The Rest Is Politics 313. Why Starmer needs to be unpopular
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Sep 10, 2024 The discussion tackles the idea of making the unpopular popular, especially in light of Labour's challenges. It critically examines the Grenfell tragedy, highlighting accountability and systemic failures. Budget austerity's effects on public services come under scrutiny, with calls for urgent investment. The podcast also delves into China's growing influence in Africa and the shifting geopolitical landscape. Throughout, there's a tense balance between optimism for reform and the harsh realities of recent fiscal policies.
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Starmer's Prime Ministerial Presence and Need for Narrative
- Kier Starmer looks and sounds prime ministerial, but his government lacks a unifying narrative.
- A clear direction is needed to maintain popularity while implementing unpopular policies.
Water Industry Woes
- The UK's water industry faces shortages and pollution due to chronic underinvestment.
- Balancing public service improvements with cost-of-living concerns requires difficult choices.
Privatization Failures and Grenfell
- Privatized water and railways are seen as failures, enriching shareholders while quality suffers.
- Addressing Grenfell requires acknowledging austerity's role and the failures of multiple actors.