Revenge of the rich
Subtitle: the neoliberal revolution in Britain and New Zealand
By: Austin Mitchell
Publisher: Biteback Publishing Ltd
Published: 2017
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 189
ISBN-13: 9781785902819
Subjects: Neoliberalism; Economic policy; Social conditions
Description: "An outspoken opinion piece on the impact of neo-liberalism on society in Britain and New Zealand, based on Mitchell's popular lectures as a visiting fellow at the University of Canterbury in 2016. In his down-to-earth and lively style, Mitchell, who experienced politics first-hand as a long-serving Labour MP for Grimsby, denounces the economic policy of the last three decades as 'a long march down Dead-End Street' - a neo-liberal experiment that has benefitted the rich and eroded the 'good society' with its welfare state and governments' commitment to the betterment of the people. He charts the development of a neo-liberal creed, market-driven and with governments devoted to efficiency, cost-cutting and austerity at the people's expense, and draws parallels between Thatcherism in the United Kingdom, Rogernomics in New Zealand, and all that came after them. Mitchell observes how neo-liberalism has failed to deliver on its promises, including that of the 'trickle-down' effect, resulting in much greater inequality in both countries. Ultimately, he finds useful lessons in its failure and possible pointers to a fairer society for all."--Publisher.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.
Table of contents: title: Introduction: A game of two halves; title: The world we lost; title: The search for new mates; title: The end of the golden weather; title: The wrecking gang arrives; title: Time for a break; title: The great recession; title: Austerity; title: The revenge of the rich; title: Report on experience; title: Endgame.