---
title: "Andy Burnham, 'Unite the Kingdom' and intergenerational divides"
date: 2026-05-20T00:00:00+01:00
author: Zanna Meynell
canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/videos-and-podcasts/cross-section/andy-burnham-unite-the-kingdom-and-intergenerational-divides"
section: Pages
---
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## Andy Burnham, 'Unite the Kingdom' and intergenerational divides

### Watch Cross Section here

 

 

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  In this week’s episode of Cross Section, Danny Webster and Zanna Meynell are joined by Mark Gilmore, policy advisor at the Evangelical Alliance. The episode begins with a conversation about Eurovision, with Croatia’s performance having particularly caught the eye. They also discuss a recent report about parents praying with their children and a dad’s Britain’s Got Talent performance in which his spoken word encouraged his sons to find their refuge and strength in Jesus.

Conversation then turns to the damp squib that was the King’s Speech . It serves as a reminder that we cannot place all our hopes in politics. The team discuss the implications of potential conversion practices legislation and the significance of that for Christians. From Andy Burnham to Keir Starmer, the team weigh in on what has happened with the Labour leadership race and the continuing chaos surrounding this political moment.

As last Saturday saw another ​‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, the team examine the continuing conversation around Christian nationalism in the UK. Do check out the briefing events that are coming up in June, which will help us engage in conversations around [Islam](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/events/islam-challenges-questions-and-gospel-opportunities) and [Christian nationalism](https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/events/politics-briefing-flag-faith-and-kingdom-engaging-with-christian-nationalism).

The episode ends with a conversation about intergenerational divides following a BBC article about boomers being the luckiest generation alive. With high rates of unemployment, student loans rocketing and struggles to get on the property ladder, how are young people feeling? How can the church bring hope into these struggles? The team finish by reflecting on the blessing of church family and intergenerational friendships in church life.

[How the King’s speech gently rebukes our misplaced hopes](https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/how-the-kings-speech-gently-rebukes-our-misplaced-hopes)

 

 

  #### Chapters:

 

  0:00 Introduction  
0:42 Eurovision highlights  
 2:30 Praying with children  
4:03 Britain’s Got Talent golden buzzer act  
5:29 The King’s Speech review  
 10:37 UK political leadership race  
 13:58 Conversion therapy ban update  
 24:41 ​‘Unite the Kingdom’ march  
 26:19 Intergenerational wealth gap  
 32:15 Falling birth rates  
35:30 The church as an intergenerational family