Julian Barnes: "I fear I will not see the United Kingdom back in Europe"

Julian Barnes received the Princess of Asturias Award for Literature, recognizing his unique narrative style. At 80, he announced his retirement from fiction writing, stating he will focus on art and contemporary topics. He expressed concerns about the UK's future in Europe and criticized recent political developments. Barnes also supported Sally Rooney's stance on Palestine Action and reflected on the rise of authoritarianism globally, expressing a lack of optimism about the political landscape in Europe.