19 January 2027 – John Clarke

The state we're in

Can we imagine a better future for Britain?

From potholes to crises in the water system; from waiting lists to a stalled economy, the UK seems stuck in a doom loop. At the same time, many people seem to have lost trust in ‘normal politics’ and are turning to radical alternatives or abandoning politics altogether. Meanwhile, social divisions and conflicts multiply and explode on our streets and our screens. How did we get here? And how might we escape?

In his talk for Engaging Issues, Professor Clarke will explore how multiplying crises and conflicts have come to characterise Britain in the last decade, ranging from Brexit to de-industrialisation; from anti-immigration politics to the climate catastrophe. It will ask whether there are reasons for hope – and where we might find inspiration to imagine and create a better future.

John Clarke

John Clarke is an Emeritus Professor of Social Policy at the Open University, where he taught and researched for over 30 years. He has written about a wide range of topics, including youth cultures, the impacts of managerialism and consumerism on public services, and changes in welfare states.

His most recent book is The Battle for Britain: crises, conflicts and the conjuncture, published by Bristol University Press in 2023.