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The New Society | culture from the New Statesman

The New Society | culture from the New Statesman

This house believes that Britain’s best days are behind it

Jun 6, 2026 · 1h 11m

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About this episode

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.