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Quillette Podcast

'Making Britain Great Again'

Nov 19, 2024
Sam Bowman, Editor-in-chief of Works in Progress, dives into the roots of Britain's economic stagnation and offers innovative solutions. He critiques past policies and advocates for nuclear energy and improved housing. Bowman contrasts the inefficiencies in UK services with Australia's effective system, sharing personal anecdotes about declining living conditions. The discussion covers the challenges of the UK's energy transition, highlighting the need for regulatory reforms, and tackles the complexities of significant infrastructure projects like the Lower Thames Crossing.
21:20

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The UK's economic stagnation is largely due to restrictive policies that hinder innovation and necessary infrastructure development, particularly in housing and energy.
  • High energy prices in the UK result from inadequate supply systems and regulatory burdens, necessitating a reevaluation of energy policies to foster affordability and availability.

Deep dives

Addressing Economic Stagnation

Economic stagnation in the UK is attributed to several restrictive policies that hinder innovation and growth. The conversation emphasizes the need to eliminate barriers that prevent new developments in various sectors, particularly housing and energy. Sam Bowman argues that the UK's productivity has stagnated over the past decade, which severely impacts average family incomes, resulting in a potential £8,000 loss in earnings if growth had continued at historical rates. Discussions about the necessity of building more housing and improving infrastructure highlight how these factors are crucial for revitalizing the economy and enhancing living standards.

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