Pod Save the UK

The economy is growing, so why are we feeling poorer?

May 16, 2024

Activist George Monbiot demystifies Neoliberalism and its impact on UK politics. Discusses moving away from consumerism to reclaim democracy. Hosts criticize Esther McVey's campaign against rainbow lanyards. Touches on economic challenges, privatization woes, Labour's Green Investment Pledge, and reclaiming democratic engagement.

45:00

Creator website

Episode guests

George Monbiot

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Neoliberalism blames individuals for systemic issues like poverty, mental well-being implications are dire.

Growth statistics can mislead amid rising poverty levels; Labour criticized for adopting neoliberal ideologies.

Call-to-action to highlight grassroots campaigns and volunteer efforts, audience engagement sought for underrepresented initiatives.

Deep dives

Criticizing Neoliberalism and Political Gaslighting

Neoliberalism's destructive impact on society is discussed, highlighting how it blames individuals for systemic issues like poverty and health problems. The podcast delves into how growth statistics can be misleading, especially amid rising poverty levels. Criticism is directed at political parties like Labour for adopting neoliberal ideologies. The discussion also touches on the mental well-being implications of such economic structures.

The importance of corporate power in environmentalism

00:54

Neoliberal Ideology and Labor's Alignment

00:47

Introduction

2min

Economic Challenges Amidst Growing UK Economy

5min

Challenging Economic Measures and Public Sector Woes

4min

Exploring Neoliberalism and Environmental Impact

12min

Labour Party's Green Investment Pledge and Criticism of Tory Economic Policies

6min

Reclaiming Democratic Engagement from Neoliberalism

7min

Exploring Presumed Consent in Politics and Democratic Decision-Making

6min

Dominic Cummings and the Startup Party

5min

Celebrating Change Makers and Previewing Upcoming Content

3min

The UK is officially out of recession - Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt have been banging the drum of the 0.6% GDP growth in the Jan-March quarter, but are things actually getting better?

George Monbiot drops into the studio to demystify Neoliberalism - the invisible economic doctrine that has influenced UK politics and policy since the Thatcher years. George also brings some fresh ideas for how citizens can move away from being consumers and recapture our democracy.

Finally, Nish and Coco eviscerate Esther McVey’s campaign to ban that most dreadful example of civil service impropriety - the rainbow lanyard.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Guest:

George Monbiot, activist and writer

Audio credits:

BBC