Britain Is Better Than This

Why a Great Country is Failing Us All

Gavin Esler

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English

Apollo
03 January 2024

Political science & theory; Elections & referenda; Political structures: democracy

An urgent and timely exploration of a British political system in peril – and what we must do to save it.

For centuries, British identity has been shaped by ideas of exceptionalism, grandeur and competence. Yet British democracy is failing. Governments supported by a minority of voters are elected with enormous majorities under a deeply unrepresentative first-past-the-post system. The result has been failed leaders delivering wounding blows to the country's economy, prosperity and international image.

Britain Is Better Than This explores what lies beneath this sense of malaise, revealing the structural and constitutional failures at the heart of a sclerotic political system. It sheds light on a culture of lies, distrust and corruption. It reveals fundamental flaws in core institutions, including the media, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It draws on events such as the MP expenses scandal, Brexit, 'Partygate' and the farcical premiership of Liz Truss, as symptoms of a great nation at a turning point yet unsure of which way to turn. And it looks ahead, offering practical solutions to answer the key question of our time: What do we need to do to build a better future?

'The most compelling, lacerating description of the Muppet Show that is British public life I have yet read.' Will Hutton

'There can be no book more urgently needed than this one.' Steve Richards

By: Gavin Esler
Imprint: Apollo
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: With flaps
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
ISBN: 9781804547724
ISBN 10: 1804547727
Pages: 368
Publication Date: 03 January 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Gavin Esler is a journalist, television presenter and author. He was a main presenter of the BBC current affairs show Newsnight for 12 years until 2014. Since then, he has been a public speaker, political commentator and writer, and currently serves as the Chancellor of the University of Kent.

Reviews for Britain Is Better Than This: Why a Great Country is Failing Us All

PRAISE FOR HOW BRITAIN ENDS: 'A wonderful book which will be quoted in years to come' New European. 'An eloquent, forensic examination of resurgent English nationalism as the force that has driven Brexit and may now break up the United Kingdom' Jonathan Coe. 'A fascinating book that draws on poetry, literature and on-the-ground reporting' The Times. 'Packed with broad cultural and literary insight to go with hard-nosed political evaluation' GQ. 'A cool-headed contribution to this often emotional debate' * Sunday Business Post *