Failing the Rushdie Test: Shirley Williams Edition

I was in Washington at the time so did not see the Question Time episode Nick Cohen mentions in his latest post. Those tempted to grant Shirley Williams some kind of “National Treasure” status should be reminded of her appalling views on the alleged “insensitivity” of awarding a kinghthood to Salman Rushdie:

Her bad luck, I suppose, that one of Rushdie’s greatest friends was also on the programme. And what a shame that he never will be again. As Christopher often said, the Rushdie case was a telling moment and a test that many people failed.

I guess I should also mention that you should buy Nick Cohen’s new book? Well you should.