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Greater: Britain After the Storm
We're used to hearing that we live in an age of unprecedented division, that the great storms that have engulfed British politics over the past ten years have driven us further apart than ever, with no hope of finding common ground.
Penny Mordaunt and Chris Lewis disagree. In this lively and insightful book, they argue that although differences of opinion are a natural part of healthy political debate, some of our current division is caused by a need for political reform. A wave of scandals has corroded public confidence in leadership in all walks of life, fuelled by a hyper-individualistic social media landscape – but by rebuilding public trust we can restore national pride and positive, competent politics.
Greater lays out a plan for post-Brexit Britain. Delving into our history, our institutions and our culture, it explains how we arrived at this point and how the British character points the way towards practical national missions.
It explores Britain's role in the world and how to balance global and local priorities; makes the case for the United Kingdom based on the mutuality that binds us; and calls for modernising reform in politics, government and markets. It describes the role of social media in culture wars and calls for a relentless focus on aspiration and a social enterprise revolution. Above all, it reminds us of the many reasons we have to be optimistic.
Penny Mordaunt and Chris Lewis disagree. In this lively and insightful book, they argue that although differences of opinion are a natural part of healthy political debate, some of our current division is caused by a need for political reform. A wave of scandals has corroded public confidence in leadership in all walks of life, fuelled by a hyper-individualistic social media landscape – but by rebuilding public trust we can restore national pride and positive, competent politics.
Greater lays out a plan for post-Brexit Britain. Delving into our history, our institutions and our culture, it explains how we arrived at this point and how the British character points the way towards practical national missions.
It explores Britain's role in the world and how to balance global and local priorities; makes the case for the United Kingdom based on the mutuality that binds us; and calls for modernising reform in politics, government and markets. It describes the role of social media in culture wars and calls for a relentless focus on aspiration and a social enterprise revolution. Above all, it reminds us of the many reasons we have to be optimistic.
- GenresPolitics
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2021
41 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 16, 2021
The political philosophy book I've been waiting for, written by two authors from both sides of the Brexit debate, which is non-party focussed and is entertaining, humourous, enlightening, thought provoking, this book analyses what is right with Britain and what needs changing. It looks at the quagmire of Whitehall and the civil service, the bloated House of Lords which is the second largest legislature in the world after the Chinese People's Congress.
It argues for radical change to the way many institutions operate, government, parliament, BBC, local government, how technology could improve the way the country is run if only they would accept their own shortcomings and lack of knowledge and experience. It further argues that trust, freedom, democracy and capitalism go hand in hand and that one can't exist without the other.
I've no doubt Penny Mourdant will be on the ballot paper for the next leader of the Conservative Party if she can persuade her colleagues to face the real challenges that face Britain.
I finished this book thinking that I should read it again to make sure I absorb it more fully.
It argues for radical change to the way many institutions operate, government, parliament, BBC, local government, how technology could improve the way the country is run if only they would accept their own shortcomings and lack of knowledge and experience. It further argues that trust, freedom, democracy and capitalism go hand in hand and that one can't exist without the other.
I've no doubt Penny Mourdant will be on the ballot paper for the next leader of the Conservative Party if she can persuade her colleagues to face the real challenges that face Britain.
I finished this book thinking that I should read it again to make sure I absorb it more fully.
July 16, 2022
I have read over 1,330 books during the last 3+ decades, yet I haven’t come across a book so mission focused and descriptive with facts, governance, aims, objectives, policy driven for the better of humanity as this book is. In fact I have been searching to read such a book for the last 3 years specifically & I didn’t find one until I came across this book. It is Brilliant. Easily the blue print to transform and launch Britain or even any other nation (adapting the analogy of the book locally) towards a definitive mission for the next 100 years. If the Chinese can conceive and follow a 100 year plan, then so can other nations. It all needs a clear mission, solidarity, unity, and shared values. A fantabulous piece of work the book is.
July 31, 2021
This might be the worst book in the history of publishing; complete drivel from end to end. If you favour a foil hat to stop aliens controlling your mind through the television then buy it. If, on the other hand, you recognise the 'United' Kingdom is now a slowly submerging relic of an era defined by pompous marching bands, corrupt politicians with an IQ and shoe size equivalence (Corbyn or Johnson?), then, for goodness' sake don't buy. Mordant once thought it a jolly jape to take a bet to see if she could sneak a four-letter vulgarity into a Commons speech. Penny! Hilarious! Britain, this is your future - marginalised by dim, 3rd rate buffoons who haven't enough brains to blow their hats off.
December 11, 2022
I got a copy of Penny Mordaunt's book when she was one of the frontrunners to win the Conservative leadership contest back in summer.
I was originally intending to write a proper review of it, but the experience of reading it has been so exhausting and frustrating that I do not want to spend that much energy on it. While there was the occasional interesting observation or argument which I could either get behind or constructively disagree with, it is not those that spring to mind when I think about the book.
What comes to mind is the inane waffle that pads out the word count; words for the sake of words, the literary equivalent of filibustering. The parts that are potentially interesting or worth reading are utterly drowned by a relentless deluge of shallow cultural commentary, tedious rehashes of already stale arguments, groan-inducing attempts at humour, and excessively long lists.
So. Many. Lists.
Every few pages there is an atrociously long list. Used sparingly, such lists could be good for humour or emphasis, but there are SO MANY of them, and some of them are SO LONG. A few times I verbally exclaimed in frustration when I reached the next one.
The book is appallingly written; all the padding gives it the feel of a rushed AS level essay written the night before the deadline. I am quite confident that at least 50% could be cut out, leaving behind an at least slightly better book.
However, a shorter book wouldn't look so impressive. The physical copy is a nice edition. The cover design is elegant, and its thickness gives it a satisfying weight and the illusion of depth and seriousness. It perfectly encapsulates the way politicians adopt the aesthetics of intelligence and competence to hide the shallowness of their thinking - see Jacob Rees-Mogg for a particularly extreme example of this tactic.
The book comes recommended by various political or business figures - Bill Gates wrote the foreword, and blurbs are provided by the likes of Tony Blair, Richard Branson, Elton John, and more. Assuming those quotes are genuine recommendations and not just a friendly favour, this is a damning indictment of our political class.
If you ever wanted a physical manifestation of the sheer intellectual and imaginative bankruptcy of the political class, then this book is for you!
I was originally intending to write a proper review of it, but the experience of reading it has been so exhausting and frustrating that I do not want to spend that much energy on it. While there was the occasional interesting observation or argument which I could either get behind or constructively disagree with, it is not those that spring to mind when I think about the book.
What comes to mind is the inane waffle that pads out the word count; words for the sake of words, the literary equivalent of filibustering. The parts that are potentially interesting or worth reading are utterly drowned by a relentless deluge of shallow cultural commentary, tedious rehashes of already stale arguments, groan-inducing attempts at humour, and excessively long lists.
So. Many. Lists.
Every few pages there is an atrociously long list. Used sparingly, such lists could be good for humour or emphasis, but there are SO MANY of them, and some of them are SO LONG. A few times I verbally exclaimed in frustration when I reached the next one.
The book is appallingly written; all the padding gives it the feel of a rushed AS level essay written the night before the deadline. I am quite confident that at least 50% could be cut out, leaving behind an at least slightly better book.
However, a shorter book wouldn't look so impressive. The physical copy is a nice edition. The cover design is elegant, and its thickness gives it a satisfying weight and the illusion of depth and seriousness. It perfectly encapsulates the way politicians adopt the aesthetics of intelligence and competence to hide the shallowness of their thinking - see Jacob Rees-Mogg for a particularly extreme example of this tactic.
The book comes recommended by various political or business figures - Bill Gates wrote the foreword, and blurbs are provided by the likes of Tony Blair, Richard Branson, Elton John, and more. Assuming those quotes are genuine recommendations and not just a friendly favour, this is a damning indictment of our political class.
If you ever wanted a physical manifestation of the sheer intellectual and imaginative bankruptcy of the political class, then this book is for you!
February 27, 2022
I wanted to read this book as Penny Mordaunt is a potential candidate for the next PM so I wanted to see what her thoughts on the subject at hand would be. She seems to have a good idea on what our weaknesses are and how to improve them, moreso than many others in Westminster. One thing missing not focused on enough is the family unit though which seems to me to be driving a lot of issues. I may not actually vote for her if she was to become Tory leader BUT she might actually be good at the job on reading this.
August 28, 2022
This book is guaranteed to lift your spirits. It's easy to drive out the good in persuit of perfection but this book does the opposite. It highlights the good and inspires a vision for greatness in Britain. Now more than ever, this book will bring you hope by reminding you what is so great about Britain and its people, what it is capable of, and refuel your excitement for the future knowing that we'll pull through the tough times. And you'll laugh out loud reading it. It's packed with comedy. Loved it!
October 15, 2021
An interesting read delving into British history, culture and our institutions with a plan of action on how we take Britain forward.
Refreshing to read an inspiring political book proposing a positive plan of action rather than just documenting the issues.
Refreshing to read an inspiring political book proposing a positive plan of action rather than just documenting the issues.
December 2, 2021
Just the greatness of Britain
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews