Hamish Champ: Whose truth is truest?

Attending the BIS committee evidence hearing thing in Westminster last week was an interesting if at times rather predictable way to spend a Tuesday morning.

There was serious stuff to be discussed, and the value and strength of our Parliamentary democracy is that those who run businesses or operate in the political world are able to be held accountable before elected representatives, with members of the public - and press - present.

If a system is broken it clearly needs fixing. Everyone knows changes have to take place in the pub world. And we know there are members of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) who have been less than urgent when it comes to reforming their business practices.

That said, last Tuesday's session in the Wilson Room appeared to be as much about sticking it to The Man (aka the BBPA, so perhaps that should read 'The Woman') as it was about getting a progress report on the industry's reforms.

I guess what rough-housing went on was just all part of the process. After all, BIS committee chairman Peter Luff has his doubts, as do some if not all of his committee colleagues, regarding the industry's commitment to changing what he sees as a series of 'onerous practices'. Neither he or his committee colleagues were in a mood to play softball last week.

Such an approach drew occasional applause from the public seats in the committee room - although Luff had to silence them like a teacher reprimanding naughty school children.

But when Tory MP Julie Kirkbride questioned the Independent Pub Confederation's line on certain issues she was subsequently labelled "pathetic" by Fair Pint co-founder Mike Bell on this website.

It seems that in some people's eyes anyone slagging off the pubcos or the regional brewers is deemed a hero. But dare to question an argument proferred by those seeking to overthrow the current system and you're asking to be pilloried.

There's nothing wrong with trying to change a system that isn't working properly. Indeed I'd argue it should be encouraged. But tough questions need to be asked of all​ sides, regardless whom you perceive as the 'good guys'.

It occurs to me that the attitude of some anti-pubco campaigners is starting to look like that of certain of the pub industry's grumpier characters.

And while insulting people because you don't like their line of questioning might be satisfying on a personal level, it is hardly edifying.