At this time of the year 'Today', BBC radio's news and current affairs programme, has a number of guest editors. This morning it was the turn of Michael Palin (No relation to Sarah). For one of his contributions, he chose to revisit the fuss that surrounded the Monty Python film, 'Life of Brian'. I remember watching the TV debate between Palin and John Cleese, and Mervyn Stockwood, Bishop of Southwark and Malcolm Muggeridge. Stockwood's job description is self-explanatory but Muggeridge presents more of a challenge. He was a journalist by profession but eventually became someone who was famous for being famous. I think that 'all purpose pundit' will probably do. Oh, and wilful contrarian.
Cleese and Palin discussed the rumpus this morning and it can be heard here:
BBC Radio 4 Today. Occasionally with the BBC there are copyright restrictions for media being played outside the UK. I think that it should be OK in this instance.
I had a search on Youtube for the actual TV debate and managed to find it. It has been assembled from a number of sources and isn't perfect, but it should be a reasonable representation of the event.
Uncharacteristically, Michael Palin becomes somewhat tetchy towards the end.
Just remembered. Muggeridge became increasingly 'holier than thou' as time went on and was often known as St. Mugg.