Thread (1/43)
Our social contract – the ‘deal’ that makes us a civilised country – is under grave threat both practically and philosophically.
And we are not talking about it.
Our social contract – the ‘deal’ that makes us a civilised country – is under grave threat both practically and philosophically.
And we are not talking about it.
(2/43)
Practically, the UK is in a grave situation. A a serious cost-of-living crisis will plunge over half of the UK population into fuel poverty next year. This is on top of 12 years of falling real wages for the median worker and 12 years of under-funding of services …
Practically, the UK is in a grave situation. A a serious cost-of-living crisis will plunge over half of the UK population into fuel poverty next year. This is on top of 12 years of falling real wages for the median worker and 12 years of under-funding of services …
(3/43)
… which means that the NHS is now in crisis and people are falling out of workforce for health-related issues. This further weakens our economy.
… which means that the NHS is now in crisis and people are falling out of workforce for health-related issues. This further weakens our economy.
(4/43)
Dissatisfaction runs high: not only are the polls showing clear loss of confidence in the government, but we are also seeing strikes in areas we would not expect – as well as railway workers, barristers, teachers and even nurses have been driven to strike action.
Dissatisfaction runs high: not only are the polls showing clear loss of confidence in the government, but we are also seeing strikes in areas we would not expect – as well as railway workers, barristers, teachers and even nurses have been driven to strike action.
(5/43)
And there is no ‘trade-off’ for all this hardship: the UK has among the worst growth rates of all developed countries.
And there is no ‘trade-off’ for all this hardship: the UK has among the worst growth rates of all developed countries.
(6/43)
Perhaps even more worryingly, even the idea of maintaining our social contract is under attack.
Dominic Raab is on record as explaining:
“I don’t support the Human Rights Act and I don’t believe in economic and social rights.”
99-percent.org/a-renewed-assa…
Perhaps even more worryingly, even the idea of maintaining our social contract is under attack.
Dominic Raab is on record as explaining:
“I don’t support the Human Rights Act and I don’t believe in economic and social rights.”
99-percent.org/a-renewed-assa…
(7/43a)
He is not alone: the cabinet is dominated by people who share his philosophy.
They are savvy enough to talk about ‘levelling-up,’ but they take deliberate steps to level down; ...
He is not alone: the cabinet is dominated by people who share his philosophy.
They are savvy enough to talk about ‘levelling-up,’ but they take deliberate steps to level down; ...
(7/43b)
...they talk of ‘sharing the pain,’ but they ensure that does not apply to the wealthiest; they talk of ‘investing in public services,’ and they systematically underfund them.
...they talk of ‘sharing the pain,’ but they ensure that does not apply to the wealthiest; they talk of ‘investing in public services,’ and they systematically underfund them.
(8/43)
And they are systematically withdrawing our rights and dismantling our democratic safeguards.
99-percent.org/saving-democra…
And they are systematically withdrawing our rights and dismantling our democratic safeguards.
99-percent.org/saving-democra…
(9/43a)
The UK faces serious problems, but we have a government which refuses to accept that serious problems often require systemic solutions: ...
The UK faces serious problems, but we have a government which refuses to accept that serious problems often require systemic solutions: ...
(9/43b)
... they believe that the responsibility for healthcare can be left with families, tackling poverty can be left to food-banks; and tackling climate change can be left to individuals.
... they believe that the responsibility for healthcare can be left with families, tackling poverty can be left to food-banks; and tackling climate change can be left to individuals.
(10/43)
As the evolutionary biologist E O Wilson put it:
“Selfishness beats altruism within groups. Altruistic groups beat selfish groups. Everything else is commentary.”
The UK is at risk of being forced into becoming a selfish group – and failing as a result.
As the evolutionary biologist E O Wilson put it:
“Selfishness beats altruism within groups. Altruistic groups beat selfish groups. Everything else is commentary.”
The UK is at risk of being forced into becoming a selfish group – and failing as a result.
(11/43)
We need a serious and courageous discussion about what kind of country we want to be, and how we are going to ensure that we become that country.
We need a serious and courageous discussion about what kind of country we want to be, and how we are going to ensure that we become that country.
(12/43a)
But first, it is worth recalling the circumstances in which our post-war social contract – the one we are in danger of losing – was created. In the middle of World War II, in 1942, the National Government of Great Britain commissioned ...
But first, it is worth recalling the circumstances in which our post-war social contract – the one we are in danger of losing – was created. In the middle of World War II, in 1942, the National Government of Great Britain commissioned ...
(12/43b)
... Sir William Beveridge, the Director of the London School of Economics, to produce a report on the reconstruction of Britain after the war ended.
... Sir William Beveridge, the Director of the London School of Economics, to produce a report on the reconstruction of Britain after the war ended.
(13/43)
Hiss report set out a blueprint for a better, fairer, more prosperous society, to reward the nation for the shared sacrifices.
Beveridge aimed to free Britain from:
•Want [poverty],
•Disease,
•Ignorance,
•Squalor and
•Idleness [unemployment].
Hiss report set out a blueprint for a better, fairer, more prosperous society, to reward the nation for the shared sacrifices.
Beveridge aimed to free Britain from:
•Want [poverty],
•Disease,
•Ignorance,
•Squalor and
•Idleness [unemployment].
(14/43)
The report published in November 1942 was overwhelmingly popular with the public. Attlee’s post-war government would have had plenty of excuses for not implementing the report: …
The report published in November 1942 was overwhelmingly popular with the public. Attlee’s post-war government would have had plenty of excuses for not implementing the report: …
(15/43a)
… government debt:GDP stood at over 250% at the end of the Second World War; the cost of servicing that debt was over 5% of GDP; ...
… government debt:GDP stood at over 250% at the end of the Second World War; the cost of servicing that debt was over 5% of GDP; ...
(15/43b)
… more than half of GDP had been diverted to the war effort and over 5 million people mobilised into the Armed Forces; some 5% of national wealth been destroyed, and 1% of the population lost.
… more than half of GDP had been diverted to the war effort and over 5 million people mobilised into the Armed Forces; some 5% of national wealth been destroyed, and 1% of the population lost.
(16/43)
This was, of course, a far greater challenge than we face today.
This was, of course, a far greater challenge than we face today.
(17/43a)
But the national mood was different then. As Margaret McMillan explained,
“The shared suffering and sacrifice of the war years strengthened the belief in most democracies that governments had an obligation to provide basic care for all citizens.”
But the national mood was different then. As Margaret McMillan explained,
“The shared suffering and sacrifice of the war years strengthened the belief in most democracies that governments had an obligation to provide basic care for all citizens.”
(17/43b)
As Wilson pointed out, that shared suffering and sacrifice may have been necessary to win the war.
As Wilson pointed out, that shared suffering and sacrifice may have been necessary to win the war.
(18/43)
And with a mood of altruism and solidarity, there was one of hope. After 6hard years, during the early part of which defeat seemed inevitable, the allies had emerged victorious. Even more than is usual after a war, the victors felt that good had triumphed over evil.
And with a mood of altruism and solidarity, there was one of hope. After 6hard years, during the early part of which defeat seemed inevitable, the allies had emerged victorious. Even more than is usual after a war, the victors felt that good had triumphed over evil.
(19/43)
Yes, there was a challenging task of reconstruction – but that was nothing compared with the challenges of the war itself. The national mood then was one of hope and solidarity.
Yes, there was a challenging task of reconstruction – but that was nothing compared with the challenges of the war itself. The national mood then was one of hope and solidarity.
(20/43a)
The result was tremendous progress for the UK. In 1948, at a time when the ratio of government debt to GDP was still over 200%, government founded the NHS.
The result was tremendous progress for the UK. In 1948, at a time when the ratio of government debt to GDP was still over 200%, government founded the NHS.
(20/43b)
Also in 1948, it passed the National Assistance Act, which abolished the poor law system and established a social safety net to protect the poorest and most vulnerable, completing the work of the National Insurance Act of 1946.
Also in 1948, it passed the National Assistance Act, which abolished the poor law system and established a social safety net to protect the poorest and most vulnerable, completing the work of the National Insurance Act of 1946.
(21/43a)
The social contract in the UK was transformed. Everyone, whatever their background and current financial state, had access to high-quality healthcare.
The social contract in the UK was transformed. Everyone, whatever their background and current financial state, had access to high-quality healthcare.
(21/43b)
Everyone had access to a safety net for times when things in their lives went wrong. Everyone played a part in building this new world.
And the economy benefited: the Golden Age was the most successful period in our economic history.
99-percent.org/the-uk-stands-…
Everyone had access to a safety net for times when things in their lives went wrong. Everyone played a part in building this new world.
And the economy benefited: the Golden Age was the most successful period in our economic history.
99-percent.org/the-uk-stands-…
(22/43)
If we remember what we achieved in the past, we can create a better future. We need the courage to ask (and answer seriously) some fundamental questions:
•What is the economy for?
•What is our government for?
•What are we, the citizens of the UK, for?
If we remember what we achieved in the past, we can create a better future. We need the courage to ask (and answer seriously) some fundamental questions:
•What is the economy for?
•What is our government for?
•What are we, the citizens of the UK, for?
(23/43)
We have come to treat ‘the economy’ as something almost God-like: a system with huge impact on our lives but outside our control. An end in itself, to serve which we must adapt ourselves.
We have come to treat ‘the economy’ as something almost God-like: a system with huge impact on our lives but outside our control. An end in itself, to serve which we must adapt ourselves.
(24/43)
But that is a nonsense: the world has over 200 countries – and each has designed a slightly different economic system. Most don’t work very well for their people, but some seem to do extremely well. Ours is not doing well for its people.
But that is a nonsense: the world has over 200 countries – and each has designed a slightly different economic system. Most don’t work very well for their people, but some seem to do extremely well. Ours is not doing well for its people.
(25/43)
We should ask ourselves: what sort of economy do we want? And if we want one which serves our citizens, we must be prepared to make significant changes.
That brings us on to the second question: What is our government for?
We should ask ourselves: what sort of economy do we want? And if we want one which serves our citizens, we must be prepared to make significant changes.
That brings us on to the second question: What is our government for?
(26/43)
We assume that governments govern on behalf of their citizens. But our government is not governing on behalf of the majority of its citizens.
The problems facing UK citizens were listed above – but since 1980, UK governments have been looking after the wealthiest.
We assume that governments govern on behalf of their citizens. But our government is not governing on behalf of the majority of its citizens.
The problems facing UK citizens were listed above – but since 1980, UK governments have been looking after the wealthiest.
(27/43a)
Indeed, as we discussed last week, for the last 12 years, this government has been systematically transforming our economy into one which works exclusively for the benefit of the wealthiest in society at the expense of everyone else.
Indeed, as we discussed last week, for the last 12 years, this government has been systematically transforming our economy into one which works exclusively for the benefit of the wealthiest in society at the expense of everyone else.
https://twitter.com/MrMarkEThomas/status/1596539613815906306?s=20&t=rOr0PtXIWa_J07wPh3Lwuw
(27/43b)
And it has transformed itself into “a mechanism for redistributing wealth from the ordinary subject citizen to the sovereign individuals.”
And it has transformed itself into “a mechanism for redistributing wealth from the ordinary subject citizen to the sovereign individuals.”
(28/43)
If we do not want to see this, we need constitutional reform to redefine the role of government in the national interest.
99-percent.org/five-actions-t…
If we do not want to see this, we need constitutional reform to redefine the role of government in the national interest.
99-percent.org/five-actions-t…
(29/43)
What are we, the citizens of the UK, for?
We have allowed the traditional idea that human beings have an intrinsic value to be crowded out by the idea that a person’s value is best measured by their market value: wealth is a measure of contribution to society.
What are we, the citizens of the UK, for?
We have allowed the traditional idea that human beings have an intrinsic value to be crowded out by the idea that a person’s value is best measured by their market value: wealth is a measure of contribution to society.
(30/43)
When we look at examples, however, this way of valuing humanity seems like nonsense. In the US, an oncology nurse can earn between $74,000 and $118,000. But the key executives of the tobacco company Philip Morris are paid > $5 million.
99-percent.org/who-are-the-hi…
When we look at examples, however, this way of valuing humanity seems like nonsense. In the US, an oncology nurse can earn between $74,000 and $118,000. But the key executives of the tobacco company Philip Morris are paid > $5 million.
99-percent.org/who-are-the-hi…
(31/43)
Can we really believe that each one of these executives does more good for society by producing, marketing, and selling (carcinogenic) cigarettes than 50 oncology nurses do by tending those with cancer?
Can we really believe that each one of these executives does more good for society by producing, marketing, and selling (carcinogenic) cigarettes than 50 oncology nurses do by tending those with cancer?
(32/43)
In the UK, in 2019, the highest-paid CEO was Denise Coates of Bet365 whose take-home pay amounted to £323 million. At a time when problem gambling is growing, it is hard to believe that she brings more value to society than 13,000 nurses.
In the UK, in 2019, the highest-paid CEO was Denise Coates of Bet365 whose take-home pay amounted to £323 million. At a time when problem gambling is growing, it is hard to believe that she brings more value to society than 13,000 nurses.
(33/43a)
In a world in which tobacco companies and online betting companies had never existed, most people would think that was a far better world than the one we have today.
In a world in which tobacco companies and online betting companies had never existed, most people would think that was a far better world than the one we have today.
(33/43b)
Surely, their talents, and those of their employees would be better deployed, say, tackling climate change? But financially, there is no denying that the owners and managers of these companies are considered ‘high-value’ people.
Surely, their talents, and those of their employees would be better deployed, say, tackling climate change? But financially, there is no denying that the owners and managers of these companies are considered ‘high-value’ people.
(34/43)
So as well as rethinking the role of government, we need to rethink our role as citizens and celebrate those who genuinely contribute to the rest of the population rather than those who merely benefit from it.
We need to redefine our values, rights, and duties.
So as well as rethinking the role of government, we need to rethink our role as citizens and celebrate those who genuinely contribute to the rest of the population rather than those who merely benefit from it.
We need to redefine our values, rights, and duties.
(35/43)
Our discussion is distracted, mis-focussed and myth-based
We are not having this debate: we are distracted by relative non-issues – gossip, celebrities and even chipolatas.
Our discussion is distracted, mis-focussed and myth-based
We are not having this debate: we are distracted by relative non-issues – gossip, celebrities and even chipolatas.
(36/43)
Where our media touch on serious issues, they often misreport them, especially on this type of question.
Where our media touch on serious issues, they often misreport them, especially on this type of question.
(37/43)
Our government, aided by large sections of the media has made huge – and partly successful – efforts to divide the population and blame-shift to distract from its own performance.
99-percent.org/the-fragility-…
Our government, aided by large sections of the media has made huge – and partly successful – efforts to divide the population and blame-shift to distract from its own performance.
99-percent.org/the-fragility-…
(38/43)
And our economic institutions also focus on second-order issues and use a myth-based frame of reference to ‘address’ them. The issues on which they should be focussing are the increasing failure to look after the health and financial well-being of the population.
And our economic institutions also focus on second-order issues and use a myth-based frame of reference to ‘address’ them. The issues on which they should be focussing are the increasing failure to look after the health and financial well-being of the population.
(39/43)
A truly democratic government would focus on those issues. Ours has chosen to focus on two second-order issues, neither of which it will actually solve: the ratio of government debt to GDP and inflation.
99-percent.org/a-non-solution…
A truly democratic government would focus on those issues. Ours has chosen to focus on two second-order issues, neither of which it will actually solve: the ratio of government debt to GDP and inflation.
99-percent.org/a-non-solution…
(40/43a)
And virtually all public debate about how the UK should address the real issues leaves unquestioned 3 assertions which are demonstrably untrue:
1A responsible government could and should behave like a household in managing its spending;
99-percent.org/twaddle-and-il…
And virtually all public debate about how the UK should address the real issues leaves unquestioned 3 assertions which are demonstrably untrue:
1A responsible government could and should behave like a household in managing its spending;
99-percent.org/twaddle-and-il…
(40/43a)
2Inflation is a measure of our ability to buy and, even when caused by non-domestic pressures, should be tackled by removing money from the UK population through higher interest rates;
99-percent.org/how-not-to-han…
2Inflation is a measure of our ability to buy and, even when caused by non-domestic pressures, should be tackled by removing money from the UK population through higher interest rates;
99-percent.org/how-not-to-han…
(40/43c)
3. Markets are the best and fairest way to allocate resources, so the best thing for the government to do is to do nothing and leave every problem to the markets.
99-percent.org/what-is-the-ma…
3. Markets are the best and fairest way to allocate resources, so the best thing for the government to do is to do nothing and leave every problem to the markets.
99-percent.org/what-is-the-ma…
(41/43)
We have written at length about why each of these assertions is dangerously untrue. Until we in the UK reject these myths, then sadly – even though other countries may be plotting a rosy future for their citizens – there is nothing ours can do.
We have written at length about why each of these assertions is dangerously untrue. Until we in the UK reject these myths, then sadly – even though other countries may be plotting a rosy future for their citizens – there is nothing ours can do.
(42/43)
Once we are clear that they are not true, we are free to think seriously about what a responsible government would do.
Once we are clear that they are not true, we are free to think seriously about what a responsible government would do.
(43/43)
If you would like to find out more about these issues and how you may be able to help create the debate we need, join the 99% Organisation.
99-percent.org/contact/
If you would like to find out more about these issues and how you may be able to help create the debate we need, join the 99% Organisation.
99-percent.org/contact/
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