

'Making Britain Great Again'
5 snips 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.
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London's Declining Services
- Iona Italia had difficulty getting a driving test in London, waiting years for a date.
- She also experienced challenges with healthcare access and high energy costs, highlighting declining services.
UK's Stagnation: A Lack of Building
- The UK's decline is largely due to insufficient construction of essential infrastructure like housing and energy sources.
- This has led to high costs and economic stagnation, impacting quality of life.
UK's Energy Missteps
- Britain, once an energy superpower, made missteps in energy policy, prioritizing North Sea gas over nuclear power.
- This shift, coupled with safety concerns, made nuclear power expensive, contributing to the current energy crisis.