Booker Prize winner John Banville slams 'woke' movement as 'a religious cult' | Daily Mail Online

Speaking at the Hay Festival Winter Weekend, the 74-year old was asked about his chances at winning the Booker Prize today - which was won this year by Douglas Stuart, who has dual British and American citizenship.

Stuart's debut novel, 'Shuggie Bain' is an autobiographical account of growing up as the gay son of an alcoholic mother in 1980s Scotland. Asked if he could win the Booker today, Banville said: 'I would not like to be starting out now, certainly. It's very difficult.

'I despise this 'woke' movement. Why were they asleep for so long? The same injustices were going on. It's become a religious cult.