A family torn apart by ideological differences – this is the stark reality highlighted in Nicola Wilding's poignant new memoir, 'These Wild English'. The television producer's account offers a searing examination of her mother's transition from being a devoted Labour voter to attending marches with the far-right English Defence League (EDL) in 2013. This unexpected shift has left many questioning how such a drastic change could occur, sparking a wider conversation about political alienation in Britain.
Wilding's journey into her family's history began when she received a letter from her brother, Billy, who was incarcerated at the time, joking that their mother had turned 'fascist'. Initially dismissing this as a temporary phase, Wilding observed her mother's growing engagement with the EDL, marked by further marches and a transformation in her online persona. This new affinity raised questions about the factors driving such a drastic change, prompting Wilding to examine her own family's narrative – spanning three generations from Cumbrian farms to Kent's care homes.
'These Wild English' seeks to unravel the complex tapestry of her family's experiences, characterised by what Wilding terms 'bootstrap fatalism' – a persistent hope in challenging circumstances. The memoir paints a vivid picture of family love and energy, but also acknowledges underlying elements of violence, financial struggle, and alcohol use. Wilding, 52, who has worked on programmes such as 'Dragons' Den', turns her focus inward for the first time, aiming to illuminate the lives of those she feels are 'unheard' by traditional political discourse.
Wilding's personal struggle to comprehend her mother's choices is a central theme. Despite her own 'head screwed on' approach to life, she grappled with how to address her mother's new affiliations without outright condemnation. She recalls attempting to question her mother's social media posts, asking if she considered some content to be racist. This internal conflict highlights the broader societal challenge of navigating deeply divisive political conversations within family units, a decade after the Brexit vote.
Sandra, who passed away in 2024 before the book's publication, had left school at 15 despite earning a grammar school place, marrying and becoming a mother at 18. Her story, as told by Wilding, is not just a personal portrait but a lens through which to view wider societal truths. The memoir suggests that understanding individual journeys, particularly those of working-class individuals who may feel overlooked by mainstream politics, is crucial for comprehending the evolving political landscape of the UK.