The Road to Peak Equality with Bill Ramsay

Fiona and Marlene dive deep into Bill Ramsay's compelling presentation on the rise of inequality in Britain since the Thatcher era. From the birth of neoliberalism to the stark wealth gaps we see today, this episode traces four decades of economic policy and its ripple effects across society. What started as an ideological shift has reshaped the union—and the consequences are only becoming clearer. Bill's research doesn't just look back; it charts what could happen if these trends continue unchecked. The data is eye-opening. The implications are urgent. Whether you're concerned about the cost of living, social mobility, or the future of neoliberalism, this conversation cuts through the noise and asks the hard questions: How did we get here? Where are we headed? And what needs to change? Key points: 00:03:30  1942 - 1978 - the road to peak equality 00:13:01  1979 - 2008  - Thatcher, privatisation and the rise of neoliberalism 00:19:03  2022 - present - Era of popping rivets 00:25:09  The rise of Reform UK etc 00:31:42   Far right tactics and funding  00:35:46   Unanswered questions about the Scottish Bond 00:39:15   The Andy Burnham effect 00:41:12   Income inequality under Labour 00:43:52   Mainstream media narratives 00:46:06   Whose responsibility is it to fix it? Our Celtic Alliance episode mentioned in the podcast https://youtu.be/VxyXp0Jnyj0?si=KaN4OMJifbp1iqiA #UKinequality #neoliberalism #thatcherlegacy The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Get in touch: Email:  [email protected]  Bluesky: @scottishindypod Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?   https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause. Music: Inspired by Kevin MacLeod Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.