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 was the First Minister of Scotland from 2023 to 24, the first Muslim leader of a Western European country and the youngest First Minister in Scotland’s history.
He was appointed as Minister for External Affairs and International Development in 2012, and later served as a Minister for Europe, Minister for Transport, as well as Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Health & Social Care. First elected as an MSP for Glasgow in 2011, he was elected in 2016 to serve Glasgow Pollok, becoming the first ethnic minority Member of the Scottish Parliament to be directly elected to a constituency.
After 15 years in politics, including 12 years in government, he has announced his decision to step down from frontline politics in May 2026.
Outside politics, Humza has been involved in community work, from youth organisations to charity fundraising for most of his life. He also volunteered for community radio for 12 years and founded a charitable project providing food packages to homeless people and asylum seekers in Glasgow.
Mark Garratt
Mark Garratt FCIM is an accomplished senior global leader with decades of experience operating at C-suite level on executive Boards across multiple sectors, including Higher Education, Further Education, Insurance, Banking, Travel, Media and Consulting. Operated in over 55 countries worldwide.
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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