Penny Mordaunt at Oxford Literary Festival

Former cabinet minister Dame Penny Mordaunt celebrates the traditions and ceremonies that underpin British life and argues that they promote values, encourage reflection and act as an antidote to nationalism.

Mordaunt is co-author with Chris Lewis of Pomp and Circumstance. They explore ancient and new customs, from coronations and national ceremonies to local customs. Mordaunt, who presented the Sword of Offering to King Charles III at his coronation, says Britain uses its historical conventions to navigate the future. She argues that nations and communities that have them thrive, while those without them find it harder to adapt to a changing world.