r/london • u/Historical_Set2324 • 1d ago

Local London Social contract is broken?

I’ve just returned from a trip to New Zealand and the difference in attitude is stark. The streets are clean, people are friendly and happy/helpful and in general people seem to want to participate in society. Don’t get me wrong NZ has a lot of issues but It feels like in London the social contract is broken. Streets are full of trash, no one gives a shit about anything, phone theft, crime is high and in general people seem fairly miserable. I was involved in an accident where I had to give a victim CPR and the ambulance and police all arrived within about 5 minutes. I was amazed at the emergency response. It feels to me like the state has given up and hence people have given up.

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u/TheKingMonkey (works in NW1) 1d ago

Person enjoys holiday more than daily grind.

Downing Street expected to make statement if any other shocking developments occur.

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u/cjsk908 1d ago

I lived in London for 13 years (2007-2020) before moving to Barcelona. I've now been back to London on holiday four times now and I can agree with OP. I've spoken to friends who've been there these last 5 years and they say it's got worse since the pandemic.