Are you proud to be British? Whichever way you answer, you might find a lot of your colleagues and friends disagree with you.

That is according to a new survey from the National Centre for Social ResearchA UK independent social research institute. It is a charity which aims to improve society. , which found just 64% of people are proud of Britain's history, down from 86% in 2013.¹

The findings come in troubled times. Far-rightA range of ideologies that emphasise social order, racial purity and the elimination of opponents. riots over the summer shook many people's belief in Britain's social cohesion. Institutions like museums, universities and the National TrustA charity operating in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that maintains historic buildings and country estates for the public. Founded in 1895, today it owns more than 500 properties, as well as a large and expanding art collection. have been leading a national conversation that is increasingly critical of Britain's past.

But the survey is not all doom and gloom. It finds people have got prouder of British sports and culture.

This suggests people are really just finding different things to cherishLove and hold dear. . So here are five values that British people might take pride in today:

Anti-racism. The far-right violence in July was shocking. The good news is the counter-demonstrations were much larger. Surveys show a clear majority of Britons are happy with multiculturalismA society in which there are numerous different cultural or ethnic groups that are given equal importance and accommodation. .² The figures in France are much lower.³

Giving back. Three of the world's most influential charities - Save the ChildrenAn international non-governmental organisation that aims to improve the lives of children. It was founded in the UK in 1919. , OxfamAn international charity, originally British, that works to alleviate global poverty., and Amnesty InternationalAn international non-governmental organisation focused on human rights. - are based in the UK. Charity is a British value.

Just causes. When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, Britain was the first country to offer its full-throated support. Polls showed the British public was and is more steadfast than any other in its backing for the beleagueredIn a very difficult situation. country.⁴

Climate leadership. The UK has taken a central role at global climate summits for years. It lost ground somewhat when Rishi SunakA British politician who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2022 to 2024. U-turned on his green plans, but Labour has promised to put it back at the forefront of global climate measures.⁵

Soft power. Britain is a cultural powerhouse, producing some of the world's best films, TV, and literature. The 2024 OscarsA colloquial name for the Academy Awards, named after a nickname for the golden statue given to winners. delivered wins for Brits Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Glazer. Series like David AttenboroughAn English broadcaster and natural historian known for his wildlife documentaries. 's Planet Earth, Top Gear, Downton Abbey, and The Crown are loved around the globe. Peppa Pig is so influential that some young American viewers end up speaking with British accents.⁶

Should these five ideas cheer us up?

Yes: The times change and we change with the times. Instead of wallowing in Britain's past, we should learn to value what is special about its present, and work towards its future.

No: A nation that has not reckoned with its history and found a narrative it can agree upon is doomed to fail. We cannot solve our national malaiseA feeling of sadness or uneasiness. without first agreeing who we are and where we came from.

Or... The truth may be that in modern Britain, people do not spend too much of their time thinking about what it means to be British. That may even be for the best.