Naive to petition for return of Jeremy Clakson

The one million who petitioned for his return were incredibly naive not to appreciate why he could not be favoured compared with any other transgressors.

However, Edward, should not have been staggered by the vitriol poured out by those he says do not like Clarkson, Top Gear or cars.

The real underlying reason, I wager, for the vitriol is the outrageous arrogance and monstrous selfishness of Clarkson in putting the BBC’s success with and worldwide revenues from this programme at risk.

He obviously has enough tucked away to live comfortably for the rest of his life, so everybody else can get lost. Top Gear is a lightweight programme often with puerile themes. However, if that is what audiences find enjoyable and relaxing, then no harm in that.

The BBC continues to enjoy its reputation overall as the best TV in the world and that has been due to the way it is funded.

It is able to cater for a wide range of tastes, so may that long continue. The prospect of having to switch to advert overridden channels to watch Clarksonesque programmes should not have to be necessary.

If it eventually is, then Clarkson is the treasonous villain responsible and deserves all of the vitriol heaped upon him.

Owen Oliver