Miriam Margolyes, 85, Urges a 'Better Britain' as She Blames Fear Politics and Far Right
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 23
Miriam Margolyes, 85, Urges a 'Better Britain' as She Blames Fear Politics and Far Right
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 23
Summary
Margolyes, 85, says Britain feels "broken," hostile and unwelcoming, and uses a new opinion essay to call for unity, truth-telling and a more inclusive "Better Britain."
She blames 14 years of Conservative rule, fearmongering politicians, misinformation in media and the influence of billionaires, arguing immigrants and asylum seekers are being wrongly scapegoated for the country's decline.
Her essay links today's tensions to Britain's imperial past and later far-right movements, warning that figures such as Nigel Farage exploit the same grievances and racial anxieties for power.
Margolyes also recounts her own shift from a Tory school candidate in 1955 to the left, presenting that political journey as part of a broader plea to confront history honestly and "do it better" in future.
The piece doubles as a manifesto for her upcoming book tour, which starts across the UK on September 1.