Privatisation of Essential Services Under Fire
Readers have weighed in on the privatisation of essential public services in the UK, criticising the trend that began under Margaret Thatcher and has continued under subsequent governments. Richard Romm from Horsham highlighted that Thames Water is owned by sovereign wealth funds of Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and China, while Wessex Water belongs to Malaysia’s YTL, and Northumbrian Water to CK Hutchison and KKR. He noted that similar foreign ownership extends to train rolling stock, Heathrow, the North Sea oil and gas producer Adura, and even Sainsbury’s, which is part-owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, who also owns Royal Mail.
Romm argued that this has not improved conditions for ordinary people, but has turned British infrastructure into a 'car-boot sale for global capital' while prices rise and services crumble. He expressed cautious optimism about PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham’s proposal for 'greater public control' of water and energy sectors, but questioned whether it will survive contact with the Treasury and vested interests.
Gender Quotas in Government Criticised
Another reader, Catherine Croft from London, responded to calls from female MPs for Andy Burnham to ensure half his government is women. She argued that being a woman is not enough to help other women, citing the examples of May, Truss, and Badenoch. Croft stated that shoehorning unqualified people into government for box-ticking purposes is counterproductive, and that capable politicians and ministers, regardless of gender, would improve women’s lives more effectively.
School Demographics and White Working-Class Achievement
A reader named Penny from Harrow commented on a government-backed report about white working-class children underperforming in schools. She observed that in some big city schools, white children are in the minority, and suggested that black and ethnic minority support staff could work with white children to encourage them to thrive. Penny noted that immigrant children often have parents who push them to succeed for a better future.
Fairness and Equality of Opportunity
Mike from Glasgow responded to a previous reader’s claim that true fairness means equal opportunity for all. Mike argued that many are disadvantaged through no fault of their own and cannot compete on equal terms, no matter how hard they work. He stated that the Left aims to level the playing field, implying that equality of outcome is necessary to address systemic disadvantages.
World Cup Stadium Location Debate
Steve from Harrow suggested moving the national stadium to a more central location in the country, given Andy Burnham’s pledges to devolve power to Manchester. He argued that a central location would make it fairer for all club supporters, reducing travel distances for special cup games.
