Skip to content
 
Search

Latest Stories

Rushdie wants arts to be free from government interference

The discussion arose amid criticism surrounding the English National Opera’s (ENO) relocation away from London

Rushdie wants arts to be free from government interference
Easterneye.Biz Staff
By Easterneye.Biz StaffJul 04, 2023
Easterneye.Biz Staff
See Full Bio

Celebrated author Sir Salman Rushdie expressed his support for keeping the arts free from government interference at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards on Sunday (02).

The discussion arose amid criticism surrounding the English National Opera's (ENO) relocation away from London.

Rushdie echoed comments made by Melvyn Bragg, who highlighted the increasing influence of the government on Arts Council decisions.

Rushdie, who received an Outstanding Achievement award, emphasised the importance of defending the arts and commended the fight against political intervention, The Telegraph reported.

Earlier in the event, Melvyn Bragg, who hosted the awards, backed ENO director Richard Jones' criticism of the government's request to move the organisation in exchange for additional funding.

Bragg emphasised the traditional "arm's length principle" that governed arts funding without government involvement and urged arts professionals to resist such changes.

The ENO won the award for Best Opera for its production of Rhinegold.

The ENO is currently considering several cities as its potential new home, including Hull, Newcastle, Birmingham, Nottingham, Truro, and Manchester.

Meanwhile, the government has faced accusations of "cultural vandalism" for redirecting funding amounting to millions of pounds from renowned venues like the National Theatre and Royal Opera House.

Rushdie emerged as a major winner at the 27th South Bank Awards, held at the Savoy in London.

The author expressed his honour at receiving the award alongside other remarkable figures representing various art forms.

Notable winners of the night included Sally Wainwright's Happy Valley for Best TV Drama and Tom Crewe's debut novel The New Life, exploring homosexuality in 19th-century Britain, which secured the Literature Prize.

The theatre award went to Prima Facie, featuring Killing Eve star Judie Comer.

Reflecting on the event's winners and performers, Bragg highlighted the continuous excellence of British artists across all genres.

He lauded the indomitable spirit of the arts in Britain as a shining example for other industries.

news sourcesbreaking news uknewspaper articlesnewspaper websiteengland newspaper

Related News

Kendrick Lamar and SZA
Entertainment

Kendrick Lamar and SZA light up Birmingham with a dazzling Grand National Tour stop

More For You

Essex ladybird invasion

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear

Dee-anne Markiewicz / SWNS

Swarms of ladybirds invade Essex coastline amid soaring temperatures

Highlights:

  • Ladybird swarms reported across Essex and Suffolk coastal towns
  • Hot weather likely driving the sudden surge in population
  • Sightings include Point Clear, Shoebury, Clacton and Felixstowe
  • Similar outbreaks occurred in 1976 during another hot UK summer

Sudden surge in ladybird numbers across the southeast

Millions of ladybirds have been spotted swarming towns and villages along the Essex coast, with similar sightings stretching into Suffolk. Residents have reported unusually high numbers of the red and black-spotted insects, particularly near coastal areas, with the recent hot weather believed to be a major contributing factor.

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear, a village near St Osyth in Essex, where the insects could be seen piling on top of each other on driftwood and plants.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kapil Sharma

Kapil Sharma’s Canada cafe shot at days after opening

Instagram/ginnichatrath

Kapil Sharma’s Canadian café targeted in shooting, Khalistani terrorist cites mockery of Nihang Sikhs as motive

Highlights:

  • Shots were fired at Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma, just days after its opening.
  • Khalistani extremist Harjit Singh Laddi, linked to banned group BKI, claimed responsibility.
  • The motive cited was an old comedy segment from The Kapil Sharma Show that allegedly mocked Nihang Sikhs.
  • No injuries were reported; Canadian authorities are investigating the incident.

Comedian Kapil Sharma’s recently launched Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, was the target of a shooting in the early hours of 10 July. Though no one was harmed, the property sustained significant damage. A known Khalistani extremist, Harjit Singh Laddi, has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing perceived religious disrespect on The Kapil Sharma Show.

 Kap\u2019s Cafe in Surrey  Kap’s Cafe in Surrey was struck by gunfire late at night with staff still insideInstagram/thekapscafe_

Keep ReadingShow less
Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

Models depicting migrants wearing life jackets in a small boat alongside two banners reading 'Stop the boats' and 'Veterans before refugees' are displayed on top a bonfire in Moygashel, Northern Ireland, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by PETER MURPHY/AFP via Getty Images)

Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

POLICE in Northern Ireland have launched a hate crime investigation after a bonfire topped with effigies of migrants in a boat was set alight in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone.

The incident, which took place on Thursday (10) night, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, church officials, and human rights groups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navratri festival in Wembley

A similar event held at the same site last year resulted in a planning enforcement notice being issued due to complaints of noise and disturbance.

Getty Images

Navratri festival in Wembley faces objections

A PROPOSED 10-day Hindu festival in Wembley, north London, has drawn objections over concerns about noise and disruption in the area.

Asian Events Media (AEM) has applied to Brent Council to host the Navratri celebration at Alperton Studios from September 22 to October 1, according to The London Standard.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

Asim Munir

Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

PAKISTAN’S army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday (7) rejected Delhi’s allegation that his military received active support from longtime ally China in its conflict with India in May.

The Indian Army’s deputy chief, Lieutenant General Rahul Singh, said last week that China gave Islamabad “live inputs” on key Indian positions.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc