Funding the Future

The podcast takes a deep dive into the ostentatious display of wealth at a recent Mar-a-Lago party, contrasting it with the struggles of the vulnerable. It explores racial and gender dynamics, drawing parallels between modern excess and the Great Gatsby era. The discussion highlights political cruelty impacting essential social payments while the wealthy celebrate. Moral contradictions among leaders are examined, along with the climate impact of such extravagance. Ultimately, it advocates for a politics of care, urging a rejection of exploitative figures.

The discussion reveals that Britain's fiscal 'black hole' is more a political and social failure than a true funding crisis. Austerity is labeled as economic vandalism, not fiscal responsibility. It’s emphasized that the UK government, capable of issuing its own currency, can always meet its obligations. The podcast proposes rethinking public financing through wealth taxation and investment in key sectors like healthcare and education. Ultimately, it calls for courage to confront past mistakes and reinvigorate public ambition for a better future.

The discussion delves into the dual nature of nationalism, exploring how it can be a force for empowerment or a source of exclusion. It highlights the difference between caring nationalism, which fosters empathy, and toxic nationalism, driven by fear. The podcast examines nationalism as a means of resistance for marginalized communities and the left's complicated relationship with it. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to consider the ethical implications of nationalism in shaping identities and creating connections.

Explore the intriguing R > G formula by Thomas Piketty, revealing why the rich keep getting richer. Unearth the generational wealth compounding and the political choices fueling inequality. Dive into the postwar years that temporarily reversed these trends and how neoliberal policies exacerbated them. Richard Murphy outlines the dangers of unchecked wealth, comparing it to cancer, while proposing bold policy changes to favor labor and curb exploitation. A call to action urges us to reclaim wealth and prevent a new feudalism in our society.

Rachel Reeves creates a stir with her Downing Street speech, revealing fears of austerity while pandering to the City. Richard Murphy dissects her panic, suggesting she misunderstands monetary mechanics. He argues against her claims about taxpayer money and sovereign debt, emphasizing that the government essentially creates money. By proposing alternatives like halting quantitative tightening and managing public savings, he paints a picture of a budget that could lead to growth, rather than stagnation. The stakes are high for both the economy and the average citizen.

Explore the thought-provoking concept of Rawls' veil of ignorance, which challenges us to design a fair society without bias. Discover how justice should be embedded in policy through empathy rather than mere charity. The discussion includes Rawls' principles favoring the least advantaged and the importance of democratic transparency. Learn how taxation can be structured to level life chances and ensure no one is excluded. Finally, consider the notion that aiming for utopia guides us towards evolving justice and fairness in governance.

Is the breakup of Britain inevitable? Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are turning away from Westminster while England clings to a failing system of centralised power. In this video, I ask whether the UK can survive much longer in its current form, and whether its collapse might be the chance to start again. Could four sovereign democracies emerge from the ruins of a tired union?

Global stock markets are soaring, but experts warn it’s a precarious bubble fueled by AI hype and shadow banking. When the crash happens, it could devastate pensions and wipe out vast sums from the UK market. The discussion highlights how rising valuations can lead to real economic losses and government bonds may help recovery later. The risks of leverage in speculative finance emerge as a critical concern, and a call to rebuild the system prioritizes societal benefit over mere profit. Will this crisis spark meaningful reform?

A royal title disappears, and the age-old notion of inherited superiority crumbles. This discussion reveals how public consent can topple privilege. With the monarchy's mystique in decline, accountability becomes paramount for all. The conversation delves into the monarchy as a symbol of economic inequality. Philosophical insights, like John Rawls' principles, spark thoughts on justice and care in society. Could this shift redefine the balance between wealth and responsibility? Tune in for a fresh perspective on equality and a new political landscape.

Martin Wolf says only economic growth can save democracy. Yet his economics serves only the wealthy. When workers are sacrificed, rents soar, and insecurity spreads, as he demands so that growth might grow, come what may, then democracy is weakened — and fascism thrives. It’s time to build instead an economics of care: secure jobs, strong public services, and ecological balance.