Authors call for Nicholson's reinstatement in honorary Booker Prize role

A number of high-profile writers, including Susan Hill, Francis Wheen, Trezza Azzopardi, Jane Harris, Allison Pearson, Justin Hill and Joolz Denby, have joined the signatories to an open letter to the Booker Prize Foundation calling on the body to apologise to former honorary vice-president Baroness Emma Nicholson and reinstate her in her role.

Nicholson's post — alongside all other honorary posts — was abolished by the Foundation last month following controversy on social media about her views on same-sex marriage and on transgender people.

In the open letter, posted on the Wild Woman Writing Club wordpress site, which introduces itself as a site where "women writers and artists speak out about loss to their creative, personal and professional lives due to trans activism", the writers say that they are "dismayed" by the decision to abolish Nicholson's role. They say that the trustees of the Booker "appear to have participated in 'cancel culture'".

The letter also criticises author Damian Barr who — shortly before Nicholson's role was axed — raised objections to her honorary position at the Booker in a series of tweets that highlighted her opposition to gay marriage. The writers draw attention to much older tweets from Barr, referring to trans people in derogatory terms, which have since resurfaced, and for which Barr has already apologised.

The letter also points to the fact that Conservative peer David Willetts "has expressed strong anti-gay views, and yet he remains on the [Booker Prize] Board and even signed off on Nicholson’s cancellation". Willetts was not originally referenced in Barr's tweets, but Barr has now said he has also written to the Booker Foundation about Willetts, in light of its wider review.

The writers say: "Surely we ... agree that The Booker Prizes are not a vehicle for advancing the aims of individuals, nor of setting personal agendas. As writers, as readers, and as citizens deeply proud of being the home of the greatest literary prize in the world, we ask you to reconsider the Booker’s position in the light of all the new information.

"Baroness Nicholson deserves both an apology and reinstatement to her role as Honorary Vice-President. Only a statement confirming these initiatives will restore confidence."

In a statement today (Monday 6th July) the Booker Prize Foundation responded that it "reiterates that Baroness Nicholson’s honorary post was not removed - along with the other honorary positions - because of her views and votes on gay marriage. They have no bearing on the matter.

"Baroness Nicholson’s tweet calling a trans activist a ‘weird creature’ was likely to be seen by many as objectionable. The Trustees saw that many who commented on that tweet believed that her honorary position connected it to the Booker Prize.

"In addition, and while still holding her honorary position, Baroness Nicholson publicly questioned the impartiality of a judge, Ted Hodgkinson, who is the chair of the 2020 International Booker Prize judges."

Baroness Nicholson had tweeted to Hodgkinson: "Your own bias (as I perceive it, correct me if I am wrong) seems to lead you to accept book lovers only if they fit your own perceptions of how humans should be. Literature is at its finest (the Booker phrase) when it brings us together across the globe, with open eyes."

The Booker Prize Foundation concluded: "Too many believed the honorary positions carried weight in the life of the contemporary Booker prizes. BPF thus clarified matters by removing all these positions."

Meanwhile in a statement, Barr added: "Last week The Booker Foundation removed all three vice-presidents and reaffirmed their commitment to diversity. They made this decision in line with their own values after I asked a simple question: does the Booker share the stated beliefs of Baroness Nicholson on same-sex marriage and trans equality?

"A vast array of named publishers, writers and readers expressed dismay at the incongruity of the Booker’s values and the baroness’ position. Books are up for debate, human rights are not.

"It is up to the foundation to continue their process of self-evaluation and make any further decisions in line with their stated values — I have written to them regarding Lord Willetts as part of this wider process.

"This is not about one individual or their views, religious or otherwise, but the values of our industry and our society. Publishing, like wider society, is engaged in the often painful process of self-scrutiny. I have apologised to the trans community for any hurt caused by my past use of the t-word in tweets which have been excavated to hurt trans people, harm me and divide the LGBTQ+ community and our allies.

"This largely anonymous blog petition demeans our discourse and is another missed opportunity for meaningful dialogue as part of the wider change that needs to happen in publishing and beyond.

"Over a decade of supporting and celebrating established and emerging writers I have worked tirelessly with partners across publishing to build a platform for voices not often heard. These are the voices we should heed as we consider our future. And this is the work we must all continue."

Since having her role at the Booker Prize abolished, Baroness Nicholson has spoken of her "lifetime commitment to promote equality and diversity, both in the UK and around the world", saying: "I am a feminist, in the broadest sense of the word, and I support the rights of all people to live their lives as they choose, free from bias or prejudice. I have expressed myself casually, and in a manner which suggests that I do not support the rights of the LGBQT+ community, to and about [trans activist] Munroe Bergdorf. For this I apologise unreservedly."