What does the UK stand for?

It’s time to re-examine our values as a society

Since the EU referendum, there has been a noticeable absence of discussion of what the UK stands for as a country. What does Britain mean to the world? Where is the articulation of what makes us a nation of people with strong principles that we believe in, that we will fight to protect, such as freedom, respect for every individual, personal and collective responsibility for each other, and a deep compassion for people of every race as we seek to create a better world?

Speaking at Tuesday’s Brexit debate in parliament, veteran Tory MP Ken Clarke questioned where populism and extremism will take the UK next. We need to explain what we stand for and articulate our role in the world, so that the space we want to inhabit is clear. We need a vision for how we live, how we work with each other and with people from other countries. What can others rely on the British for? Should they, for example, be confident that we will always stand up against bullies and tyrants? Should they believe we will protect the rights of people to be free, to think and speak independently, and to live in safety from oppression and harm? Should they assume we believe in scientific progress for the benefit of humankind?

The alternative, if we cannot explain what we stand for, is for others to see us as confused - torn between the ‘glories’ of the past and possible riches through realpolitik. Will the UK be marginalised as a nation locked in the past, a country without principles, open to the highest bidder in order to maintain a certain level of prosperity?

The Queen, who maintains a neutral stance on politics, recently highlighted the importance of “coming together to seek out the common ground”. Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May have finally met in private for what has been described as a ‘serious and engaged’ discussion. It’s not too late for our political leaders to steer us away from confusion and towards compassion and collective responsibility.