Transforming the economy after Covid–19: A clean, fair and resilient recovery

Article

We’re at a historic moment. The Covid-19 crisis could mark a turning point in the direction of the UK’s economy and its efforts to address the climate and nature crisis. The economy is in need of significant intervention to halt rising and long-term unemployment, to protect and improve the quality of life of all citizens and protect and raise the living standards of low-income households and the vulnerable.

In responding, governments are presented with a choice: use this moment to build a stronger economy that is cleaner, fairer and more resilient, or further entrench an old-fashioned economy driven by fossil-fuels and debt-laden consumption. An economy which, at present, is failing to improve the quality of life and wellbeing for the majority, and which must be consigned to the past.

In this paper, we argue for the former: for an investment-led economic recovery focused on job-creation and creating opportunity across the country, decarbonisation and restoring nature, and tackling inequality. Too often, these goals, and that of building a strong economy, are presented as being in conflict with each other. But in reality, they can and must be achieved together – and this must begin with the economic recovery packages following Covid-19.

Related items

  1. A wide shot of several large commercial vessels, including oil tankers and a survey boat, floating on turquoise water. In the background, an industrial shoreline with numerous smokestacks and refinery infrastructure is visible under a cloudy sky. Concept of global logistics, maritime industry, and international trade.

    Price caps and economic stability: How to manage the Iran war energy shock?

    The Iran war energy shock will impose significant costs on the UK economy, even if the government does not offer a universal support package.

  2. The political trust crisis: Why local democracy must start listening again

    A troubling reality hangs over May’s local elections: trust in politics has collapsed.
  3. Close Up Of Female Care Worker In Uniform Holding Hands Of Senior Man Sitting In Care Home Lounge

    Putting cardiovascular disease at the heart of policymaking: Learning from research in the devolved nations

    Deaths from heart attacks and strokes have halved since the 1960s and people living with these conditions have seen remarkable improvements in managing and treating them. But now progress is stalling.