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‘Commanding heights of the economy’: the postwar blueprint that inspires Burnham
UK NewsPoliticsBusiness•June 30, 2026 at 6:00 AMNational

‘Commanding heights of the economy’: the postwar blueprint that inspires Burnham

By Larry Elliott•The Guardian - UK News

In the second of a series on nationalisation, we look at the lessons from Clement Attlee’s administrationWill Andy Burnham ‘go big’ in expanding the role of the state?A prime minister with ambitious plans for state ownership. Private companies that put profits before investment. A country struggling with onerous debts.The UK in 2026 with a new prime minister weighing up how and what price public utilities can be nationalised? No, this was Clement Attlee’s government in 1945, committed to taking over the commanding heights of the economy at a time when the country was on its uppers. Continue reading...

In the second of a series on nationalisation, we look at the lessons from Clement Attlee’s administration

A prime minister with ambitious plans for state ownership. Private companies that put profits before investment. A country struggling with onerous debts.

The UK in 2026 with a new prime minister weighing up how and what price public utilities can be nationalised? No, this was Clement Attlee’s government in 1945, committed to taking over the commanding heights of the economy at a time when the country was on its uppers.

Continue reading...

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