Superstonk takes a seat in the audience for BBC's Question Time. On the panel: UK Economic Secretary Bim Afolami.

Today we're here to talk about something quite incredible that happened not long back, and even though the ending didn't turn out as quite as we'd hoped - the courage demonstrated in everything that ran up to it was masterful and that's the focus of this story.

The knowledge that each and every one of us can make a meaningful difference and that using our voice matters.

So in the UK there's this TV show called Question Time;

"Question Time" is a BBC TV show. It is a current affairs discussion program that typically features a panel of politicians, public figures, and experts who discuss and debate current issues, policies, and events.

This is the basic layout of the "Question Time" show:

1. Panel: The program is hosted by a moderator and includes a panel of individuals from different political backgrounds, professions, and perspectives.
2. Audience Participation: Members of the audience have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the panel. The questions can cover a wide range of topics, and the panelists provide their views and opinions in response.
3. Live Broadcast: "Question Time" is usually broadcast live, allowing viewers to witness real-time discussions and debates on pressing issues.
4. Location: The show is often filmed in different locations across the UK, not just in London, to ensure a diverse range of perspectives from different regions.
5. Format: The format allows for a dynamic and interactive discussion, and it often reflects the current political and social climate.

Here's what the set up usually looks like:

The goal of the show is to provide a platform for open and informed debate on topical issues, allowing the audience to hear different viewpoints and engage with the political process.

As you can imagine, during these economically uncertain times this is exactly what we're looking for - more public engagement with our MPs and I'm sure that we all recognise the significance of engaging with our government representatives on crucial financial issues, such as the potential threat to legal shareholder ownership proposed by the UK Digitisation Taskforce.

And as luck would have it, you wouldn't believe who was on the panel on the 18th January, 2024.

None other than our very own UK Economic Secretary, Bim Afolami:

The very same UK Economic Secretary who has been replying to our letters about UK Digitisation Taskforce.

Which is marvelous considering as he's exactly the person we've been trying to engage on this topic.

You may also recognise Bim Afolami name from earlier discussions found here:

⚠️ ❗️ UK Economic Secretary Bim Afolami's RRG & Pension Insurance Corp. are teaming up to petition for "significant power" over independent UK regulators - looks like they want control over the financial markets.

And to make things even better -

The reason we're discussing this here today is because a short while back this post popped up on the sub, r/Superstonk:

You can already feel the creative juices flowing, can't you?

What an opportunity, eh?

Putting aside how completely incredible this post is - and the absolute hero that posted it (jacked_shark - you're a champion) - it was time to put our thinking caps on and gear ourselves up for an epic moment in which we could finally get some direct answers to our questions from the man himself.

We start with a brief - which was emailed from the BBC to the studio audience participants who would be attending the panel show on the 18th January:

We're told here that there will be a number of opportunities for the audience members to float their questions to the panel, who - for this Question Time - was as followed:

• Bim Afolami MP,
• Emily Thornberry MP,
• Times Radio political editor Kate McCann,
• Barrister and author Hashi Mohamed.

With Fiona Bruce presenting the live debate from Peterborough.

Household investors - inspired by this line up and the opportunity to address burning questions regarding the sanctity of their shares, and of course to advocate the value that is Directly registering their shares as held legally in their own name - started brainstorming some ideas, and here are some of the suggestion comments were as put forward:

It was an inspiring exercise to see people getting involved whilst asking necessary, informed and pertinent questions as related to their investments.

And it seems as if there is an emerging pattern here - being that shareholders are keen to ensure their assets are held in their legal name.

Good to know that securing and maintaining legal ownership of their shares is a core issue that remains at the heart of the discussion.

And if you want to read more into matters related to the threats posed within the recommendations being put forward by the UK Digitisation Taskforce - you can check out more here:

The UK Government are attempting an asset grab with their latest proposal ⚠️ DRS'd Shares are at Risk: UK Govt's Push for Mandatory Nominee Accounts ⚠️ 🚨 = HERE.

🇬🇧 🦍 UK Shareholders - Have you contacted your MP to safeguard your shares yet? ⏳❕Make 2024 the year you leave your mark as the legend you truly are as we work to protect DRS together 😎🏆 = HERE.

Now 👏

Let's shift our minds back to the legend who made this whole conversation possible, jacked_shark.

He took onboard the many excellent suggestions put forward by the community here and set out to do what he needed to do.

He went on Question Time.

That's right - he took part as the studio audience, ready to get involved and to put forward questions as championed by the r/Superstonk community to fight for more inclusion within the ongoing discussions as had by the UK Digitsation Taskforce - and affecting our assets.

He submitted his questions to the shows producer, and had one prepared and written on a card - ready to read out on the night whilst sat in the audience.

This was his question card he had ready to go.

For ease, this is the question posed on the sheet:

BIM, HOW WILL YOU FACILITATE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WITH THE UK DIGITISATION TASK FORCE WHICH THREATENS TO SEIZE LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF SHAREHOLDER ASSETS

And before we go any further, I really want people to take a moment to appreciate this brilliantly bold and brave move he was willing to take so he could get answers to questions that us shareholders have been fighting to get answered for months.

It's not always easy to put yourself out there, but it takes a special kind of strength to step into the spotlight like this and fight to do what is right. It's courageous and should be recognised as such.

So, here's to him - and indeed, all of you - who don't shy away from the difficult, that step up when others hesitate. In those daring moments, we see heroes born —bold, resilient, and undeniably inspiring.

^{Seriously jacked_shark - you are a legend.}

Now I wish I could tell you the story ended up like this:

But this did not happen.

It seems that our wonderful, and most courageous, clever and inspiring ape never got to shoot his shot.

Because they never picked him, despite how many times he put up his hands and tried to ask his questions.

But it's OK.

Because even though we didn't get the opportunity to ask our questions - this time - we still have PLENTY of other opportunities to get involved, and this time - even MORE questions to ask!

We can even host our own Question Time right here!

It's never too late to advocate for shareholder representation!

^{For anyone wanting to watch this episode with Bim Afolami - broadcasted 18/01/24 - you can check it out here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001vfv6/question-time-2024-18012024 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gYfrc38Xv0&ab_channel=PoliticalTV}

HELLO SUPERSTONK - WELCOME TO QUESTION TIME!

It's time to put Bim Afolami (the UK's Economic Secretary) back on the panel, with us in the audience as we pose our questions ready to send to our government representatives.

UK Shareholders - here's how we can use our voice to champion for shareholder representation!

Q1. Transparency & Representation.

Given that the UK Digitisation Taskforce was initiated by the UK Chancellor, it is considered appropriate for government bodies, such as the Economic Secretary, to engage with said Taskforce if it becomes apparent that it is failing to consult and involve those it seeks to represent. Encouraging citizens to sit and wait for the Government's decisions based on a finalised report, risks sidelining the active representation and input of the very individuals they are meant to serve.

And in fostering a transparent and participatory approach, the Taskforce not only upholds democratic principles but also reinforces the legitimacy and credibility of the proposed changes, ensuring they align with the genuine needs and aspirations of the community.

So reinforcing the Government's purpose to serve the populace, what proactive steps will you take to empower and recognise the public’s voice as meaningful - steering away from viewing stakeholder input as an obstruction, and relegating them to passive spectators - and facilitate open lines of communication between the Taskforce and the shareholders who have been advocating for active representation?

Can you be specific in the examples given please?

✅ COPY & PASTE "READY TO SEND" TEXT HERE: https://pastebin.com/6EHKBDyP

Q2. Championing DRS

As Economic Secretary, previously a corporate lawyer and senior executive at HSBC, it is fair to say you have a good understanding of financial matters and law-making.

The UK Digitisation Taskforce’s objective is to improve the UK’s intermediated system of share ownership. The initial report advocates for a Central Securities Depository (CSD) model of shareholding. This will result in amendments to our primary legislation. These changes will reduce shareholders to mere ultimate beneficial holders, stripping them of their ownership title to their assets. This means that shareholders will no longer be legally recognised as the owners of their own financial possessions.

This presents itself as a blueprint for global shareholder rights erosion, posing a significant risk by threatening to seize legal ownership of shareholder assets and jeopardises property rights worldwide.

In light of this, wouldn't you agree that preserving for the Direct Registrar System (DRS), where stocks are held in individuals' names on the company registrar, is a more secure and equitable option that must be safeguarded at all costs?

And how committed are you to championing shareholder rights to ensure that they continue to have full ownership of their shares, which is undeniably aligned with their best interests?

✅ COPY & PASTE "READY TO SEND" TEXT HERE: https://pastebin.com/Ah16b5aS

Q3. People Make The Best Investments.

You chair The Regulatory Reform Group, described as “a caucus of Conservative lawmakers who have come together to help shape a regulatory system”, an outfit supported Tracy Blackwell - CEO of Pension Insurance Corporation plc and Chair of the RRG Advisory Council.

In April 2023, RRG presented a report - "The Purpose of Regulation”. It suggested that the lack of democratic oversight of regulators is holding back UK productivity and economic growth. The proposed solution was to implement a new government committee that would have "significant powers" over the work of the UK regulators. AKA - those who oversee and enforce rules to ensure fair competition, consumer protection, and industry stability.

Centralising powers in a government committee overseeing UK regulators risks systematic abuse in the UK. This includes biased policy making, prioritising short-term gains over long-term stability, creating regulatory uncertainty, causing bureaucratic delays, enabling lack of accountability, succumbing to undue industry influence, and the implementation of unsustainable populist policies, posing a serious threat to effective governance and public welfare. This is an inherent conflict of interest.

Would it not be a more reasonable solution to enlist impartial specialists to enhance regulatory performance underscoring the critical importance of objectivity in fostering financial strength, growth, and prosperity?

Or better yet, invest in comprehensive education, accessible healthcare, affordable housing, green infrastructure, small business support, community development, digital inclusion, environmental conservation, and mental health services as a surefire solution for enhancing economic well being - to empower individuals, creates job opportunities, and propel sustainable development across various sectors, making it the best and most sustainable means for UK productivity and economic growth.

Why is this not being advocated ahead of more government control over our regulatory agencies?

✅ COPY & PASTE "READY TO SEND" TEXT HERE: https://pastebin.com/dSKzfbEJ

This post is dedicated to recognising the inspiring actions as took place here by committed members of this community. We must always be reminded that our actions and impact make a difference.

Be inspired.

Each and everyone one of us can make a life-changing impact if we get involved, so why not have your glory moment and take control over your investments and financial future.

Protect your assets, use your voice. Fight to be included and represented in all conversations - because that is your right.

It only takes two minutes to change your future.

Send a letter to your local government representative using this easy template below!

Here's a letter template you can send to your MP representative to seek clarity and transparency regarding the decisions being made about your investments.

Dear [MP],

Subject: Request for Assistance Regarding Proposed Regulatory Changes

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am a concerned resident in your constituency and I am writing to kindly request your assistance in forwarding a set of questions to the UK Economic Security team.

I have some concerns about certain proposed regulatory changes and believe it is crucial to address them to ensure a well-informed decision-making process. I would greatly appreciate your support in bringing these questions to the attention of the relevant authorities.

Below are the questions:

✅ Q1. Transparency & Representation. https://pastebin.com/6EHKBDyP

✅ Q2. Championing DRS: https://pastebin.com/Ah16b5aS

✅ Q3. People Make The Best Investments: https://pastebin.com/dSKzfbEJ

Your assistance in this matter is of great importance to me, and I would be grateful for any steps you can take to ensure my concerns are appropriately addressed.

Thank you very much for your attention to this matter. I believe that your involvement will contribute significantly to the clarity and understanding of any proposed changes moving forward.

I appreciate your dedication to serving our community and look forward to your positive response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

This is how you find your MP representative - https://www.writetothem.com/

And follow the instructions - in four easy steps:

1. Enter Postcode
2. Choose Representative
3. Write Message
4. Send

And that's it. It couldn't be quicker or easier to get involved!

You can also edit these question and write your own!

Discover and embrace your distinct voice; your unique perspective not only enhances our collective learning but also has the power to inspire and empower those in your community.

You can also use ChatGPT - an AI language tool - to help shape your responses.

^{**Be sure to proof read the generated responses, you are the fact checker - not the AI.}

Embrace new technology to streamline the process - give yourself more time to read, process, digest and learn.

Remember, be kind in your engagements - we're trying to get included here, we need to be persistent but polite.

Don't be a bystander, be courageous and get involved 💪

TL;DR

• Superstonk Community Member - jacked_shark - was in the audience for Question Time (a UK current affairs discussion program).
• On the panel was Bim Afolami, UK Economic Secretary.
• The community brainstormed questions ready to ask the panel.
• Unfortunately, despite trying, jacked_shark didn't get the opportunity to ask the prepared question on Live Television.
• Undeterred, we are inspired by the courage displayed in the efforts to make this happen and are paying tribute to this bravery by directly sending our own questions to Bim.

That's all folks.

Be excellent to each other.

Pigeon out ✌️🐦