Mr Beer is an absolute dream in this inquiry, so clear and clever and knowledgeable. The whole team must have worked incredibly hard to have read and understood the vast amount of data. What a fantastic role model Mr Beer is.
What makes Mr Beer so professional, and a credit to his work is that he can very quickly recognise that he is dealing with a liar and or evasive witness.
I have known Jason for the best part of 20 years, and he’s one of the most intelligent, thoughtful, decent people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. In an era of sportspeople getting knighthoods for dong their job, it’s a travesty that he hasn’t already been recognised. It’s not just the POL case, it’s Hillsbrough, and so many other cases that didn’t get the column inches that this one has done. I hope, when this inquiry is over, he will get the recognition he so truly deserves.
Very good. Watching Beer - a top silk at the top of his game - is what made this inquiry compulsive viewing. It might be obvious, but another magnificence is his command of the material. Beer's support team deserve credit too
Didn't we see Mr Beer in the back rows of the covid inquiry when Hugo Keith KC was giving Bunter (and others) a good grilling. Who was he representing then? BTW, still feeling a little strange about KC rather than QC.
I was a mainstream 11 to 18 maths teacher for 34 years. The amount of preparation for each lesson was colossal. The amount of preparation that Mr Beer and his team must have done must have been nearly infinite! Hours and hours and hours and hours and..... Especially when some of the requested paperwork was late. This and this alone illustrates the superb qualities of the team. Not just Mr Beer's excellence. I have enjoyed his professionalism and technique along the entire inquest. I have much respect for individuals who are proud of what they do and move heaven and earth to complete their job. Mr Beer is at the top of my very short list! Brilliant video. Superbly clear voice from Dr Duckett, and the points made. We can all learn a lot from both these gentlemen. Thank you to them both for what they do. Legends in a world of confusion!
Not wishing to denigrate the hard work and preparation that is required from a teacher, I wonder whether (say) teaching how to calculate the volume of solids to a class of 15 year olds varies much from year to year. Similarly once you have prepped your quadratic equation lesson(s) don't you just repeat them year after year after year.
I love Mr Beer. I love it when he asked a question and the witness denies any knowledge of what he is asking and then he brings up a whole string of emails proving that they knew exactly what was going on. Priceless
Jason Beer is amazing. How he keeps track of his questions when faced with the bombardment of wittering, obfuscation and ‘not recalling’ from the witnesses I don’t know. ❤
@karenheath8034 Agreed, but his ability to think on his feet is remarkable. If somebody goes off script or gives an answer he wasn't expecting, he is able to either drag them back (see "Out Tim") or change his questions and go down different avenues (see the ridiculous Mr. Singh or the rambling and spluttering Mr. Williams).
@philgallagher1 Williams was clearly trying to run the clock out. The more time he could spend in obfuscation, the less time he had to answer Mr. Beer's questions. I spent a large part of my career interviewing people under caution and have long been fascinated by the psychology of the interview process. Mr. Beer clearly built an exceptional team to undertake this momentous task. Often I watch the interviews late into the night when I can watch uninterrupted and study the interviewees as they deal with each question. To say Mr. Beer is forensic in his approach does not do him justice. He clearly goes far beyond merely knowing his brief. I see a man who has totally immersed himself in this inquiry and is calm, incredibly focused, assured, measured, totally in control and a joy to watch. Even those who think they've succeeded in avoiding answering his questions don't realise just how much he has elucidated from them. This Inquiry owes Mr. Beer a huge debt for his unflinching dedication and tenacity.
Mr Beer is indeed marvellously magnificent. He weaves and conjures up magnificence every time he questions a witness. He 100% should receive an honour in the NY honours list after all this is finished. I’m raising a glass to magnificent Mr Beer.
Dr. Duckett, I completely concur with your comments about Mr Beer. Speaking as someone who saw the idiots of Post Office Ltd in action, when they tried to pursue my father using both Capture and Horizon data, it is really good to witness them being held to account by all Inquiry team, however Mr Beer stands head and shoulders above the others with his use timing, comedy, sideway looks and thinly veiled put downs. I have missed his presence in phase 7. He has made me laugh out loud on many occasions and I wish him well with whatever he goes on to do. I just hope I never get myself into a position where he is my adversary!
So sorry your Father had to suffer this injustice, after watching every video it still blows my mind that they would go to the lengths they did to hide, lie, cheat and steal from hardworking loyal post masters
I picked up on the side eye very early, when he was going in for the “kill”. He is the best. Let’s not forget though that along with Mr Beer, Mr Blake also had to read every document that was & still is being provided by the PO. I have a great deal of respect for all the inquiry legal team.🇦🇺
Yes, we LOVE Jason Beer!!! He has a knack for that look, his timing..and piercing perceptions. But in all fairness here, love Julian Blake just as much!!
@@ShakesSphere Julian Blake allows himself to show his irritation with some of the witnesses, which I thoroughly enjoy as it must be very hard to listen to the I don’t remembers, it’s been a long time rubbish. I’m sure the inquiry team must have a code of conduct though.
Julian is very much Mr. Beer's understudy in this Inquiry. Sitting next to him throughout the process will be of invaluable use to him as his own career progresses.
@valrodgers8889 oh, I know. Seriously, I just don't know how any of the Inquiry team get through it sometimes!! I've worked for lawyers most of my life, more recently as a patent drawer, patent paralegal, and trademark person, here stateside. So listening to the masters here, is gripping, not to mention, heartfelt. I used to live in Hever, Kent. :)
Love Blake's seeming politeness, while he's telling the witness how to answer. "You did in fact murder the victim" - and you feel obliged to say yes, just so as not to seem rude 🙂
I became addicted to listening to the Post Office inquiry and in particular Jason Beer. Thank you for this fascinating analysis - although listening to it put paid to my morning's task schedule! I agree that there were strands of humour throughout Jason Beer's questioning, highlighting the ridiculous excuses and explanations given by those under scrutiny. He really is a hero!
AHH! So he won the award then! Congratulations Mr Beer. I knew he had been nominated but didn't see an update. Yes. Very well deserved. But the whole Inquiry team continue to work so hard despite ongoing attempts by those shites at the Post Office, Horizon AND to a certain extent government actors, to delay or derail proceedings! I just hope that when the final Report comes out, criminal actions will be brought against all those responsible for this tragedy! Damn shame it won't include any of the MPs who started the rot in the first place by selling off the family silver! Blessings and Justice to all those affected.🙏⚖️🙏
A superb performance with total command of his theatre of work. Also a very nice man who encourages people to 'work hard and be kind'. I am quite besotted with him as I am with you who also come across as hard working, witty and kind. Loved this video. ❤❤❤
Jason Beer has many attributes. The main one is that he is human. Another is that he is intelligent. His most useful one is that he is a team player. His questions are not random. They are planned by both him and a team. They plan a series of subjects and various trajectories within. The questions are then framed and the possible answers anticipated. Layered on the top is his personality. Add this lot together and add some quick thinking and we have Jason Beer KC.
And cheers to you as well Paul for a fine presentation on Mr. Beer. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and have a much better perception of the wily individuals at the P.O.. I describe it as verbal 'fencing' but there was only ever going to be one winner.
Paul, I believe you are spot on in your appraisal of the "magnificent Mr. Beer". He is clearly well aware of his deliberate use of comedy. He is neither daunted nor cowed by the position of his "targets". Senior lawyers, other KCs, Politicians, CEOs, Lords, Ladies & Knights of the Realm all fall beneath his withering gaze. He is ruthless when necessary yet gentle at times (but never condescending unless it's "Our Tim" or Messers Singh & Williams who all deserved it!). This was an excellent summing up of the absolute star of this whole deplorable situation! Well done!
I concur with your observation of Jason Beer KC’s brilliant use of absurdist humour… it’s a huge part of the reason he is so compelling to watch. The team behind him is also brilliant, but his delivery and performance and ability to rattle the witnesses with humour, timing and persistence is absolutely magnificent. Loved this video. Thanks again for your wonderful and insightful observations. 🙏
Yes love Mr Beer from Australia. He is just so intelligent. His IQ must be off the charts. I am in awe of his grasp of the facts in areas that are not in his own history of experience and then his astute use of English and direct speech.
Exactly. Also, let’s not forget, this Enquiry is often shooting large fish in a small barrel. It must be mildly irritating to have dramatic things done, like quashing all convictions by Parliament, before even anywhere near reporting the Enquiry findings.
As an Software Engineering Manager, what I was particularly impressed with was the way he questionned Gareth Jenkins, and in particular, on the technical areas. Making technical things understandable by non-technical people is an art form, but Mr Beer did this as though he were an experienced technical interpreter. He took some quite technical areas, questionned Jenkins down to a very low architectural level, but did so in way that the general public could understand. I agree with your general views on Mr Beer - he's a class class act!
Beer is totally composed and in charge, undaunted by the power or status of anyone he questions. He has consummate patience and persistence. His introduction of himself also is consistent and authoritative.
I suspect that Mr. Beer has not made an unplanned comment for many a year. The command of data demonstrated throughout by him is incredible, the work put in by his team to support him in this is mind-blowing!
Mr Beer is superb and won Barrister of the Year at the Lawyer awards 2024, Silk of the Year in the inquiry section in 2023. Sir Wyn is also sharp as a tack. What would have been pure comedy and he may have been heading just before the fire alarm, would be hin getting through all the points, then asking if none of those points raised an alarm and for the alarm to then go off.
»No way I'm watching a 1-hour video about Mr Beer« (me at the start of the video). »You sucked me in, Dr Duckett, well played.« (me at the end of the video). Cheers!
Well that was a treat! Firstly because I'm also a BIG fan of Mr Beer and secondly I'm (coincidentally) a BIG fan of Dr Paul Duckett! Double delight for meeeee 😊👍🏻🥰
My friend, this is possibly the most important video to ever appear on UA-cam. I'm not being hyperbolic by the way. I'm happy to exist in a world where I can connect with people who appreciate the majesty of someone like Mr Beer, for example. Therefore I sit here not just celebrating his majesty but yours as well for noticing and then articulating it to me in the way that you did. I'm overwhelmed by the enormity of this whole story and it shouldn't ever be allowed for Mr Beer's efforts to simply pass by should it(?) - it is a lifetime of hard work and decency on his part that I'm so happy you have found a way to celebrate. Thank you so much
Bravo Dr Duckett, a succint and well summarised video of Jason Beer and his exceptional skills to bring justice for those who suffered in this scandal. My absolute favourite part is the last 10 seconds of the video - the burning flames with the Post Office sign and the flabbergasted Bogerd. Brilliant. I certainly had a chuckle with Mr Beer but also yourself Paul. Thank you for a wonderful and informative video.
Totally agree Mr Beer is an absolute legend. Will hopefully get to see him and the others when we go to the inquiry November 6th to observe! Your observations and videos are brilliant too please keep them coming 😊
What impressed me continuously throughout was Beer's restraint and patience when it seemed to me he often wanted to shout out "you are a lying piece of (insert favorite epithet)". Given the nature of a public inquiry, he doesn't have the option of a direct indictment of the witnesses, but nevertheless found all the opportunites there were to clearly communicate his contempt when that was appropriate. In particular, as noted in 5th section of this video dealing with Beer's sense of humor. Doing so using the witnesses own words from their written testimony was genius. My favorite examination was Beer's questioning of Warwick Tatford QC about his actions and decisions. Beer highlighted that Tatford failed to follow up on important questions regarding the Horizon system's failures during a prosecution Tatford was providing legal advice on for PO solicitors. Had the infirmnation been forthcoming, the scandal would have been exposed much earlier. Closest thing to a Perry Mason moment in this whole thing! Little wonder that subsequent witnesses came in suspicious and wary of what Beer might do to them!
Raising a glass to Mr Beer, as I type. Love his humour and use of it - and yes humour IS an effective tool. Last century, as part of this one's final exams as an Applied Psychologist undergrad., I got permission to write a thesis entitled, 'Psychotherapy and Humour', the main argument discussed being that with a receptive client, a therapist could encompass a situation in making the client completely accepting that they had put themselves in the emotional shoes said client was wearing, i.e. empathised, with a humorous quip or remark, that would be as equally effective or more for the client in resolving their issue/s, rather than a further two or three hour-long counselling sessions in exploration and groundwork. A favourite line of Mr Beer's was after Elaine Cottam's car crash of an appearance, when he asked Uncle Wyn for a fifteen minute break so that 'all could reorientate themselves in time and place'.
I was in the room when Tim Parker was questioned. It was amazing how Mr Beer began by allowing Parker to preen himself and give the appearance of having been on top of everything but all the while gradually coming in for the killer questions. I've been watching much of it on UA-cam as well and think that all of the barristers show different skills and come from different angles. Beer and Blake are very composed on behalf of the inquiry but some of those representing subpostmasters are brilliantly punchy too. I think Paul Duckett should do an analysis of some of their techniques too.
Another great analysis, Dr Paul. Thank you for the insights into Mr Beer’s use of humour and setting up the use of repetition. The Post Office Inquiry has been profoundly interesting in analysis yet wholly disturbing at what has happened to honest, hard working, (and to be very clear) innocent Post Office workers. Mr Beer KC has more than earned his money in this case, the hours he must have put in to disseminate the many statements and documents. His command of conciseness is to be admired! I’m sure anyone connected or related to P.O. Workers accused and/or prosecuted, will gain some satisfaction and vindication that their voices are being heard now. I have huge respect for Mr Beer K.C. My best wishes to you and to all who have been through the mill with the PO. Justice has been a long time coming. And hat’s off to Mr Beer K.C.!!! 👍👍👍
Yo got it 100% spot on Mr Beer is brilliant and has been magnificence throughout this inquiry, he has made the top directors look so unprofessional and many times proved they was lying, i love to watch your video's. thank you.
Mr Beer is up there with the likes of MrJustice Fraser. Hopefully, a judicial appointment is heading Mr Beer's way in the near future. But when you look at the likes of Alice Perkins, Tim Parker, Paula Vennells, Nick Read et al, there is something rotten in the appointments system.
Your presentation is brilliant! When I saw that it was over an hour long i wasn't sure that I would stay the course, but I was so absorbed that the time just flashed by, especially as the clocks are going back tonight! This will surely be compulsory watching by any aspiring or practicing lawman on how to ask questions and how not to answer them.
As a dutchman, and surely not a native English speaker, I fully enjoyed the interrogation methods of Mr Beer. His use of the English language, his - in my eyes and ears - delicate and dialectic sense of humor and wit. Brilliant! But besides all of by Dr Paul Ducketts memorized qualities that make Mr Beer such a magnificent actor on this stage, it was his (well played?) imperturbability - or merely genuine integrity. Indeed, it must cost him an his team an infinite amount of time to be this prepared. I dare to dream of Mr Jason Beer hosting 'Have I Got News For You?', probably long after there Post Office Inquiry Report has been published and its ramifications have shaken again British society.
He has a magnificent command of the language and clearly a BIG BRAIN. Probably a top partner in a pub quiz as I suspect he has hoovered up a lot of trivia as well as the difficult stuff.
Hi Paul, Excellent video and analysis, I agree with you …yes Mr Jason Beer has been quite magnificent during this Inquiry. As for the “comedy” aspect, I think he asked his questions in a way to expose the witness by showing how ridiculous some of their evidence was, either by written Witness Statement or with their face-to-face answers. This style of questioning left no doubt to everyone listening that their answers were not fooling anyone and most importantly being noted by Sir Wyn Williams.
Very glad to have come across this video Paul, as a great admirer of Beer's work through many hours of watching the public inquiry on the scandal. A great compliation of Mr Beer highlights with your insightful analysis of his (agreed magnificent) performance. I think some of his questioning was sarcastic and satirical rather than overt comedy - but since satire is comedy, I have to agree! Well done.
When I watched Mr Beer and he was asking questions. I'd say to my tv 'Don't be lying, he will know the answer and have a piece of paper ' Brilliant video as always. Xx
Another great appraisal. I've been addicted to watching the inquiry and especially when Jason Beer has been acting. He's been masterly in his approach, the way he's been able to reframe complex questions has been astounding, he's been cool and relaxed and made many of the POL senior executives look frankly 3rd rate. You're right, he is funny too.
I wholeheartedly applaud this video and the tremendous time and effort you clearly have expended, in this exemplary analytical production; this must have taken WEEKS! Curiously, one of the things I found so impressive, apart from his interrogatory skills, was his determination in matters of grammar. For instance, he was almost fanatical not to split a present infinitive, to the point where he actually rewrote certain quote passages, on the fly, to make them correct. He also never ended a sentence with a preposition. Outstanding discipline, particularly for English fuss-pots such as I. Thank you SO much for this phenomenal work, Dr. Duckett.
Mr Beer deserves a knighthood after this: his research and grasp of an awe- inspiring size brief is immaculate. No courtroom grandstanding: just relentless pursuit of accuracy and the truth . He quietly and relentlessly goes for the jugular based on an immaculate grasp of the facts and their analysis. Clearly a highly intelligent professional who is a credit to the Bar. He and his colleagues are truly admirable. Finally, I would suggest this wasn't comedy but satire with superb delivery.
Spot on as usual Dr Paul! I remember those comedy moments as I watched Mr Beer at work, and the humour was not lost on me. (As yours wasn't at the end of your magnificent post! I drink to your health and to many more of your 'critiques', for want of a better word! Chin chin!
I have been watching phases 5/6 and now 7 on UA-cam from WA, when I moved here from the UK in 2014. Your analyses of the Inquiry have been spot on. As far as Mr Beer is concerned, to watch him question these dreadful people wriggle and squirm in their chairs has been absolutely brilliant. Makes you realise just how difficult this whole mess has been for the postmasters. If someone starts a fan club for 'our Jason' I want to be in it!! I look forward to your next analyses.
Many thanks for your insightful analyses of these Horizon sessions. I watched as many of the witness appearances as possible (including all those you have convered) during the Phase in question and think you've truly hit the nail on the head!
Thank you Dr Duckett, a tremendous analysis of both sides of the legal coin here. On the one side the inquiry, and particularly Jason Beer , showed calm and knowledgeable professionalism, which is certainly credible, but on the other a distinctly different display how the extremely dark side of the same profession can, will and is operating. No wonder we now have the impression that the rule of law is being undermined by such people employing legal dishonesty and process mixed with word salad nonsense. Such a concern arising out of this very inquiry. No wonder there are now unanswered judiciary prejudicial questions and that even determining instructions from the bench are, rightly it seems, being questioned by people as well as top politicians. The POL debacle was about a protected species knowingly criminalising the unprotected. The originator of the phrase “two-tier” and other, to date, miscarriages of justice where someone was convicted and now serving a life sentence on the faux basis of “expert” witness.
Dear Dr Duckett. I don't think you've gone far enough! Mr Beer was hilarious- his sideways glances were mesmerising and his sarcasm was a masterclass 😊
More often than not, Jason Beer (and the other inquiry lawyers) would bring to my mind the thought that finally, here was a grown-up in the room. This reached its apotheosis in Mr Beer's evisceration of Paula 'Head Girl' Vennells. If this disaster has shown me anything, it is that Britain's state apparatus remains run by men and women acting like grown-ups, but who are, at heart, still in a gang in the school playground or junior common room. It is a tragedy of truly epic proportions.
Just watched the video a second time. Mr Beer really is magnificent and you offered us an excellent analysis of his magnificence and techniques and humanity! Thank you so much!
Paul, thank you so much for putting your thoughts together about the 'wonderful' Mr. Beer. I have to say he was the reason (with a recommendation from my sister) that I began watching the Inquiry. What a highly professional, admirable man he is.
Your best vid, so pleased you produced this,Mr Beer is a most brilliant man being kind in nature,I wrote to his chambers regarding his brilliant works for the interest of wronged people,public interest. Of a level of ability seldom seen ,maybe a part 2? ,thanks again.
Excellent video, thanks for this. Mr Beer certainly stands out as being someone special...someone at the very top of his job. I really wish the other counsel members pushed back a lot more. I would even suggest that they damn well should have pushed back more! As always, it was left to the core participants, and their frustratingly limited time given at the end, to take questioning up a notch.
As you know it’s an Inquiry not a trial and there are constraints. The Core participants barristers have more flexility but they too can be restrained by the Chair. What we want is to see these wicked people tried in the criminal courts but this is unlikely to happen. It’s very frustrating especially when we, as taxpayers, are paying their gold standard pensions.
It's such a breath of fresh air - the interview approach from these barristers/QCs (sorry don't know the absolute correct title for them) - walking the witness through a scenario then asking a question - then importantly WAITING for the response and drilling into detail. Massive contrast to amateur hacks/so called journalist interviews on the radio where, instead the strategy seems to be to talk over the interviewee. The result of the latter being over defensive politicians and never getting to the point.
I think I fell a little in love with Mr Beer during this, his delivery reminds me very much of Leo McKern’s Rumpole. I also think your channel provides the most insightful commentary on this subject and you deserve to have many more subscribers. They’re missing a treat. Thank you
I would agree with your analysis of Mr Beer. A phenomenal force engaging strategies that were unsullied by impoliteness but were incisive in their delivery and committed to revealing the truth.
Mr Beer is an absolute dream in this inquiry, so clear and clever and knowledgeable. The whole team must have worked incredibly hard to have read and understood the vast amount of data. What a fantastic role model Mr Beer is.
What makes Mr Beer so professional, and a credit to his work is that he can very quickly recognise that he is dealing with a liar and or evasive witness.
Cheers
I have known Jason for the best part of 20 years, and he’s one of the most intelligent, thoughtful, decent people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. In an era of sportspeople getting knighthoods for dong their job, it’s a travesty that he hasn’t already been recognised. It’s not just the POL case, it’s Hillsbrough, and so many other cases that didn’t get the column inches that this one has done. I hope, when this inquiry is over, he will get the recognition he so truly deserves.
Very good. Watching Beer - a top silk at the top of his game - is what made this inquiry compulsive viewing. It might be obvious, but another magnificence is his command of the material. Beer's support team deserve credit too
He is top dog.
In a society where dumbing down has become the norm it’s heartening to see/hear a man like Jason Beer KC who is so brilliant at his profession.
Didn't we see Mr Beer in the back rows of the covid inquiry when Hugo Keith KC was giving Bunter (and others) a good grilling. Who was he representing then? BTW, still feeling a little strange about KC rather than QC.
100 % Magnificent Mr Beer and also loved how you’ve dissected and delivered it Dr Paul. Cheers to you both 🍻
I was a mainstream 11 to 18 maths teacher for 34 years. The amount of preparation for each lesson was colossal.
The amount of preparation that Mr Beer and his team must have done must have been nearly infinite!
Hours and hours and hours and hours and.....
Especially when some of the requested paperwork was late.
This and this alone illustrates the superb qualities of the team. Not just Mr Beer's excellence.
I have enjoyed his professionalism and technique along the entire inquest.
I have much respect for individuals who are proud of what they do and move heaven and earth to complete their job.
Mr Beer is at the top of my very short list!
Brilliant video. Superbly clear voice from Dr Duckett, and the points made.
We can all learn a lot from both these gentlemen.
Thank you to them both for what they do.
Legends in a world of confusion!
I'm surprised that a maths teacher talks about "nearly infinite". David Hilbert would be turning in his grave
@darkpitcher5242 we'll never make it to infinity, but perhaps nearly!!
Not wishing to denigrate the hard work and preparation that is required from a teacher, I wonder whether (say) teaching how to calculate the volume of solids to a class of 15 year olds varies much from year to year. Similarly once you have prepped your quadratic equation lesson(s) don't you just repeat them year after year after year.
Well done MrBeer.
Prep is a barrister’s basic armament
I love Mr Beer. I love it when he asked a question and the witness denies any knowledge of what he is asking and then he brings up a whole string of emails proving that they knew exactly what was going on. Priceless
Directors paid as much as they were have no excuse to not recall, they should have audit trails and personal notes. They would also have PA's.
@@theotherside8258 Are PA's being questioned?
But they don't deny. First rule is 'I do not recall'.
That is basic barrister technique
Jason Beer is amazing. How he keeps track of his questions when faced with the bombardment of wittering, obfuscation and ‘not recalling’ from the witnesses I don’t know. ❤
I suppose he has them written down.
@karenheath8034 Agreed, but his ability to think on his feet is remarkable. If somebody goes off script or gives an answer he wasn't expecting, he is able to either drag them back (see "Out Tim") or change his questions and go down different avenues (see the ridiculous Mr. Singh or the rambling and spluttering Mr. Williams).
@@philgallagher1 ok fair point. So it is a stunning combination of preparation and improvisation. Sort of jazz almost!
@philgallagher1 Williams was clearly trying to run the clock out. The more time he could spend in obfuscation, the less time he had to answer Mr. Beer's questions.
I spent a large part of my career interviewing people under caution and have long been fascinated by the psychology of the interview process.
Mr. Beer clearly built an exceptional team to undertake this momentous task. Often I watch the interviews late into the night when I can watch uninterrupted and study the interviewees as they deal with each question.
To say Mr. Beer is forensic in his approach does not do him justice. He clearly goes far beyond merely knowing his brief. I see a man who has totally immersed himself in this inquiry and is calm, incredibly focused, assured, measured, totally in control and a joy to watch.
Even those who think they've succeeded in avoiding answering his questions don't realise just how much he has elucidated from them.
This Inquiry owes Mr. Beer a huge debt for his unflinching dedication and tenacity.
Mr Beer is indeed marvellously magnificent. He weaves and conjures up magnificence every time he questions a witness. He 100% should receive an honour in the NY honours list after all this is finished. I’m raising a glass to magnificent Mr Beer.
Dr. Duckett, I completely concur with your comments about Mr Beer. Speaking as someone who saw the idiots of Post Office Ltd in action, when they tried to pursue my father using both Capture and Horizon data, it is really good to witness them being held to account by all Inquiry team, however Mr Beer stands head and shoulders above the others with his use timing, comedy, sideway looks and thinly veiled put downs. I have missed his presence in phase 7. He has made me laugh out loud on many occasions and I wish him well with whatever he goes on to do. I just hope I never get myself into a position where he is my adversary!
So sorry your Father had to suffer this injustice, after watching every video it still blows my mind that they would go to the lengths they did to hide, lie, cheat and steal from hardworking loyal post masters
Hope your Dad has come out of it feeling ok.
I picked up on the side eye very early, when he was going in for the “kill”. He is the best. Let’s not forget though that along with Mr Beer, Mr Blake also had to read every document that was & still is being provided by the PO. I have a great deal of respect for all the inquiry legal team.🇦🇺
I've sat behind many a KC and watched some great questioning. Beer is exceptional. As is this analysis. Thank you.
If I ever see Jason Beer in a pub, I'll buy him as many beers as he wants.
A true hero of mine.
Yes, we LOVE Jason Beer!!! He has a knack for that look, his timing..and piercing perceptions. But in all fairness here, love Julian Blake just as much!!
@@ShakesSphere Julian Blake allows himself to show his irritation with some of the witnesses, which I thoroughly enjoy as it must be very hard to listen to the I don’t remembers, it’s been a long time rubbish. I’m sure the inquiry team must have a code of conduct though.
Julian is very much Mr. Beer's understudy in this Inquiry. Sitting next to him throughout the process will be of invaluable use to him as his own career progresses.
@valrodgers8889 oh, I know. Seriously, I just don't know how any of the Inquiry team get through it sometimes!! I've worked for lawyers most of my life, more recently as a patent drawer, patent paralegal, and trademark person, here stateside. So listening to the masters here, is gripping, not to mention, heartfelt. I used to live in Hever, Kent. :)
Love Blake's seeming politeness, while he's telling the witness how to answer. "You did in fact murder the victim" - and you feel obliged to say yes, just so as not to seem rude 🙂
I have been gripped by this and am amazed by Mr Beer’s ability to get to the heart of the matter. I agree, we need to raise a toast to him.
I became addicted to listening to the Post Office inquiry and in particular Jason Beer. Thank you for this fascinating analysis - although listening to it put paid to my morning's task schedule! I agree that there were strands of humour throughout Jason Beer's questioning, highlighting the ridiculous excuses and explanations given by those under scrutiny. He really is a hero!
Your analysis is spot on ! Mr Beer KC is a just and worthy winner of Barrister of the year 2024. May his reign continue!
AHH! So he won the award then! Congratulations Mr Beer. I knew he had been nominated but didn't see an update. Yes. Very well deserved. But the whole Inquiry team continue to work so hard despite ongoing attempts by those shites at the Post Office, Horizon AND to a certain extent government actors, to delay or derail proceedings! I just hope that when the final Report comes out, criminal actions will be brought against all those responsible for this tragedy! Damn shame it won't include any of the MPs who started the rot in the first place by selling off the family silver! Blessings and Justice to all those affected.🙏⚖️🙏
A superb performance with total command of his theatre of work. Also a very nice man who encourages people to 'work hard and be kind'. I am quite besotted with him as I am with you who also come across as hard working, witty and kind. Loved this video. ❤❤❤
Performance...
theatre ...that's all it is. Expensive theatre...and no one will go to jail no arrests just walk away
I adore him, he is the best of us all
Jason Beer has many attributes. The main one is that he is human. Another is that he is intelligent. His most useful one is that he is a team player. His questions are not random. They are planned by both him and a team. They plan a series of subjects and various trajectories within. The questions are then framed and the possible answers anticipated. Layered on the top is his personality. Add this lot together and add some quick thinking and we have Jason Beer KC.
@@Trevor_Austin I found this summary helpful.
And cheers to you as well Paul for a fine presentation on Mr. Beer.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and have a much better perception of the wily individuals at the P.O..
I describe it as verbal 'fencing' but there was only ever going to be one winner.
Love listening to Jason Beer. No one will pull the wool over his eyes . He's excellent 👍
Paul, I believe you are spot on in your appraisal of the "magnificent Mr. Beer". He is clearly well aware of his deliberate use of comedy. He is neither daunted nor cowed by the position of his "targets". Senior lawyers, other KCs, Politicians, CEOs, Lords, Ladies & Knights of the Realm all fall beneath his withering gaze. He is ruthless when necessary yet gentle at times (but never condescending unless it's "Our Tim" or Messers Singh & Williams who all deserved it!).
This was an excellent summing up of the absolute star of this whole deplorable situation! Well done!
His whole team have been excellent - best thing he has given juniors a chance to shine.
I concur with your observation of Jason Beer KC’s brilliant use of absurdist humour… it’s a huge part of the reason he is so compelling to watch. The team behind him is also brilliant, but his delivery and performance and ability to rattle the witnesses with humour, timing and persistence is absolutely magnificent. Loved this video. Thanks again for your wonderful and insightful observations. 🙏
Yes love Mr Beer from Australia. He is just so intelligent. His IQ must be off the charts. I am in awe of his grasp of the facts in areas that are not in his own history of experience and then his astute use of English and direct speech.
Yes his cheeky comedy gave us a laugh. He was magnificent! Thank you for giving him this accolade
Well said Charlotte, you summed my thoughts up perfectly.
But it won't serve justice they will all walk away from it untouched
I believe Mr Beer is of Māori descent
Yes I agree Mr Jason Beer KC is of Māori decent …not. Australian !
Yes Paul Mr Beer was truly magnificent and I thank you and appreciate your analysis and magnificence too.
He is the tip of the spear, made possible by all the hard work and effort by those in the background.
Always a team effort.
Exactly.
Also, let’s not forget, this Enquiry is often shooting large fish in a small barrel.
It must be mildly irritating to have dramatic things done, like quashing all convictions by Parliament, before even anywhere near reporting the Enquiry findings.
‘…and for a moment I thought she was chairing Mastermind’ 😂
One of the best videos I've seen Paul explained everything clearly
As an Software Engineering Manager, what I was particularly impressed with was the way he questionned Gareth Jenkins, and in particular, on the technical areas. Making technical things understandable by non-technical people is an art form, but Mr Beer did this as though he were an experienced technical interpreter. He took some quite technical areas, questionned Jenkins down to a very low architectural level, but did so in way that the general public could understand.
I agree with your general views on Mr Beer - he's a class class act!
Beer is totally composed and in charge, undaunted by the power or status of anyone he questions. He has consummate patience and persistence.
His introduction of himself also is consistent and authoritative.
I suspect that Mr. Beer has not made an unplanned comment for many a year. The command of data demonstrated throughout by him is incredible, the work put in by his team to support him in this is mind-blowing!
Thanks for making this video. I'm so glad to see him get the recognition he deserves. Jason is absolutely brilliant to watch.
He will be Sir Jason when this is over.
Mr Beer is superb and won Barrister of the Year at the Lawyer awards 2024, Silk of the Year in the inquiry section in 2023. Sir Wyn is also sharp as a tack. What would have been pure comedy and he may have been heading just before the fire alarm, would be hin getting through all the points, then asking if none of those points raised an alarm and for the alarm to then go off.
So as well as being a good lawyer he’s also able to make an excellent coffee?
Have to say I absolutely agree about Sir Wyn. He never misses a beat!
»No way I'm watching a 1-hour video about Mr Beer« (me at the start of the video).
»You sucked me in, Dr Duckett, well played.« (me at the end of the video).
Cheers!
I think you are absolutely spot on with the fantastic Mr Beer. Thank you for a brilliant and thoughtful video.
Well that was a treat! Firstly because I'm also a BIG fan of Mr Beer and secondly I'm (coincidentally) a BIG fan of Dr Paul Duckett! Double delight for meeeee 😊👍🏻🥰
My friend, this is possibly the most important video to ever appear on UA-cam. I'm not being hyperbolic by the way. I'm happy to exist in a world where I can connect with people who appreciate the majesty of someone like Mr Beer, for example. Therefore I sit here not just celebrating his majesty but yours as well for noticing and then articulating it to me in the way that you did. I'm overwhelmed by the enormity of this whole story and it shouldn't ever be allowed for Mr Beer's efforts to simply pass by should it(?) - it is a lifetime of hard work and decency on his part that I'm so happy you have found a way to celebrate. Thank you so much
Is that you Mrs Beer?
An absolute top notch analysis, I am sure many a toast will be raised for you too !
Bravo Dr Duckett, a succint and well summarised video of Jason Beer and his exceptional skills to bring justice for those who suffered in this scandal. My absolute favourite part is the last 10 seconds of the video - the burning flames with the Post Office sign and the flabbergasted Bogerd. Brilliant. I certainly had a chuckle with Mr Beer but also yourself Paul. Thank you for a wonderful and informative video.
the Vennells side eye was the best ever ..as remeber Mr Beer and the team have far more evidence than we have even seen
Totally agree Mr Beer is an absolute legend. Will hopefully get to see him and the others when we go to the inquiry November 6th to observe! Your observations and videos are brilliant too please keep them coming 😊
What impressed me continuously throughout was Beer's restraint and patience when it seemed to me he often wanted to shout out "you are a lying piece of (insert favorite epithet)". Given the nature of a public inquiry, he doesn't have the option of a direct indictment of the witnesses, but nevertheless found all the opportunites there were to clearly communicate his contempt when that was appropriate. In particular, as noted in 5th section of this video dealing with Beer's sense of humor. Doing so using the witnesses own words from their written testimony was genius.
My favorite examination was Beer's questioning of Warwick Tatford QC about his actions and decisions. Beer highlighted that Tatford failed to follow up on important questions regarding the Horizon system's failures during a prosecution Tatford was providing legal advice on for PO solicitors. Had the infirmnation been forthcoming, the scandal would have been exposed much earlier. Closest thing to a Perry Mason moment in this whole thing! Little wonder that subsequent witnesses came in suspicious and wary of what Beer might do to them!
Raising a glass to Mr Beer, as I type.
Love his humour and use of it - and yes humour IS an effective tool.
Last century, as part of this one's final exams as an Applied Psychologist undergrad., I got permission to write a thesis entitled, 'Psychotherapy and Humour', the main argument discussed being that with a receptive client, a therapist could encompass a situation in making the client completely accepting that they had put themselves in the emotional shoes said client was wearing, i.e. empathised, with a humorous quip or remark, that would be as equally effective or more for the client in resolving their issue/s, rather than a further two or three hour-long counselling sessions in exploration and groundwork.
A favourite line of Mr Beer's was after Elaine Cottam's car crash of an appearance, when he asked Uncle Wyn for a fifteen minute break so that 'all could reorientate themselves in time and place'.
One of the best moments ever, up there with the “criminal” comment
Elaine Cottam herself was comedy gold!! Beer coped with her well.
I was in the room when Tim Parker was questioned. It was amazing how Mr Beer began by allowing Parker to preen himself and give the appearance of having been on top of everything but all the while gradually coming in for the killer questions. I've been watching much of it on UA-cam as well and think that all of the barristers show different skills and come from different angles. Beer and Blake are very composed on behalf of the inquiry but some of those representing subpostmasters are brilliantly punchy too. I think Paul Duckett should do an analysis of some of their techniques too.
Well put together Mr Duckett . Would have loved to see Stephen Bradshaw & Elaine Cottam . They were a joke but yet again Mr Beer did fantastic
Mr Beer is the reason I get up extra early 🇨🇦 to watch his magnificence and articulation of words and yes. Side eye’s . Truly genius.
Completely right! Been following Mr Beer from Curaçao and really miss him when he’s not the one doing the questioning!
PS: And I enjoy listening to your ‘dissection’ of the scandal!
Hopefully, one day, Mr. Beer will be able to publish a book about thei Inquiry. I cann`t wait to read it, especially his insights ! Great video !!
I’d buy it
Beer is the author of the definitive guide on how to run an inquiry so he must be much sought after.
He will probably be absolutely fed up with it once it ends and won’t be able to stomach writing a book about it.
Sir Jason Beer has my vote.
Another great analysis, Dr Paul. Thank you for the insights into Mr Beer’s use of humour and setting up the use of repetition. The Post Office Inquiry has been profoundly interesting in analysis yet wholly disturbing at what has happened to honest, hard working, (and to be very clear) innocent Post Office workers. Mr Beer KC has more than earned his money in this case, the hours he must have put in to disseminate the many statements and documents. His command of conciseness is to be admired! I’m sure anyone connected or related to P.O. Workers accused and/or prosecuted, will gain some satisfaction and vindication that their voices are being heard now. I have huge respect for Mr Beer K.C. My best wishes to you and to all who have been through the mill with the PO. Justice has been a long time coming. And hat’s off to Mr Beer K.C.!!! 👍👍👍
H
Yo got it 100% spot on Mr Beer is brilliant and has been magnificence throughout this inquiry, he has made the top directors look so unprofessional and many times proved they was lying, i love to watch your video's. thank you.
Jason Beer is my hero, brilliant explanation of how he works, thank you!
Jason Beer and Edward Henry are the two standouts for me. The subpostmasters are very lucky to have both so closely involved.
Sam Stein is 100% great too
@@louisapowell6115 - agreed!
Catriona Hodge is also an up and coming star.
@@geoffscott5066 Flora Page? Her account of the Horizon thing being like a monstrous creation, …….
Mr Beer is up there with the likes of MrJustice Fraser. Hopefully, a judicial appointment is heading Mr Beer's way in the near future.
But when you look at the likes of Alice Perkins, Tim Parker, Paula Vennells, Nick Read et al, there is something rotten in the appointments system.
Great analysis Dr Paul. Keep them coming please
Jason Beer has been the true star of the ‘show’, with able assistance from those he has questioned.
Your presentation is brilliant! When I saw that it was over an hour long i wasn't sure that I would stay the course, but I was so absorbed that the time just flashed by, especially as the clocks are going back tonight! This will surely be compulsory watching by any aspiring or practicing lawman on how to ask questions and how not to answer them.
As a dutchman, and surely not a native English speaker, I fully enjoyed the interrogation methods of Mr Beer. His use of the English language, his - in my eyes and ears - delicate and dialectic sense of humor and wit. Brilliant! But besides all of by Dr Paul Ducketts memorized qualities that make Mr Beer such a magnificent actor on this stage, it was his (well played?) imperturbability - or merely genuine integrity. Indeed, it must cost him an his team an infinite amount of time to be this prepared.
I dare to dream of Mr Jason Beer hosting 'Have I Got News For You?', probably long after there Post Office Inquiry Report has been published and its ramifications have shaken again British society.
He has a magnificent command of the language and clearly a BIG BRAIN. Probably a top partner in a pub quiz as I suspect he has hoovered up a lot of trivia as well as the difficult stuff.
Socrates would be very proud of Mr Beer.
I love the spaces he leaves for them to fill!
I only watch it when he's interviewing lol. Then watch highlights lol x
Yes, there's a weight to it. Blake goes too fast IMO.
Hi Paul, Excellent video and analysis, I agree with you …yes Mr Jason Beer has been quite magnificent during this Inquiry.
As for the “comedy” aspect, I think he asked his questions in a way to expose the witness by showing how ridiculous some of their evidence was, either by written Witness Statement or with their face-to-face answers.
This style of questioning left no doubt to everyone listening that their answers were not fooling anyone and most importantly being noted by Sir Wyn Williams.
Very glad to have come across this video Paul, as a great admirer of Beer's work through many hours of watching the public inquiry on the scandal. A great compliation of Mr Beer highlights with your insightful analysis of his (agreed magnificent) performance. I think some of his questioning was sarcastic and satirical rather than overt comedy - but since satire is comedy, I have to agree! Well done.
When I watched Mr Beer and he was asking questions. I'd say to my tv
'Don't be lying, he will know the answer and have a piece of paper '
Brilliant video as always. Xx
Another great appraisal.
I've been addicted to watching the inquiry and especially when Jason Beer has been acting.
He's been masterly in his approach, the way he's been able to reframe complex questions has been astounding, he's been cool and relaxed and made many of the POL senior executives look frankly 3rd rate.
You're right, he is funny too.
I wholeheartedly applaud this video and the tremendous time and effort you clearly have expended, in this exemplary analytical production; this must have taken WEEKS! Curiously, one of the things I found so impressive, apart from his interrogatory skills, was his determination in matters of grammar. For instance, he was almost fanatical not to split a present infinitive, to the point where he actually rewrote certain quote passages, on the fly, to make them correct. He also never ended a sentence with a preposition. Outstanding discipline, particularly for English fuss-pots such as I. Thank you SO much for this phenomenal work, Dr. Duckett.
Top assessment of Jason Beer.. A great analysis Paul...Cheers
Mr Beer deserves a knighthood after this: his research and grasp of an awe- inspiring size brief is immaculate. No courtroom grandstanding: just relentless pursuit of accuracy and the truth .
He quietly and relentlessly goes for the jugular based on an immaculate grasp of the facts and their analysis. Clearly a highly intelligent professional who is a credit to the Bar. He and his colleagues are truly admirable.
Finally, I would suggest this wasn't comedy but satire with superb delivery.
I think you absolutely on the ball. Jason Beer has been amazing in this enquiry.
Spot on as usual Dr Paul! I remember those comedy moments as I watched Mr Beer at work, and the humour was not lost on me. (As yours wasn't at the end of your magnificent post! I drink to your health and to many more of your 'critiques', for want of a better word! Chin chin!
Ooops, I forgot to close the bracket! How common.... now, what was that posh word that academics would use?!! 😂
I have been watching phases 5/6 and now 7 on UA-cam from WA, when I moved here from the UK in 2014. Your analyses of the Inquiry have been spot on. As far as Mr Beer is concerned, to watch him question these dreadful people wriggle and squirm in their chairs has been absolutely brilliant. Makes you realise just how difficult this whole mess has been for the postmasters. If someone starts a fan club for 'our Jason' I want to be in it!! I look forward to your next analyses.
Mr. Beer and the occasional comment from Sir Wyn Williams was the main reason I followed the inquiry. Just loved them both and so professional. ❤
Clear and concise English with the use of humour has got his point across to the enquiry every time. Thanks for your great insight and knowledge.
A ship of fools sailing on the HMS Amnesia
Thank you for this. You are not wrong! I thought you seemed worrying frazzled in an earlier video; good to see you looking better. Cheers.
I’m a big Mr Beer fan. Bless that man.
Superb! I’ve followed this scandal for years and this is so incisive and entertaining. Great presentation and delivery. And I’m still smiling. 👏👍
Many thanks for your insightful analyses of these Horizon sessions. I watched as many of the witness appearances as possible (including all those you have convered) during the Phase in question and think you've truly hit the nail on the head!
Thank you Dr Duckett, a tremendous analysis of both sides of the legal coin here. On the one side the inquiry, and particularly Jason Beer , showed calm and knowledgeable professionalism, which is certainly credible, but on the other a distinctly different display how the extremely dark side of the same profession can, will and is operating. No wonder we now have the impression that the rule of law is being undermined by such people employing legal dishonesty and process mixed with word salad nonsense. Such a concern arising out of this very inquiry. No wonder there are now unanswered judiciary prejudicial questions and that even determining instructions from the bench are, rightly it seems, being questioned by people as well as top politicians. The POL debacle was about a protected species knowingly criminalising the unprotected. The originator of the phrase “two-tier” and other, to date, miscarriages of justice where someone was convicted and now serving a life sentence on the faux basis of “expert” witness.
Dear Dr Duckett.
I don't think you've gone far enough!
Mr Beer was hilarious- his sideways glances were mesmerising and his sarcasm was a masterclass 😊
I adore Mr Beer. He has been amazing in this Enquiry. It is no wonder he is Lead Counsel !
More often than not, Jason Beer (and the other inquiry lawyers) would bring to my mind the thought that finally, here was a grown-up in the room. This reached its apotheosis in Mr Beer's evisceration of Paula 'Head Girl' Vennells. If this disaster has shown me anything, it is that Britain's state apparatus remains run by men and women acting like grown-ups, but who are, at heart, still in a gang in the school playground or junior common room. It is a tragedy of truly epic proportions.
but who are, at heart, still in a gang in the school playground or junior common room. It is a tragedy of truly epic proportions.
Yep
Your analysis is absolutely first class and hugely spot on. Thank you.
Thanks for your equally magnificent and entertaining analysis
The clarity of his thoughts. Amazing. And his ability to digest and get a grip over hundreds of thousands of documents. Extraordinary.
Just watched the video a second time. Mr Beer really is magnificent and you offered us an excellent analysis of his magnificence and techniques and humanity! Thank you so much!
Paul, thank you so much for putting your thoughts together about the 'wonderful' Mr. Beer. I have to say he was the reason (with a recommendation from my sister) that I began watching the Inquiry. What a highly professional, admirable man he is.
I’m joining in with cheers to Mr Beer’s magnificence 🍷Thank you for yet another superb video, I’m raising a glass to you as well 🙂
He’s a legend !!
Your best vid, so pleased you produced this,Mr Beer is a most brilliant man being kind in nature,I wrote to his chambers regarding his brilliant works for the interest of wronged people,public interest.
Of a level of ability seldom seen ,maybe a part 2? ,thanks again.
Great analysis which was very enjoyable. I absolutely love Mr Beer
Excellent video, thanks for this. Mr Beer certainly stands out as being someone special...someone at the very top of his job. I really wish the other counsel members pushed back a lot more. I would even suggest that they damn well should have pushed back more! As always, it was left to the core participants, and their frustratingly limited time given at the end, to take questioning up a notch.
As you know it’s an Inquiry not a trial and there are constraints. The Core participants barristers have more flexility but they too can be restrained by the Chair. What we want is to see these wicked people tried in the criminal courts but this is unlikely to happen. It’s very frustrating especially when we, as taxpayers, are paying their gold standard pensions.
It's such a breath of fresh air - the interview approach from these barristers/QCs (sorry don't know the absolute correct title for them) - walking the witness through a scenario then asking a question - then importantly WAITING for the response and drilling into detail.
Massive contrast to amateur hacks/so called journalist interviews on the radio where, instead the strategy seems to be to talk over the interviewee.
The result of the latter being over defensive politicians and never getting to the point.
and ... mister beer let the witnesses know that he had read every word of their statements EVEN MORE CAREFULLY than they had reviewed them
@@tristanforward this!
I think I fell a little in love with Mr Beer during this, his delivery reminds me very much of Leo McKern’s Rumpole.
I also think your channel provides the most insightful commentary on this subject and you deserve to have many more subscribers. They’re missing a treat. Thank you
The magnificent Mr Beer, now that's a good title for a film. Great podcast.
Love your commentaries and analysis videos - Jason Beer is wonderful 😀
I would agree with your analysis of Mr Beer. A phenomenal force engaging strategies that were unsullied by impoliteness but were incisive in their delivery and committed to revealing the truth.
Wonderful observations, and yes I agree Mr Beer is Magnificent!!
Brilliant video. I think you got it spot on. He is the magnificent Mr Beer!