Friday briefing: How Britain’s high streets became a barometer of national decline

In today’s newsletter: As boarded‑up units spread from coastal towns to former industrial centres, a new ​Guardian investigation reveals how ​o​ur high streets have become a litmus test for public frustration and ​p​olitical choicesGood morning. There is a familiar refrain about Britain’s high streets – that they are now little more than a procession of shuttered units, former bank branches, barbers, vape shops and fast food outlets, symbols