Will Britain Survive? (2022)

Britain faces significant existential challenges as it enters 2022, marked by a series of crises that threaten its unity and identity. The country has experienced setbacks, including the fallout from the 2008 financial crisis, the divisive impact of Brexit, and a poorly managed response to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in high death rates and economic decline. These events have exposed deep-seated issues within the United Kingdom, which comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, leading to a crisis of national identity. Many citizens struggle to define what it means to be British, with divisions exacerbated by Brexit, which highlighted the unequal nature of the union, particularly the dominance of England in decision-making.

The article draws parallels between Britain's current situation and historical empires that faced dissolution due to internal strife and failure to adapt. Observations from a recent road trip across the UK reveal a nation grappling with its past and future, where traditional institutions coexist with modern multiculturalism. The author reflects on the significance of places like Butlin's, a holiday resort that embodies a unique British identity, contrasting it with more exclusive, gentrified areas. This journey underscores the complexities of national belonging in a country that is increasingly questioning its coherence and purpose. The overarching sentiment is one of uncertainty about whether Britain can maintain its unity amid rising nationalism and identity crises, raising the question of its future as a cohesive nation.