Jeremy Paxman raises the big issue for British men: do M&S pants give enough support

Jeremy Paxman is not known for staying silent when vexed by an issue. Having finally despaired of what he says is the declining quality of Marks & Spencer underpants and socks, the Newsnight host finds himself a reluctant flag-bearer for the legions of British men being let down by sub-standard briefs.

Riled by his disintegrating undercrackers – he complains of a certain slackness in the gusset – Paxman wrote an email last week to the M&S chief executive Sir Stuart Rose to complain.

Something "very troubling" had happened, he explained, apologetically and somewhat ironically for a man whose interviewees would be forgiven for wearing reinforced undergarments. Marks & Sparks pants, the presenter said, "no longer provide adequate support".



On Sunday, after finishing his lunch , the BBC interrogator elaborated. "This is not just about the weak gusset issue," said Paxman. "It is about the separation of the cotton from the elastic, a very common problem. When I first noticed this some time ago I thought it might be a detergent problem. In fact, they are simply not being made to the same standards they used to be. I have spoken to loads of people, from Peers of the Realm to gardeners, all men who use these vital items of equipment, and we agree."

"This was never supposed to be public," said Paxman, "but someone needs to speak up on behalf of British men, because we are being let down, both figuratively and metaphorically. We deserve more attention." Referring to M&S's marketing of its womenswear, he said: "I see Twiggy on the back of buses but I don't see any blokes there. This needs to change."

A BBC colleague, asked to speculate if Paxman was a Y-front man, said: "No, I'd very much guess boxers. He's a sharp dresser, quite immaculately turned out. He rarely requires much time in make-up and has very expensive suits. He'd go for something stylish under there. We're right behind him on this."