In 2026, Remember Britain Better: The Right's Lies and the Fight for the Country's Soul
Reflecting on a 1980s Cheshire comprehensive school reveals a history of endemic racism, marked by incidents such as a National Front-supporting sixth-form counsellor and the chant 'There ain’t no black in the union jack.' Allegations about Nigel Farage’s behaviour at Dulwich College have been made, though Farage’s lawyers deny these claims; nevertheless, many recall similar experiences from their own schooldays.
An IPPR report shows that ethnonationalist narratives are gaining ground, with 3% of people associating good British citizenship with white skin and about one-third believing true Britishness is innate—a rise from 20% in 2023. Mainstream media platforms have given space to anti-immigrant views, including comments from Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin criticizing adverts featuring Black and Asian people.
Right-wing rhetoric promotes ideas of 'remigration' and a monocultural Britain, framed nostalgically as a white-centric national identity. Attempts to deny past societal horrors are evident, such as Robert Jenrick describing 1980s football culture as largely good-natured despite its racism and violence.
The article argues that modern Britain has improved significantly and warns that reverting to past conditions would resurrect deep racism, police brutality, and social harms. Labour plans to confront Farage, with Keir Starmer framing the battle as one for the country's soul. The strategy includes engagement by artists, athletes, and media to broaden the appeal and depoliticize the debate.
The stakes for 2026 are extremely high, with the outcome set to shape the future direction of the country.
