Steerpike Steerpike

Newsnight accused of EU bias over Owen Paterson interview

After the Prime Minister was criticised yesterday for warning of the cons of leaving the EU long before his renegotiation has been completed, Cameron will no doubt be relieved to learn that the heat was taken off of him on last night’s Newsnight.

Owen Paterson appeared on the current affairs show to put forward the argument for leaving the EU, in an interview with Evan Davis. While Paterson tweeted his excitement for the interview ahead of appearing on the show, things soon took a turn for a worse when Davis decided to ask him the five questions Cameron had suggested were important to answer when discussing a Brexit.

Davis asked whether the UK would have to pay a subscription fee to the EU — like Switzerland and Norway — if we leave. Paterson replied that he wanted Britain to take a full seat on the World Trade Organisation, before attempting to explain the position by discussing Norway’s business position when it comes to fish.

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in