Children’s author Jacqueline Wilson explains her feud with Ann Widdecombe

For those who are unaware of who Jacqueline Wilson is.

Jacqueline Wilson, a prolific British author, has captivated the hearts and minds of young readers for decades. Born on December 17, 1945, in Bath, England, Wilson’s extensive body of work has been instrumental in shaping contemporary children’s literature. Her stories, often centred on complex social issues, have earned her numerous accolades and a steadfast place in the literary world.

Jacqueline Wilson’s passion for writing was evident from a young age. Raised in Kingston upon Thames, she began crafting stories as a child, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and experiences. Her early fascination with books led her to pursue a career in writing, a path that would see her become one of the most beloved authors for young readers.

Wilson’s debut novel, “Ricky’s Birthday,” was published in 1969. However, it was her 1991 novel, “The Story of Tracy Beaker,” that catapulted her to fame. The book, which introduces readers to the fiery, imaginative Tracy Beaker, a child in foster care, was a groundbreaking work that highlighted the challenges faced by children in care. This novel marked the beginning of a series that would become one of her most popular and enduring works.

Wilson’s writing is characterised by its unflinching approach to difficult subjects. She does not shy away from topics such as divorce, mental illness, and child neglect. Instead, she presents them in a manner that is both accessible and empathetic to her young audience. This approach not only entertains but also educates, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy in her readers.

Jacqueline Wilson’s contribution to children’s literature is significant. Her ability to weave complex issues into engaging narratives has set her apart from many of her contemporaries. She has a unique talent for creating relatable characters who, despite their struggles, demonstrate resilience and hope. This has resonated with millions of readers worldwide, making her books a staple in children’s literature.

Wilson’s impact extends beyond her storytelling. She has been a vocal advocate for children’s literacy and has worked tirelessly to promote reading among young people. Her efforts have been recognised with numerous awards, including the prestigious OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to literacy in schools.

Many of Wilson’s books have been adapted for television, further cementing her influence on popular culture. The television series based on “The Story of Tracy Beaker” became a cultural phenomenon, introducing her characters to an even wider audience. These adaptations have brought her stories to life in new and exciting ways, ensuring that her work remains relevant to new generations of readers.

With all this in mind, Jacqueline explains the issue that Ms Widdecombe had with one of her books and her response.

Children’s author Jacqueline Wilson on her feud with Ann Widdecombe. pic.twitter.com/Rv7vJRI2OX

— Hay Festival (@hayfestival) May 31, 2024

Ms Widdecombe was asked for a response, and she kept it brief.

Ann Widdecombe is like the hideous old crone who lives in your street and puts a knife in kids footballs if it goes in her garden.#jeremyvine pic.twitter.com/EJYsf1q7Yd

— Rt Hon. Ivor Biggins (@ivorbiggins45) June 13, 2024

For those not acquainted with the persona of Ann Widdecombe, she calls herself a committed Christian. God help us all!

1. Views on Homosexuality: Widdecombe has been vocal about her opposition to gay rights, which has sparked significant controversy. She opposed the equalization of the age of consent and the repeal of Section 28, a law that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Her views have often been criticized as outdated and discriminatory.
2. Support for Capital Punishment: Widdecombe has been a staunch advocate for the reintroduction of capital punishment in the UK. Her support for this policy has been a source of significant debate and criticism, especially in light of changing attitudes towards the death penalty.
3. Comments on Rape and Sexual Assault: Widdecombe has made several controversial statements regarding rape and sexual assault. Notably, she once suggested that some rape victims might share responsibility for their attacks, a view that has been widely condemned by advocacy groups and the public.
4. Defense of Donald Trump: During her time as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Brexit Party, Widdecombe defended Donald Trump amidst allegations of misogyny and sexual misconduct. Her defense of Trump was seen as controversial and drew criticism from various quarters.
5. Opposition to Reproductive Rights: Widdecombe’s strong anti-abortion stance has been another contentious aspect of her public life. She has consistently opposed abortion rights, aligning with her devout Catholic beliefs, which has put her at odds with pro-choice advocates.
6. Support for Brexit: Widdecombe’s vocal support for Brexit, and her subsequent election as an MEP for the Brexit Party, positioned her in the center of one of the UK’s most polarizing political issues. Her speeches and actions in the European Parliament, including comparing Brexit to the emancipation of slaves, have been widely criticized.
7. Reality TV Appearances: Widdecombe’s participation in reality TV shows like “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Celebrity Big Brother” also stirred controversy. Her presence on these shows was seen by some as an attempt to soften her public image, while others criticized her for leveraging her political profile for entertainment purposes.
8. Comments on the Me Too Movement: Widdecombe has been critical of the Me Too movement, suggesting that it has led to an atmosphere of hysteria and unfair treatment of men accused of misconduct. These comments have sparked backlash from supporters of the movement, who argue that her views undermine efforts to address sexual harassment and assault.
9. Comments on the Catholic Church Abuse Scandals: Widdecombe has been criticized for her defense of the Catholic Church amidst the numerous sexual abuse scandals. She downplayed the extent of the problem and suggested that the media was biased against the Church, which many saw as an insensitive stance towards the victims.
10. Support for Section 28: Widdecombe’s support for Section 28, which prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality by local authorities, was deeply controversial. Her stance contributed to the stigmatization of the LGBTQ+ community and was viewed as regressive by many human rights advocates.
11. Statements on Female Bishops: As a devout Catholic, Widdecombe has opposed the ordination of women as bishops in the Church of England. Her stance has been criticized as being out of step with modern views on gender equality and religious practices.
12. Comments on Single Mothers: Widdecombe has made controversial remarks about single mothers, suggesting that they contribute to social problems and that children need both a mother and a father. These comments have been seen as stigmatizing to single-parent families and dismissive of their efforts and challenges.
13. Criticism of Modern Feminism: Widdecombe has often criticized modern feminism, claiming that it has gone too far and that it sometimes harms men. Her views on gender roles and equality have often sparked debates and criticism from feminist groups and advocates.
14. Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage: Widdecombe has been a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, arguing that it undermines the traditional institution of marriage. Her opposition has been a point of contention, especially as public opinion in the UK has increasingly favored marriage equality.
15. Support for Michael Howard’s Prisons Policy: As a former Minister of State for Prisons, Widdecombe supported then-Home Secretary Michael Howard’s tough policies on crime and punishment, including the controversial “prison works” philosophy. Her tenure saw the introduction of policies aimed at increasing prison sentences and reducing parole, which were criticized for contributing to prison overcrowding and failing to address the root causes of crime.
16. Remarks on Climate Change: Widdecombe has been skeptical about the urgency of addressing climate change. She has questioned the scientific consensus on global warming and opposed measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions, which has drawn criticism from environmentalists and climate scientists.
17. Brexit Party’s Stance and Actions: Widdecombe’s alignment with the Brexit Party and her inflammatory rhetoric in the European Parliament, including likening the EU to an oppressive regime, have been highly contentious. Her remarks were seen as extreme and unhelpful in the context of diplomatic relations and political discourse.
18. Stance on Animal Rights: Widdecombe has also sparked controversy with her views on animal rights. While she has supported some animal welfare measures, she has been criticized for opposing more stringent regulations and for supporting fox hunting, a practice viewed by many as cruel and outdated.

Thanks Jacqueline. Teaching us to look at a narcissistic sociopath in the eye and keep doing what they hate.

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