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Doctor Who has always been political, said a lecturer in politics at Nottingham Trent University, who has written about the political themes in the TV programme celebrating its 50th birthday this weekend.

Dr Matthew Ashton said it reflects contemporary issues and works on different levels for adults and children, with references to environmentalism, the miners' strike, Britain joining joining EEC, feminism and Daleks representing Nazis.

He debated with Labour MP Tom Harris, has who contributed to the book Behind The Sofa: Celebrity Memories of Doctor Who. The pair spoke about political messages and Westminster references in the sci-fi drama.