Quillette Podcast Sir Roger Scruton talks to Quillette's Toby Young about getting sacked by the British Government after being targeted by a Twitter mob
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Apr 15, 2019 Sir Roger Scruton, a prominent conservative philosopher and writer, discusses his controversial dismissal from a British government advisory role due to politically incorrect remarks. He delves into the implications for intellectual freedom, addressing the fallout from his statements on George Soros and immigration. Scruton also explores the complexities of Islamophobia, advocating for reasoned discourse. Reflecting on the political landscape, he emphasizes the need for open dialogue to counter modern intolerance and defend academic freedom.
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Sacked Over The Airwaves
- Sir Roger Scruton learned he was sacked while returning from Paris and heard about it via his secretary's phone call.
- He received no official explanation and never had the government tell him the reasons.
Soros As Institutional Force
- Scruton argues calling Soros's network an "empire" describes institutional influence, not an anti‑Semitic trope.
- He insists Soros acts politically as a Hungarian, promoting open borders through NGOs and universities.
Clarifying The China Comment
- A quoted fragment made Scruton appear to stereotype Chinese people, but he says the full remark targeted the Chinese Communist Party's push for conformity.
- He framed it as criticism of state-driven "robotization" rather than an ethnic insult.
