Sir Salman Rushdie Reflects on UK’s Prejudice and Political Disappointment in Recent Interview
In a recent interview with LBC’s Tonight with Andrew Marr, Sir Salman Rushdie, renowned for his controversial novel “The Satanic Verses,” shared his thoughts on the current state of the UK and the resurgence of prejudice in society. He observed that the country is experiencing a decline not only in physical and economic terms but also in self-perception. “There is a sense in which it needed to happen, because England was always this small island which ended up somehow accidentally ruling a very large chunk of the world,” he remarked, suggesting that the end of the British Empire prompted necessary re-evaluation.
Rushdie expressed dismay over the rise of prejudice in the current climate, noting, “I think to some degree, yes,” in response to a question about the resurgence of casual racism in 2025. He recounted his own experiences with racism during his time at boarding school, emphasizing how deeply such experiences impact an individual’s psyche. “You never entirely forget it,” he explained, although he acknowledged he has moved past it and does not let it trouble him anymore.
As the interview progressed, Rushdie turned his attention to the political landscape, specifically criticizing Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government for losing momentum since its decisive victory in July 2024. When asked if he felt disappointed by the Labour Party, he candidly responded, “Yes,” while still expressing a willingness to support them if he had the opportunity to vote. He found it remarkable how quickly the government has become unpopular, stating, “That’s pretty impressive to become so unpopular so fast.”
Rushdie is no stranger to controversy and danger; he has faced numerous threats due to his works. His life significantly changed when a fatwa was issued against him by the Ayatollah of Iran after the publication of “The Satanic Verses.” More recently, he survived a violent attack in 2022, where he was stabbed multiple times by Hadi Matar, an assault that left him with permanent injuries, including blindness in one eye.
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In these discussions, Rushdie reflects a blend of nostalgia for the past and concern for the future, urging a deeper contemplation of societal dynamics in contemporary Britain.
