Thatcher’s War on the Internet
Britain was a once a leader in the global race for fibre optic technology. Then the Thatcher government sold off the factories – and now we have slow speeds, high prices, and workers facing real-terms pay cuts.
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Lola Brittain is an ambassador for the Labour Campaign for Drug Policy Reform.
Britain was a once a leader in the global race for fibre optic technology. Then the Thatcher government sold off the factories – and now we have slow speeds, high prices, and workers facing real-terms pay cuts.
Tech corporations have wormed their way into every aspect of our lives. Regulation isn’t enough: we need democratic control over the digital economy.
As the rest of the world is moving towards regulation and harm reduction, the Tory government has decided to double down on the War on Drugs – and the consequences for the vulnerable will be devastating.
On this day in 1971, Britain adopted the Misuse of Drugs Act. Half a century later, drug-related deaths are at a record high – it’s time to accept that the prohibitive approach is harmful and demand something different.
Under the Blair government, Labour led the way on the War on Drugs. Now, with clear evidence of its devastating impact on working-class and minority communities, the party must take seriously the demands for reform.
By shifting the blame for obesity onto individuals, the government is covering up its own contributions to the structural causes – from shutting leisure centres to supporting low wages and longer working hours.
On this day in 1971, Britain adopted the Misuse of Drugs Act. Almost 50 years later, it’s time to look beyond prohibition – but the solution won’t be found in a for-profit recreational drugs industry.