The great Lord Tebbit

Lovely to see Lord Tebbit at The Spectator summer party. I reminded him that he had once written a short letter to me, which I still cherish. Back when I was editor of the BBC Today programme I had written to lots of famous people to get their views about religious belief and faith, for some feature we were doing. I also asked if they thought there was a heaven or hell. Norman replied thus: ‘I do not know if there is a heaven or hell, but if there is, I sincerely hope you burn in it for eternity.’ I think that is the best letter I have ever received. He was on wonderful form at the party, sharp and funny.