Review: 'The Revival' by Nick Fletcher

Former MP speaks out on the vital need for revival in our country

We have become accustomed over the years to seeing bookstores emblazoned with fat memoirs of top politicians who have finally taken a bow from the parliamentary stage, either through resignation or retirement.

But former Conservative MP Nick Fletcher doesn’t fit into this category. After winning a Doncaster seat held by Labour for a century, he proved a bright spark (he’s an electrician) in Westminster as he passionately fought for faith and family over his five-year tenure. But a combination of Tory infighting and the rise of Reform brought his presence there to a premature end.

Now he has launched a book, The Revival: It’s Time to Stand Up, to Speak, to Rebuild: The Revival Starts Here. It's not so much about his own experiences in parliament as a call to return to our roots – his own party’s roots for a start, but also the Judeo-Christian foundations of our great country.

Exposing darkness in our nation

Dealing with almost every big issue around, he exposes the darkness of a nation slipping ever closer to the abyss – politically, economically, morally and socially. As a true Yorkshireman, he calls a spade a spade and I know he is bracing himself for the backlash, though he has developed a reasonably thick skin since entering parliament in 2019.

He exposes the darkness of a nation slipping ever closer to the abyss – politically, economically, morally and socially. 

Aware of the widespread ignorance of how politics and so much else works, he begins with a concise explanation of where power lies – at national, regional and local level. I just wish I had had such a clear outline of how it all works when I was at journalism school.

Designed as an easy read especially for younger people less likely to pick up a book these days, it is a no-holds-barred challenge to the dreadful failures of a culture that has drifted far from its moorings.

“My advice to any party,” he writes, “is to go back to your roots.” And he later adds: “Every issue in this book would be improved through Christian values.”

Addressing key issues in society

He writes an excellent chapter on Forgiveness. Brought up in a mining village where whole communities fell out with each other over the issue of breaking the year-long strike of 1984/5, he has witnessed the pain and heartache of unforgiveness.

He even raises the issue of swearing. Speaking of parliamentary colleagues on the subject, he says: “They want to lead, but set examples not fit for the farmyard and then wonder why society is disintegrating.”

As a successful businessman, his views on that subject are of great value. And he has harsh words for the “culture of cowardice” that threatens free speech.

Revival starts at home

On the family, he writes: “We have told boys they’re a problem, men that they’re failing, mums that they must do it all, and grandparents that their wisdom is outdated. Then we wonder why so many people are lost, lonely and looking for meaning… If Britain is to have a revival, it must start at home.”

If Britain is to have a revival, it must start at home.

He is especially passionate about the way we have devalued men in our society and has called for the creation of a Minister for Men and Boys. “Lads need dads,” he adds, and marriage needs to be re-emphasised.

But, as he said in his maiden speech to parliament, Jesus Christ is our greatest role model, now adding: “I believe we could be on the edge of revival.”

The Revival (248 pages) is self-published and is available through Amazon priced at £11.99