Southampton meeting leaves Have I Got News For You bemused

The creative council meeting saw actors and councillors play species that cannot speak or vote in an election speak on the challenge they face in Southampton, as part of the campaign for the city to become a National Park City.

Councillor Dave Shields played an owl in the interspecies democracy meeting. (Image: BBC One / Have I Got News For You) After watching a clip that showed outgoing Lord Mayor Councillor Dave Shields dressed as an owl, Paul Merton said: “Is there much to do in Southampton?”

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Ian Hislop asked if it was an official council meeting, and host Richard Ayoade joked back asking Ian where he was.

Have I Got News For You host Richard Ayoade explained the interspecies democracy meeting. (Image: BBC One / Have I Got News For You) The interspecies meeting explored new perspectives on nature, community and environmental action.

Southampton’s National Park City campaign continues as it looks to become the first national park city outside of London.

Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur backed the movement in Parliament, later posting on social media: “I often say that the quality of natural spaces we are blessed with in Southampton is the jewel in our crown, and I am doing everything I can in Westminster to support the efforts for National Park City status.”