Columnist Peter Hitchens has claimed he has been banned for life from appearing on the BBC Radio program Desert Island Discs. Hitchens alleges this decision stems from ideological reasons, describing it as a ban imposed by "mysterious thought police high in the BBC."
In an opinion piece, Hitchens stated that he learned of the ban through a source, which he compares to the reported veto of Nigel Farage as a guest on the same program, as mentioned in Michael Ashcroft's biography.
Hitchens suggests this is not merely typical "dim BBC prejudice" against right-wing individuals or those associated with certain publications. He recounted past experiences, including being considered for a panelist role on Radio 4's "The Moral Maze" in 2001, where he was reportedly vetoed at a high level after initial try-outs. He also noted being dropped as a frequent guest from the Radio 4 "Today" program after he did not show sufficient deference to Professor David Nutt on drug legalisation, and a similar incident on BBC 2's "Newsnight" after a discussion about drugs with the late actor Matthew Perry.
He also mentioned being told he could not present another program, "A Point of View," because he was a columnist, despite other presenters also being columnists.
The columnist posited that the Desert Island Discs decree is rooted in a deeper concern, suggesting his presence on BBC premises would be "so disturbing to many staff" that it would render the studio an "unsafe space." He described feeling sorry for young trainees who had to escort him, anticipating potential negative reactions from colleagues.
Hitchens contended that "old-fashioned impartiality" is now a "major human relations problem" within the BBC, leading him to be seen as "personally offensive and unacceptable," regardless of his specific opinions.
Despite his alleged ban, Hitchens outlined his hypothetical Desert Island Discs selections. He stated he would likely choose five Bob Dylan songs, but specifically named "Tomorrow is a Long Time." He also selected "Farewell, Farewell" by Fairport Convention, describing it as a song of loss and pain.
His classical music choices included a 1929 recording of Purcell's "Nymphs and Shepherds," Purcell's "Rondeau" from his suite Abdelazer, Gustav Holst's "St Paul's Suite," George Butterworth's "The Banks of Green Willow," the last two minutes of Handel's overture to "Solomon," and the second movement of Beethoven's seventh symphony.
For his luxury item, Hitchens would choose a solar-powered fridge, and for his book, a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, excluding the Bible and Shakespeare.