The editor of a weekly paper has caused a stir online after writing a comment piece calling for certain people to be “neutered” for the greater good.
Andy Parkes, editor of the London-based News Shopper, said two news stories recently had made him question whether there should be a ban on some people breeding “for the general good of society”.
One, he says should be the mother of two teenage boys who were jailed for murder after kicking a homeless man to death. Linda Doran provided sons Connor and Brandon with an alibi despite knowing they were involved – and it emerged during the court hearing their elder brother Ryan had also been jailed for murder in October last year.
He also focused on the story of another mother who had a £1,200 buggy stolen.
“Linda Doran should certainly have been sterilised — four sons in jail, three for murder, and she justifies it by lying for them,” Andy wrote in the ‘Editor’s Eye‘ comment piece.
“The second story was very different — no brutality, no lying, no death, but you still have to question the parenting values. An upset mum reported her child’s buggy had been stolen, that’s it. “But wait for it, the buggy cost a mere £1,200.
“Now I know society is brand crazy and we always want to do the best for our children, but this is crazy and serves only to demonstrate all sense of priority has been lost.”
Of the comments attracted so far, the majority have agreed with him, with only one person posting a negative response.
The piece has attracted the attention of Guardian Media blogger Roy Greenslade, who asked: “Can Parkes be serious? Was his comment meant to be a joke?”
It is not the first time Andy has penned a controversial comment piece.
In 2007, he put his name to an editorial which called for the return of capital punishment, which appeared on several other Newsquest sites and in two of its print editions, the Wimbledon Guardian and the Streatham Guardian.
Sign up for our free daily email bulletin
Follow HTFP on Twitter
Got a story? Email the Editor at
Ah yes, a fine piece of eugenics from the always outspoken News Shopper.
The belief that society’s fate rests on its ability to breed more of the strong and fewer of the weak is an extremely slippery slope, and one local newspapers would be advised to keep well away from.
Report this comment
What a fool!
Report this comment
I think an editor who displays such a strong character and is prepared to speak out in the community should be praised.
The industry needs people like Andy Parkes.
It’s going to be a grey world if we force editors into the mould of having little personality to speak of. They’d all be little round bespectacled things with no individuality and absolutely no ability to connect with readers or staff… just doffing their caps to MDs and scheming their way to being the last one standing when everyone else has been made redundant.
Report this comment
Internet trolls must have hacked his Editor’s column.
Report this comment
It’s this kind of “insightful” thinking that separates the regionals from the nationals.
Report this comment
Deliciously controversial piece, bound to stir up crazed debate and boost circulation. Nice one….
Next week: Cut off their goolies?
Report this comment