The Great British Queue: Our Last Remaining National Treasure

The Great British Queue: Our Last Remaining National Treasure 

There was a time when Britain was known for inventing trains, conquering seas, and producing cups of tea that could solve any crisis. But now, in the year 2025, with the economy wobbling, MPs being more dramatic than Love Island contestants, and the price of Freddos reaching Bitcoin levels — we’re clinging to one final cultural cornerstone:

The Queue.

That’s right, the humble British queue — the nation’s last sacred tradition that even AI can’t mess with.

You see, while other countries erupt into chaos at bus stops or train platforms, Britain forms lines. Beautiful, orderly lines. For coffee, for Post Office stamps, even for queuing. We will queue just to see what the queue is for. It’s practically a hobby.

Need groceries? Queue.

Want to see a GP? Queue (for 6 weeks).

Trying to afford a house? Better start queuing now — bring snacks.

Some say it's our politeness. Others say it's deeply embedded trauma from trying to navigate Primark at 9am on a Saturday.

And let’s not forget: there are rules. You can’t skip. You can’t hover suspiciously next to the queue like a queue creeper. You join at the back. You don’t ask questions. You become one with the queue.

We don’t do revolutions. We do orderly protest lines — with laminated signs and flask-brewed tea.

In an age of AI, climate doom, and politicians who’d lose a debate with a microwave, the queue stands strong. It’s patient. It’s unbothered. It’s British.

So next time you're stuck in line outside Greggs waiting for a lukewarm sausage roll, just remember: you're not wasting time — you’re participating in a national ritual.

God save the queue.