This is a defining period for Britain. Set against the context of a cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical upheaval, the twin transformations of climate change and technological acceleration in combination with the decision to leave the European Union are resulting in an acute sense of pessimism pervading the country. But behind every challenge is an opportunity – and the current one is no exception.
Many regard Britain as a country divided. However, as quantitative and qualitative research commissioned by The Britain Project and conducted by Yonder shows, most of those surveyed in England and Wales are united by the perception that the country is facing a period of decline. Moreover, the public believes there is no agenda for the country and that our politics cannot meet the scale of the challenge.
The findings of the Yonder polling are bolstered by recently published research and focus groups brought together in this report: My Life My Say’s Annual Youth Index, Peter Kellner’s From Red Walls to Red Bridges reports for the Tony Blair Institute, as well as new polling from Tortoise Media on the state of democracy in the UK.
Together, these findings require a call to action for new ideas that can reshape Britain and prepare the country for the decades ahead. In recent years, progressive politics – all those working towards an optimistic vision of the future, rooted in a belief that politics done well has the power to change lives – has failed to meet this demand. A supply-side deficit of ideas has created a vacuum where populism on the left and the right has thrived. These extremes have spoken to legitimate grievances but traded in simple solutions that have not solved the problems faced by voters.
Herein lies the opportunity for progressives, with this report clearly setting out the need for a strong centre ground able to deliver new ideas for the Future of Britain.
Download the full report: A Plan for Britain: Polling the Public on the Future of Britain