'The Nanny State Made Me is a vital piece of popular social history. It reminds us that a more equitable Britain once existed, and that if it happened once it can happen again - and might even be improved on this time round. I loved it.' Zadie Smith It was the spirit of our finest hour, the backbone of our post-war greatness, and it promoted some of the boldest and most brilliant schemes this isle has ever produced: it was the Welfare State, and it made you and I. But now it's under threat, and we need to save it. In this timely and provocative book, Stuart Maconie tells Britain's Welfare State story through his own history of growing up as a northern working class boy. What was so bad about properly funded hospitals, decent working conditions and affordable houses? And what was so wrong about student grants, free eye tests and council houses? And where did it all go so wrong? Stuart looks toward Britain's future, making an emotional case for believing in more than profit and loss; and championing a just, fairer society.