Following up his acclaimed 2012 book, British Voices, Joe Hayman travels across the UK in the wake of the EU referendum, talking to members of the public about life and politics in modern Britain. From Blackpool Tower to the Bogside, the Welsh Valleys to Glasgow’s West End, he meets people from all walks of life, not just recording what they say but trying to really hear them. He finds a troubled, insecure nation where divisions by class, culture and faith bubble dangerously close to the surface and calls for urgent efforts to build a stronger sense of community, shared identity and common values in a country conflicted about its past and uncertain about its future.
“Joe Hayman illuminates the fault lines dividing Britain today and, crucially, what we hold in common. An important contribution to the debate about how to bring our country back together.” – Rachel Reeves MP, Chair, House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee
“Very timely… Joe Hayman uncovers how people across the UK are really feeling about their country, the changes we’ve seen and the challenges we face.” – Nicky Morgan MP, Treasury Select Committee Chair
“A tremendous feat of engagement with ‘ourselves’ reviving the best traditions of Mass Observation. Hayman lends an acute ear to the UK conversation. ” – David Walker, Guardian Public contributing editor
“Starting a conversation which Britain needs to have, Joe Hayman has captured a moment in time that will change the country forever. A compelling read of our time.” – Aneeta Prem, Founder, Freedom Charity
“Joe Hayman presents a careful analysis of core issues facing contemporary Britain which cannot be ignored as we enter a period of immense change. He throws into stark focus trends which challenge traditional assumptions on what matters if a just society at peace with itself is to emerge.” – Lord Eames OM
“A fascinating and sometimes difficult read, British Journey brings to life the nuances and complexities of modern Britain, making connections as well as highlighting differences. Every politician should read it”. Baroness Valerie Amos, Director of SOAS, University of London
Buy British Journey
Meet the Author
British Journey is Joe Hayman’s second book, a follow up to British Voices which he wrote in 2012. In between the two books, Joe led the successful campaign for life skills education to be a compulsory part of the national curriculum in his role as Chief Executive of the PSHE Association. He now advises other charities on how to build effective public policy campaigns through his business, Hayman Consulting.