There’s been a bit of panic in the financial world, with news that Britain’s economy shrank by 0.2 per cent in the last quarter of 2011 – which is more than everyone expected. Naturally, that means there’s panic everywhere else, too, as people wonder if we’re heading for recession again… and what that’ll mean.
I really think the best thing we can do is continue to think and act positive. There’s no point in being all miserable and ‘tightening our belts’ and all that kind of thing, especially for people who are still employed. If we all work hard and continue to buy things, it’ll help the economy in a way that austerity won’t. Though, obviously, austerity should apply in some cases… for example, to those who aren’t in work and therefore have a genuine reason for it.
It should also apply when it comes to government spending. There’s been a lot of chat about that recently, with the secretary of state for education, Michael Gove, saying the other week that he thinks taxpayers should shell out to get the Queen a yacht for her Diamond Jubilee. It’s a nice thought, but a little out of touch, bearing in mind the money worries people have about affording essentials, let alone luxuries of that size.
Gove’s argument is that it’ll be good for Britain as a nation, as a ship can act as an ambassadorial tool and promote our country around the world – in turn being beneficial to the economy. I understand his point – and, of course, shipbuilding of any kind is a positive process, as it’s a sign of moving forward and creates jobs. From dockyard labourers to heat treatment companies, it requires a lot of work and investment. However, as previously discussed, we have the London 2012 Olympics coming up this year, which is a pretty strong tourism motivator already. Let’s keep our feet on the ground, people.
