Episode
This house believes that Britain's best days are behind it
- Published
- Jun 6, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4252
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.newstatesman.com/podcasts
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Summary
There is in Britain today a widespread mood of public despair, a deep premonition of imminent national decline. According to Ipsos, just over half of Britons feel worse off since Keir Starmer was elected. Going further back, 60% feel the country has gone backwards since 2022. Are Britain's best days really behind it? Pratinav Anil, Rachel Clarke, Tanjil Rashid, John Kampfner, Gary Stevenson, and Polly Toynbee debate the issue. This debate was chaired by Anoosh Chakelian and recorded at the Cambridge Literary Festival. Find out more here: cambridgeliteraryfestival.com