Speaking at an Electric Glue event in partnership with Newsworks, the respected journalist explains why he believes there is “something special about Britain” and why it’s our job to promote and defend it
Last week The Times political columnist and former adviser to John Major, Lord Finkelstein, spoke to a senior audience of more than 50 agencies and advertisers – from brands including Starling Bank, The Jolly Hog, Neilson Holidays and De Beers – about the new Labour government and Keir Starmer’s progress so far, the upcoming US presidential election and the need to reclaim brand Britain.
In his keynote speech at The Groucho Club, Finkelstein explained why he wants to see Labour succeed, and why it’s vital that they take on the task to protect a Britain that’s prosperous, secure, stable and free.
He told delegates that there are “lots of forces pulling at the centre”, with issues around immigration and security becoming more divisive than ever post-Brexit, but for Finkelstein, despite there being no simple solutions for these challenges, he believes that we are living in one of the greatest times of civilisation.
“I think there is such a thing as brand Britain,” he said. “I believe this country is special… and it’s for us to promote and defend brand Britain in the world.
“We could be more openly proud of who we are and what we produce,” he continued, citing our creativity, The Beatles and the Premier League among our assets.
Despite predicting a Trump win in the US, Finkelstein talked about the need for hope and confidence – “optimism is very important” – because, after all, “prosperity drives politics” and a central mission for Starmer’s government is to increase growth.
Pippa Glucklich, CEO of Electric Glue, who opened proceedings and introduced Finkelstein, said: “Danny’s been an adviser to five out of the last seven Tory leaders. From Major to Sunak, but not including Boris Johnson or Liz Truss, so draw your own conclusions there! For much of his time as a political insider he has been a columnist for The Times newspaper.
“We are delighted to be partnering tonight with Newsworks – the marketing body for national news brands. Newsworks champion the importance of a free press and lead collaboration across the industry to support the future for trusted journalism.”
The ‘Gluesnight’ event took place at The Groucho Club on Thursday 12 September.
