Sam Wollaston

Phill, a prospective Restore Britain voter from Hertfordshire, and Joe, a Chinese-born Green supporter from Cambridge, discuss politics over a meal. They disagree sharply about the Greens’ economic policies, Rupert Lowe, immigration levels and foxhunting, although both oppose dangerous small-boat crossings and agree that some immigration is necessary. Joe says Phill generalizes from people arriving by boat to immigrants more broadly, while Phill argues immigration should be paused and later restricted to people he believes contribute to the country. Neither changes the other’s views, but they finish with mutual respect, and Phill gives Joe a lift to his car.

A resident doctor and a retired teacher from Birmingham discuss their differing views on the growing display of England flags and union jacks, with Liz associating some displays with racism and Saima seeing inclusive national symbols as potentially positive. They find common ground in support for the NHS but differ over the sustainability of the state pension triple lock, as Saima highlights demographic pressures and a shrinking working-age population. Despite political differences, the two women develop a warm rapport and agree to stay in touch.

Emma, a thinktank communications director, and Alys, a cultural-charity education director, discuss whether increased defence spending should be funded through welfare cuts or higher taxes. Emma argues that welfare should be reformed, tax rises could damage growth, and private-sector innovation should lead the climate response; Alys favors higher taxation, greater government intervention and limits on extreme wealth. They also disagree over billionaires, Elon Musk and the role of regulation, while finding common ground on concern about emissions, limits to free speech based on harm or incitement, and opposition to book bans. Despite remaining politically opposed, both say they were able to disagree respectfully and understand the internal logic of the other’s position.

In London’s Knightsbridge, the £210m mansion at 2–8A Rutland Gate has stood empty for years while Anders Fernstedt has slept on its porch for three years. Sam Wollaston explores why luxury homes remain vacant amid the UK’s housing crisis, how Fernstedt came to live outside the mansion, and what the contrast reveals about homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.

The Guardian examines 2-8A Rutland Gate, a £200m London palace that has stood largely empty while Anders Fernstedt, a former journalist, has lived for three years in a makeshift tent on its porch. The property was created by Rafik Hariri, later passed through Saudi and offshore ownership, and is now held in the name of Ding Yumei, the ex-wife of collapsed Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan, whose assets are frozen. The house’s opaque ownership, luxury expansion plans and prolonged vacancy illustrate how London property can function as a speculative asset rather than housing. Experts and housing charities link the case to offshore investment, rising empty-home numbers and the shortage of affordable homes, calling for stronger compulsory-purchase powers, taxation and investment in social housing.

Retired IT manager Don and biologist David discuss climate change, net zero and political leadership over a meal. David argues that climate change is an existential crisis requiring rapid fossil-fuel reduction and electrification, while Don accepts the problem but considers the UK’s 2050 net-zero target economically unrealistic and favors a slower timetable. They agree that political parties and media have failed to provide coherent leadership, and also discuss South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, differing over whether reconciliation without accountability can deliver justice.

At 60, Alan Davies discusses his transformation from a drink-fuelled, ego-driven comedian of the 1990s into a happier and more reflective performer. He describes childhood sexual abuse by his father, the lasting effects of trauma on his behaviour and relationships, and the role of therapy and writing in confronting it. Davies also recounts his past alcohol misuse and violent incidents, his family life with Katie Maskell and their children, and a recent bladder-cancer diagnosis in which one tumour was successfully removed. His memoir White Male Stand-Up and current comedy tour aim to address painful experiences honestly while emphasizing that trauma does not have to define a person’s future.

Geography student Joe and salesperson Eddie, both Southampton-area football fans with broadly left-leaning politics, discuss issues on which they disagree and agree. Joe supports decriminalising personal drug possession and regulating cannabis, citing public-health arguments and examples from Portugal and Switzerland; Eddie fears decriminalisation would increase drug use and prefers stronger controls. They also disagree over the truncated HS2 route, with Eddie favouring better northern rail links and Joe supporting a fast connection between major economic hubs. Despite these differences, they agree on Brexit, dislike Reform UK, oppose Boris Johnson, and support displaying the toppled Edward Colston statue in a museum. Both value the other’s respectful and empathetic approach to political disagreement.

Lund Point, part of Newham’s Carpenters estate in Stratford, has deteriorated during two decades of stalled regeneration, leaving just four of its 168 flats occupied. Long-term residents Tee Fabikun and Warren Lubin remain attached to their homes despite boarded-up apartments, poor maintenance and temporary hotel accommodation. The article traces the estate’s decline from postwar council housing through failed plans involving University College London, resident opposition and the wider London housing crisis. Newham Council and its developer Populo Living now plan a £1.5bn redevelopment with 2,300 homes, but residents remain uncertain about relocation, rights to return and the timetable, which is expected to extend well into the 2030s.

The Hare and Hounds in Bowland Bridge, a 17th-century Cumbrian pub, closed after its rent was doubled by owner Admiral Taverns. Despite strong custom, high room occupancy and extensive efforts by publicans Simon Rayner and Andrew Black, staffing, energy, food and tax costs eroded profitability. The closure reflects a wider crisis in which pubs in England and Wales are reportedly shutting at a rate of two a day, threatening jobs and vital social spaces in rural communities. Local residents are seeking Asset of Community Value status, which would give them time to bid for the property and potentially reopen it as a community-run pub rather than see it converted into holiday accommodation.

Manchester’s Hulme Hippodrome, built in 1901 as a variety theatre, once hosted performers including Harry Houdini, Stan Laurel, Shirley Bassey, Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. After becoming a bingo hall, church, social venue and squat, it closed and has been left to deteriorate, with its listed auditorium now accessible mainly to pigeons. The Save Hulme Hippodrome campaign proposes community ownership and a restoration project combining theatre production training, cultural events, workshops and support for homeless people. Preservationists, the Theatres Trust and local politicians oppose replacing the building with apartments, while its South London-based owner has not disclosed its plans. The campaign fears deliberate or prolonged neglect could eventually make demolition easier, despite the theatre’s significant cultural history and potential community value.

Caroline, a French-born professor who has lived in the UK since 2005, and Marcus, a Devon company director and former military member, discuss flags, patriotism, Brexit and immigration over dinner in Plymouth. They agree that Brexit was mishandled and enjoy a respectful exchange, but disagree sharply over national identity, migration and the appeal of Restore Britain. Caroline views nationalist flags and far-right parties as exclusionary, while Marcus argues that migration has not been managed effectively and threatens public services and national cohesion. Both conclude that political disagreement in the UK can remain more civil than in France.

St Tyfrydog’s, a medieval church on Anglesey that closed in 2020 after dwindling attendance, is deteriorating under leaking roofs, collapsed flooring and encroaching ivy. The decline reflects broader pressures on Britain’s churches: falling congregations, expensive repairs and the financial burden placed on small local communities, with rural and deprived areas particularly vulnerable. The National Churches Trust estimates that hundreds of rural churches could close by 2030, despite churches continuing to serve as heritage sites, community hubs and venues for social support. Friends of Friendless Churches has taken responsibility for St Tyfrydog’s and plans to repair its roof and drainage, control the ivy and preserve the building for Christian and community use. The rescue offers local residents the possibility of reclaiming an important part of their shared history and social infrastructure.

Wildings, a prestigious Newport department store founded in 1874, closed in January 2019 after falling sales, declining town-centre footfall, competition from retail parks and online shopping. After its closure, the building was converted into an illicit cannabis farm containing more than 3,000 plants; two Albanian men were sentenced in 2024 for producing the drug. The derelict site was later used as an unofficial skate park. Former managing director Peter James attributes Newport’s wider retail decline to reduced parking, online commerce, weaker spending power and the loss of major stores. The building’s new owner plans to retain a ground-floor retail unit and create 20 flats above it, reflecting a broader shift from retail to residential use on struggling high streets.

Engineer Julian and IT professional Lawal meet for a meal to discuss their opposing political perspectives. Julian, a former Conservative voter who now supports Reform UK, argues for a temporary zero-migration policy to address pressure on housing, public services and employment, while Lawal, a Nigerian immigrant who has voted Labour and Green, argues that legal immigrants make vital contributions, particularly to the NHS and technology sector. They agree in condemning the Israeli government’s conduct in the West Bank and Gaza. Despite continued disagreement over immigration, Reform UK, Nigel Farage and human rights law, both leave with a more nuanced understanding of each other and a stronger sense of shared humanity.

Chris and Antony, two older men with broadly Green or liberal political backgrounds, meet for dinner after a restaurant booking mistakenly treated them as a blind date. They debate whether Reform should be invited to university events, agreeing that intensive farming is harmful while differing over the acceptability of meat, and dispute the legacy of the Right to Buy policy. Antony views Right to Buy as a major cause of the housing crisis, while Chris accepts limited sales provided proceeds are reinvested in social housing. Despite their disagreements, both enjoy the conversation and plan to remain in contact.

Cornwall may hold Europe’s largest lithium deposit, prompting Cornish Lithium to develop two extraction approaches: hard-rock mining at a former china clay quarry near St Austell and geothermal extraction from hot brine deep underground. The projects could supply a substantial share of UK lithium demand, create jobs and revive communities affected by the decline of mining and china clay, while also providing heat for agriculture. Developers and local supporters argue that reusing damaged industrial sites and reinjecting geothermal water could limit environmental impacts, though quarrying, chemical processing, waste management and the broader ecological costs of lithium extraction remain concerns. Both projects are still at the demonstration stage, with commercial production targeted for 2028 or 2029, meaning the UK will continue to rely heavily on imports, particularly from China.

Sam Wollaston recalls how an offhand remark by his mother unexpectedly led the family to acquire Cocolo, a brown donkey, while living in Jerusalem in 1969. Cocolo became the children’s unconventional transport to school, causing embarrassment and neighbourly frustration before being moved to a farm in the West Bank. After he threw the children when startled by a pneumatic drill, his mother sold him to a milkman serving remote villages, leaving Wollaston with enduring affection, guilt and fond memories of the donkey.

Irish Londoners Ruth, a Green party member, and Moira, a mostly Conservative voter, discuss Zack Polanski, housing affordability and the role of the Greens. Ruth views Polanski as a genuine politician willing to advance left-wing social and economic policies, while Moira is wary of his charisma, wealth-tax proposals and past conduct. They also disagree over whether demonstrators should contribute to policing costs: Moira supports a charge to offset disruption and damage, whereas Ruth argues that would make protest dependent on wealth. Despite their differences, the women find common ground in their warmth, openness and shared Irish background.

Fraz, a 22-year-old law graduate from Bradford, and Pete, a 48-year-old software engineering manager from County Durham who most recently voted Reform, discuss immigration, integration, taxation and politics over dinner. They disagree about immigration levels and the pressures on housing and public services but share support for taxing accumulated wealth more effectively and bond over football. Both express disillusionment with mainstream politics, while Fraz describes the consequences of anti-Muslim misinformation after the Southport attack and emphasizes the importance of community integration. Despite political differences, they view the encounter as positive and agree to stay in touch.

Residents, students, parents and community leaders in North Shields describe how Citizens UK has helped turn local frustration into constructive campaigns. Students secured a full-time school counsellor, improvements to a children’s mental health centre and a national commitment to expand school-based mental health provision. Young people also helped establish the Get Around for a Pound scheme, while parents and pupils won improvements to a neglected park, street-cleaning arrangements and a zebra crossing. The initiative is presented as a response to rising political alienation, anti-immigrant hostility and declining faith in democracy, arguing that organized, compassionate local action can rebuild community pride and reduce division.