Failed State

The Sunday Times Bestselling Investigation Into Why Britain is Struggling

By: Sam Freedman

Narrated by: Sam Freedman

***The top 5 Sunday Times bestseller***

'Excellent... persuasive... convincing' – The Times
'Funny, whipsmart and devastating. Sanity on steroids' – Emily Maitlis
'Fantastic. An exquisite analysis' – The Secret Barrister

Why does nothing work in Britain?

It’s harder than ever to get a GP appointment. Burglaries go unpunished. Rivers are overrun with sewage. Real wages have been stagnant for years, even as the cost of housing rises inexorably. Why is everything going wrong at the same time?

It's easy to blame dysfunctional politicians who are out for themselves. But, in reality, it’s more complicated. Politicians can make things better or worse, but all work within our state institutions. And ours are utterly broken.

In Failed State, Sam Freedman, one of Britain's leading policy experts, offers a devastating analysis of where we’ve gone wrong. With historical depth and plenty of infuriating examples, he explains why British governance has fallen so far behind. Speaking to politicians of all stripes, civil servants and workers on the frontline, this book bursts with insight on the real problems that are so often hidden from the front pages. The result is a witty, landmark book that paves the way for a fairer and more prosperous Britain.

'We can only hope that every member of the new government will read and digest this book' – David Aaronovitch
'Brilliantly timed and frighteningly true' – Sir Anthony Seldon

Critic reviews

Excellent... a persuasive argument brought to life by a generous supply of telling quotes and good stories from insiders, which make it convincing and readable. (The Times)

Funny, whipsmart and devastating. Sanity on steroids for our unhinged times (Emily Maitlis, broadcaster and bestselling author)

One of the most astute observers of British politics. Freedman combines an unparalleled understanding of Westminster with a light, easy-to-read style. (Ian Dunt, bestselling author of How Westminster Works . . . And Why It Doesn't)

Concise, wise and clear, this is a book that every member of the new government should read and digest (David Aaronovitch, BBC Radio 4 presenter)

Excellent. Fantastic. An exquisite analysis (The Secret Barrister, bestselling author and campaigner)

Brilliantly timed and frighteningly true. We should listen to what Freedman has to say (Sir Anthony Seldon, bestselling author of Johnson at 10)

Brilliant. Clear and compelling reading (Nigella Lawson, author, cook and journalist)

An urgent plea for reform... [Freedman] lucidly sets out how we ended up here... To his credit, Freedman has detailed suggestions how [to fix the system]. (Guardian)

I heard it was required reading for new ministers and I concur! Bravo. (Louise Haigh, Secretary for State for Transport, UK Government)

'Excellent' (Financial Times)

‘Freedman’s diagnosis is damning [. . . and] clear-eyed about what solutions are needed’ (TLS)

Jaw drop

I never perceived that the UK was in such a mess, caused by so many factors and so many parties. God help.us!