Andrew Doyle became embroiled in a feisty free speech row with environmentalist Jim Dale as the latter demanded climate denial is criminalised.
Speaking on GB News, Dale likened climate denial to flat earth conspiracy theories, arguing they are too dangerous for public discourse.
Andrew took a differing perspective on the matter, asking what Dale expects to achieve by silencing climate change sceptics.
“We’re seeing this day after day”, said Dale.
Jim Dale and Andrew Doyle had a lively debate on GB News
GB NEWS
“Look at the data going around. It’s [climate change] accelerating beyond belief. It’s not a point of view, it’s a fact.”
Andrew countered: “I think a lot of people are concerned with what would be criminalising of an opinion.”
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“It should be banned on the MSM (mainstream media)”, Dale responded.
“Denial is factually wrong and it pollutes the political discourse.
“It puts certain politicians in certain spins. They don’t necessarily know about the climatology or the meteorology that’s involved.
“Therefore, they go off on a tangent or sit on a fence like Rishi Sunak, and we end up going nowhere fast when we have to act.”
Jim Dale says climate change is 'accelerating beyond belief'
GB NEWS
“Let’s say that those who disagree with you are flat out wrong”, Andrew responded.
“Even if that is the case, why should it be illegal to say something that is wrong?
“There are still scientists who disagree with your point of view.”
Dale alleged that scientists have been “paid” to hold such a viewpoint, and they are in the vast minority regardless.
“This is a free speech issue”, said Andrew.
“You’re really suggesting that even if it were the case that a minority view was held by a minority of experts, they should really be criminalised for expressing that view?”
Dale told Andrew that he fears climate denial as he feels it is putting us in the “wrong direction”.
“If this was Sir David Attenborough sat here instead of me, most people would probably listen to him and agree with him because of the way he approaches things”, he added.
The row continued as Andrew argued that “more discussion” is the best way forward in order for Dale to ensure change, as “shutting people down” aids dissenting voices.
Dale argued that a “catastrophe” is what it will take for people to eventually take action as a result of credence afforded to climate deniers in the media.
“That’s why I’m saying it’s dangerous”, he added.
“We’ve gone too far.”
The discussion concluded by Andrew reaffirming his stance that Dale is going to far, adding he is going down a path of “tyranny by stealth”.
