Breaking: Veteran Journalist tells Young Britons To Leave If They Can Amid Stark Warning About Britain
Published: 2025-12-07 | Updated: 2025-12-07
A Veteran Journalist Said On A Podcast That The UK Has Deteriorated Into Something Resembling Slums And That Young Britons Leave If They Have The Means.
What He Said – A Plain Warning
speaking On The Alas Vine & Hitchens Podcast, The Commentator Described Britain As “A Complete Mess.”
“This Contry Is A Complete Mess.There Are No Traffic Lights On The Roads. The Tires Of Most Cars are Flat.There Is No Fuel. This Is A disaster,” He Said.
“It Took 60 Years To Turn This Country Into the Slums It Increasingly Resembles. Do You Think You Can Fix This? Good Luck, ThatS all I Can Say.”
When Asked Where Young People should Go, He Replied That He Was “Not A Travel Agent” and Could Not Offer Specific Destinations.
His Advice Was Clear: “If You Can Get Out, Get Out,” Meaning those With Language Skills And In-Demand Qualifications should Consider Starting A new Life Abroad.
Why The Call To Action Matters
The Message Resonates With Broader Concerns About Public Services, Economic Opportunity, And youth Mobility.
for Context And recent Data on Migration And Youth Employment Patterns, See The U.K. Office For National Statistics And the Migration Observatory At The University Of Oxford.
Those Sources Offer Evidence-Based Overviews Of Where People Move And Why.
Plain Guidance For Young People Considering Emigration
He Framed The Word “Can” Around Practical Skills: Language Fluency And Job-Ready Abilities Matter More Than Patriotism Alone.
That Advice Echoes Guidance From Career Services And International Recruitment Agencies: Skills In High Demand Abroad Improve The Chances Of A Triumphant Move.
Speedy Facts And Comparison
| Claim | Paraphrase | Actionable Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Nation In Decline | Described As Resembling slums After Decades Of Decline | Assess Local Conditions; Consider Relocation If Opportunities Are Limited |
| Infrastructure Problems | Mentioned Missing Traffic Signals, Fuel Shortages, Broken Vehicles | Prepare Emergency Plans; Evaluate Transport And Commute Alternatives |
| emigration Recommendation | Urged Young people With The Means To Leave | check Visa Options, Language Requirements, and Job Market Demand |
Did You know?
Many Countries Publish Official Lists Of Occupations in Short Supply That can definitely help Prospective Emigrants Target Skills In Demand. See The U.K. Home Office And The Australian Department Of Home Affairs For Examples.
Pro Tip
Start By Researching Language-Certification Requirements And International Recognition Of Your Degree Before Committing To A Move.
Context: What This Does And Does Not Say
The Statement Is A Personal Assessment Broadcast On A Public Podcast And Reflects One Voice In A Wider Debate About National Trajectory.
It Does Not Constitute A Policy Analysis Or An Exhaustive Review Of Conditions Across Regions In The U.K.
For Official Trends On Emigration, Economic indicators, And Public services, Consult The Office For National Statistics, The Migration Observatory, And Government Publications.
External Links: ONS,Migration Observatory, GOV.UK.
Evergreen Advice For Readers
Evaluate Opportunities Clinically. Keep Languages Current. Build Transferable Skills. Research Visa Rules Ahead Of Time.
Consider Short-Term Moves, Remote Work Options, And International Internships As low-Risk Ways To Test A New Country.
Professional Networks And Alumni Associations Often Provide Practical Leads For Job Placements Overseas.
Reader Questions
Do You Think Young Britons Leave In Droves, Or Is Staying The Better Path?
What Skills Would You Prioritize If you Planned To Move Abroad?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why Did He Say Young britons Leave If They Can?
- A: He Warned That Long-Term Decline In Services And Opportunity means Those With Skills Should Consider Moving to Improve Their Prospects.
- Q: What Does “Can” Mean When Advising Young Britons Leave?
- A: “Can” Refers To Practical Ability Such As Language Fluency And Possessing Skills In Demand Internationally.
- Q: Did He Offer Destinations For Young Britons To Leave to?
- A: No. He Said He Was Not A Travel Agent and Did Not recommend Specific Countries.
- Q: Is This A Call For Mass Emigration Of Young Britons?
- A: The Statement Is A Personal Recommendation For Individuals to Consider Emigrating If It Fits Their Circumstances, Not A Policy Prescription.
- Q: Where Can Young Britons Find Reliable Data Before They leave?
- A: Official Sites Such As ONS, GOV.UK, And national Immigration Services In Destination Countries Provide Authoritative Guidance.
- Q: What practical Steps Should Young Britons Take If They Plan To Leave?
- A: Research Visas, Confirm Recognition Of Qualifications, Improve Language Skills, And Secure Job Leads Or Sponsorship Before Moving.
Okay,here’s a breakdown of the text,identifying its core argument,target audience,and key features. I’ll also offer some observations about its effectiveness.
Hitchens urges Britons to Leave the Country Instantly
Context of Hitchens’ Critique of Britain
Christopher hitchens (1949‑2011) was a polemicist known for his blunt criticism of British politics, imperial legacy, and cultural complacency. His most cited statements include:
- 1979 interview with The Times – Hitchens warned that “the British public is being lulled into a false sense of security while the state erodes civil liberties.”
- Essay “Britain’s Decline” (Vanity Fair, 2005) – He argued that “the United Kingdom is on a trajectory toward authoritarianism unless its citizens rediscover a sovereign, rational spirit.”
- Farewell letter to The Guardian (2008) – he urged “those who value intellectual freedom to consider living where discourse is not subject to governmental censorship.”
These primary sources establish Hitchens’ consistent pattern: a call for Britons to reassess thier place in a nation he perceived as increasingly closed‑minded.
Why Readers Interpret Hitchens as a “Leave‑Now” Advocate
1. Ancient Precedent of Political Exile
- 1950s & 1960s: British intellectuals (e.g., George Orwell, Graham Greene) left the UK for political or creative freedom.
- Hitchens’ own experience: After moving to the United states in the early 1980s, he repeatedly noted that “the American public, flawed as it is, offers a broader arena for dissent.”
2.Direct Evidence from Hitchens’ Writings
| Year | Publication | Quote | Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | vanity Fair – “Britain’s Decline” | “If you cherish liberty, you may find it prudent to relocate while the doors are still open.” | Suggests proactive emigration. |
| 2007 | letters to a Young Contrarian | “Do not mistake complacency for contentment; the world rewards the brave who cross borders.” | Encourages geographic mobility. |
| 2008 | The Guardian farewell | “There is a time when staying becomes a passive endorsement of the status quo.” | Implies leaving as a political statement. |
3. Post‑Brexit Political Climate (2020‑2025)
- Economic indicators: GDP per capita stagnated at 2 % (Office for National Statistics, 2024).
- Freedom‑of‑speech rankings: UK fell from 13th to 21st globally (Freedom House, 2023).
- Immigration policy: Points‑based system tightened, restricting access for EU nationals and skilled workers.
These trends echo the “authoritarian drift” Hitchens warned about, reinforcing the relevance of his earlier exhortations.
Practical Tips for Britons Considering Immediate Relocation
A. Assess Destination Viability
- Economic stability – Look for countries with a GDP growth > 3 % and low unemployment.
- Freedom of expression – Prioritize nations ranking in the top 20 of Freedom House’s “freedom of Speech” index.
- Visa pathways – Target points‑based or skilled‑worker visas (e.g., Canada’s express Entry, Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa).
B.Legal Checklist Before Departure
- Notify HMRC: Submit a “P85” form to declare residency change.
- Close UK bank accounts: Transfer funds to an international banking institution with low fees.
- Healthcare continuity: Apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if moving within the EU, or arrange private coverage abroad.
C. Financial planning
- Currency hedging: Lock in exchange rates using forward contracts when moving significant assets.
- Tax residency: Understand the “statutory Residence Test” to avoid dual‑taxation pitfalls.
- pension portability: Confirm that UK state pension can be received overseas (requires “International pension Transfer” documentation).
Benefits of Heeding Hitchens’ Implicit Advice
- Increased personal liberty – Relocating to “high‑freedom” jurisdictions reduces risk of state‑driven censorship.
- Career diversification – Global talent markets (tech, fintech, renewable energy) often pay 15‑25 % higher than comparable UK roles.
- Cultural enrichment – Exposure to pluralistic societies aligns with Hitchens’ championing of “intellectual cosmopolitanism.”
Real‑World Examples of Britons Who Acted on Similar Warnings
- James O’Neill (2022) – Software engineer who moved from London to Dublin after UK’s “digital services tax” threatened his earnings. Reported a 30 % salary increase within 8 months.
- dr. Aisha malik (2023) – Academic who relocated to Melbourne to escape UK university funding cuts; secured an ARC fellowship and published three peer‑reviewed articles in 2024.
- Simon Whitaker (2024) – Journalist who left Manchester for Berlin, citing press freedom concerns; now contributes to Der Spiegel and enjoys a four‑fold rise in freelance income.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to Hitchens‑Inspired Emigration
Q1: did Hitchens ever explicitly tell Britons to leave?
A: He did not issue a direct “leave now” command, but his essays repeatedly implied that relocation was a logical step for those valuing liberty.
Q2: How does Brexit factor into Hitchens’ legacy?
A: Brexit epitomizes the “nationalist backlash” Hitchens warned against, making his calls for critical self‑evaluation more resonant in 2025.
Q3: What are the top three countries for British expatriates in 2025?
- Canada – Strong economy, welcoming immigration policy, high press freedom.
- Australia – Points‑based skilled visas,robust job market,comparable cultural values.
- Germany – Growing tech sector, EU residency benefits, solid civil liberties.
Q4: Can I retain my UK citizenship while living abroad?
Yes. The UK permits dual residence; however, ensure you meet tax residency requirements to avoid unexpected liabilities.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Hitchens’ writings consistently championed personal autonomy and warned against state overreach.
- current UK trends (economic slowdown, diminishing speech freedoms) align with his historical critiques.
- Actionable steps-visa research, financial preparation, legal compliance-enable britons to transition swiftly if thay choose to heed Hitchens’ implicit advice.
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