A study of the moral state of the nation - the acid test of this being how we treat the weakest among us. Rabbi Julia Neuberger assesses the situation in the UK from her own unique viewpoint and draws some challenging and thought-provoking conclusions.

Just as Will Hutton looked at the political landscape at a turning point in Britain, Rabbi Julia will take the moral temperature of the nation by looking at the ways in which we treat the weakest amongst us. The National Health Service, government pensions and asylum seekers all make daily headlines, and here is a writer with the moral authority and mastery of the necessary information to undertake this timely project.

The way we treat the weak and vulnerable members of society has long been an established way to judge how civilised a society is. In this book, Julia looks at the extent to which the elderly are thought a burden, the way we care for the mentally ill, attitudes to asylum seekers and support for ex-offenders, as well as the care of children and the future of society in the UK.

Her straight-forward approach to what has elsewhere proven highly esoteric, is here written with ease and fluidity and with a style that is highly approachable for those interested in the state of their nation with purely social, rather than academic, motivations.

With her uncomplicated but extremely intelligent and candid take on the issues that make daily headlines, and with Julia's high media profile, this book is guaranteed to tap into the state of our nation.

Includes exciting new sections, reviewing the past year's events, reception to her book and what - if anything - has changed in the way she sees our nation's moral predicament.

About the Author

Educated at Newnham College, Cambridge and Leo Baeck College, London, Julia Neuberger became a rabbi in 1977 and served the South London Liberal Synagogue for the following 12 years, before leaving to pursue her interest in research and health care ethics. A frequent broadcaster and a writer on a variety of subjects, Julia is the author of books on Judaism, women, healthcare ethics and palliative care, and frequently writes articles for national broadsheets. Positions held include Chief Executive of the King's Fund, member of the Committee on Standards in Public Life 2001, and was recently admitted to the House of Lords.

Reviews

'Neuberger's is an important and reflective voice of sanity amid the din made by politicians of all hues ... This is a welcome and worthwhile addition to the national debate; it would be pleasant to think that it might even make a difference.'
Eastern Daily Press

'With this manifesto, Julia Neuberger's voice will be heard at the centre of every argument. It should echo far beyond the UK, putting down a marker for any country which considers itself civilised and any government which claims to care. Let's hope they listen.'
Irish Times

'Julia Neuberger has always had gravitas and a mind that ceaselessly seeks out meanings and patterns in the chaos of life.'
Independent

Book Information
ISBN 9780007214990
Author Julia Neuberger
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint HarperPerennial
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 260g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 24mm