SINGER-songwriter and political activist Billy Bragg made an appearance at the Bridport LIVE literary festival, to promote his new book, The Progressive Patriot - A Search For Belonging, writes Zoe Bevis. The new work, part polemic, part biography, examines questions of national identity and belonging in modern Britain.

In a discussion with journalist Paul Lashmar, Billy Bragg talked about the need for a set of English values and reminds us of the significance of fairness in British history. To a full audience, Bragg deliberated on the positives of a multi-cultural Britain saying that today 'to be British is to be 'other'.

Inspiring the listeners to become involved in local and national politics, he talked about his rediscovery of family and local history and why listening to Simon and Garfunkel's 'Scarborough Fair' was his first patriotic experience.

At a time when the government is resorting to ID cards in increased 'big brother-esque' activities, Bragg also reminded us that this country has been built on people's defiance of unjust authority.

This was an interesting talk covering important issues, and something that members of the Youth Page were glad they attended.