Stuart Maconie

Stuart Maconie goes in search of the places, people and events of the 20th century that shaped the look and character of modern Britain. From the death of Victoria to the demise of New Labour, he takes a single event from each decade that offers up a defining moment in our history and then goes in search of its legacy today. X rated, contains offensive language.

It was the spirit of our finest hour, the backbone of our post-war greatness, and it promoted some of the boldest and most brilliant schemes this isle has ever produced: it was the Welfare State, and it made you and I. But now it's under threat, and we need to save it. In this timely and provocative book, Stuart Maconie tells Britain's Welfare State story through his own history of growing up as a northern working class boy. What was so bad about properly funded hospitals, decent working conditions and affordable houses? And what was so wrong about student grants, free eye tests and council houses? And where did it all go so wrong? Stuart looks toward Britain's future, making an emotional case for believing in more than profit and loss; and championing a just, fairer society.