'Feeble nation' jibe sparks row
MPs are demanding an apology over remarks made by the outspoken
historian Dr David Starkey.
Dr Starkey described Scotland as a "feeble little nation" and said
Robert Burns was a "deeply boring provincial poet."
He made the comments on the BBC's Question Time programme after he was
asked if he supported a public holiday for St George's Day.
Dr Starkey has refused to apologise and says he stands by his comments.
To boos from the audience, Dr Starkey said: "If we decide to go down
this route of having an English national day, that means we become a
feeble little country, just like the Scots and the Welsh and the Irish.
“ His attitude and flippancy insults Scots and he should apologise ”
Brian Donohoe MP for Central Ayrshire
"Once upon a time England was a great country. Remember we're
distinguished by the fact that we don't have national dress.
"We don't make a great fuss about Shakespeare like the Scots do about
that deeply boring provincial poet Burns."
He said England did not have national music "like the awful bagpipes".
"What the Scots and Welsh are, are typical small nations with a romantic
19th Century-style nationalism,
After Thursday's broadcast, some viewers rang the BBC switchboard to
complain, with one describing his remarks as "racist and hurtful to the
Scottish people."
Another said the comments were offensive and derogatory.
'Nothing to add'
Russell Brown, Labour MP for Dumfries and Galloway, said: "This is a
silly remark but one that many people will find offensive.
"Mr Starkey's apparent willingness to write off the entire nation of
Scotland as 'feeble' shows that a knowledge of history doesn't make you
understand the reality of modern life in different parts of the UK.
"Scots don't spend their days walking around in kilts playing the
bagpipes and reciting Tam o'Shanter, but that doesn't make us any less
proud of that part of our history and culture."
Brian Donohoe, Labour MP for Central Ayrshire, said: "Some people don't
like Burns' poems, and there is no requirement that they should.
"But to describe Burns' vibrantly engaging work as 'boring' suggests
that Dr Starkey doesn't know what he's talking about.
"His attitude and flippancy insults Scots and he should apologise. "
For the Scottish Government, Culture Minister Michael Russell said:
"These are unfortunate and silly comments from someone who has a proven
track record in courting controversy.
"I would be delighted to welcome Dr Starkey to Scotland so that he can
discover the truth about our country and find out for himself about our
rich culture and history.
"Sadly, I fear that there may be no point in extending such an
invitation, as Dr Starkey seems to relish being ill-informed and does
not appear to have an open mind when it comes to Scotland and what we
have to offer as a nation."
A spokesman for the historian said he made the comments in an open
debate and had "nothing more to add."
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2009/04/24 12:42:33 GMT
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