Podcast Summary
Conservative ideology in UK: Despite Cameron's attempt to modernize the Conservative Party and appeal to a new generation of voters, the UK experienced struggling public services, record levels of child poverty, and a lack of trust in politicians during his 14-year tenure
The 14-year tenure of Conservative Party rule in the UK, under the leadership of David Cameron and his successors, was meant to address a "broken society" and shrink the state to build a "big society." However, the outcome has left the country more fractured and dysfunctional than before, with public services struggling, record levels of child poverty, and a lack of trust in politicians. This two-part series from The Guardian explores the legacy of Conservative ideology during this period, starting with an analysis of austerity. When David Cameron took the Conservative Party leadership in 2005, he aimed to modernize the party and appeal to a new generation of voters by appearing more compassionate and kinder. Despite the lack of a clear philosophy, Cameron's promise of a fresh start resonated with many, leading to his election as Prime Minister in a coalition government in 2010. However, the reality of the past 14 years has left the UK with numerous challenges, including struggling public services and increasing poverty.
Contrast between Cameron's vision and actions: Cameron's 'big society' vision contrasted with his government's austerity measures, with the financial crisis serving as justification but not the sole cause.
David Cameron's vision of a "big society" represented a shift from Thatcherite conservatism, aiming for a more community-driven approach to social problems. However, upon taking office in 2010, his government implemented austerity measures and reduced the power of the state, which contrasted with his compassionate conservatism pitch as opposition leader. The financial crisis of 2008 played a significant role in justifying these actions, but it wasn't the sole cause. Cameron's government used the infamous note left by the outgoing Labour Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liam Byrne, as an opportunity to present the previous administration's financial mismanagement. Despite this, the crisis was a global one, affecting economies worldwide.
UK austerity measures during recession: The Conservative-led coalition in the UK, under George Osborne, pursued austerity measures during the global financial recession, leading to significant cuts in funding for local government services, social care, and the NHS, impacting the most vulnerable members of society
During the global financial recession, decisive action was necessary to prevent a structural depression. The consensus among economists was for governments to spend money to keep the economy afloat. However, the Conservative-led coalition in the UK, led by George Osborne, chose to pursue austerity measures instead. These cuts affected every corner of public life, including local government services like libraries, swimming pools, and youth clubs. Councils lost almost 60% of the funding they received from the central government, leading to closures and reduced hours. Social care, which is often funded by local authorities, was also impacted, leading to cuts in services for vulnerable adults and children. The NHS, despite rhetoric of protection, did not see an increase in real terms funding over the decade starting in 2010, while pressures increased due to an aging population. These cuts had far-reaching consequences and affected the most vulnerable members of society.
Austerity's impact on vulnerable populations: Austerity measures disproportionately affected the most vulnerable populations, leading to cuts in essential services and exacerbating existing inequalities, with food banks becoming a common necessity.
The austerity measures implemented in the UK starting in 2010 disproportionately affected the most vulnerable populations, including the disabled, women, and urban areas. The policy, which was marketed as "we're all in this together," did not distribute the burden equally. Instead, it led to cuts in essential services such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement, resulting in record-high backlogs and undetected crimes. The impact was felt most acutely in areas with the least resources, exacerbating existing inequalities. The symbol of this era is the food bank, which went from being a rare resource for emergencies to a common necessity, with almost 3000 food banks now existing in the UK, more than hospitals or public libraries.
UK welfare reforms and poverty: The UK's welfare reforms under the Conservative government led to an increase in food bank usage and poverty, with people facing eviction, debt, and unable to afford basic necessities due to a five-week wait for payments under Universal Credit. The government's actions pitted those on benefits against those not on them.
The UK's austerity measures, particularly welfare reforms under the Conservative government, have led to an increase in food bank usage and poverty, with people being left without essential services and struggling to make ends meet. The government's actions were driven by a desire to remind people on benefits that they are not entitled to easy support and must prove their need, leading to a shift in mindset that pitted those on benefits against those not on them. The consequences were severe, with many facing eviction, debt, and even being unable to afford basic necessities like bus fares for their children. The government's simplification of the benefits system through Universal Credit, which introduced a five-week wait for payments, exacerbated these issues. This othering of those reliant on benefits is not unlike the way immigrants have been scapegoated in the past 14 years, with the government using them as a convenient target for societal problems that could be more accurately attributed to austerity measures.
Osborne-era rhetoric and immigrants: Osborne-era rhetoric about people on benefits set the stage for negative perceptions and policies towards immigrants, resulting in a 'hostile environment' policy under Theresa May and lasting impacts on communities
The Osborne-era rhetoric about people on benefits paved the way for negative perceptions and policies towards immigrants, leading to a "hostile environment" policy under Theresa May. This created a divisive narrative of "hardworking families" versus those "ripping off the system," culminating in the controversial "go home" vans and the Windrush deportations. Despite the formal end of austerity, the effects of the cuts and the depleted public capacity are still felt, particularly in the form of increased demand for food banks and expanded social services. The hostile environment policy left a lasting impact on communities and highlighted the importance of a strong and supportive public realm.
Essential services at Food Banks: Food Banks now offer career advice, interpreters, dental care, and mental health support in addition to food, filling gaps left by weakened safety nets and preventing desperation and potential suicide
The Food Bank has become a vital resource for people facing multiple challenges, beyond just food insecurity. It provides essential services like career advice, interpreters, dental care, and mental health support, as the state safety net has been weakened. People like Derek and Robert, who have faced unexpected expenses and loss of income, struggle to make ends meet in the cost of living crisis. The Food Bank's expanded role fills these gaps, preventing desperation and potential suicide. The erosion of the social safety net by austerity policies leaves many unprotected and vulnerable.
British austerity policies impact: Austerity policies under Cameron and Osborne led to excess deaths, stalled life expectancy, and financial instability, leaving many feeling the country is poorer and more broken, potentially leading to a significant repudiation in upcoming elections
The austerity policies implemented by the Conservative government under David Cameron and George Osborne have had a profound impact on British society, leading to hundreds of thousands of excess deaths, stalled life expectancy, and widespread financial instability in local councils. These policies, which prioritized reducing the size of the government and limiting public services, have left many people feeling the country is poorer and more broken. The upcoming elections may serve as a verdict on the success of these policies, with the potential for a significant repudiation of the smaller, shrunken state ideology if the Conservative Party is thoroughly defeated.
Brexit and Covid impact on UK: The Brexit process and Covid-19 crisis have led to significant challenges for the UK, resulting in a more challenging state of affairs for the country.
Despite the intentions of those who advocated for Brexit and navigated the country through the Covid-19 crisis, the outcomes have led to a worsened state of affairs for the country. Cameron Osborne, a guest on the Politics Weekly podcast, argued that it's important to acknowledge the patriotism of those involved, but also recognize that the country is in a more challenging place now than before these events began. The podcast will continue this discussion in part two, focusing on Brexit, Covid, and the era of chaos. Meanwhile, if you're looking for something entirely different, The Guardian has a new cooking app called Feast. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, this app offers a wide range of delicious and vibrant dishes from expert Guardian cooks. From vegan options to hearty comfort foods, there's something for everyone. Try it out with a 14-day free trial, terms and conditions apply. In summary, the Brexit process and the Covid-19 crisis have led to significant challenges for the UK, and the outcomes have not been positive. Meanwhile, The Guardian's new cooking app, Feast, provides an enjoyable distraction with a wide variety of delicious recipes for all skill levels.
