Cynthia Stroud MBE
BRITAIN IS WHAT WE MAKE OF IT
I came to Britain at 21 with two suitcases, a head full of ideas and a rather ambitious belief that hard work could take me somewhere. I've given lots of interviews about this.
Britain gave me opportunities. I made the most of them.
I built businesses, created jobs, raised a family, mentored young people and founded a charity that has helped thousands of families.
Along the way, I have met extraordinary people. People with very little who give enormously. People who volunteer, build businesses, care for neighbours and quietly hold communities together.
They remind me why I believe in this country.
A country's greatest wealth is not simply what it possesses. It is what its people are capable of creating.
I don't believe we make Britain stronger by constantly telling people what is wrong with one another.
We make it stronger by recognising what people have to offer, expecting everyone to contribute what they can and making sure opportunity isn't reserved for the privileged few.
I have seen what ordinary people can achieve when given the chance.
Frankly, I think we have barely scratched the surface.
WHO GETS TO WRITE HISTORY?
I went looking for an ancestor and found a queen.
Then I found a treaty.
Then I found something in the British National Archives that made me question much of what I thought I knew about history.
The most fascinating discovery was not simply what happened, but the people who had the courage to question it. The Liberal MP Known as the Apostle of Peace Henry Richards MP drew my attention to the difference between the stories we inherited, and what truly happened.
We are not responsible for every decision made by those who came before us. But we are responsible for what we choose to learn from them.
We all have opportunity to write a better future for this country. To build prosperity, trust and unity. To defend the values we advertise to the world. And to hold people accountable.
Watch the story.
NKIRUKA
--A book about receipts*--
*Available on or before 23 October 2026
Nkiruka translates to "Better things or better days are coming"
I believe this.
Some stories are written about you. Others, you eventually write yourself.
I have spent much of my life creating things: businesses, opportunities, beautiful cakes and a charity that has helped thousands of families.
Receipts are so important.
Price: £25 inc postage within United Kingdom.
* Orders externally fulfilled and payment is processed via Paypal.
