Sat 11 Nov 2017, 04:18 AM | Posted by Mark Langabeer
On the heels of revelations of the super-rich and their tax-avoidance schemes offshore, there was an insightful TV programme called ‘Generation Screwed’. This programme examined the consequences of Tory austerity. It made it clear that it is the youth that have borne the brunt of cuts in public expenditure.
The presenter travelled the length and breadth of the nation, interviewing young people about their experiences. The presenter, George Lamb, was deeply affected by the riots of 2011, when he realised that he was out of touch and had to change his outlook on society.
Lamb pointed out that only 10% of the population own over 50% of all UK wealth. At the same time one in three children are growing up in poverty. In London, which has the highest rate of child poverty, he interviewed Darren, who described himself as a housing campaigner. Darren was from Brixton and described the area as undergoing a lot of new house building projects. The Government assessment of “affordability” were for properties valued at £ 400,000. For most locals all the new-builds were unaffordable.
Darren described how this gentrification was forcing local people out of the area. He was unemployed and when he was job-hunting, he would be told that he lacked experience. He was trapped in this situation because it is only through work that he could get experience.
Lamb drove west with the aim of discovering the views of youth in more rural locations. Over ten million people live in villages and he met up with Leighton and his friends in a local park. Leighton felt isolated and one of his friends thought that a McDonalds and a Primark would be a good idea. Another wanted to join the Army or move abroad.
Lamb then travelled north and met up with Iona who had joined a commune located near Faslane, where the nuclear submarines are based. Every week they protest outside the base. In my view, the Labour Movement should support scrapping nuclear weapons and guarantee jobs to those employed in building Trident. (Read Peter Doyle’s blog on the alternative to building Trident.)
He then went to meet Claire from Milton Keynes who was a young mum with a partner who earned at least the average wage. However, after rent and basic necessities were paid there was little left over to save and buy a house. Terms like ‘Generation Rent’ are common expressions in today’s Britain.
Lamb then travelled north to Hull, where unemployment is above the national average. He met Spence, who was living in a hostel. Although he is fit, he is unable to find work and he blamed it on too much immigration.
Lamb finally returned to London and met Ella who is politically-engaged and has hope for the future. This was demonstrated at the last election with Corbyn offering an alternative to Tory Austerity. Lamb could see and show us all the injustices but could not offer solutions.
Labour should introduce a programme of public works that guarantees meaningful employment for all. Only the Labour movement, armed with a socialist programme can transform the lives of the great majority in Britain.
