A World War II veteran left Good Morning Britain hosts stunned when he declared that winning the war “wasn’t worth it” given the current state of the United Kingdom.
Alec Penstone, who left his factory job to join the Royal Navy as soon as he came of age, shared his painful reflection during an appearance on the morning show with hosts Adil Ray and Kate Garraway. The war hero, who described himself as “just a lucky one” among friends who lost their lives, expressed deep disappointment about how Britain has evolved.
When asked what Remembrance Sunday meant to him, Penstone delivered a heartbreaking response: “I can see in my mind’s eye those rows and rows of white stones and all the hundreds of my friends who gave their lives, for what? The country of today? No, I’m sorry – but the sacrifice wasn’t worth the result of what it is now.”
He elaborated that while they fought for freedom, the country had become “a darn sight worse” than what they had battled to protect, though he didn’t specify particular factors behind his concerns.
Host Kate Garraway offered consolation, assuring him that younger generations remain grateful for his service and committed to making Britain the country veterans fought for. Penstone responded positively to her words of encouragement.
His sentiments align with troubling new survey data from King’s College London and Ipsos showing national pride has plummeted under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government. The findings reveal that 80 percent of Britons feel the nation is divided – up five points from two years ago and ten points from 2020.
National pride has fallen dramatically, with less than half (46 percent) saying they’re proud of their country, down ten points since 2020. Most strikingly, nostalgia for Britain’s past has surged, with 48 percent wanting the country to “be the way it used to be,” compared to just 28 percent previously.
Former Education Secretary Michael Gove suggested “mass immigration” contributed to perceptions of division, arguing that rapid demographic change without cultural integration has left many feeling their cherished culture is being challenged or fragmented.
The survey found Reform UK voters were most concerned about cultural changes, while nearly 70 percent cited “culture wars” issues as central to divisions – up from 46 percent in 2020. Additionally, 86 percent reported greater tensions between immigrants and UK-born residents.
Political figures across the spectrum weighed in. Lord Young blamed Labour’s “divisive identity politics,” while Reform MP Lee Anderson pointed to a corrupted education system and weak leadership. Conservative MP Sir John Hayes criticized the government’s lack of clear direction and ideological multiculturalism.
The researchers described their findings as “frightening,” painting a picture of an increasingly divided, polarized, and pessimistic society struggling with questions of national identity and cultural cohesion.
My friends gave their lives for what, the country of today?’: 100-year-old WW2 veteran shocks GMB hosts as he declares winning the war ‘wasn’t worth
