The BBC is pathologically hostile to the Government and official opposition, most British institutions, American policy in almost every field, Israel, moderation in Ireland, all Western religions, and most manifestations of the free market economy.

It benefits from an iniquitous tax, abuses its position commercially, has shredded its formal obligation to separate comment from reporting in all political areas, to provide variety of comment, and is poisoning the well of public policy debate in the UK. It is a virulent culture of bias. Though its best programming in non-political areas is distinguished, sadly it has become the greatest menace facing the country it was founded to serve and inform.

It isn't just at war with the Government; it is attempting to take over the formation of public opinion and is masquerading as the officially persecuted voice of truth against the Government. Alastair Campbell's excesses have facilitated this pretence. But he, at least, has been doing his job, and promoting Tony Blair's interests.

It is not the BBC's function to assassinate the truth about the Iraq war. From Jeremy Paxman's insolent question of the Prime Minister: "Do you pray with" President Bush, to the mouthy challenges to British military spokesmen at Iraq war press briefings, the BBC's only interest seems to have been to destroy and supplant the Government as a source of authority in the country.