Pomp & Circumstance : Why Britain’s Traditions Matter – 9781785909948

Inthis extraordinary new book, former Secretary of State Penny Mordaunt and co-authorChris Lewis build on the success of their Sunday Times-bestselling Greater:Britain After the Storm to celebrate the traditions and values thatunderpin British life. Pomp& Circumstance exploresBritain’s traditions – both the ancient and the new. From coronations andnational events to local customs, they provide stability, reinforce identityand foster resilience to help us steer a course through the uncertainties oftomorrow. Nations, organisations and communities that have them thrive. Where theyare absent, it is harder to adapt to the fast-changing world. Ata time of great worry about our ability to adapt to an uncertain world, thisbook should give every Briton confidence and courage. It contains a uniqueperspective from someone who has had a ringside seat at many of our national eventsand crises over many years. Mordaunt, who in her ceremonial role as LordPresident of the Council famously carried the Sword of State and presented theJewelled Sword of Offering to King Charles III at his coronation, examines areasof traditional British culture – including the monarchy, Parliament, the law,sport and local traditions, as well as values such as sacrifice, courage andremembrance – to show how a country often thought of as old-fashioned actuallyuses its historical conventions to navigate the future. Farfrom being a brake on progress, our traditions offer a predictable rhythm tolife, promote values, encourage reflection and create a sense of continuitywhile allowing room for innovation and growth.