Funding the Future

Has Donald Trump effectively declared war on Europe? His recent statements suggest exactly that. In this video, I explore how Trump’s racist rhetoric, his support for far-right parties, and his attacks on migrants are being used to divide Europe at the very moment inequality and social pressures are rising. Migration is not destroying Europe. Racism is. And when racism is normalised, democracy crumbles. This is the defining political choice of our time: fear and exclusion, or dignity and solidarity. Which Europe do you want to live in?

The discussion reveals the national debt as the backbone of our money supply, challenging the common belief that it's a financial danger. It’s highlighted that over 80% of this debt is privately owned, predominantly by wealthy households and institutions like pension funds. The conversation addresses how this concentration of wealth is fueled by interest from government debt. Proposed reforms include lowering interest rates, fair taxation on unearned income, and enhancing democratic control over the money supply.

What can ordinary people do if the financial crash many economists fear is coming? In this video, I explain some practical, calm, and sensible steps to improve your financial resilience without panic and without doom-mongering. From securing savings and pensions to food security and holding a little cash, these tips help you think ahead when the government won’t.  

Discussing the imminent stock market crash, the host explores where lost billions actually go when markets dip. Using a baked beans analogy, they illustrate how market prices depend on hope rather than actual cash. The conversation highlights that paper losses only become real upon selling shares, with panic playing a crucial role in cash losses. Further, the show delves into how crashes reflect emotional shifts in confidence rather than the physical destruction of money, making it a fascinating listen for anyone interested in market behaviors.

Discover how effective campaigning can create real change by focusing on solutions instead of mere complaints. Learn about the importance of reallocating resources to meet people’s needs and the role of finance in successful movements. Richard Murphy emphasizes the need for detailed plans, specifying necessary behavior changes, and the inevitable consequences for those who might lose out. Dive into the power of Modern Monetary Theory and why neglecting detailed financial proposals undermines progress towards social and economic justice.

Richard Murphy dives into the disconnect between people and politics, explaining why many feel powerless and ignored. He highlights how political decisions shape vital aspects of life, from wages to security. Advocating for reforms like proportional representation and local democracy, he argues for returning power to the public. Murphy emphasizes the need for transparent campaigning and political education, and proposes inclusive solutions like citizens' assemblies to reignite civic engagement. It's a call to action for restoring trust and participation in democracy.

Delve into the intriguing world of modern money and how government spending actually creates currency. Discover the political battles surrounding money control and why taxation follows spending. Learn about the choices governments make regarding funding: war versus hospitals. Unpack misconceptions about inflation, which stems more from corporate power than money creation. Also, hear a compelling argument for public investment as key to climate action and why citizens should steer narratives on affordability.

The Bank of England warns of a looming financial crisis with deteriorating global risks. Overvalued AI stocks resemble past bubbles, raising alarms about corporate debt linked to AI investments. Weak lending standards echo pre-2008 issues, while shadow banking emerges as a new vulnerability. Recent debt defaults illustrate contagion risks, particularly for the UK's banking sector. Additionally, the rise of climate risks and insufficient SME financing compounds systemic threats, putting households at further risk amidst these uncertainties.

Trained doctors in the UK are left unemployed due to government funding cuts, creating a healthcare crisis. Richard Murphy highlights the abundance of resources and discusses how monetary policy can support hiring more doctors. He critiques austerity measures as a political choice that harms public health. The conversation emphasizes that employing doctors would not worsen inflation, and immediate solutions are essential. Murphy calls for political accountability, urging voters to support those who prioritize healthcare funding.

The discussion dives into the creation of the Office for Budget Responsibility and its implications on democratic control over fiscal policy. Richard Murphy critiques its role in enforcing austerity, arguing it prioritizes City interests over public welfare. He dismantles the myths surrounding government borrowing and highlights how the OBR overlooks crucial outcomes like employment and climate goals. Advocating for a focus on investment and social equity, Murphy calls for abolishing the OBR to restore economic democracy.