In a recent MetroTalk discussion, readers debated the privatisation of essential public services in the UK. Richard Romm from Horsham argued that privatisation under Margaret Thatcher has deepened under subsequent prime ministers, leaving essential services in foreign and private equity hands. He cited examples such as Thames Water, owned by sovereign wealth funds of Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and China; Wessex Water owned by Malaysia's YTL; Northumbrian Water by CK Hutchison and KKR; and train rolling stock, Heathrow, and other infrastructure assets. Romm stated, 'This hasn't improved a thing for ordinary people, it has simply turned Britain's infrastructure – and now our shopping baskets – into a car-boot sale for global capital, while prices rise and services crumble.' He noted that Andy Burnham has raised the issue of '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
Catherine Croft from London responded to a group of female MPs urging Andy Burnham to ensure half his government comprises women. She argued, 'As a woman, I’m sick and tired of including unqualified people in the government for box-ticking purposes.' Croft pointed to the examples of May, Truss, and Badenoch, saying 'surely being a woman in itself is not enough to help other women and in fact could be bad for us – economically and politically.' She emphasised that recruiting capable politicians regardless of gender would improve women's lives.
Educational disparities for white working-class children
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.
Fairness and equal opportunity
Mike from Glasgow responded to a previous reader's comment about meritocracy, stating, 'A meritocracy would be great if everyone had the same opportunities. Many are disadvantaged through no fault of their own so they cannot compete on equal terms, no matter how hard they work. That is unfair. The Left aims to level the playing field.'
Relocating the national stadium
Steve from Harrow proposed moving the national stadium from London to the middle of the country to make it fairer for club supporters, reducing journey times for special cup games, especially during World Cup fever and with Andy Burnham's pledges to devolve power to Manchester.
