James O'Brien Tells Iain Dale Why He Won't Debate Leading Brexiteers Without Fact-Checkers

3 December 2018, 15:05 | Updated: 10 December 2018, 13:23

Iain Dale grilled James O'Brien in the LBC studio for the first time as they discussed his best-selling book How To Be Right.

Speaking on Iain Dale's Book Club podcast, the host asked James why he doesn't appear on the big political TV programmes, such as Question Time.

- Download Iain Dale's Book Club Podcast NOW

James's response was fascinating - and led to quite a row between the LBC pair. The full podcast will be released on Tuesday morning.

Iain asked why James turns down invitations to those shows. With a twinkle in his eye, James responded: "You've put me in a slightly difficult position now, given that you've now cast yourself as someone that says yes all the time."

But he explained that he simply doesn't want to be sitting next to someone who he doesn't believe should be part of the debate.

He said: "I consider some people who are still part of public discourse to be contemptible. If I turn up to a panel and I'm yin to the yang of someone I consider to be a lying racist fascist, then I validate them."

Iain queried why he wouldn't want to go on Question Time and James insisted: "Because my presence validates them.

"My point of view is evidence-based and I will not have a debate with someone whose point of view is belief-based and be treated as their equal."

Iain told him: "That's quite an arrogant thing to say."

Iain Dale grilled James O'Brien for the first time
Iain Dale grilled James O'Brien for the first time. Picture: LBC

But James retorted: "No it isn't. There's nothing arrogant about faith in evidence opposed to faith in faith.

"I'm not going to sit there and have a debate with someone who is spreading demonstrable untruths. Because if I sit there with the duller position which is evidence-based and flawed, it validates the crypto-fascist.

"It gives them the idea that somehow we are on two ends of a see-saw, whereas I think there are people in public discourse at the moment who have no business being on the see-saw at all."

- Tap to subscribe to Iain Dale's Book Club podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

'It breaks my heart that people support this attack'

Gezelle calls American and Israeli ‘help’ in Iran ‘an illusion’

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

Caller Vanessa shares her story of abuse at the hands of her neighbour

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

'No one protected me:' Grooming gangs survivor responds to inquiry announcement

Caller Sina

James O’Brien is unconvinced by caller Sina’s justification for Israel’s strikes on Iran

Caller Harry

Pilot Harry gives his reaction to Gatwick-bound plane crash

LBC caller tells James O’Brien how she ended up homeless as a result of the 'disastrous' mini-budget in 2022.

Liz Truss' 'disastrous' mini budget left this LBC caller homeless

LBC callers react

How successful was Greta Thunberg’s aid mission?: LBC callers react

Caller Hanisa

Hanisa explains to James O’Brien that it’s her choice alone to wear the Burqa

Caller Lisa from California responds to Donald Trump summoning the National Guard to LA over the protests.

Californian caller responds to Trump sending the National Guard to LA

James O'Brien Batman Caller

Caller Luke’s nickname for Robert Jenrick amuses James O’Brien

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

James O'Brien caller on water

Caller explains how ‘corporate finance’ has been ‘catastrophic’ for water companies

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

'Mate, I love you'

James' conversation with Barry, who had a chemical castration, takes an unexpectedly wholesome turn