Britain Needs Change The Politics of Hope and Labour’s Challenge
Edited by Gerry Hassan and Simon Barrow
After fourteen years of Conservative government – combined with Brexit, a global pandemic, the rise of a populist far right and the existential threat of climate change – many see Britain as undergoing serious social, economic and cultural decline.
This is the context in which Labour have taken office at Westminster after a decade and a half in opposition. With recent ways of doing politics, government and statecraft in crisis, how can a serious, humane alternative emerge? What scale and type of change is coming, and will it be for the better?
All this raises serious questions about the future of the UK and its constituent nations, Labour’s ability to govern progressively, and the incoming government’s confidence and capacity to take on the entrenched vested interests of present-day Britain while also having an honest, mature conversation with the public and its own supporters about the nature of these challenges.
In Britain Needs Change, some of our best thinkers and commentators dissect the challenges facing the new government in a series of wide-ranging, penetrative essays. Featuring contributions from Helena Kennedy, John Curtice, Neal Lawson, Aditya Chakrabortty, Ann Pettifor, Gavin Esler, Hilary Cottam, Sunder Katwala, Savitri Hensman, Fintan O’Toole, Andrew Gamble and Mariana Mazzucato among others, this is required reading for anyone interested in the future of our country.
Reviews
“The chapters in this book are full of ideas which our new Labour government might adopt or adapt. This book is a vital contribution to that debate, buzzing with energy, observations, analysis and an awareness of the huge challenges we face as a society and globally.”
Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws KC
“Just when Labour needs a jump-start of ideas to propel it beyond its calamitous inheritance, here comes a dazzling list of friendly thinkers to encourage it on its way: inspiring, optimistic and hopeful.”
Polly Toynbee, The Guardian
“A bracing, expert deep-dive into an election that left the Tories reeling, Labour chastened and the far right ready to rumble.”
Paul Mason, author and broadcaster
“Britain Needs Change assembles some of the most influential writers on the left and beyond. It is for anyone who wants the UK to rediscover hope and purpose. Important reading.”
Robert Peston, presenter of ITV’s Peston
“The electorate wanted change at the election and ‘change’ was Labour’s winning slogan. But what does ‘change’ mean to Sir Keir Starmer’s team and what should it mean? This book is a vital guide for those searching for answers in the UK of 2024.”
Adam Boulton, former political editor, Sky News
“An impressive resource for those intent on finding sources of hope as Labour seeks to consolidate Starmer’s sandcastle parliamentary majority on an eroded if not collapsing beach, surrounded by far-right monsters and without trusting allies in civil society. The book is edited to highlight tensions and does so through a diversity of perspectives. Thank you, Compass!”
Hilary Wainwright, co-editor of Red Pepper
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- Hardback, 352 pages
- ISBN: 9781785909344
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28 November 2024
Available to pre-order - £25.00
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781785909665
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28 November 2024
Available to pre-order - £19.99