Should these five ideas cheer us up? A new poll finds pride in British history has sunk to record lows. But some say there is plenty else for British people to be proud of.
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Sharp drop in British national pride
Should these five ideas cheer us up? A new poll finds pride in British history has sunk to record lows. But some say there is plenty else for British people to be proud of.
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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 The strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity among members of a community.. 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 love. 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-protests 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. Polls showed the British public was and is more steadfastStaying the same for a long time without wavering or changing. than any other in its backing for Ukraine.4
Climate leadership. The UK has taken a central role at global climate meetings for years. It lost ground under Rishi Sunak, but now hopes to restore its place under Labour.5
Soft power. Britain is a cultural powerhouse. 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 wallowingTo remain in an unhappy emotional state without trying to get out of it, as if you are enjoying it or trying to get sympathy from other people. 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.
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Keywords
National Centre for Social Research - A UK independent social research institute. It is a charity which aims to improve society.
Far-right - A range of ideologies that emphasise social order, racial purity and the elimination of opponents.
Social cohesion - The strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity among members of a community.
National Trust - A 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.
Multiculturalism - A society in which there are numerous different cultural or ethnic groups that are given equal importance and accommodation.
Save the Children - An international non-governmental organisation that aims to improve the lives of children. It was founded in the UK in 1919.
Oxfam - An international charity, originally British, that works to alleviate global poverty.
Amnesty International - An international non-governmental organisation focused on human rights.
Steadfast - Staying the same for a long time without wavering or changing.
David Attenborough - An English broadcaster and natural historian known for his wildlife documentaries.
Wallowing - To remain in an unhappy emotional state without trying to get out of it, as if you are enjoying it or trying to get sympathy from other people.
Malaise - A feeling of sadness or uneasiness.
Sharp drop in British national pride
The state we're in: In Keir Starmer's first major speech since becoming prime minister he said Britain had a "deeply unhealthy society... weakened by a decade of division and decline, infected by a spiral of populism”. Glossary
National Centre for Social Research - A UK independent social research institute. It is a charity which aims to improve society.
Far-right - A range of ideologies that emphasise social order, racial purity and the elimination of opponents.
Social cohesion - The strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity among members of a community.
National Trust - A 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.
Multiculturalism - A society in which there are numerous different cultural or ethnic groups that are given equal importance and accommodation.
Save the Children - An international non-governmental organisation that aims to improve the lives of children. It was founded in the UK in 1919.
Oxfam - An international charity, originally British, that works to alleviate global poverty.
Amnesty International - An international non-governmental organisation focused on human rights.
Steadfast - Staying the same for a long time without wavering or changing.
David Attenborough - An English broadcaster and natural historian known for his wildlife documentaries.
Wallowing - To remain in an unhappy emotional state without trying to get out of it, as if you are enjoying it or trying to get sympathy from other people.
Malaise - A feeling of sadness or uneasiness.