WHAT LESSON LEARNED ? A short reminder

Today was showcase the conservative viewpoint on the Today program on Radio 4 with back to back interviews of ex-prime ministers Rishi Sunak and Tony Blair. Mr Blair has written an open opinion piece about what he perceives is necessary actions for the current Government  to adopt. His viewpoint is now, in effect, a return to Margaret Thatcher’s reliance on the market place to bring about “growth”, which they all keep harping on about. This market place he speaks of is the world of A.I. - Embrace and adopt or die. This technological revolution is in the same category as the industrial revolution. Britain was great then and if it has any ambition to be in the premiership of nations, then it must fully embrace this technology. 

I notice that Mr Blair keeps using his usual strategic condescending tone. He begins a statement, does a little hesitation and then says “look, the thing is…” He keeps saying “look…” as if it denotes sincerity,  honesty and truth. In my view to does none of those things. During Mr Sunak’s interview, Rishi, on being questioned about Mr Blair’s ‘essay’, stated that he supported much of what was said. Mr Blair was most gratified that Mr Sunak agreed with him, with a tone of ‘how could he not’. This view was also expressed when it was suggested that Ms Badenoch agreed with him.  What it boiled down to was that the welfare state, in order to support paying pensions, disabilities, the NHS and defence, could only do so by laying off some of those commitments on to the private sector. So by creating or allowing 'for-profit' organisations to run aspects of public welfare, the state would benefit financially and become part of the power elite of nations. So, while claiming support for human welfare they would fully embrace private enterprise.

What they seem to suggest is that private enterprise must be allowed to flourish, and they could only do that if they were not taxed and allowed to pay people without imposing any additional employers contribution to employees national insurance. In fact it might be better to stop national insurance all together and pass on the whole question of personal insurance for health and welfare to private insurance companies who could then run the whole system; for a healthy profit of course. Hospitals, medical practices and welfare care and homes could then be run as separate private companies receiving their funds from private billing and insurance claims. Whatever state tax burden there was, would be covered from a multiple of private companies. The tax would be less for each individual company but would collectively supply more in total. 

The only problem with that is, private enterprise does not and would not benefit the majority. The wealthy and rich would find no problem in paying for services and insurances (as they do now) but those who live from pay check to pay check and are on  disability benefits or income support, would be locked out. The cost of insurance premiums is unaffordable for those people even now, let alone if the whole system were privatised. One need only look at the United States, which, with all it’s wealth, has very high insurance premiums under its pitiful national health care provisions. 

The only thing of sense that came out of the interviews is that leadership in government must declare a policy. Some direction as to what kind of society we wish to live in. The prime factor is an appreciation for the rule of law. Do we want basic freedoms of speech, thought and religion? Fair employment practices? Health and Safety? Habitable affordable homes? What is the best and most efficient way for the state to provide these basic services for its citizens? Is it really through private enterprise or should the collective state be responsible? 

In addition, what and how is the best and most efficient way to negotiate between nations and the global economy? Can a diplomatic service be handed over to private enterprise? Should there be a United Kingdom Foreign Office Plc. 

Just how far does one go to indulge private enterprise?  I know a number of people think that the country already is or should be UK plc. It is a slogan that has long hovered over Britain; but, that is not the case. The sole purpose of a Nation is to tend to and look after its citizens. To allow them to be safe, healthy, educated and to pursue whatever endeavour they choose to fulfil their lives. 

The attitudes and so called policy decisions preferred by the rich, Sunak, Blair, Badenoch and probably Farage are exemplified in 1843 with the Publication of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Sadly, it is just the kind of political position they have without even realising it. 

“…the clerk, in letting Scrooge’s nephew out, had let two other people in. They were portly gentlemen, pleasant to behold, and now stood, with their hats off, in Scrooge’s office. They had books and papers in their hands, and bowed to him.
“Scrooge and Marley’s, I believe,” said one of the gentlemen, referring to his list. “Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge, or Mr. Marley?”
“Mr. Marley has been dead these seven years,” Scrooge replied. “He died seven years ago, this very night.”
“We have no doubt his liberality is well represented by his surviving partner,” said the gentleman, presenting his credentials.
It certainly was; for they had been two kindred spirits. At the ominous word “liberality,” Scrooge frowned, and shook his head, and handed the credentials back.
“At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,” said the gentleman, taking up a pen, “it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir.”
“Are there no prisons?” asked Scrooge.
“Plenty of prisons,” said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.
“And the Union workhouses?” demanded Scrooge. “Are they still in operation?”
“They are. Still,” returned the gentleman, “I wish I could say they were not.”
“The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?” said Scrooge.
“Both very busy, sir.”
“Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course,” said Scrooge. “I’m very glad to hear it.”
“Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,” returned the gentleman, “a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?”
“Nothing!” Scrooge replied.
“You wish to be anonymous?”
“I wish to be left alone,” said Scrooge. “Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned—they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.”
“Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.”
“If they would rather die,” said Scrooge, “they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. Besides—excuse me—I don’t know that.”
“But you might know it,” observed the gentleman.
“It’s not my business,” Scrooge returned. “It’s enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people’s. Mine occupies me constantly. Good afternoon, gentlemen!”