
Multipolarity Multipolarity Advent Calendar: Day Six
Dec 16, 2025
Join Philip and Andrew as they peel back the layers of Britain's tumultuous year. Dive into discussions about political crises that define an 'annus horribilis' for the UK. They tackle social tensions sparked by migration issues and highlight the strain on public services like the NHS. Economic stagnation and the flight of wealth emerge as pressing concerns. With parallels drawn to the 1970s and reflections on political talent decline, they explore the viability of Reform UK's ambitions amid potential electoral chaos. Will the UK hold together?
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Britain's Decline Is Systemic Not Accidental
- The UK is experiencing systemic decline across politics, public services, and living standards rather than isolated policy failures.
- Philip Pilkington argues the problem stems from a broken political system producing rapid leader turnover and chronic economic stagnation.
High Street Vapes And Barbers As A Symptom
- Philip describes British High Streets now dominated by vape shops and Turkish barbers as emblematic of local economic change.
- He uses this everyday example to hint at deeper issues like possible money-laundering and hollowed local commerce.
Social Hardship Mirrors Economic Stagnation
- Social indicators show deepening hardship: millions face insecurity, pensioners skip meals, and public services fail.
- Pilkington links these outcomes to stagnating growth, high taxes, and capital and skills flight from the UK.
