Too late to save Britain — it’s time to emigrate

17 July 2010

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We have lost our political probity, our social harmony and our moral integrity, says David Selbourne. There is nothing for it but to leave the country

In a country that does not know what it once was, or where it is going next, the re-branded and ‘modernised’ mainstream parties — which once represented values as well as interests — have also lost their way (and their memberships) on the ‘centre ground’; Labour no longer represents labour, Conservatives do not wish to conserve, and Liberal Democrats appear to have no principles at all. The parties have become indistinct, inviting the advance of extremism. Politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum. There is a moral void too.

Yet it is not anger which marks the national mood but a confused dismay at the country’s coarsened, directionless condition. Although I say it with regret, it is therefore better to go, if you can. Moreover, those who overvalue Britain’s significance and present reputation, and disparage other nations, are making an embarrassing mistake. There is no utopia on earth, and other free and too-free societies are not in good shape. But few have squandered their inheritance as rapidly as Britain, few have been so self-harming.

Those who have the talent and stamina carefully to record, and to analyse, the travails of this country in philosophical spirit, as a warning to future generations of how the work of ages can be so swiftly undone, might well stay. But if you would live and die somewhat happier than you can here, and if you have the possibility of springing the trap, then I would say to you — after much thought, and some doubt as to whether it should be said at all — ‘Leave!’

David Selbourne is a political philosopher and theorist. This article is an edited version of his speech for a Spectator debate on the motion, ‘Too late to save Britain. It’s time to leave.’

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Kevan

July 27th, 2010 8:31pm Report this comment

Sorry David, but you are so wide of the mark.

The UK is currently more exciting than its ever been, despite its current, temporary, financial troubles.

It enjoys the most multi cultural community in the entire world, and, contrary to the defeatist's belief, this community is poised to fly.

I love living in my country (the UK) and intend to be a part of its great sucess story for the rest of my life.

We're setting the foundations, in the UK, for the most amazing adventure we've experienced so far, in the whole of history.

Let those sad individuals who aren't up to the job leave, let them run away, say I, we're better of without their type.

Billy the Kidder

August 8th, 2010 5:27am Report this comment

Kevan, I suspect you are wide of the mark.
Social decay is now the hallmark of British cities. Schools are a mess (thanks to socialists and hippie types), streets are unsafe (thanks to soclialists and their legal friends). There is highly restricted freedom of speech (thanks to.. oh you get it) such that you can't question multi-culti without howls of racism and a possible visit from the local bobby.

The Tories are better than Labor but need to shift back to conservative proper, not conservative "lite". Until then, Britain cannot recover. No one has the balls to confront the herd of elephants in the room because of political correctness.

Patriot

November 14th, 2010 10:27am Report this comment

Kevan, your living with the fairies in respect of your comments - you really have no clue!
Billy the Kidder I second what you say and unfortunately without the charasmatic leadership and integrity that this country so desperately needs it is going to continue to sink! Shame on our so called leaders! I'm off to Oz with my family as soon as we sell our house - at a loss I might add!!!

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