In this lively debate, Will Self, a novelist and political commentator, and Peter Hitchens, a conservative columnist, argue that there’s not much to be proud of in Britain. They delve into issues of national identity, reflecting on the complexities of modern British society. On the other side, former Labour MP Kate Hoey and Conservative peer Sayeeda Warsi highlight Britain's strengths, including its multiculturalism and contributions to global diplomacy. Personal anecdotes and sharp critiques abound as the panel engages passionately over Britain’s past, present, and future.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Welder Anecdote
Peter Hitchens told a story about a welder falling off scaffolding.
The welder asks for help, but a voice tells him to "let go" of his illusions about Britain.
insights INSIGHT
Britain's Decline
Britain's decline is evident in its inability to complete projects efficiently, like the HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The Great Western Railway's electrification also exemplifies this decline.
insights INSIGHT
Declining Freedoms
British freedoms are declining, with attacks on jury trials and civil liberties.
The presumption of guilt is becoming more prevalent.
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No specific information available about a book titled 'Shark' by Will Self and Tony Lacey.
Umbrella
Will Self
Umbrella is a modernist novel that follows the story of Zachary Busner, a maverick psychiatrist, as he treats a patient named Audrey Death who has been in a vegetative state since 1918. The novel interweaves narratives across different time periods, exploring themes of consciousness, memory, and the impact of technology on society. It is known for its experimental style, lacking chapters and traditional narrative structures.
Phone
Will Self
Phone is a novel by Will Self that delves into the lives of characters like Dr. Zachary Busner and Jonathan De'Ath, exploring themes of technology, identity, and human connection. The book is part of Self's modernist trilogy, following 'Umbrella' and 'Shark', and offers a complex narrative that intertwines personal stories with broader societal issues.
Will
Mark Manson
Will Smith
In 'Will', Will Smith opens up about his life, sharing anecdotes from his early days in West Philadelphia, his rise in the music industry as part of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and his subsequent success in Hollywood. The book delves into his complex relationship with his father, the impact of his family on his life, and his journey to align outer success with inner happiness and human connection. Written with the help of Mark Manson, the book offers a blend of vulnerability, humor, and life lessons that reflect Will Smith's trademark style and larger-than-life personality.
The Phoney Victory
Peter Hitchens
In 'The Phoney Victory', Peter Hitchens questions the conventional narrative of World War II as a 'Good War', arguing that Britain's entry into the war led to its decline and that the Allies sometimes used immoral methods. He critiques the idea that Britain went to war to save the Jewish population and highlights the unpreparedness of Britain and France for a major European conflict.
In this episode, our panel of top speakers battle it out over whether Brits should be proud or ashamed of their country. Is the phrase 'Great Britain' an oxymoron, or is Britain one of the world's most free, open and tolerant societies, therefore making it the best place to live in the world? Listen to this debate, hear the arguments and make up your mind. Arguing in favour of the motion There's Not Much Great About Britain were Peter Hitchens, columnist for the Mail on Sunday, author and broadcaster; and Will Self, novelist, broadcaster and literary critic. Arguing against the motion were Kate Hoey, former Labour MP for Vauxhall; and Sayeeda Warsi, Conservative member of the House of Lords. The debate was chaired by Anthony Seldon, historian and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham.
Intelligence Squared 
