We Need To Talk

It’s expected that the UK government will have to spend £104 billion this year alone to prop up the economy, and it’s being reported that it’s already thinking about paying for the coronavirus bill through wage freezes and tax increases. We’re here to discuss where the money’s coming from to pay for costs now, the options our governments have to deal with the inevitable debt & who will ultimately have to pay for it. We’re joined by economist John Weeks author of the 'Debt Delusion'.

It’s expected that the UK government will have to spend £104 billion this year alone to prop up the economy, and it’s being reported that it’s already thinking about paying for the coronavirus bill through wage freezes and tax increases. We’re here to discuss where the money’s coming from to pay for costs now, the options our governments have to deal with the inevitable debt & who will ultimately have to pay for it. We’re joined by economist John Weeks author of the 'Debt Delusion'.

Over recent weeks we’ve heard stories about doctors in the UK having to choose who they save during this crisis, and shockingly, it’s been reported that the UK has the highest death toll from COVID in Europe to date. In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing how well the NHS is handling the COVID-19 crisis, what role healthcare funding has played in this response, and whether the current moment of crisis might present an opportunity for changes to our healthcare system. Covid-19 has shown us how quickly & drastically things can change. GP appointments have been replaced with video & telephone consultations, online prescriptions have increased by 97%, & pockets of ordinary citizens are pulling together to support NHS staff. We’re joined by Mariane Roesdahl, who is one of those very citizens. She has downed tools at her shop Camden Costumes to help run the North and East London branch of For the Love of Scrubs, a group of ordinary people who have come together to make scrubs and laundry bags etc. for hospitals and other healthcare providers. Joining Mariane is Sonia Adesara, a medical doctor, and campaigner for migrants rights, gender equality, and reproductive health. She has an interest in health policy, and is a former National Medical director clinical fellow.

Over recent weeks we’ve heard stories about doctors in the UK having to choose who they save during this crisis, and shockingly, it’s been reported that the UK has the highest death toll from COVID in Europe to date. In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing how well the NHS is handling the COVID-19 crisis, what role healthcare funding has played in this response, and whether the current moment of crisis might present an opportunity for changes to our healthcare system. Covid-19 has shown us how quickly & drastically things can change. GP appointments have been replaced with video & telephone consultations, online prescriptions have increased by 97%, & pockets of ordinary citizens are pulling together to support NHS staff. We’re joined by Mariane Roesdahl, who is one of those very citizens. She has downed tools at her shop Camden Costumes to help run the North and East London branch of For the Love of Scrubs, a group of ordinary people who have come together to make scrubs and laundry bags etc. for hospitals and other healthcare providers. Joining Mariane is Sonia Adesara, a medical doctor, and campaigner for migrants rights, gender equality, and reproductive health. She has an interest in health policy, and is a former National Medical director clinical fellow.

Many people were struggling to make ends before the pandemic. The lockdown has only exacerbated this issue. We have seen people in precarious work and without a financial safety net fall into debt and rent arrears, with some landlords unsympathetic. We want to explore what level of housing quality is a ‘right’ and cannot be tied to an individual's socioeconomic status, and whether that minimum should or will change because of this pandemic. This week we are joined by Debbie Green (Coastal Housing Association), Rachael Evans (Tenants Union) & Isaac Henry (Greater Manchester Housing Association).

 Join the conversation by using the hashtags #weneedtotalk & #covidinequality

Many people were struggling to make ends before the pandemic. The lockdown has only exacerbated this issue. We have seen people in precarious work and without a financial safety net fall into debt and rent arrears, with some landlords unsympathetic. We want to explore what level of housing quality is a ‘right’ and cannot be tied to an individual's socioeconomic status, and whether that minimum should or will change because of this pandemic. This week we are joined by Debbie Green (Coastal Housing Association), Rachael Evans (Tenants Union) & Isaac Henry (Greater Manchester Housing Association).

 Join the conversation by using the hashtags #weneedtotalk & #covidinequality

This week we are joined by Nimo Omer (Gal-Dem), Joseph Oyegoke (Black Economists Network), Henna Shah (#Charitysowhite) and Shirley May (Young Identity) to discuss how Covid-19 is disproportionately affecting black, Asian and minority ethnic people and what economic factors are at play. 

This week we are joined by Nimo Omer (Gal-Dem), Joseph Oyegoke (Black Economists Network), Henna Shah (#Charitysowhite) and Shirley May (Young Identity) to discuss how Covid-19 is disproportionately affecting black, Asian and minority ethnic people and what economic factors are at play. 

Each week over the next 12 weeks we’ll explore every day topics that affect us all, from business and housing to health, food, jobs, government spending, and debt, as a way to demystify economics and the economy. 

This week, we will be discussing how the economic impacts of Covid-19 will affect men & women differently. Joining the Economy team this week is Mary-Ann Stevenson from the Women's Budget Group.

 Join the conversation by using the hashtags #weneedtotalk & #covidinequality

Each week over the next 12 weeks we’ll explore every day topics that affect us all, from business and housing to health, food, jobs, government spending, and debt, as a way to demystify economics and the economy. 

This week, we will be discussing how the economic impacts of Covid-19 will affect men & women differently. Joining the Economy team this week is Mary-Ann Stevenson from the Women's Budget Group.

 Join the conversation by using the hashtags #weneedtotalk & #covidinequality