Back to the Future for Britons of Today

Britons eager for return to past

Nine out of 10 people would like to see a return to traditional values, a survey has found. The majority of people think the UK has changed for the worse during the past 20 years, according to Chelsea Building Society.

Around 77% of people blamed the deterioration on a lack of discipline in schools, while 74% attributed it to family breakdown and 70% thought it was due to individual greed. Three-quarters of young people aged between 18 and 24 also thought society had changed for the worst. It was this age group turning back to tradition, saying they wanted less television and more family trips out and board games. They also craved less fast food and more meals around the dining table.

Nine out of 10 people across all age groups said they thought it was important to say please and thank you, while 87% thought children should have good manners and be respectful and 87% thought people should give up seats to those who needed them more.
Other things which were rated as being important included receiving service with a smile, family meals, helping neighbours and children being able to play outside.

Tim Taylor, divisional director of customer services at Chelsea Building Society, said: "Although some aspects of modern society are obviously important, this research indicates that Britain wants to refresh cherished traditions and see them become an active part of life going forward."

Comment: New Labour has presided over the deterioration of society and abandonment of traditional human values. It is not a question of returning to the past but of recreating the future based on ethical truths and behavioural norms.