The Sunday morning TV politics shows were a lively affair this week.

👉 Read Alison Rowat's review here

Today one of our readers, a former MP, expresses his alarm at the way politicians were treated.

Sir Tom Clarke of Coatbridge writes: 

"Watching Sky and the BBC's Sunday morning political programmes and observing the style of three different presenters, with no wish to make any comment on the differing responses, I was struck by an ongoing practice on the part of the interviewers.

Hardly had the politicians begun their replies (which I and others wanted to hear) when they were interrupted by two to three other questions. When the panels observing the exchanges gave their views, no such thing happened.

Indeed on the main BBC programme, when a new film featuring Cate Blanchett was discussed, as the leading actress and the producer were questioned in front of the camera, no such interruptions took place. Treated as they were entitled to be with respect, the result was a much better understanding of an interesting subject.

But the real question is: why the difference?

We are constantly reminded that politicians rate somewhere below estate agents and tax collectors in public esteem. Given this trajectory is that any wonder? In my time in politics, I can only recall such an approach - as well as bad manners watched by youngsters who may have been viewing - being challenged on air. One was by the late Sir John Nott when he walked out of the studio following an arrogantly posed question by Sir Robin Day, and another from John Reid in response to a provocative and patronising introduction from Jeremy Paxton.

Reputations are bound to be low when the widespread tone of cynicism is displayed before a word is spoken.

To be fair, at least on this occasion, The Sunday Show which followed was an excellent example of how broadcasters should behave. Given the much more dangerous world since my time in politics - Jo Cox, Sir David Amess and more - it seems to me that it is time for broadcasters to have a look at themselves and for politicians to expect a fairer approach."