In his poem “Going, Going,” Philip Larkin expressed his concern about the disappearing English countryside due to rampant development. However, during my recent trip to England and Scotland in the summer of 2023, I found that Larkin’s fears were premature. British conservatism, which has a strong conservationist streak, has successfully preserved the green and pleasant landscape of the country.
Despite this preservation, there is a sense of stagnation in Britain. The country’s living standards have fallen behind its neighbors, its economy has been stagnant for the past 15 years, and its public services, including the revered National Health Service, are in a state of decay. The blame is often placed on the Conservative Party, which is seen as being too focused on preservation rather than embracing change and development.
Britain’s housing crisis is another issue exacerbated by this preservationist attitude. Home prices are at their highest compared to wages since the 1870s, making it difficult for younger generations to afford homes and delaying important life milestones. This issue intertwines with cultural debates, as increased immigration is seen as a contributing factor to rising house prices, leading to a mistrustful atmosphere.
To understand the roots of Britain’s housing deficit, I recommend reading Samuel Watling’s essay “Why Britain Doesn’t Build.” The vision of densely-populated “New Towns” connected by rail, which was proposed after World War II, failed to come to fruition due to opposition to dense building and an increasing emphasis on homeownership. Decentralization and deregulation were not implemented, leaving the central authority powerless in terms of new construction.
Even today, attempts at urban development face strong opposition. Cabinet secretary Michael Gove’s proposal for a new development around Cambridge was met with criticism from local Tory members. This preservationist attitude has resulted in a divide between the financial and tourist economies, leaving general prosperity out of reach for many.
However, there is room for optimism. The new developments I did come across in the United Kingdom were often aesthetically pleasing compared to their American counterparts. Leaders like Michael Gove and King Charles III understand the importance of beautiful and popular architecture, which can alleviate the fear of new construction. By striking a balance between growth and preservation, Britain can thrive while maintaining its cultural heritage and creating even more buildings worthy of poetic inspiration.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
