AN MP from Buckinghamshire has commented the rewriting of Roald Dahl's classics after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it out as 'gobblefunk'.
The controversy comes after the latest editions of the popular author’s books were edited to remove potentially offensive language, such as references to weight, mental health, violence, gender and race.
The move by The Roald Dahl Story Company and publisher Puffin Books sparked criticism from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, including warning not to “gobblefunk” with words in reference to The Big Friendly Giant.
Now High Wycombe’s Conservative MP Steve Baker has also expressed his concern following the rewrite of the Buckinghamshire- connected author’s work.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “When it comes to our rich and varied literary heritage, the Prime Minister agrees with the BFG that we shouldn’t gobblefunk around with words.
He continued: “I think it’s important that works of literature and works of fiction are preserved and not airbrushed.
“We have always defended the right to free speech and expression.”
The Wycombe politician said when he was approached for a comment: “I agree with the Prime Minister.”
Roald Dahl is buried in the St Peter and St Pauls church cemetery in Great Missenden, where he lived for more than 30 years until his death in 1990.
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By removing potentially offensive language in Dahl’s much-loved classics, the Roald Dahl estate wants to ensure the books can be enjoyed by all children.
Roald Dahl’s legacy has been tarnished by his antisemitic views, which his family apologised for in 2020.
They recognised the “lasting and understandable hurt caused by Roald Dahl’s antisemitic statements”.
The Wycombe MP has previously spoken out in favour of free speech, posting a picture of a famous George Orwell quote saying liberty means "the right to tell people things they don't want to hear."
Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden was contacted for a comment.
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