Tanjil Rashid

Join James Marriott, a sharp columnist for The Times and keen critic, alongside Tanjil Rashid, the New Statesman’s fresh culture editor, as they dissect the decline of English literature in education and society. They delve into alarming statistics on literacy among teenagers and discuss literature's fading significance in a digital world. The conversation touches on literature’s evolution from mere entertainment to a tool for moral and political engagement, pondering the repercussions of our shifting reading habits in an age dominated by quick media.

Tanjil Rashid, culture editor, and Finn McRedmond, staff writer, delve into summer's must-read books. They discuss the evolving portrayal of Britain's white working class, linking societal narratives to personal anecdotes. Unique beach reads like Suetonius' 'The Lives of the Caesars' are highlighted, alongside a cheeky take on Prince Andrew's biography. The duo navigates classic literature, exploring Wharton's societal themes and Hemingway's expatriate disillusionment, while also touching on the darker introspections found in 'The Dwarf' and its reflections on morality.

Tanjil Rashid, the Culture Editor at the New Statesman, dives deep into the current immigration landscape in Britain. He discusses the alarming rise in deportation rhetoric and its impact on national identity. Rashid emphasizes the dehumanization of asylum seekers amidst disturbing political narratives. He connects today’s immigration policies to historical ideologies, pointing out the lasting effects of past speeches on modern nationalism. The conversation sheds light on Britain's evolving humanitarian obligations and the complexities of belonging in a multicultural society.