The release of data from the 2011 UK census has given statistical weight to perceptions that the country is changing fast. Britons are not only less white, less Christian and less likely to marry than 10 years ago, they are more likely to have a university degree than to have no qualifications. They are also much less likely to be homeowners.
The data also shows wild regional variance. London particularly looks like almost a class apart from the rest of the UK on any number of measures.
All these factors are the stuff of excitement for politicians and pollsters across the ideological spectrum.
Joining Tom Clark this week we have Conservative MP Nick Herbert along with Guardian columnists Jonathan Freedland and Hugh Muir.
Also this week: as parliament debates a forthcoming vote on whether to allow gay marriage, Nick Herbert (who is currently in a civil partnership) makes the argument that his fellow Conservatives must join him in voting for full marriage equality. He says the issue is one of basic freedoms and he is confident of all-party support.
But how any future legislation accommodates Britain's vocal religious institutions (many - but not all - are vehemently opposed to gay marriage) is less clear.
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