What does being British mean today? | Union - BBC

Summary

The video examines what Britishness means today and whether it can continue to bind the United Kingdom together. Interviewees describe layered or competing identities, including British, Scottish, English, Welsh, Northern Irish, Londoner, Caribbean, and European.

It argues that British identity was shaped partly by Protestant religion, shared defence against foreign threats, and wartime solidarity. These forces have weakened: the UK is now among the world’s least religious states, generations have experienced relative peace, and the industrial booms that once spread wealth across the nations—and the Empire—are over. Although more than 60% of people still identify as British, many prefer other identities.

The video asks whether a shared history and a long record of living together are enough to sustain the Union, or whether the forces pulling against it are growing stronger. It concludes that emerging generations will shape the Union’s future in the decades ahead.

Presenter and Contributors

• Presenter: David Olusoga
• Contributors: Unnamed members of the public