Description

‘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

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

In the past, it was possible to live with delightful confusion: one could be English or British, Scottish or Irish, and a citizen/subject of the United Kingdom (or Great Britain). Now this archaic state is coming under terrible strain. The English revolt against Europe is also a revolt against the Scottish and Irish, and the pressures to declare Scottish independence and to push for a border poll that would unite Ireland may become irresistible.

Can England and Wales find a way of dealing with the state’s new place in the world? What constitutional, federal arrangements might prevent the disintegration of the British state?

How Britain Ends is a book about history, but also about the strange, complicated identity of Britishness.

Publisher Review

PRAISE FOR GAVIN ESLER: 'Everything a good Remainer needs to persuade the Brexiters, punchy, pithy and short' Polly Toynbee. 'A brilliant demolition of the lies nad liars that created the Brexit mess. Should be required reading at his old stamping ground, the BBC' Alastair Campbell. 'Timely and incisive ... Gavin Esler dispels the myth that delivering a Brexit deal, or no deal, would bring an "end" to Brexit' Francis Grove White, Peoples Vote Campaign. 'If you want a pithy, sober, clear-headed summary of what Brexit is actually likely to look like, Gavin Esler's new book is spot on. Such a welcome antidote to all the whipped up sentiment - calm, factual, rigorous' Dr Rachel Clarke, palliative doctor and NHS campaigner.