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Values, Voice and Virtue

The New British Politics

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Brought to you by Penguin.

Over the last decade, Britain has been rocked by a series of political revolts. The rise of national populism, the vote for Brexit, Boris Johnson's emphatic 2019 election victory, the fall of Labour's Red Wall, and the emergence of a very different brand of conservatism have all outflanked the country's liberal establishment and stunned the world. In trying to make sense of this remarkable churn and change, many commentators cling to very short-term and unconvincing explanations, pointing to social media, dark money, individual leaders, or the promises made to voters.

But, as acclaimed political scientist Matthew Goodwin reveals in this strikingly original study, this turbulence has been a long time in the making - and it is set to continue for many years to come. Embarking on a profound and wide-ranging analysis of postwar British politics, Goodwin shows how these revolts are all symptomatic of deeper shifts that are now rapidly reshaping our political world. He points to the rise of three new drivers over 'values', 'voice' and 'virtue', and shows how these uniquely powerful divides are now pushing us into a new era of political volatility.

© Matthew Goodwin 2023 (P) Penguin Audio 2023

 Europe Great Britain Political Science Politics & Government Liberalism Thought-Provoking Socialism Social justice Taxation Capitalism Economic Inequality British Politics

Critic reviews

A single missile laser-targeted at a careless, feckless ruling elite who have ignored the wants and wills of the vast majority of voters ... The fundamental thrust of Goodwin's argument is right. ... a new centre ground of British politics is being formed - even if both parties have yet to fully comprehend it. (Sebastian Payne)
A much-needed corrective. It gives voice to those whose values are scarcely heard or represented by the media ... impassioned and convincing. (Patrick West)
Goodwin's central thesis is that the rise of the radical right, the Brexit referendum and Johnson's general election victory of 2019 are expressions of a deeper realignment in UK politics that pits the marginalised white working class, socially conservative older voters and the 'non-graduate majority' against a new elite of university-educated progressives. (Nick Pearce)
The most consistent chronicler of events that have upturned the UK several times ... there is much to recommend it as an antidote against the madness of our times. (Titus Techera)
Well-written and cogently argued ... [Goodwin] understands the broad forces that spurred the surprising changes and tumult in the politics of the West, and he writes about them without villainizing or heroizing ... a crucial one to read. (Bo Winegard)
This book is a valuable read for understanding better the cause of our recent democratic upheavals. (Baroness Stowell)
Hot property... [from] an insightful author and a trendsetting 'entrepreneurial academic', combining his scholarly work with writing punchy op-eds and making his case on TV and radio. (Rakib Ehsan)
Goodwin is angry on behalf of the white working class. He wants a political programme that offers them more protection from the gales of international economic competition and from the erosion of their socially conservative values. (David Willetts)
All stars
Most relevant
Like many, I have been feeling an earthshaking shift in politics with many changes in outlook, direction, achievement, family and traditions, whether on the left or right.
Whether the reader is older university educated or not, Matthew Goodwin’s book explains very clearly to all readers what has caused this unrest.
Because of it’s important content, I am buying the hard copy for reference to the different topics presented.
A highly recommended book.

The Book of Explanations in Current British Politics

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This came highly recommended by a friend. I'm glad to have read it, as Matthew Goodwin's analysis of Westminster and multiple pieces of research helps to explain why such vast swathes of British society feel that politicians and the state are no longer serving them.

Helps to make sense of modern politics

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Another excellent book from the most insightful writer on British politics of the 21st century.

Essential listening

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An eye opening account at what has gone wrong in this country and the Western world as a whole.
A real challenge to the political orthodoxy.

Political book of the year.

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This explains why I feel unable to make a change in my country. Great book.

I can relate!

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