Boswell faces Brexit head on
Head to Dumfries House this weekend
Discussion, debate, gossip even – in fact discourse of the very highest order are to be expected this weekend at a Book Festival which proudly places Ayrshireman James Boswell as its figure- head – and for good reason.
James Hanratty RD, former President of the Council of Immigration Judges for the UK has a predictably robust approach when it comes to tackling challenging subjects head on and in public. His Saturday afternoon appearance at this weekend’s Boswell Book Festival is sure to stimulate lively discussion. Judge Hanratty may also ruffle a few feathers this year when he begins what is possibly going to be one of the Festival’s most ‘ eye- brow arching’ events, by describing clearly and critically from his first hand experience, the many serious problems in controlling mass immigration.
As a former judge, he says: “I will identify the genuine cases where help should be given to the liars and chancers and in so doing I will describes the pressures on the judiciary in this context.”
While his compassion for many individuals suffering numerous cases of injustice and mismanagement shines throughout his conversation, he shows no mercy for what he sees as the genuine weaknesses in the present immigration system and the effect of the application of human rights. Hard- hitting and serious he may be, but with a lifetime of experience on the bench, his colourful and at times even tragic tales are frequently and surprisingly skillfully peppered with hilarious anecdotes.
Nothing escapes this man’s scrutiny and within the current Scottish political context he will confront and deal with the huge problems of mass migration to Europe and the problems we all face in the increasingly fraught negotiations on Brexit with the EU. And in the event of an independent Scotland, he asks: “Will there have to be immigration and customs points along Hadrian’s Wall?”
The Festival audience is invited to pose their questions to Hanratty - no matter how challenging or searching, and to experience an event that brings unique insight into a process that can seem a distressing and confusing mystery to the vast majority of people living in Britain at this time.
Meanwhile truth seeking, aligned with the topical theme of international justice is also explored elsewhere in this weekend’s Festival programme. Former Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind, joins multi- award winning author and practicing barrister Philippe Sands on stage. Sands’s book, East West Street ( which recently won the prestigious Baillie Gifford Prize), focuses on the origins of genocide and crimes against humanity.
They are joined by former Times and Scotsman editor Magnus Linklater and together will examine the impact on individuals and on humanity of the proliferation of ‘ fake news’ untrammelled by checks and balances, that is undermining the concept of truth.
Still intent on establishing the truth, legendary Richard Ingrams co- founder of Private Eye in 1962, Paul Tankard from the University of Otago, New Zealand and Ayrshire’s James Knox, former publisher of The Spectator are eminently qualified to explore what makes a great - and perhaps even an honest journalist!
Tankard’s book, Facts and Inventions casts a new light on James Boswell himself and on the history of journalism at a time when uncensored pamphlets, journals and newspapers sprang to life.
The triumvirate will investigate what makes a great journalist, how can our rulers be held to account and how can our freedom of speech be secured.
Talks at a Glance
James Hanratty RD: The Making of an Immigration Judge with its foreword by Professor Lord Peter Hennessy: Sat 13 May 4.45pm
Linklater, Rifkind, Sands: Sun 14 May 12 noon
Ingrams, Tankard, Knox: Sat 13 May 4.45pm
Richard Ingrams, Philippe Sands and Malcolm Rifkind will also be on stage individually at separate times during the weekend.
For full details and tickets: www.boswellbookfestival.co.uk
Box Office Hotline 01563 554 900