URN

Today the panel will be covering:

Freedom of Speech

The Guardian was prevented from publishing details of a question to be asked in Parliament, causing outrage amongst the blogs and resulting in several websites reporting the question themselves. Meanwhile, Dutch MP Geert Wilders, having previously been banned from entering the UK, had the ban overturned and visited London. Is freedom of speech threatened by our institutions and courts, and how far can freedom of speech be taken?

Mail Strikes

Union workers have voted to commence nation-wide strike action over pay, conditions and postal reforms. Royal Mail plans to hire 30,000 temporary staff to cope with problems caused by the strike - a move criticised by the union. Are the strikes justifiable or likely to be effective? What can be done to save Royal Mail?

Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Plant

A demonstration at Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station against the use of coal-fired stations ended on Sunday. The protestors intended to temporarily halt production at the facility, but despite failing to do so claimed victory in illustrating that "coal has no future". Can the demonstrations be justified, and are they necessary?

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments

On Wednesday the panel will be covering:

Lisbon Treaty

The Lisbon Treaty is highly likely to be ratified by the Member States of the EU, despite the protests of the Conservative Party. Is there any room for manoeuvre for the Tories, and should a referendum be held?

U.S. Healthcare Reform

President Barack Obama has had considerable problems trying to push through a healthcare reform bill in America. Most Republicans appear to prefer the current system of insurance and accuse Obama of socialism. Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan has also waded into the debate, urging America not to copy the NHS, which he calls a "60 year mistake" he "wouldn't wish on anyone". Are Republican concerns valid? Should Obama's plan go ahead, and should our own system undergo substantial reform?

Prime Minister's Health

Andrew Marr recently asked Gordon Brown about his health and whether or not health concerns might affect his ability to lead the country, following rumours circulating around Westminster. Despite protests that the Prime Minister's health was a purely private matter, Downing Street have now released a statement detailing two tears in his retina. Should Gordon Brown's health be a matter of public speculation and concern?

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments

The Big Picture will be back tomorrow with Simon, Richard and David on the panel. We will be discussing:

1. Conservative Party Conference
On Monday the Conservative Party Conference begins. There has already been considerable media attention and speculation as a result of the other party conferences. Details and policies will emerge over the course of the week. Is this the start of the election campaigning?

2. Afghanistan
Following the increasingly regular reports of casualties in Afghanistan, there have been calls for greater funding and resources and a new strategy. Is there sufficient funding for the war, and is it a campaign that ever should have started?

3. Child sex abuse case
A nursery worker and two others have pleaded guilty to a series of child sex abuse charges. There have already been increased measures designed to prevent these cases from occurring, but are the measures effective at all? Should we introduce further measures, or does the law need changing?

Let us know what you think in the comments.

The Big Picture is broadcast between 6pm and 7pm on Wednesdays