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Chuka Umunna on what Britain can learn from Germany

February 4, 2012 12:29 pm

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Anonymous
Unfortunately I have no audio available, but the title caught my eye-
and I think- going in the right direction; not necessarily via the Atlantic!
Germany I think has always valued and protected its manufacturing base
and skills, as opposed to what happened here in the 80′s onwards?
A complete reliance on the financial sector to fuel the economy,
and imports; that may have worked in the short term-
but it means little to fall back on in hard times- which are inevitable
and go in cycles.It seems ironic now there is a rush to get this sector
growing after so long been neglected; and yet Britain probably led the world
in skills and innovation in technology.So much has been lost;
it will probably take decades to even start to fill that gap.
Surely the crucial thing is to start training up young people
by providing high quality education and training in areas like
engineering and in green technologies?
Also, other areas to grow the economy- such as farming
and agriculture, small businesses and the creative industries;
exporting high quality goods and services.
I think Germany and many European countries too
have balanced and civilized approach to their public
and frontline services; actually utilizing the skills of people
as best resource; and not treating as mere commodities.
The financial markets have their place but should not
be enabled to run amok over every other aspect
that makes up society.
I think that despite all the financial difficulties,
(sparked by the USA banking crisis?)
socially- we have a lot to learn from Germany and the Scandinavian
countries, who have thus far survived over decades,
whilst maintaining civilized levels of public service,
education, health and welfare.
This whole austerity drive and agenda may be partially
driven by fear and insecurity, which is understandable.
But in the longer term, wider solutions and a more balanced
approach will surely be necessary to meet the needs
of people-and empower ground upwards.
It’s a much more global economy now, so perhaps
part of the solution will be connectivity and networking,
sharing of skills and ideas; more effective means of communication.
I think the money is just a means to an end, not the end in itself;
it’s people that count; what they can do and how they can live their lives.
Jo

Anonymous
sadly what I’m seeing in Germany they are watching the UK with massive cuts to welfare and welfare state, seems welfare has been the problem with society, and Germany only pays benefits for two years it then finds you a job.

Anonymous
I don’t know about those specifics Robert- but seem to recall unemployment
is much lower there?
It seems to me, all this talk about getting people to work etc- and yet huge rising unemployment, especially devastating for the young generation and their future life chances in the UK at present.
(Let alone people who have barriers and difficulties anyway;
will there be proper and ongoing support?)
Also- the large group of older workers, many highly skilled;
and yet later pension age planned!
How any of this squares as joined up policy is unfathomable.
I think the emphasis should be on creating conditions for growth
in all areas, widening access to higher education and skills training,
and tackling the scourge of unemployment head on as an absoloute priority;
not leaving it to the vagaries of the market alone.
This is a long topic….
Cheers, Jo.

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