Nationalize everything!

[Mich the Tester]

Now then, I can think of a few reasons why the government would want some influence in the issue of energy supplies, but it seems to me not entirely coincidental that hot on the heels of Labour’s nationalisation of banks, and with the electorate’s inexplicable new enthousiasm for Gordon, along come Labour with this.

How long before the Soviet Socialist Gordondom of Great Britain becomes reality?

[TimberWolf]

I'm not a millipede fan, but I think he is right. The energy industry is too important to be left to the private sector. That is, one run by shareholders that look about one dividend ahead.

[Mich the Tester]

I'm not a millipede fan, but I think he is right. The energy industry is too important to be left to the private sector. That is, one run by shareholders that look about one dividend ahead.

You have a good point, but the timing is interesting. Not so long ago, any whisper of state control of an industry would have been an absolute no-no in the Labour publicity machine. Now it seems to be OK. Slight whiff of opportunism here.

[deano]

I'm waiting for Clause 4 to be re-introduced!

[Pickle2]

You have a good point, but the timing is interesting. Not so long ago, any whisper of state control of an industry would have been an absolute no-no in the Labour publicity machine. Now it seems to be OK. Slight whiff of opportunism here.

I think you are right, timing is everything.

The current problems with the banking system etc etc have come about, not because recent government policy in this area has been too far to the left, but exactly because, through de-regulation etc, that policy hasnt been "left wing" enough.

People are seeing that. Now, it may be only true for the banking industry, but it is probably a great time for a bit of land grab by the left, as its now at the forefront of the public's minds that perhaps a bit of state control isnt such a bad thing after all.

Of course, whether the banking analogy really applies accross other industries
is debatable (to say the least). But theres no time like the present for the government to push through a more leftist agenda I would say.

Which leaves the tories in an intresting position. If the electorate are ready for a bit of socialism, how do they move to out labour labour?

[Doggy Styles]

The energy industry is too important to be left to the private sector. That is, one run by shareholders that look about one dividend ahead.

Electing a government is too important to be left to the electorate, who only look one pay-packet ahead.

[sunnysan]

Hmmm

I hate to say but I think I agree.

There is a potential conflict of interests and a moral argument, when shareholders are making money while Mrs Cribbs freezes to death becuase she cannot affrod to turn on the heating.

The reason these services where privatised was to increase efficiency. So efficiency was increased, which meant that they where turned into profitable entities. Efficient in business means making more money, and if you need to provide a better service to do that then you do. Energy companies, as with transport can charge what they like and they dont have to improve their service.

So yes, the comapnies are more efficient, but for the shareholders not the customers

On the flip side though, governments (especially this one), have not exactly demonstrated any ability to manage anything, let alone the nations power.

[expat]

I'm waiting for Clause 4 to be re-introduced!

So what? For most of its existence, Clause IV made no difference to Real Life.

[expat]

Electing a government is too important to be left to the electorate, who only look one pay-packet ahead.

That is far from being a symmetrical observation. As you know well (or else I will explain at tedious length )

[expat]

I think you are right, timing is everything.

The current problems with the banking system etc etc have come about, not because recent government policy in this area has been too far to the left, but exactly because, through de-regulation etc, that policy hasnt been "left wing" enough.

People are seeing that. ...

Which leaves the tories in an intresting position. If the electorate are ready for a bit of socialism, how do they move to out labour labour?

When Brown arrived it got harder. Being more socialist than Blair wasn't hard, anybody left of Attila the Hun would do. Being more socialist than Brown would be a tricky job for most of the Labour Party.

So if the people want a socialist alternative, it's back on the menu for the next election. I can hardly wait, should be fun!