The most compelling, lacerating description of the Muppet show that is British public life I have yet read. Esler on occasion reaches the heights of Tom Paine in his devastating mockery of the British system – from the corners of the House of Lords to the playing fields of Eton. You laugh out loud while violently agreeing – we are better than this.

Gavin Esler rightly asserts that Britain is better than this, shows with vivid insight why it is a country in deep crisis and what can be done about it. There can be no book more urgently needed than this one.

As Gavin Elser writes, ‘many of us feel that our demonstrably clever and competent country has lost its way’. I am certainly amongst their number. And I share his view that much of our problem is bound up with our outdated and unwritten constitution and our distorted media landscape. We can be better than this. We can be a stronger democracy and a kinder society. Gavin Esler’s important book points the way to that better future for our country.

This powerful and passionate book sets out a searing account of why our political system is broken, and what needs to be done to repair the damage and restore our international reputation. I strongly recommend it!

PRAISE FOR HOW BRITAIN ENDS:

‘A wonderful book which will be quoted in years to come’ New European.

‘An eloquent, forensic examination of resurgent English nationalism as the force that has driven Brexit and may now break up the United Kingdom’ Jonathan Coe.

‘A fascinating book that draws on poetry, literature and on-the-ground reporting’ The Times.

‘Packed with broad cultural and literary insight to go with hard-nosed political evaluation’ GQ.

‘A cool-headed contribution to this often emotional debate’