BBC World Questions in The Netherlands
The BBC World Service is holding a series of debates across the world in a time of change. BBC World Questions allows the public to question their politicians, leaders and opinion formers, directly and face to face.
Published: 3 April 2017
Debate is at the heart of BBC World Service, and we’re thrilled to bring BBC World Questions to Amsterdam at such an interesting time in Dutch politics
The debates are lead entirely by questions from the audience, who are able to have their say and be heard around the world. BBC World Questions is an English-language event staged in partnership with the British Council.
On 5 April, BBC World Questions comes to Amsterdam in the aftermath of a fiercely fought election. Asylum seekers, immigration, crime and security and membership of the EU continue to divide Dutch society. The ruling party held back a surge of support for what they called the “wrong kind of populism” and a wave of small parties did well in the election, but immigration and assimilation are still matters of great debate.
Jonny Dymond and a panel of leading politicians and thinkers will debate questions raised by the audience at De Rode Hoed, in the heart of the capital. The panel includes: Han Ten Broeke, Member of Parliament, People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and spokesman on Foreign Affairs; Annabel Nanninga, journalist and commentator; Sylvana Simons, television presenter and founder of political party Artikel 1; Petra Stienen, author, Arabist and Senator for Democrats 66 (D66).
Mary Hockaday, Controller BBC World Service English, says: “Debate is at the heart of BBC World Service, and we’re thrilled to bring BBC World Questions to Amsterdam at such an interesting time in Dutch politics. BBC World Service is available online, and has also recently launched on digital radio in the Randstad area of the Netherlands, making it even easier for people to listen to this debate and sample the rich mix of programmes we offer across our schedule, from politics, science, history, tech and business, to arts and culture, personal stories and all the breaking news.”
Paul Docherty, Director of the British Council in the Netherlands, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with the BBC in bringing World Questions to Amsterdam. This programme generates space for open and independent debates on current affairs, which supports the British Council’s objective of promoting cultural relations among people worldwide. We believe that connecting people both in the Netherlands and globally makes a powerful and lasting contribution to a more open and connected world.”
The programme will be recorded at the Rode Hoed, on 5 April at 18.00. To join in the debate and be part of the audience please register for FREE tickets here
As a cultural relations and educational organisation and partner of the BBC World Service, the British Council, helps to enable a platform where the general public can join in on democratic debate on a global forum.
BBC World Questions: The Netherlands will be available on www.bbc.com/worldserviceradio from 8 April at 20:00 CET.
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