Description
Ten years after the Brexit referendum, Britain continues to wrestle with questions of identity, belonging and national direction. As debates around nationalism, migration, faith, protest and pluralism become increasingly charged, what story does the country now tell about itself and who feels fully included within it?
Bringing together political, historical and civic voices from across British public life, this major conversation explores the changing meaning of British identity in an era shaped by populism, economic anxiety and growing social fragmentation.
From patriotism and memory to democracy and national cohesion, the discussion asks what kind of country Britain wishes to become.
About the Speakers
Naz Shah
Naz Shah is the Labour MP for Bradford West. Elected to Parliament in 2015. Shah has served her constituents for over a decade, holding senior frontbench roles including Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Shadow Home Office Minister and Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities. She has also served on the Home Affairs Select Committee and championed legislation on issues affecting some of the UK’s most vulnerable communities.
Humza Yousaf
Humza Yousaf served as Scotland’s First Minister from 29th March 2023 – 7th May 2024. Upon assuming office, Humza became the first Muslim leader of a Western European nation. Elected to the Office of First Minister at the age of 37, he became Scotland’s youngest First Minister, and the first Person of Colour to become First Minister of Scotland. He has served in several government roles in twelve years as a Minister in the Scottish Government, including; Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Minister for Transport, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. He became the first Person of Colour and Muslim member of the Scottish Government in Scotland’s history when he was made Minister for External Affairs and International Development in 2012, aged 27. He was also appointed to lead the SNP’s campaign against Brexit in 2016. Humza is the only First Minister to have made the front cover of Time Magazine, where he was described as an “extraordinary leader” and “trailblazer”.
About the Chair
Robert Nisbet
Robert Nisbet is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and communications specialist with a distinguished career spanning television, radio and public affairs. He worked for BBC News as a presenter and correspondent, becoming the corporation’s first entertainment correspondent and appearing on programmes including Liquid News and The Morning Show. He later joined Sky News, serving as a US, Europe and political correspondent, reporting from Washington, Brussels and Westminster. Following his journalism career, Nisbet became a leading communications adviser and spokesperson, helping organisations shape public debate through strategic storytelling, media engagement and public affairs expertise.
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