I too lived through the recession referred to. I also recall the years leading up to it with massive strikes, Unions holding the country to ransom, power cuts and Britain the laughing stock of Europe.
I too came from a single parent family and we did not have the luxury of living in a council house – we had to survive in a caravan for over five years. The 1980’s were difficult for many, but it was a reforming period and one where I, and many others were able to benefit by the greater opportunities it afforded. Yes, a fully funded grant enabled me to attend University. Yes, I was able to get a solid job in public service. And yes, I had a succesful career.
What I now see is that the recession has affected people in one of two ways: 1. Unemployment, loss of house, lowered income, or 2. Still in employment, far lower mortage costs so actually the recession has put MORE money in the pocket. However, this is only temporary and the total failure of Gordon Brown to acknowledge the depth of the financial hole UK PLC is in, and worst of all any suggestion of what he is going to do about it for fear of making his popularity and that of this government worse is lamentable. He is preoccupied with staying in power. Had he made the tough choices now, he would have been viewed far more positively by me, but he simply has avoided the discussing the obvious massive hole in public expenditure. In fact, he quotes some figures that make it appear UK is far better off than the rest of the world. Unfortunately for him, he is the only one to believe it.
