political commentator * author * publisher * bookseller * radio presenter * blogger * Conservative candidate * former lobbyist * Jack Russell owner * West Ham United fanatic * Email iain AT iaindale DOT com
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Interviewing David Starkey
This afternoon I am interviewing David Starkey for the next issue of Total Politics. Is there a question you're burning to ask him? Let me know in the comments and I will see what I can do.
Questions: He is the product of a working class background/grammar school education. Does he favour the reintroduction of grammar schools? Does he feel bright working class children are missing out in today's education system?
What attracted him to study the Tudor period? What is its relevance to today?
What does he think of the way history is taught in schools? Does he feel that the concentration on topics and the abandonment of a chronological approach has been to the detriment of the historical understanding of pupils? Is there now too much emphasis in schools on a sociological approach to history rather than the "great man" emphasis in the past?
What does he think should be done with the BBC? Does he ever watch any reality shows on TV? Does he ever watch anything which some might consider "trash TV"?
What does he think of Phillipa Gregory's books? Does historical fiction encourage people to learn more about history or just promote half-truths and fantasy?
Which contemporary politician does he most admire (if any)?
Sorry to go on but there's lots I'd love to ask him. I'm envious of you doing the interview.
Does he think his championing of the Tyranny of Henry VIII in contrast to his Tutor GR Elton's championing f Thomas Cromwell and the Tudor revolution in Government reflect their differing politics?
I'd like to know his views on the future of the union. Are we going through, as I heard one historian put it, teething trouble or is it fatally weakened.
Starkey is brilliant. A fearless interrogator on the moral maize and a stout defender of the Union. I would pay to see him debate with Alec Salmond. The Question:
What are his views on Harriet Harman's attempts to "feminise" the House of Commons, The Labour Party, The City and society in general?
(Interestingly these efforts do not extend as far as the constituency in Leyton and Wanstead which her husband Jack Dromey, the nomination for which is contending. No all women shortlist there!)
One of my all time favourites. Can you please ask him why he's spent the last few years prattling on about Henry VIII on our TV's rather than attacking New Labour which he excelled at in his earlier incarnation as a Talksport radio host.
As someone who is vocally contemptuous of nationalism in the Celtic nations how do you reconcile your own, unashamed, English nationalism with the fact that most of the glories of England were achieved under the rule of the Welsh (Tudors) and the Scots (Stewarts) before England was finally put out of existence in 1707 with the acts of union?
Ooh, please ask him why he doesn't like us Welsh? Should be hours of fun with his answer.
I think it's because we Celts were here first, were civilised Romano-Britons, were Christians while England was in the Dark Ages and are still here. Jealous, really.
Interested to know whether David considers our Government's policy on Islam generally to be one of appeasement (in the sense of Dilks, 'to indicate something sinister, the granting from fear or cowardice of unwarranted concessions in order to buy temporary peace at someone else's expense'); whether he thinks the Megrahi fiasco, Brown's equivocal silence, is an indicator of such a policy, and what history teaches us about the likely outcome of such a strategy.
BTW, have just come across the most compelling account of the war in Afghanistan written by an American embedded with British units in Helmand Province. Astonishing accounts of duty, honor and service by our troops on an everyday basis that shames, and questions the integrity of, our politicians. It should be required reading by all of them, but, what a surprise- his embed status has been pulled without warning by the MOD. http://www.michaelyon-online.com/
Please ask him whether he believes that there should be an English parliament, or at least a referendum on whether the English want an English parliament.
"Out of the chaos of the Dark ages, the English created the Worlds first Nation state, one King, one Country, one church, one currency, never again would sovereignty pass down to a mere regional level, never again would the ideal and unity of England ever be challenged".
David Starkey, English Historian, Monarchy (2004)
"We are entering an era in which national government, instead of directing, enables powerful regional and local initiatives to work, where Britain becomes as it should be - a Britain of nations and regions"
Gordon Brown, unelected Scotch Dictator of England, Jan 2000
I would like to hear more of his thoughts on constitutional reform(he wants to democratise the Lords, also voting on the Prime Minster, and a cabinet outside of the HoC).
I would also like to hear his thoughts on why the Liberal Party collapsed in the early 20 th century(I did it for A level History).
I once heard him say that advertising was a branch of the art lying and he's had my respect ever since. (I can't back this up, so by all means delete if it's potentially libellous. It is true though.)
How about asking him to elaborate on his interesting view that the legislature and the executive should be separated?
ReplyDeleteAsk him his views on the three leaders. Brown, Cameron and Clegg?
ReplyDeleteWhy he appreciates the American political system?
What changes he would love to see developed in British Politics?
Does he see any dangers with the EU and our Monarchy?
Does he believe that history repeats itself and if so when can we expect a return from Oliver Cromwell?
It should be a truly interesting interview with this highly opinionated and well read man.
What punishment would Henry VIII have meted out to Gordon Brown for all he has done to the country?
ReplyDeleteQuestions:
ReplyDeleteHe is the product of a working class background/grammar school education. Does he favour the reintroduction of grammar schools?
Does he feel bright working class children are missing out in today's education system?
What attracted him to study the Tudor period? What is its relevance to today?
What does he think of the way history is taught in schools? Does he feel that the concentration on topics and the abandonment of a chronological approach has been to the detriment of the historical understanding of pupils? Is there now too much emphasis in schools on a sociological approach to history rather than the "great man" emphasis in the past?
What does he think should be done with the BBC? Does he ever watch any reality shows on TV? Does he ever watch anything which some might consider "trash TV"?
What does he think of Phillipa Gregory's books? Does historical fiction encourage people to learn more about history or just promote
half-truths and fantasy?
Which contemporary politician does he most admire (if any)?
Sorry to go on but there's lots I'd love to ask him. I'm envious of you doing the interview.
Does he think his championing of the Tyranny of Henry VIII in contrast to his Tutor GR Elton's championing f Thomas Cromwell and the Tudor revolution in Government reflect their differing politics?
ReplyDeleteLivy, Herodotus or Thucydides?
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know his views on the future of the union. Are we going through, as I heard one historian put it, teething trouble or is it fatally weakened.
ReplyDeleteStarkey is brilliant. A fearless interrogator on the moral maize and a stout defender of the Union. I would pay to see him debate with Alec Salmond. The Question:
ReplyDeleteWhat are his views on Harriet Harman's attempts to "feminise" the House of Commons, The Labour Party, The City and society in general?
(Interestingly these efforts do not extend as far as the constituency in Leyton and Wanstead which her husband Jack Dromey, the nomination for which is contending. No all women shortlist there!)
One of my all time favourites. Can you please ask him why he's spent the last few years prattling on about Henry VIII on our TV's rather than attacking New Labour which he excelled at in his earlier incarnation as a Talksport radio host.
ReplyDeletewhy doesn't he quit with the Tudors already, and write a book about 20th Century history?
ReplyDeleteWhy does he insist on over-pronouncing the "i" in Parliament? Why does he pronounce it at all?
ReplyDeleteAs someone who is vocally contemptuous of nationalism in the Celtic nations how do you reconcile your own, unashamed, English nationalism with the fact that most of the glories of England were achieved under the rule of the Welsh (Tudors) and the Scots (Stewarts) before England was finally put out of existence in 1707 with the acts of union?
ReplyDeleteWho is David Starkey?
ReplyDeleteWhat is Mr. Starkey's view on he future of the Royal Family? Will it survive?
ReplyDeleteAnd of course--who does he think this country needs as a leader?
Thanks, Iain
Could you perhaps ask him what his problem with Scotland and the Scots is?
ReplyDeleteHe really is an odious little man that has become a caricature of himself.
Ooh, please ask him why he doesn't like us Welsh? Should be hours of fun with his answer.
ReplyDeleteI think it's because we Celts were here first, were civilised Romano-Britons, were Christians while England was in the Dark Ages and are still here. Jealous, really.
Ask him why he has a tantrum with people who dare to disagree with him.
ReplyDeleteHe does rather behave like a spoilt child when on debate shows or pedants' wankfests as I like to call them.
Can't see him admiring anyone as much as he admires himself though...
Ask him what he thinks of the Al-Meghrahi issue and whether this justifies his contempt for the SNP. (And, yes, that was rhetorical!)
ReplyDeletehttp://ddtaylor88.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article on 'The Golden Generations' comparing those fighting in Ww2 with current engagement in Afghanistan!!!
Ask him what he thinks of Phillipa Gregory. He gives a rather outraged and amusing response.
ReplyDeleteInterested to know whether David considers our Government's policy on Islam generally to be one of appeasement (in the sense of Dilks, 'to indicate something sinister, the granting from fear or cowardice of unwarranted concessions in order to buy temporary peace at someone else's expense'); whether he thinks the Megrahi fiasco, Brown's equivocal silence, is an indicator of such a policy, and what history teaches us about the likely outcome of such a strategy.
ReplyDeleteBTW, have just come across the most compelling account of the war in Afghanistan written by an American embedded with British units in Helmand Province. Astonishing accounts of duty, honor and service by our troops on an everyday basis that shames, and questions the integrity of, our politicians. It should be required reading by all of them, but, what a surprise- his embed status has been pulled without warning by the MOD.
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/
On Question Time he referred to Scotland, Wales and Ireland as "feeble little countries". Could you ask him why he thinks so?
ReplyDeletePlease ask him whether he believes that there should be an English parliament, or at least a referendum on whether the English want an English parliament.
ReplyDeleteIs Conservative history really progressive?
ReplyDelete"Out of the chaos of the Dark ages, the English created the Worlds first Nation state, one King, one Country, one church, one currency, never again would sovereignty pass down to a mere regional level, never again would the ideal and unity of England ever be challenged".
ReplyDeleteDavid Starkey, English Historian, Monarchy (2004)
"We are entering an era in which national government, instead of directing, enables powerful regional and local initiatives to work, where Britain becomes as it should be - a Britain of nations and regions"
Gordon Brown, unelected Scotch Dictator of England, Jan 2000
Illustration
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/676/starkeyvbroon4.jpg
I'd be pleased if you asked him what he really thinks of Henry VIII - one of his shorter answers would be ideal.
ReplyDeleteDear Dr Starkers,
ReplyDeleteWould you like to play Cromwell along side Dave Cameron's Henry VIII in a dissolution of the Quangos?
You could ask about Hutch, how is he these days?
ReplyDeleteHas the British mindset altered for the better now, over the last century?
ReplyDeleteHave we really learned anything from our ancestral history which gives us a greater advantage over other Europeans?
I would like to hear more of his thoughts on constitutional reform(he wants to democratise the Lords, also voting on the Prime Minster, and a cabinet outside of the HoC).
ReplyDeleteI would also like to hear his thoughts on why the Liberal Party collapsed in the early 20 th century(I did it for A level History).
I once heard him say that advertising was a branch of the art lying and he's had my respect ever since. (I can't back this up, so by all means delete if it's potentially libellous. It is true though.)
ReplyDelete