Skip to main content
Austerity was never anything more than a big lie
The last 14 years have completely disproven the economic myths the Tories used to set us on the path of cuts and devastation – we need massive direct investment to rebuild the post-industrial communities, writes JON TRICKETT
Then Prime Minister David Cameron (right) and then Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg hold their first joint press conference in the Downing Street garden in central London, May 2010

IT’S time that we had an honest debate about the underlying assumptions which have been used for so long to drive the British economy into the doldrums.

Of course, it is true that the Conservatives have proved incompetent in economic management. But this poor fiscal administration has only compounded the mistakes which are baked into the whole neoliberal era which was kicked off in Britain by Margaret Thatcher.

It follows, therefore, that getting a more competent government will not be enough, although it is absolutely essential that the country kicks the Tories out of office.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
UNITED VOICE REQUIRED: Workers stand up, yesterday, to the management of Volkswagen plant in Zwickau, Germany with slogans: ‘fighting for the future,’ and ‘exclusion,’ ‘job insecurity’ (strips attached to the scythe) / Pic: Jan Woitas/dpa via AP
Climate Crisis / 11 July 2026
11 July 2026

The future does not have to be climate chaos and social breakdown. MARC VANDEPITTE looks at the alternatives offered by the Global Justice Report, co-authored by Thomas Piketty

 

WE MUST DO BETTER: Jon Trickett speaks in the House of Commons, September 10 2025
Labour Conference 2025 / 29 September 2025
29 September 2025

We cannot refuse to abolish the unjustifiable two-child benefit cap that pushes children into poverty while finding billions of pounds for defence spending — the membership and the public expect better from Labour, writes JON TRICKETT MP

CLIMATE CHANGE: Firefighters tackle a wildfire on Saddleworth Moor, Greater Manchester, June 2018
TUC Congress 2025 / 8 September 2025
8 September 2025

Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs has disappeared alongside 30% funding cuts — all while climate breakdown brings record blazes and flooding. It’s time to fund our fire service properly, writes FBU general secretary STEVE WRIGHT

Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners stage a protest on College Green in Westminster, London, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her Budget in the Houses of Parliament, October 30, 2024
Editorial / 16 July 2025
16 July 2025