How the High Street became a window on our political instability
High Streets have declined in recent years. What does this tell us about the UK?
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"some of our findings as a 'disgrace'"
— Yvette Cooper , Politician
"People want to feel safe… [going] down the local High Street."
— John Herriman , Executive
"The sight of open criminality on the High Street fuels feelings of 'powerlessness' - a force that's proving potent in UK politics."
— Nick Plumb , Academic
Key People
Elijah Glantz is a research fellow into organised crime at the Royal United Services Institute.
John Herriman is the chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
Nick Plumb is a director at the Power to Change think tank.
Yvette Cooper is a British Labour Party politician who has served in various ministerial roles.
Tags
All Coverage
High Streets have declined in recent years. What does this tell us about the UK?
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
My hometown shows that high streets have to change or die
Aberdeen is launching an ambitious bid to revive its struggling centre. Could it offer lessons for other high streets?
September 27, 2026 at 11:05 PMPie shop owner gets reply from Andy Burnham
Chorley businessman, Paul Bowen received a reply from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, after posting a video on social media about the closure of one of his shops due to the state of the high street.
September 30, 2026 at 10:29 AMUK business morale hits 17-month low, Lloyds says - Reuters
UK business morale hits 17-month low, Lloyds says Reuters
September 29, 2026 at 11:03 PMHigh school students in Paris' deprived suburbs spark national protest movement - Reuters
High school students in Paris' deprived suburbs spark national protest movement Reuters
October 3, 2026 at 11:09 AMSchool protests send shivers down French government's spine
A movement that started nearly two weeks ago has spread, and in France young people on the streets spells trouble, writes Hugh Schofield.
October 2, 2026 at 12:43 PMWill Spain's housing crisis lead to a snap election?
The BBC's Guy Hedgecoe is in Madrid, where a series of marches have been scheduled, after Spain's Congress rejected measures aimed at tackling the country's housing crisis.
October 3, 2026 at 12:26 PM