Rolling back the state has been the dominant idea in western political debate for 30 years. The "big idea" of the Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher revolution was that less state equals more freedom. But in the midst of the financial crisis, it now seems that big government is back—and that citizens are glad to have it. The most telling finding from the election-night exit polls is that for the first time since pollsters began asking the question in , a majority of Americans believe that government should do more to solve problems, not less.
But for all the wailing and gnashing of teeth among conservatives about a return to big government, the truth is that its demise has been greatly exaggerated. Reagan changed the mood of American politics, but the antigovernment right failed to significantly roll back the state. He massively increased defense spending while making little serious attempt to cut domestic programs. His tax cuts were popular in large part because he left spending intact, letting the ballooning deficit take the strain. Government spending rose in real terms by almost a quarter during his administration. As a share of GDP it fell, but only from percent to
A think tank and charity that sets itself apart by actively engaging with individuals who are reluctant about societal change, alongside those who champion it.
‘Its about being integral to the society you are a part of’
In this interview, Noha is in conversation with Sunder Katwala, the Director of British Future. In Part One of this interview, Noha and Sunder cover the origins of British Future, Sunder’s thoughts on immigration and integration, and the challenges of having a productive dialogue on social media.
British Future
1) Just to start off, could you give me a brief background into the origins of British Future and its purpose?
“British Future is a charity and think tank. Its mission is that we want Britain to be a confident, welcoming and inclusive society. So, hopefully, everybody would agree with that. Our objective is to be distinctive about the way in which we work, as we’re interested in working with people who don’t feel as confident about change in our society, as well as with those people who do feel confident about it.
We’re interested in finding the common ground between people who are very positive about change and the peop
Sunder Katwala
Sunder Katwala is the Director of British Future. He has previously worked as a journalist. He was general secretary of the Fabian Society think tank from to , and was previously a leader writer and internet editor at the Observer, a research director of the Foreign Policy Centre and commissioning editor for politics and economics at the publisher Macmillan.
Sunder celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary with his wife, Stacy, in , and is the proud father of four children, Zarina, Jay, Sonny and Indira. His support for Everton and Southend United football clubs reflects an upbringing in Cheshire and Essex, though he was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, to parents who came to Britain from India and Ireland, to work for the NHS.
About us - Who we are
Sunder Katwala
Director of British Future
Sunder Katwala is the director of British Future. He has previously worked as a journalist. He was general secretary of the Fabian Society thinktank from to , and was previously a leader writer and internet editor at the Observer, a research director of the Foreign Policy Centre and commissioning editor for politics and economics at the publisher Macmillan. He celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary with his wife, Stacy, in , and is the proud father of four children, Zarina, Jay, Sonny and Indira. His support for Everton and Southend United football clubs reflects an upbringing in Cheshire and Essex, though he was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, to parents who came to Britain from India and Ireland, to work for the NHS. Sunder is the author of 'How to be a patriot: Why love of country can end our very British culture war,' published by Harper North.
Steve Ballinger
Director of Communications
Steve Ballinger is Director of Communications. Over the last 25 years he has worked in media and communications roles at Amnesty International UK, Shelter, VSO and the Advertising Standards Authority before joinin
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