Keynes
Overall, in my view, Robert Kilroy Silk is an honest man who gives under-represented people a voice, smack his hand and get him back on air, please
Kevin Hicks, London, UK
Freedom of speech doesn't mean the right to talk without any kind of judgement. Someone who know at least a little of Arab history must agree that this region of the world was the front leaders of science and technology once upon a time and they preserved and nurtured ancient sciences from other civilizations for a long time. Ignorance of this real fact doesn't make someone a great tv presenter whoever he or she is!
Hasan, Sydney, Australia
 |  Someone made a huge error of judgement but doesn't scandal sell papers?  |
No-one seems to have questioned how RKS's editor at the newspaper allowed this article to be printed. Surely, it is the editor's place to understand his or her readership and to try to include articles that will appeal? Someone made a huge error of judgement but doesn't scandal sell papers?
Sue, Aberdeen, Scotland I didn't believe that Kilroy should be taken off air until I read the original article that he wrote. It completely fails to distinguish between Arab states, individuals and terrorists; it is biased against all Arabs because it assumes that they all have the same beliefs and places all Arab nations in the same boat. The article is racist, it is disgraceful and against my previous judgement, made after reading snippets of the article I now believe his show should be permanently suspended.
Nina, London, UK
Whether he be deemed a racist or not, surely his show should be cancelled for being totally out of touch with reality and the demands of modern viewers.
James, UK
Mr Kilroy-Silk's article may not exactly be held up as a masterpiece of diplomacy, but having read it and listened to him on the Tonight programme surely any right-minded person who professes to love freedom and democracy could not deny him his right to air his opinions.
John Roberts, Slough
Kilroy's show was probably the most bland and uninteresting thing I have ever had the displeasure to watch. It in no way gave me the impression that he had anything of worth to say and it's unbelievable that he still had a show in the first place.
Anon, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
As a great supporter of the BBC and one who makes no complaint about paying the licence fee, I could never understand why part of it should be spent on the excremental Kilroy show. Now that a perfectly sound reason has been found to suspend it, I trust we have seen the last of a programme which insults the intelligence of BBC viewers.
David Isaacs, Whitley Bay, England Robert Kilroy-Silk expressed an opinion and that's all. His whole show is about people expressing their opinions, so why shouldn't he be allowed to have one?
Antoni Jones, Swansea, Wales.
He is patently wrong in his arguments and therefore his errors need to be identified in debate. This does not mean punishing him or attempting to remove his voice. You cannot defend a freedom by stifling free speech.
Ron Dyett, Biggleswade, England
Put Kilroy-Silk back on our screens. He has every right to his views. There is supposed to be free speech in this country and the BBC has a duty to uphold this.
Kim Pile, Aylebury, Bucks
| Please let's have rational debate |
Of course, saying that all Arabs are suicide bombers is as preposterous as saying that all the Americans have given us is McDonalds. Fortunately, most of us can interpret reasonably. Please let's have rational debate.
Sam, Brit in Oman Kilroy's comments were ignorant and unfair to the Arab community. Unfortunately, people love to generalise. Is it fair to say all Irish are IRA supporters or all football fans are hooligans? Generalisation is a dangerous thing.
Mary, Denver, USA
Definitely not considering the article first appear eight months ago. He should be asked to refrain from writing in national newspapers like other BBC personalities have been by the Director General. That said, he should have his knuckles rapped and a caution as to his future behaviour.
Joseph Wood, London, UK
Of course Kilroy should have been taken off air. Kilroy-Silk's comments are not only racist but dangerous. Such comments incite racial hatred and shouldn't be allowed to pass without any sort of action.
S Sanders, Istanbul, Turkey I think Kilroy's comments are racist, I have seen his programmes before, and I think he has always been harsh on people from Middle East. I think BBC were quite right to stop his programme, until his situation becomes clear with the Police.
BNBN, Brighton
Yes the Kilroy show should be off air. As an experienced politician presenter, Kilroy was totally irresponsible to claim that all Arabs and also all Arab states are evil. To ignore Kilroy's article would have been wrong. The BBC can hold its head up high and continue to set the standards for broadcasting. Kilroy had a week to make an apology for the article but only commented once he realised how serious people were taking it, I do not believe that his show should be reinstated on the BBC or any other terrestrial network.
Xavier Torres,
It's quite shocking that people find it so 'acceptable' for public figures to air slanderous lies about an entire race. That they defend such ignorance is appalling
Fahad, London, UK
The way I have looked at this is to ask - If Arab was replaced with the word Jew or black or Asian or Irish would it have caused offence. The answer to me is yes. His views are inappropriate, offensive and he should be taken off the air.
Roger Storer, London, UK
What if a black presenter said 'we owe whites nothing? They lynch innocent people, rape their women servants, exploit decent people's natural resources, and send themselves to Mars while decent people are dying from typhoid?' Kilroy should not only apologise but also explain why what he said was ignorant and wrong, on the most sensitive issue the world faces today.
Jeremy Bateman, Lancaster, UK
Does political correctness and the right to freedom of speech depend on whether the individual, group or race referred to pose a threat? It would appear not. If it did should not the BBC have suspended Ann Robinson for her comments of the inhabitants of Wales. Whether you agree with her or Kilroy or not.
Jeff, Liverpool
Kilroy is to be congratulated for writing a basically accurate article. Let's face it there is a great deal of truth in what he said and it is refreshing in this PC-inflicted country that someone has the courage, intelligence and integrity to speak his mind. As usual the CRE has over-reacted and appear themselves to be becoming as reactionary and oppressive as the regimes Kilroy criticised. Buy the man a pint and get him back on the box.
Jon Elson, Stowmarket, England They can't take Kilroy off the air! They simply can't! He was the only one on BBC whose English I could understand, because it was clear and beautifully spoken!
Sara, Italy
He expressed his opinion which is usually pretty balanced. But given that the Arab world seems to be in a permanent state of conflict, we have a siege mentality due to Islamic terrorism here he has a point. Also at what point did Arabs become a protected group. He is British and his opinion is as valid as the next man's.
Jim, London
Yes, and it should remain off the air. RKS is a public figure and he should have known better than inciting racial tension. If he changed the word Arab to Jews, hell would have broken loose.
Niveen, Southampton, England
Mr Silk's article has reached a much larger audience now than when it was originally published. He has apologised and said that he was talking about despotic Arab regimes rather than individuals. Look at most Arab papers and TV and they are full of vitriolic false diatribes against Jews. Take the recent TV airing of the program about the Protocols of the Elders of Zion in Egypt for instance. Why all the fuss about Mr Silk?
Michael Jaeger, London England
Those who compare Kilroy-Silk with Abu Hamsa are missing the point: Kilroy's article revealed its author's ignorance and prejudice, whereas Hamsa is best known for inciting hatred and eulogising suicide bombers. Rather than replacing Kilroy with Hamsa, the BBC should invite the Finsbury Park Mosque cleric to join 'The Late Show', where he will be in the excellent company of the BBC's resident anti-Semite, Tom Paulin.
Dr Herschel Zimonas, London, UK
| He has no intrinsic right to be given a voice by the BBC |
As an American friend once pointed out, guaranteeing one the Freedom of speech does not guarantee one an audience. He can stand and shout his bigoted views at the top of his voice from the bottom of his garden - but he has no intrinsic right to be given a voice by the BBC.
Paul Gitsham, UK Kilroy-Silk is, of course, entitled to free speech. There is a difference between banning what he says such that no outlet would be able to print it, and banishing him from the BBC. For the BBC to remove him would not be curtailing free speech. It would show that the BBC did not share those views. Kilroy-Silk would be welcome to carry on writing nonsense for other organisations with lower standards of decency.
Tom Kibasi, Cambridge, UK
Growing up in London in the 70s rhymes about 'niggers' and jokes about Irish people were commonplace. It's not political correctness to recognise how harmful - and offensive - those stereotypes are. The idea that Muslims are to be feared or that Arabs have a propensity for terrorism is abhorrent. His comments fuel prejudice and benefit no one. There is no excuse for sweeping and pejorative statements about other Nations.
Wayne Mullen, London,
A gross over reaction to an opinion that states what other people are not allowed to talk about, very disappointed in the BBC's pre-emptive strike, too heavy handed.
M Fawcett, Monmouth Wales
I think that it's becoming increasingly more difficult for any non-Muslim/Arab person to talk about Muslim/Arab issues without being immediately branded a racist or an Islamaphobe. If he had made similar "so called slurs" against America, the west or the bush administration we wouldn't even be discussing this problem.
Christopher Brown, London
Although what Kilroy said has clearly caused offence, what he actually said has been taken out of context. He was writing about "Arab states" not all Arabs. Political correctness has gone too far. The BBC has now said that its journalists should not report on "sensitive" issues, and this is ridiculous. Freedom of speech is important, and considering we want to give Iraq these freedoms, why are we now taking them away from our own people?
Elliott, London
| On "Kilroy" the man is scrupulously fair in allowing both sides of whatever argument fair and equal time |
I'm no fan of Kilroy or his programme and also think the wording of his column could have been less insulting than it was but I'm happy to give him his due. On "Kilroy" the man is scrupulously fair in allowing both sides of whatever argument fair and equal time. I think the BBC are incorrect and, as much as I dislike it, continue to air his show.
Bill, UK Kilroy-Silk is being held up as and example of how not to behave and his views may be a little extreme, however, do we not live in a society where we have freedom of speech? These views were expressed back in April and no-one cancelled his show then, why should now be any different? It is quite, quite wrong to cancel his show, now or at any time just because he has expressed an opinion.
MM, Manchester
Attacking repressive and unsavoury regimes is one thing, but attacking the innocent people living under those regimes is quite different. Kilroy was wrong and he should do the right thing and apologise immediately.
Gavin Hayes, Streatham, London, UK
I think the BBC was right to take him off the air. Along with free speech comes responsibility. Someone in his position should not expound such generalised and racist views. As for his view that "We owe the Arabs nothing". Looking back in history the Arab Muslims have given much to the world in the fields of science, astronomy and other subjects.
Shabbir Ali, London, UK
I think the BBC has every right to suspend Kilroy. They obviously feel that keeping him on the air would associate the corporation with his racist and ill advised comments. I don't believe anyone is suggesting Kilroy does not have the right to speak his mind, but he must be aware that whatever he says in the media may have consequences. However, I do believe that bringing criminal proceedings against him would be wrong and very damaging to the country's policy of freedom of speech.
Stuart McKone, UK
No I don't think he should have been taken off the air. I think he is entitled to his opinion and many agree with his opinion. I wonder if the boot was on the other foot i.e. someone from another race saying what they thought about white British people there would have been any action at all?! Where does the racism really lie?
Mel, Manchester UK
I am surprised at the views of those who have risen to Kilroy's defence: would they have said the same if he had expressed similar views about Jews, for example?
Ade Daramy, UK
| As long as he remains impartial in the discussions on his show, he should be allowed to exercise his right of freedom of speech via other means |
Kilroy should be put back on the air. As long as he remains impartial in the discussions on his show, he should be allowed to exercise his right of freedom of speech via other means. Besides, Anne Robinson was allowed to keep her 'Weakest Link' show on air despite breaching the Race Relations Act with her anti Welsh jibes on the 'Room 101' show. What's the difference?
Jane, Neath, UK As a ex MP Robert Kilroy-Silk should know better than express such views, although I suspect they may well be shared with others.
John Cowling, Manchester, GB
If indeed Mr Kilroy-Silk was referring to certain Arab states rather than Arabs themselves (as he has said), then his statements are actually fairly near the truth. Having said that, he should not have made these comments and then expected to keep his job as a high-profile broadcaster. The world is not ready to give up its irritating penchant for PC yet.
Phil, London, UK
It would have been okay to have described these as the policies of certain Arab governments or the practices prevalent amongst some Arab people, and it would have been acceptable for him to have criticised such policies and practices accordingly. But sensible comments don't sell tabloid papers, create controversy or win support from bigoted elements, do they?
Nadir, Pakistan
RKS is merely putting into print what we all know but are afraid to say. It is a crying shame that in this PC day and age we are punished for speaking our minds and opinions. Get him back on the air!
Barry, Motherwell, Scotland
No. He should not have been taken off the air. He did not make these comments on his show. I thought this was a country of free speech - it seems to me that the only people with free speech are 'foreigners' - people living here who are originally from other countries seem to be able to say what like, but whenever a 'British' person makes any comment whatsoever about another country/race/creed, we are immediately branded 'racist'. Good for him to have the courage to say what he really thinks.
ELAINE ALLAN, London
This is not a question of being PC or un-PC, it is about being offensive. There is no comparison between insisting on a black board being called a chalk board and the racist comments that Kilroy made in his article. What a surprise that he used freedom of speech as his defence. This may be his opinion but it is a racist opinion. His chat show held topics on race amongst other things. The viewer would never be able to believe that he was facilitating debates in an objective manner.
Lucy Masters, Birmingham UK The wording of his piece in the Express was sloppy, and he was naive not to expect that some people would read it the wrong way, but I believe him when he says that he was aiming his comments at "Arab States" rather than all Arabs. And, this said, I think he said some things that are true. Maybe the BBC could get Abu Hamsa to front the Kilroy show for a week for a bit of balance? The BBC like balance, don't they?
Ellis Paul, Bristol, UK
I have only ever once complained about a BBC programme - it was Kilroy on a programme where he projected a stereotype onto a lady in the discussion, then manoeuvred the audience against her while interrupting her trying to get a word in edgewise - so I have little sympathy for his position. He is entitled to free speech whatever he wishes to say and he has in fact exercised that right in the Express article - but the other side of that is that other people have the freedom of speech to respond, which they have. Mr Silk is responsible for what he says, is he capable of accepting any responsibility for what he says? If not, then he should stay off the air.
S Wilson, Edinburgh, Scotland
I believe there was an element of truth in what Kilroy said. I'm just not sure that he said it in the right way. When you're in the limelight like he is you need to be careful what you say.
Natalie, UK
I agree with the BBC's decision to suspend the show. It is fair to allow him freedom of his views but how can he expect to host an supposedly impartial talk show after expressing such an extreme view-point on a current topic? How could he present a show on which he preaches tolerance and understanding of other people's cultures/religions after being shown to have such a prejudiced outlook? And that is what he has done, pre-judged the whole of the Arab world as 'suicide bombers etc.'
It is simple, if you want to be seen as impartial don't express your view! Surely the Kilroy programme pays a good salary, does he really need to be moonlighting? We Owe Kilroy Nothing!
James, England
Was Kilroy implying that suicide bombing, limb-amputation, and female repression are to do with the ethnicity of Arabs? No. At no point was this stated. And this alone would make his article racist. Only if a statement unjustifiably proffers race (as opposed to society, religion etc) as an explanation for values can it ever be eligible for the label "racist". Are we not allowed to criticise the beliefs and social norms of others anymore? We simply cannot establish what is acceptable without reference to what is not. Put Kilroy back on the air.
Matthew Berry, Nottingham, England
The BBC should not be providing a platform for an opinionated host of a talk show of this type. It is the duty of a host to pose questions in a debate and help the debates flow in such shows. It is imperative that the host is neutral at all times. Neutral he certainly was not.
Brian McHugh, Glasgow, Scotland
Who said "I do not agree with what you say, but I defend your right to say it"? In our PC world is no one allowed to have any opinions any more? I do not agree with what Kilroy said, and I do not watch his show, or read The Daily Express, but I do think the BBC has over reacted - his show should be reinstated if that's what viewers want.
Maggie Dickenson, UK
Kilroy should be taken off the air. He surely an unacceptable face of the BBC. The argument of free speech is an old and tired response, which is used by people to defend their prejudiced views. The article clearly had racist overtones and is offence to anyone of Arab origin.
Andrew Collingwood, York, UK
The BBC was wrong to take Kilroy off air as the article was not published in a BBC publication. I totally disagree with racist viewpoints being expressed but at the same time we seem to pander too much to dictatorial and theocratic regimes in the Middle East. It is time we in the west said what we think if something is morally wrong regardless of the political not religious sensitivities in this case!
James O'Donnell, Aberdeen UK
Once again an individual who states his opinion is jumped upon by the Politically correct brigade. We are now only allowed to express opinions in this country if it is the opinion of the view rather than the many. When will the BBC and the government finally sit up and listen to the average man and woman in this country, otherwise their will be segregation and a lack of education. Let's put some common sense thinking back in the UK. Well done Kilroy for expressing your views.
Neil Armstrong, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
What's he guilty of speaking his mind? Of course the BBC was wrong to take him off air. A disgraceful decision.
Ricky Ryan, London
| Subjects discussed on the show are separate to his own personal views |
Kilroy should not have been taken off the air. Subjects discussed on the show are separate to his own personal views. We are becoming a nation frightened to express views. If we continue down this path then there will be more war in the future as those with extreme views will find this their only route to being listened to. In many Arab countries freedom of speech is not a luxury and they are in fear of thinking or feeling anything other what the religious/political leaders tell them they should.
SJ, Essex Would all those defending Mr. Kilroy-Silk bigotry and incitement extend their umbrella of protection to the radical Sheikh Omar Bakri? Come on be fair, the guy is out of line and is another individual trying to increase mistrust between two great civilisations. Let's put all these radicals out to dry.
Farooq Malik, London, UK
Why can't Kilroy accept that generalising is wrong? He could have made that same points and mentioned a relevant country along side them and he comments would have been accepted. I expect him to tackle other subject next week and come to the conclusion "Blacks are drug dealers" and "Germans are Nazis"
Fraser McLeod, Swindon, England
Although the way the article came across seemed offensive, a lot of it is true and there is no hiding from it. This is a worrying problem because more and more Muslims/Arabs are becoming more radical, while everyone outside Islam is unable to even utter one bad word against the culture even if Muslims say oh yeah we don't take offence. The BBC should stick by Kilroy because little by little things will get worse if we keep going down the road of political correctness.
Jitinder, Uxbridge, UK
I believe that his comments were fair and truthful. He didn't say that every Arab was tyrannical. I believe that we are in danger of being so if we refuse the right of free speech. Having lived abroad I can say that there is no free speech in Arab countries. Perhaps those who find his comments offensive should spend time abroad rather than criticise one of the best chat show hosts around.
D.J. Clarke, Dumbarton, Scotland
I and many others think that it is an outrage that Kilroy is not allowed to state his opinions. How many other "races" have been given the freedom to express their opinions in this "democratic" country? Many of their comments can also be described as "racist"! Reinstate him, he has done more for minorities in this country or addressed issues that others refuse to tackle than any other presenter or body.
Wendy Russell, Shropshire, UK
Of course not. A Tolerant society doesn't mean shutting down every view that causes some offence or that a particular group disagrees with - that would a frightening society that ultimately amounts to a kind of intellectual fascism. Tolerance in society actually means insisting on every person's right to feely express their views and protecting that right even if I totally disagree with them and even despise their message.
Andy, Birmingham, UK
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