Prospective parliamentary candidates would do well to pick up a copy of The Economist [disclosure: Speed client] this weekend. It contains a supplement called Britain 2010. It’s a briefing document on the key issues of the forthcoming election and provides an excellent summary of the challenges that face the country for voters and any would be Member of Parliament.

“For a decade and a half Britain enjoyed solid growth. The City of London was the world’s biggest financial centre. Jobs grew on trees. Heavy spending on public services pulled up [quality of life] a fair bit. Most Britons grew tolerant of diversity”.

The ensuing narrative of financial decline and slow recovery since 2008 is oft repeated. We are where we are. The Economist identifies three key issues facing the country’s politicians post-election.

1. Financial insecurity: the budget deficit is huge, taxes are increasing and cut backs are inevitable. People are worried about their economic future

2. Social cohesion and behaviour: immigration combined with old issues such as binge-drinking, rudeness and dysfunctional families are raising anxiety

3. Foreign policy and defence: the cost in money and lives of the war in Iraq is forcing a reappraisal of Britain’s position in the world

Over 20 pages The Economist scrutinises the leaders, the economy, public finances, banking, business poverty and inequality, immigration and society, law and order, foreign policy, education, healthcare and energy.