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Let's talk nationalisation

(54 Posts)
MaizieD Sun 11-Jun-17 11:28:54

While the dust is settling from the GE it could be time to look perhaps a bit more calmly at some of the issues.
I suggest we start with rail nationalisation as CardiffJaguar has raised it as a bit of a derailer (sorry) on another thread. I quote their post.

CardiffJaguar Sun 11-Jun-17 08:21:51

Now I have started something it seems. Take nationalisation as one example of past mistakes. Looking at Southern Rail as it is today it is very reminiscent of the problems of BR during the time it was government owned and run. the decision to put rail out into privatisation was a desperate move by government to get rid of a problem they could not resolve. The privatisation was botched and rail is still costing the taxpayer yet public ownership failed. There are many lessons to be learnt about what not to do in the future.

Also, GG2 has responded so I'll quote that too

GG2

Cardiff, just one point (initially), although there are many. After 1945, the Labour government nationalised key industries, such as railways, steel and electricity. I wonder how many years it would have taken to take these industries forward after the war if it was left to "the market". Some industries require long-term investment to improve services over time. This long-term investment may not be profitable in the short-term, so without government intervention they may suffer from lack of long term - or what seems to be currently called 'slow' investment.

There was a long period - up to Thatcher - when there was a consensus between the parties that a mixed economy - some government run, some privately run - would work for this country. The far-right then decided to change things. This does not mean they were right.

Anyone, apart from me, want to take it from here?

vampirequeen Fri 02-Mar-18 09:59:19

I would renationalise transport and utilities with no compensation. The shareholders have made enough in dividends over the years. No one should profit from the provision of necessities.

durhamjen Fri 02-Mar-18 10:01:47

Agreed, vampirequeen, and it can be done., particularly with transport, as soon as any franchise comes up for renewal. It's the government which hands out the franchises.

Caledonai14 Fri 02-Mar-18 16:59:47

I, too, would renationalise transport and the utilities for all the reasons stated above. In addition, Royal Mail should never have been sold off.