This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/culture/live/2015/mar/19/ukip-culture-spokesman-peter-whittle-webchat

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Webchat with Ukip's culture spokesman Peter Whittle - as it happened Election 2015 culture webchat: Ukip's Peter Whittle - as it happened
(4 days later)
2.14pm GMT14:142.14pm GMT14:14
That's it! Thanks to everyone who asked a questionThat's it! Thanks to everyone who asked a question
Thanks for your questions, which seemed to get a little bit less hostile as we went along!Thanks for your questions, which seemed to get a little bit less hostile as we went along!
2.13pm GMT14:132.13pm GMT14:13
VolstedGridban asks:VolstedGridban asks:
Seeing as the British generally don’t give a damn about the arts,what then would be some of your ideas to ‘bring it to them’?Seeing as the British generally don’t give a damn about the arts,what then would be some of your ideas to ‘bring it to them’?
Well, for people who apparently give a damn about the arts we've produced a hell of a lot of it!Well, for people who apparently give a damn about the arts we've produced a hell of a lot of it!
2.12pm GMT14:122.12pm GMT14:12
HamishPK asks:HamishPK asks:
Britain has suffered from many waves of foreign artistic imports, especially from Europe, each changing and diminishing our native cultural and arts scene: Mozart, Beethoven, Handel, Wagner, Schubert, Dvorak etc etc. Not to mention the worthless books written by Nabokov, Victor Hugo, Tolstoy, Kundera, Dostoyevsky, Checkov. How would UKIP prevent such losses to our culture and arts scene from happening in future?Britain has suffered from many waves of foreign artistic imports, especially from Europe, each changing and diminishing our native cultural and arts scene: Mozart, Beethoven, Handel, Wagner, Schubert, Dvorak etc etc. Not to mention the worthless books written by Nabokov, Victor Hugo, Tolstoy, Kundera, Dostoyevsky, Checkov. How would UKIP prevent such losses to our culture and arts scene from happening in future?
Heavy sarcasm! Its pluralism is one of the brilliant aspects of our culture. I don't see having a fair, ethical immigration policy as being antithetical to that.Heavy sarcasm! Its pluralism is one of the brilliant aspects of our culture. I don't see having a fair, ethical immigration policy as being antithetical to that.
2.03pm GMT14:032.03pm GMT14:03
"I think the capacity for culture alone to create regeneration is limited""I think the capacity for culture alone to create regeneration is limited"
_garrilla asks:_garrilla asks:
What is your take on Culture-lead Regeneration. Is this something that UKIP think is important?What is your take on Culture-lead Regeneration. Is this something that UKIP think is important?
While I love some of the things that have been done in some of our towns and cities, I think the capacity for culture alone to create regeneration is limited. Fact is, in the end, you need a strong economy, a strong local economy with proper foundations.While I love some of the things that have been done in some of our towns and cities, I think the capacity for culture alone to create regeneration is limited. Fact is, in the end, you need a strong economy, a strong local economy with proper foundations.
Updated at 2.03pm GMTUpdated at 2.03pm GMT
2.01pm GMT14:012.01pm GMT14:01
TheMarxOfProgress asks:TheMarxOfProgress asks:
How does UKIP justify continued subsidises for media which are primarily the preserve of the richHow does UKIP justify continued subsidises for media which are primarily the preserve of the rich
I fundamentally disagree that museums and galleries, or theatre, are the preserve of the rich. Go to South Kensington museums on any weekend, on any holiday, and you will see thousands of families and people who certainly wouldn't consider themselves rich. I would add to this that certainly there will always be certain creative endeavours, certain artforms, which will always need public funding, simply by their very nature, opera being one. Some sort of subsidy would always be needed - it's just a question of getting the right balance between the public and the private.I fundamentally disagree that museums and galleries, or theatre, are the preserve of the rich. Go to South Kensington museums on any weekend, on any holiday, and you will see thousands of families and people who certainly wouldn't consider themselves rich. I would add to this that certainly there will always be certain creative endeavours, certain artforms, which will always need public funding, simply by their very nature, opera being one. Some sort of subsidy would always be needed - it's just a question of getting the right balance between the public and the private.
1.59pm GMT13:591.59pm GMT13:59
"One of my concerns has been the effect of the policy of multiculturalism in Britain.""One of my concerns has been the effect of the policy of multiculturalism in Britain."
JTaylor52 asks:JTaylor52 asks:
Could you please enlighten us and define British-ness and British culture? Because you seem to define it so easily while the rest of us consider it a more abstract concept.Could you please enlighten us and define British-ness and British culture? Because you seem to define it so easily while the rest of us consider it a more abstract concept.
The debate about British identity has been going on for some time now. So to that extent we in Ukip are part of the zeitgeist. But when it comes to defining it I would say that the best way is to look at fundamental values that we share. I would say first of all that it is the rule of law and that's one law for all, equality before the law. And also it is freedom of speech within the law. I'd also say you could put into the mix a form of pragmatism and a general dislike of ideology. But the point is, and this is fundamental: Britain is open to anybody, whatever ethnicity or religion, who wishes to be part of our values.The debate about British identity has been going on for some time now. So to that extent we in Ukip are part of the zeitgeist. But when it comes to defining it I would say that the best way is to look at fundamental values that we share. I would say first of all that it is the rule of law and that's one law for all, equality before the law. And also it is freedom of speech within the law. I'd also say you could put into the mix a form of pragmatism and a general dislike of ideology. But the point is, and this is fundamental: Britain is open to anybody, whatever ethnicity or religion, who wishes to be part of our values.
One of my concerns has been the effect of the policy of multiculturalism in Britain. We've been hearing from Trevor Phillips this week, but in fact it was around ten years ago that he first mentioned his concerns about where multiculturalism might be leading us, in terms of becoming more segregated and fragmented as a society. So again, our concerns in Ukip are ones that are to the fore across the public debate. I think what multiculturalism in its worst form did was say that people didn't need to integrate and that indeed it wasn't even necessary for them to, and consequently that approach has left a situation where in fact we do have an alarming amount of separateness. That is the case in London as well as around the country. So part of our cultural policy is to try to emphasise that we are so much stronger together, unified, whatever our ethnicity or nationality.One of my concerns has been the effect of the policy of multiculturalism in Britain. We've been hearing from Trevor Phillips this week, but in fact it was around ten years ago that he first mentioned his concerns about where multiculturalism might be leading us, in terms of becoming more segregated and fragmented as a society. So again, our concerns in Ukip are ones that are to the fore across the public debate. I think what multiculturalism in its worst form did was say that people didn't need to integrate and that indeed it wasn't even necessary for them to, and consequently that approach has left a situation where in fact we do have an alarming amount of separateness. That is the case in London as well as around the country. So part of our cultural policy is to try to emphasise that we are so much stronger together, unified, whatever our ethnicity or nationality.
I think that my experience of living in the US brought home to me how well, relatively speaking, America manages this. There is a kind of unifying sense of being an American whatever your religion or ethnicity. And indeed there is a pride in that. But America didn't take the multicultural approach. Consequently, it manages to be, again relatively speaking, a cohesive society, socially.I think that my experience of living in the US brought home to me how well, relatively speaking, America manages this. There is a kind of unifying sense of being an American whatever your religion or ethnicity. And indeed there is a pride in that. But America didn't take the multicultural approach. Consequently, it manages to be, again relatively speaking, a cohesive society, socially.
I think that the point about pride is quite important, because of course you can't expect people to integrate into something which appears to be in some way despised, or in some way something to be ashamed of. And I think that is the problem that we've had for quite a few years in Britain. I think that patriotism of a benign sort can be a force for good. We saw that during the Olympics and the diamond jubilee. It unites people wherever they're from. And I'm not talking about nationalism, which to me is bellicose and exclusive.I think that the point about pride is quite important, because of course you can't expect people to integrate into something which appears to be in some way despised, or in some way something to be ashamed of. And I think that is the problem that we've had for quite a few years in Britain. I think that patriotism of a benign sort can be a force for good. We saw that during the Olympics and the diamond jubilee. It unites people wherever they're from. And I'm not talking about nationalism, which to me is bellicose and exclusive.
Updated at 1.59pm GMTUpdated at 1.59pm GMT
1.45pm GMT13:451.45pm GMT13:45
"There is in Ukip itself a real pride in the country outside London""There is in Ukip itself a real pride in the country outside London"
Igstar asks:Igstar asks:
Would Ukip alter the balance of arts funding to stop the vast majority being poured into London?Would Ukip alter the balance of arts funding to stop the vast majority being poured into London?
Certainly I think that there is a real London-centrism which really needs to be rebalanced. Not just in terms of funding but also in terms of outlook. I think that for many people in London there is a sense that if it doesn't happen here, it's not happening. Whereas we have got the most wonderful cultural centres throughout the country. I say that as someone who is a born and bred Londoner, so I count myself very lucky with what is on offer here. But nevertheless I think generally culture does suffer from what is a broader sense of London having an overpowering significance.Certainly I think that there is a real London-centrism which really needs to be rebalanced. Not just in terms of funding but also in terms of outlook. I think that for many people in London there is a sense that if it doesn't happen here, it's not happening. Whereas we have got the most wonderful cultural centres throughout the country. I say that as someone who is a born and bred Londoner, so I count myself very lucky with what is on offer here. But nevertheless I think generally culture does suffer from what is a broader sense of London having an overpowering significance.
There is in Ukip itself a real pride in the country outside London, and people feel very rightly proud of their local cultural centres. But of course I think the challenge would also be to make sure that private givers to the arts look much further afield than the M25.There is in Ukip itself a real pride in the country outside London, and people feel very rightly proud of their local cultural centres. But of course I think the challenge would also be to make sure that private givers to the arts look much further afield than the M25.
1.37pm GMT13:371.37pm GMT13:37
Howie Reid asks:Howie Reid asks:
Who is your favourite painter?Who is your favourite painter?
I don't have a favourite, but there are a number I have loved for years. I recently visited Budapest to see the brilliant Caravaggio exhibition and I thought that what Derek Jarman did with his film was one of the best representations of an artist and art on film. Another one would be Love is the Devil, which was the film about Francis Bacon. With Caravaggio, I love the sensuality of it, and the movement of it.I don't have a favourite, but there are a number I have loved for years. I recently visited Budapest to see the brilliant Caravaggio exhibition and I thought that what Derek Jarman did with his film was one of the best representations of an artist and art on film. Another one would be Love is the Devil, which was the film about Francis Bacon. With Caravaggio, I love the sensuality of it, and the movement of it.
I do love portraiture. When I was a kid, I used to take myself off to the National Portrait Gallery I think from the age of about 12. And looking back now I realise I learned a huge amount about history and the development of art from those visits, probably unconsciously. But it's always fascinated me. Around that same time, I first got to know about David Hockney and I'd have to say he's remained pretty much one of my favourites ever since. There was recently a great documentary on BBC2 about him. I think there's no question that when I first got to know Hockney it was probably when I was becoming more sexually aware, so that played a part in it. But I think it was the beauty of the Californian sky and the swimming pools that did it for me. Sure enough, I went to live there much much later.I do love portraiture. When I was a kid, I used to take myself off to the National Portrait Gallery I think from the age of about 12. And looking back now I realise I learned a huge amount about history and the development of art from those visits, probably unconsciously. But it's always fascinated me. Around that same time, I first got to know about David Hockney and I'd have to say he's remained pretty much one of my favourites ever since. There was recently a great documentary on BBC2 about him. I think there's no question that when I first got to know Hockney it was probably when I was becoming more sexually aware, so that played a part in it. But I think it was the beauty of the Californian sky and the swimming pools that did it for me. Sure enough, I went to live there much much later.
Alongside that Lucien Freud, and of other people working today I think the portraitist Jonathan Yeo is superb.Alongside that Lucien Freud, and of other people working today I think the portraitist Jonathan Yeo is superb.
I mentioned films there briefly. I'd say that movies along with music are perhaps my greatest love. And on and off for 20 years I've made part of my living as a film critic.I mentioned films there briefly. I'd say that movies along with music are perhaps my greatest love. And on and off for 20 years I've made part of my living as a film critic.
1.35pm GMT13:351.35pm GMT13:35
keithmiller92562 asks:keithmiller92562 asks:
Why does UKIP take criticism so badly?Why does UKIP take criticism so badly?
I don't think we take criticism badly at all. There's certainly been a huge amount of it, and of course that would be because the established parties are genuinely frightened and threatened by us.I don't think we take criticism badly at all. There's certainly been a huge amount of it, and of course that would be because the established parties are genuinely frightened and threatened by us.
1.31pm GMT13:311.31pm GMT13:31
"The whole point of art is to be absolutely free""The whole point of art is to be absolutely free"
Samosofsamos whether a liberal/left bias in the arts, if it exists, causes that work to be “less valid”.Samosofsamos whether a liberal/left bias in the arts, if it exists, causes that work to be “less valid”.
The New Culture Forum, which I set up eight years ago, works quite independently of my role in Ukip. And that's how it will remain. However, to the broader point, of course even if I disagreed with what is being expressed by a piece of art, it certainly doesn't mean it's less valid. For example, I imagine that David Hare and I would be quite a few feet apart politically but I've always loved his plays. Mainly because they are about ideas. Indeed, one of the most memorable nights I had at the theatre was back in the 90s watching Judi Dench in Amy's View. Quite remarkable. So no, of course, the whole point of art is to be absolutely free.The New Culture Forum, which I set up eight years ago, works quite independently of my role in Ukip. And that's how it will remain. However, to the broader point, of course even if I disagreed with what is being expressed by a piece of art, it certainly doesn't mean it's less valid. For example, I imagine that David Hare and I would be quite a few feet apart politically but I've always loved his plays. Mainly because they are about ideas. Indeed, one of the most memorable nights I had at the theatre was back in the 90s watching Judi Dench in Amy's View. Quite remarkable. So no, of course, the whole point of art is to be absolutely free.
1.28pm GMT13:281.28pm GMT13:28
"There is nothing homophobic about Ukip""There is nothing homophobic about Ukip"
CeilingCat asks a question referencing past homophobia in the party, referencing this now ex-councillor’s statement:When the Somerset levels flooded did you feel secretly responsible?CeilingCat asks a question referencing past homophobia in the party, referencing this now ex-councillor’s statement:When the Somerset levels flooded did you feel secretly responsible?
Well, did anybody really take that comment by that councillor seriously? The irony is he actually was a Tory councillor when he made it. There is nothing homophobic about Ukip. When we won the European elections last year, of our 24 MEPs, we had 7 women, and one gay man. There's myself, and indeed last night, I was with 3 of my colleagues all standing as Parliamentary candidates in London, all gay men. When I was out campaigning in Eltham last week, three of my team of ten helpers were gay. Not bad going for the party that's been accused of being homophobic.Well, did anybody really take that comment by that councillor seriously? The irony is he actually was a Tory councillor when he made it. There is nothing homophobic about Ukip. When we won the European elections last year, of our 24 MEPs, we had 7 women, and one gay man. There's myself, and indeed last night, I was with 3 of my colleagues all standing as Parliamentary candidates in London, all gay men. When I was out campaigning in Eltham last week, three of my team of ten helpers were gay. Not bad going for the party that's been accused of being homophobic.
I would say that on the issue of gay marriage, that is no longer an issue for the party. Besides which, unlike the other parties, we are genuinely a broad church and so many people were always in favour of gay marriage in the party, including me. I have never encountered homophobia in Ukip. I seem to remember coming across it much more commonly when I was in the Tory party quite a few years ago.I would say that on the issue of gay marriage, that is no longer an issue for the party. Besides which, unlike the other parties, we are genuinely a broad church and so many people were always in favour of gay marriage in the party, including me. I have never encountered homophobia in Ukip. I seem to remember coming across it much more commonly when I was in the Tory party quite a few years ago.
1.24pm GMT13:241.24pm GMT13:24
daveW72 asks:daveW72 asks:
If the arts are a public good, should their production and access to them be publicly funded? And an example of something you like?If the arts are a public good, should their production and access to them be publicly funded? And an example of something you like?
Yes, of course there should always be public funding for the arts. Basically the arts are what we are as people, they are of paramount importance.Yes, of course there should always be public funding for the arts. Basically the arts are what we are as people, they are of paramount importance.
I would say in answer to the question about the liberal lens, I think it's best to say that it's what one doesn't see. So for example some of the very big issues that people are concerned about whether it's climate change, immigration, even the EU, these sorts of issues tend to be remarkable by their absence from the arts sphere.I would say in answer to the question about the liberal lens, I think it's best to say that it's what one doesn't see. So for example some of the very big issues that people are concerned about whether it's climate change, immigration, even the EU, these sorts of issues tend to be remarkable by their absence from the arts sphere.
An example of something I liked recently: I thought Mike Bartlett's play King Charles III was quite brilliant. Politically very sophisticated, very nuanced; I could not tell whether he was a republican or monarchist, and it's not the point. It was a highly topical piece of drama which I thought was superbly formed and frankly I'm in awe of somebody who can do something like that. And indeed so young.An example of something I liked recently: I thought Mike Bartlett's play King Charles III was quite brilliant. Politically very sophisticated, very nuanced; I could not tell whether he was a republican or monarchist, and it's not the point. It was a highly topical piece of drama which I thought was superbly formed and frankly I'm in awe of somebody who can do something like that. And indeed so young.
1.19pm GMT13:191.19pm GMT13:19
"we've got quite used to people making jokes about us""we've got quite used to people making jokes about us"
Alarming asks:Alarming asks:
What’s your policy on satire? Is it okay when it’s people you don’t like but not allowable when you’re the target?What’s your policy on satire? Is it okay when it’s people you don’t like but not allowable when you’re the target?
I think the time that a political party has a policy on satire will truly be dead. Of course, we've grown quite tough skins and we've got quite used to people making jokes about us, it's all part of the political game.I think the time that a political party has a policy on satire will truly be dead. Of course, we've grown quite tough skins and we've got quite used to people making jokes about us, it's all part of the political game.
Apologies: to reiterate, I think the time that a political party has a policy on satire, satire will truly be dead. Of course, we've grown quite tough skins and we've got quite used to people making jokes about us, it's all part of the political game.Apologies: to reiterate, I think the time that a political party has a policy on satire, satire will truly be dead. Of course, we've grown quite tough skins and we've got quite used to people making jokes about us, it's all part of the political game.
Updated at 1.22pm GMTUpdated at 1.22pm GMT
1.17pm GMT13:171.17pm GMT13:17
"I talk about what you might call cultural issues, such as multiculturalism, right through to the arts.""I talk about what you might call cultural issues, such as multiculturalism, right through to the arts."
LadyEff asks:LadyEff asks:
The digests of your education and culture policies on your website do not mention the arts at all. What in fact are your policies in relation to the arts?The digests of your education and culture policies on your website do not mention the arts at all. What in fact are your policies in relation to the arts?
I'd explain that my brief is as culture spokesman, and in Ukip we have defined that quite widely. So that means that I talk about what you might call cultural issues, such as multiculturalism, right through to the arts. However, I would say that perhaps one of the reasons why I was asked to do it, is that my background, my adult career, has almost all been connected to the arts. I was a arts programme maker for quite a few years both here and in America where I lived for five years, and then covered the arts on a freelance basis for many papers. So I think that probably I've got a better working knowledge of many of the issues than many of my counterparts.I'd explain that my brief is as culture spokesman, and in Ukip we have defined that quite widely. So that means that I talk about what you might call cultural issues, such as multiculturalism, right through to the arts. However, I would say that perhaps one of the reasons why I was asked to do it, is that my background, my adult career, has almost all been connected to the arts. I was a arts programme maker for quite a few years both here and in America where I lived for five years, and then covered the arts on a freelance basis for many papers. So I think that probably I've got a better working knowledge of many of the issues than many of my counterparts.
But specifically in terms of the arts, as I've just mentioned, the need to try to create a better culture of philanthropy is certainly a priority, and of course we have also stated that we would review the BBC licence fee with a view to its reduction. And certainly we would aim to take non-payment out of the criminal justice system.But specifically in terms of the arts, as I've just mentioned, the need to try to create a better culture of philanthropy is certainly a priority, and of course we have also stated that we would review the BBC licence fee with a view to its reduction. And certainly we would aim to take non-payment out of the criminal justice system.
Updated at 1.17pm GMTUpdated at 1.17pm GMT
1.14pm GMT13:141.14pm GMT13:14
decaston asks about likely cuts to culture budgets after the next election, and whether Ukip would do anything differently to the main parties.decaston asks about likely cuts to culture budgets after the next election, and whether Ukip would do anything differently to the main parties.
I would certainly hope we can do better. One thing about Ukip is we care enormously about the arts, and I care enormously. And so what I think we will also try and do is to create a culture of greater giving and philanthropy for the arts, alongside public expenditure. In Britain we've certainly had attempts to create more of an atmosphere which is more conducive to philanthropy but it's always been somewhat half-hearted.I would certainly hope we can do better. One thing about Ukip is we care enormously about the arts, and I care enormously. And so what I think we will also try and do is to create a culture of greater giving and philanthropy for the arts, alongside public expenditure. In Britain we've certainly had attempts to create more of an atmosphere which is more conducive to philanthropy but it's always been somewhat half-hearted.
I think that the point to make really is that as Boris Johnson told us recently, London is home to something like 72 billionaires, and he was very proud of that fact - well, I'm not too worried about the billionaires, but I think there is that sort of money there we should surely try to encourage people to support the cultural life of the whole country. I think possibly the challenge is that much of the modern rich, super-rich, are somewhat disembodied. It's a different kind of rich now compared to even the recent past. Often they're absentees, and it's much more of a strange international gathering if you like. But the fact is that if they're here, it would be great if they put something back. However, that will be the challenge, and I think that's one way we should make sure the arts benefit as they should do.I think that the point to make really is that as Boris Johnson told us recently, London is home to something like 72 billionaires, and he was very proud of that fact - well, I'm not too worried about the billionaires, but I think there is that sort of money there we should surely try to encourage people to support the cultural life of the whole country. I think possibly the challenge is that much of the modern rich, super-rich, are somewhat disembodied. It's a different kind of rich now compared to even the recent past. Often they're absentees, and it's much more of a strange international gathering if you like. But the fact is that if they're here, it would be great if they put something back. However, that will be the challenge, and I think that's one way we should make sure the arts benefit as they should do.
Updated at 1.15pm GMTUpdated at 1.15pm GMT
1.10pm GMT13:101.10pm GMT13:10
ID2960112 kicks us off with the first question:ID2960112 kicks us off with the first question:
It’s Ukip policy to abolish the DCMS, why do you even exist?It’s Ukip policy to abolish the DCMS, why do you even exist?
Why do I exist? Well, the Arts Council existed before DCMS, as did the National Theatre, the RSC, and there was even a minister for the arts before DCMS. So I think there's every reason why I should exist. DCMS is quite a different thing - it has only been there for 20 years, and culture is quite a different thing to rather bloated bureaucracy. The things that DCMS does could be done by other departments in government - one would have to take a good look at where the various functions were alloted though.Why do I exist? Well, the Arts Council existed before DCMS, as did the National Theatre, the RSC, and there was even a minister for the arts before DCMS. So I think there's every reason why I should exist. DCMS is quite a different thing - it has only been there for 20 years, and culture is quite a different thing to rather bloated bureaucracy. The things that DCMS does could be done by other departments in government - one would have to take a good look at where the various functions were alloted though.
1.06pm GMT13:061.06pm GMT13:06
The webchat is underwayThe webchat is underway
Peter has arrived at Guardian Towers, and is busy answering your questions. Want to ask him something? Post them in the comments section below.Peter has arrived at Guardian Towers, and is busy answering your questions. Want to ask him something? Post them in the comments section below.
9.14am GMT09:149.14am GMT09:14
Post your questions for Peter WhittlePost your questions for Peter Whittle
Following Labour’s shadow arts minister Chris Bryant, Ukip’s Peter Whittle is the next in our series of pre-election webchats, where the main parties’ culture heads take your questions on their stance on the arts – from how funding is allotted nationwide, to what they enjoy watching and listening to.Following Labour’s shadow arts minister Chris Bryant, Ukip’s Peter Whittle is the next in our series of pre-election webchats, where the main parties’ culture heads take your questions on their stance on the arts – from how funding is allotted nationwide, to what they enjoy watching and listening to.
Whittle is running for the Eltham seat in south east London, and is Ukip’s culture spokesman. He himself is an author, having written pop-sociological books like Being British: What’s Wrong With It? and Look at Me, an examination of contemporary narcissism. A vocal critic of multiculturalism, he has suggested that schools should fly the Union Jack.Whittle is running for the Eltham seat in south east London, and is Ukip’s culture spokesman. He himself is an author, having written pop-sociological books like Being British: What’s Wrong With It? and Look at Me, an examination of contemporary narcissism. A vocal critic of multiculturalism, he has suggested that schools should fly the Union Jack.
Whittle is openly gay, and many have pointed to him as an example of Ukip’s diversity. He is also the founder of right-wing think tank The New Culture Forum, which encourages debate about the arts through a less liberal lens, and promotes a strong national culture.Whittle is openly gay, and many have pointed to him as an example of Ukip’s diversity. He is also the founder of right-wing think tank The New Culture Forum, which encourages debate about the arts through a less liberal lens, and promotes a strong national culture.
He joins us to answer your questions from 1pm on Friday 20 March. Post them in the comments below, and he’ll answer as many as possible – but please focus on questions pertaining to Ukip’s stance on arts and culture.He joins us to answer your questions from 1pm on Friday 20 March. Post them in the comments below, and he’ll answer as many as possible – but please focus on questions pertaining to Ukip’s stance on arts and culture.