Why you should be proud to be English – and Rowling vs Campbell

About this episode

Michael and Maddie discuss English pride, the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, and the cultural debate surrounding J.K. Rowling and Alastair Campbell.

In this week’s Q&A: what should make you proud to be English? With St George’s Day prompting reflection, Michael and Maddie discuss the traditions, institutions and cultural inheritance that define England – from pubs and parishes to Shakespeare and the common law – and ask why celebrating them has become so contested. Also this week: was Queen Elizabeth II our greatest ever monarch? As Britain reflects on her legacy, they each make the case for their favourite monarchs. And finally: the row between J.K. Rowling and Alastair Campbell. Michael and Maddie assess whether the reaction to Rowling has proved her point – and what the debate reveals about the tone, tactics and tensions at the heart of Britain’s culture wars. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Michael, Maddie

Topics covered

• English pride
• cultural inheritance
• monarchs
• Queen Elizabeth II
• J.K. Rowling
• Alastair Campbell
• culture wars

Keywords

• English pride
• St George's Day
• Queen Elizabeth II
• J.K. Rowling
• Alastair Campbell
• culture wars
• monarchs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Spectator

Books & works: Shakespeare

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