What makes Mr Beer magnificent?

00:00:00 - Start
00:01:54 - 1. Precise and Plain
00:16:40 - 2. Answer the Goddamn Question
00:25:24 - 3. Closed Questions
00:32:41 - 4. Didn't suffer fools gladly
00:35:59 - 5. The Comedy of Mr Beer
00:57:10 - Conclusion

My video that praises the work of Jason Beer, lead counsel to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry. I pick out the five things that I think makes him magnificent.

[MarkInOxford]

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.

[allisonstandley]

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.

[paullewis]

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.

[shinywarm]

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

[andrewmedhurst]

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!

[lesleydickson]

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. ❤

[andyfanshawe]

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
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!

[LouiseParks-we]

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

[cherryhulmes]

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.

[ShakesSphere]

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!!

[valrodgers]

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.🇦🇺

[liamhemmings]

I've sat behind many a KC and watched some great questioning. Beer is exceptional. As is this analysis. Thank you.

[robertmcross]

Your analysis is spot on ! Mr Beer KC is a just and worthy winner of Barrister of the year 2024. May his reign continue!

[chrisennis]

'You're not a details man, are you Mr Singh?' Absolute killer line, probably the best of the whole enquiry.

[Codiwompling]

100 % Magnificent Mr Beer and also loved how you’ve dissected and delivered it Dr Paul. Cheers to you both 🍻

[stellamariayates]

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!

[Trevor_Austin]

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.

[charlottedurden]

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.

[philgallagher]

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!

[maurke]

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.