Daily: Fool Britannia – Our tumultuous path to Brexit

Brexit came as a shocking nadir in British politics for many people – but looking back, was it really a surprise? In his latest book, All In It Together: England in the Early 21st Century, historian Alwyn Turner weaves politics and popular culture from the Millennium through to the EU referendum. He talks to Nick Cohen about the UK’s long hangover after Cool Britannia, why UKIP wielded such influence, and the impact of the internet and social media.

• “Often at the beginning of a century there is a sense of confusion and people feel they need a new version of faith.”
• “The internet started to create its own identity, social media changed everything.”
• “Nigel Farage had a bigger impact than any politician elected to Westminster during this period.”
• “Devolution was brought in to buy-off the Scottish nationalists, but it went wrong and has changed the country forever.”
• “England is not a Labour country and it never has been.”

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Written and presented by Nick Cohen. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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