On reading this article I felt strangely reassured at a time when most of us feel as if the rug has been pulled from under us. The 'Lanyard Classes' have a hard grip on institutions. When I read 'The Guardian' I rage, perhaps I will stop torturing myself and desist but you see I've been reading it since the 70's. As I write David Garner's comment has popped up and I see more evidence of the general anger that I see and hear as I get out and about. David, what should Paul do? Unlike Paul I left the Labour Party 6 years ago as I was sick of corruption in my local party branch at Perry Barr constiuency, dominated by 'biradiri' politics. But I understand why long-term Labour members stick with it and admire them for trying to shout out "but emperor, you are naked!". I have been politically active all my life, and the hill I will die upon in my twilight years is to end the cult of gender ideology. That is a fight we are winning! The misogynistic men in frocks and female handmaidens in The Guardian are kicking and screaming. This battle has proved that you can overcome huge odds if you get together and fight as we have done for the last 7 years when we thought all was lost. We are scrapping now in the courts, chipping our way through crowdfunding battles against the lanyards who ignore the law, we are the little guys winning against instiutional power!
Paul as always you write well and understand the majority of the people in this country, much more so than the government of the last THREE decades. When I go abroad now I feel the same or worse. I am embarrassed to be British. It is meaningless. Britain now just looks weak. Pathetic, especially with Starmer in charge. The bloke is a joke.
But is it enough to merely stand aside? As far as I am aware you still belong to a party perpetuates this loss of identity. And what is more it suits them to do so. You belong to a party who by your own admission lost touch with the working class under Blair. You wrote a book about it. I've asked before, and I will ask again, what action will you take?
I enjoyed this piece enormously, it was so thoughtful and well written, the best analysis I have seen or heard of how the country feels to so many of us now.
Things are so depressing right now that I feel we must be at a crossroads, and it seems that I’m not alone in that.
There is clearly an upsurge of desire in the general population to turn things round and restore some pride in our country, and there’s nothing like citizen power to concentrate the minds of the governors. I know citizen power doesn’t mend potholes or restore road signs but maybe it might concentrate elite minds to start spending our tax money in a way that benefits us rather than some ethereal international target.
Having said all that, I’m not hopeful that the current government has either the will or the competence to be able to do this.
One small reflection, ‘Brittany’ acquired its name, after the influx of Brythonic settlers, after the Saxon invaders; prior to that, it was called, Armorica. It helped that, on both sides of the Channel, they were ethically and culturally, similar (though not completely).
Where, once our élites have fulfilled their project, will our present-day peoples go?
This is our home. We have nowhere else to go. I, for one, am not giving it up and will remain, in my own sweet way, a British citizen and proud of it for the rest of my life 🇬🇧❤️
I hope you managed to see St Lunaire and St Briac. Two of my favourite places on that coast. And with regard to Mont St Michel, bravo for surviving the hoards it in August.
You paint a depressing picture, one I always feel not only when returning from abroad but when returning from the countryside to London. A wave of utter despair usually hits. So saying all that, I'd be very curious who you'd vote for if there were an election tomorrow. You're obviously a traditional Labour voter but I'd be quite horrified if you would still vote for them after the Statsi like antics of the government over the last year. The previous 14 years of Tory rule were also total disaster. Whilst Reform are not perfect we have to give a new party a chance as there simply is no one else. Any thoughts?
I like Ben Habib. And I agree with a lot Tommy Toni son is saying but he simply doesn't go down well with the public. I think it's a big risk and splits the vote. Reform is our only hope. Too little time for Advance to build a party.
I used to think like you and was a Reform member but their top table have lost their marbles. The party is becoming soft with the rowing back on immigration and lying about Tommy Robinson and Rupert Lowe. 4 years is plenty of time if you look at the lack of quality of the opposition.
Yes I feel that to a point too but then I went to Farage's X feed and I don't see any of the softness in his posts. I'm appalled about the lies he tells about Robinson, granted. There's no need. Just ignore him. It's all Farage needs to do so that does annoy me. Advance won't make it in4 years. Look how long it's taken Farage. Without him Reform would not be what it is today. I'm going to stick for now just to avoid a potential "lost vote". But let's see what happens in four years.
As always Paul an insightful piece. I think the term ‘Lebanonisation of Britain’ could be prophetic. A Christian controlled country (perhaps in name only) where terror groups are represented in Parliament and other key institutions. Without wishing to over dramatise anything, I can’t help feeling we’re on the edge, at a turning point and the British people have to decide soon what they want. Is it this homogenous mess we see now, blurry with a total loss of our self identity, customs and culture or do we stand together and continue to welcome others in our country but on our terms: integrate or leave.
No one seems to be able to explain exactly what the ‘balsamic’ community has done to improve our country.
Charlie and Starmer keep bleating on about their contribution to our once great country but I’m struggling to see what or how the indigenous population have benefited…
These so called elites need their bubble pricked so they can take a look at the chaos taking place throughout our land.
They’ve chosen to ignore the herds of Trojan horses disgorging the uninvited fighting aged men from a completely incompatible culture that are disrupting this once relatively peaceful and coherent population…
It’ll never affect them in their ivory towers until one day……, by which time it’ll be too late….too late to even smell the coffee…😏
Another great read Paul, thank you. Of all the issues and challenges faced by us ‘normal folk’, none will hit those in charge, until - as we saw with David Amiss - one is killed and Parliament resolves to bear down on social media not the criminals. Social media is now how we find out what is going on, no wonder they want to limit its use.
The answer to your question David, is none. Substack is the answer, it guarantees we can complain with no risk, providing that is we choose our words carefully. Perhaps the time for action has already long passed and as a nation we are very tired and beyond caring.
Great writing as usual Paul. You really should jump ship with the excellent Maurice Glassman. Join Advance UK, they're in line with Blue Labour and the momentum in the membership from a standing start is palpable. They are doing some crazy things mind like asking their members what they think and Ben delegates, somewhat different to Farage he is also consistent!
On reading this article I felt strangely reassured at a time when most of us feel as if the rug has been pulled from under us. The 'Lanyard Classes' have a hard grip on institutions. When I read 'The Guardian' I rage, perhaps I will stop torturing myself and desist but you see I've been reading it since the 70's. As I write David Garner's comment has popped up and I see more evidence of the general anger that I see and hear as I get out and about. David, what should Paul do? Unlike Paul I left the Labour Party 6 years ago as I was sick of corruption in my local party branch at Perry Barr constiuency, dominated by 'biradiri' politics. But I understand why long-term Labour members stick with it and admire them for trying to shout out "but emperor, you are naked!". I have been politically active all my life, and the hill I will die upon in my twilight years is to end the cult of gender ideology. That is a fight we are winning! The misogynistic men in frocks and female handmaidens in The Guardian are kicking and screaming. This battle has proved that you can overcome huge odds if you get together and fight as we have done for the last 7 years when we thought all was lost. We are scrapping now in the courts, chipping our way through crowdfunding battles against the lanyards who ignore the law, we are the little guys winning against instiutional power!
I have a simple solution to improve your mood and optimism. Stop reading the Grauniad!
Paul as always you write well and understand the majority of the people in this country, much more so than the government of the last THREE decades. When I go abroad now I feel the same or worse. I am embarrassed to be British. It is meaningless. Britain now just looks weak. Pathetic, especially with Starmer in charge. The bloke is a joke.
But is it enough to merely stand aside? As far as I am aware you still belong to a party perpetuates this loss of identity. And what is more it suits them to do so. You belong to a party who by your own admission lost touch with the working class under Blair. You wrote a book about it. I've asked before, and I will ask again, what action will you take?
He is taking action by writing about the state of things. What more would you suggest?
I'm doing what I can, David. I write and give media interviews and speak up inside the labour movement on a regular basis.
I enjoyed this piece enormously, it was so thoughtful and well written, the best analysis I have seen or heard of how the country feels to so many of us now.
Things are so depressing right now that I feel we must be at a crossroads, and it seems that I’m not alone in that.
There is clearly an upsurge of desire in the general population to turn things round and restore some pride in our country, and there’s nothing like citizen power to concentrate the minds of the governors. I know citizen power doesn’t mend potholes or restore road signs but maybe it might concentrate elite minds to start spending our tax money in a way that benefits us rather than some ethereal international target.
Having said all that, I’m not hopeful that the current government has either the will or the competence to be able to do this.
Thanks, Anne.
Hi Paul 👋
Glad you enjoyed your holiday 😀, I wouldn't have minded seeing your hol7day snaps and stories , its your substack space after all .
When we get 650 grown ups in Parliament then we might be able to debate /slove these issues, until then they will just keep pouring gas on the fire .
Great written piece, I wish you and readers a lovely week and weekend .
Ps good luck in Premier league, wolves are going to need it 😉
Paul,
As always: aperçu and not a little poignant too.
One small reflection, ‘Brittany’ acquired its name, after the influx of Brythonic settlers, after the Saxon invaders; prior to that, it was called, Armorica. It helped that, on both sides of the Channel, they were ethically and culturally, similar (though not completely).
Where, once our élites have fulfilled their project, will our present-day peoples go?
This is our home. We have nowhere else to go. I, for one, am not giving it up and will remain, in my own sweet way, a British citizen and proud of it for the rest of my life 🇬🇧❤️
I hope you managed to see St Lunaire and St Briac. Two of my favourite places on that coast. And with regard to Mont St Michel, bravo for surviving the hoards it in August.
You paint a depressing picture, one I always feel not only when returning from abroad but when returning from the countryside to London. A wave of utter despair usually hits. So saying all that, I'd be very curious who you'd vote for if there were an election tomorrow. You're obviously a traditional Labour voter but I'd be quite horrified if you would still vote for them after the Statsi like antics of the government over the last year. The previous 14 years of Tory rule were also total disaster. Whilst Reform are not perfect we have to give a new party a chance as there simply is no one else. Any thoughts?
I'm still active in the labour movement, Tracy. And fighting every day to make it more reflective of working-class voices. I'm not a Reform person.
Can I suggest Advance UK with Ben Habib, I've joined ☺
I like Ben Habib. And I agree with a lot Tommy Toni son is saying but he simply doesn't go down well with the public. I think it's a big risk and splits the vote. Reform is our only hope. Too little time for Advance to build a party.
I used to think like you and was a Reform member but their top table have lost their marbles. The party is becoming soft with the rowing back on immigration and lying about Tommy Robinson and Rupert Lowe. 4 years is plenty of time if you look at the lack of quality of the opposition.
Yes I feel that to a point too but then I went to Farage's X feed and I don't see any of the softness in his posts. I'm appalled about the lies he tells about Robinson, granted. There's no need. Just ignore him. It's all Farage needs to do so that does annoy me. Advance won't make it in4 years. Look how long it's taken Farage. Without him Reform would not be what it is today. I'm going to stick for now just to avoid a potential "lost vote". But let's see what happens in four years.
As always Paul an insightful piece. I think the term ‘Lebanonisation of Britain’ could be prophetic. A Christian controlled country (perhaps in name only) where terror groups are represented in Parliament and other key institutions. Without wishing to over dramatise anything, I can’t help feeling we’re on the edge, at a turning point and the British people have to decide soon what they want. Is it this homogenous mess we see now, blurry with a total loss of our self identity, customs and culture or do we stand together and continue to welcome others in our country but on our terms: integrate or leave.
No one seems to be able to explain exactly what the ‘balsamic’ community has done to improve our country.
Charlie and Starmer keep bleating on about their contribution to our once great country but I’m struggling to see what or how the indigenous population have benefited…
These so called elites need their bubble pricked so they can take a look at the chaos taking place throughout our land.
They’ve chosen to ignore the herds of Trojan horses disgorging the uninvited fighting aged men from a completely incompatible culture that are disrupting this once relatively peaceful and coherent population…
It’ll never affect them in their ivory towers until one day……, by which time it’ll be too late….too late to even smell the coffee…😏
And look closely as the LUDICROUS sums of money burned by councils and the public sector, for nothing useful, they are living in la la land: https://youtu.be/ZXy9oeZr0yw?si=sPYlE94ZZ6N7MBd6
Another great read Paul, thank you. Of all the issues and challenges faced by us ‘normal folk’, none will hit those in charge, until - as we saw with David Amiss - one is killed and Parliament resolves to bear down on social media not the criminals. Social media is now how we find out what is going on, no wonder they want to limit its use.
The answer to your question David, is none. Substack is the answer, it guarantees we can complain with no risk, providing that is we choose our words carefully. Perhaps the time for action has already long passed and as a nation we are very tired and beyond caring.
Great writing as usual Paul. You really should jump ship with the excellent Maurice Glassman. Join Advance UK, they're in line with Blue Labour and the momentum in the membership from a standing start is palpable. They are doing some crazy things mind like asking their members what they think and Ben delegates, somewhat different to Farage he is also consistent!