Introduction
Q: Do you – as members and readers alike – want to see an active policy of promoting reindustrialisation?
All reasons that contributed to our industrial decline aside, what is undeniable is that when we were a prominent manufacturing nation, the country was more socially balanced.
But today, as surely as we all breathe air, it is London and the Home Counties that have the lion’s share of the prosperity this country now generates. The seeds of this started with the decline of manufacturing, the rise of services and the changing of London into a financial colossus.
Some will argue that this was for the better given that our once industrial might had over 30 years become the greatest mill stone around the country’s neck, dragging it down into ruin.
Harsh as it sounds, our industries had to die. But only to allow time to pass so they could be rebuilt by learning the lessons of all that we got wrong before.
The State of the Party
The one thing that can be said for all other political parties is that at least you know what they’re about. For UKIP however, it’s now totally aimless. Prior to the EU referendum, it was the reverse – getting the UK out of the EU was its raison d’etre and the whole world knew it. But now, no-one knows what it’s about other than some vague notion of being a pro-British party.
Let’s face facts here – every issue that’s been raised in recent manifestos and hustings are all minor, fringe, won’t change lives, won’t rebuild depressed cities, won’t create meaningful jobs, won’t put money in families’ pockets, won’t make people actually give the party any serious consideration. Aren’t you all sick to death of seeing UKIP constantly trashed in the media, because of the latest internal shambles or yet another fringe policy announcement?
What’s so frustrating is that the party is still not able to be associated with something truly good and meaningful. No-one will actually stand up and promote a policy that would be overwhelmingly well received by the country as a whole.
UKIP became world known for its desire to leave the EU – a huge, radical and utterly monumental stance to take in the face of crushing odds, yet pulling in support from everywhere. Every person knew what UKIP stood for then. So we know it can be done – and it needs to be repeated.
I believe that if UKIP were to drop most of what passes for policy today and decide to be the only party in British politics that actively promotes a policy of reindustrialisation, along with all associated sub-policies to support it, then the party has a genuine chance of revival. And as a matter of natural consequence, be considered a serious alternative due to common sense forward thinking ideas.
Foundation Principles
Q: What is the most improved sector in the UK economy since the EU referendum?
Everyone knows the answer – and through gritted teeth, even the media admits it. Manufacturing.
Why? Because our exports are more appealing and thus competitive, due to the devaluation of the pound.
Right there – there is the key to start making the country more prosperous as a whole.
We’ve become so wedded to the EU and have gradually changed our entire economic outlook to fit in with their business structure that the devaluation of the pound has become a problem. We hardly make anything anymore, we buy almost everything in and the country has essentially become a place in which to reside and little else. So naturally, the pound has adapted to the reality of the past 40 years or so – thus perpetuating the inability for this country to manufacture and export.
The car industry remains the sole manufacturing industry success of any note left – with next generation vehicle design, manufacture and associated technologies taking root here too. But it also shows what could be possible with other industries that this country used to be well known for, such as shipbuilding, steel manufacture, railways/trains etc. But also for industries of the future such as artificial intelligence, certain space technologies, energy production etc. In other words, to be a world leader again.
It is widely recognised that rebalancing our economy in favour of manufacturing is the only true way of bringing back prosperity to the country as a whole. Numerous political commentators and journalists of all colours have made this point – you can hear it on an almost weekly basis.
Why UKIP?
But still no political party is making the public case for reindustrialisation.
UKIP should – in fact, it must.
Such a mammoth policy would show that only UKIP have the right idea for how to change the country’s direction by promoting a professional, credible yet popular policy base for making the country better. Everything that the party has achieved will be literally for nothing if it doesn’t pursue such a policy platform.
The party states that only it represents the working class. But what work are they referring to when they say this? Coffee shop workers, call centre workers, retail workers? Working people primarily means those who worked/work in industry. Well paid, rewarding careers in manufacturing design and production exist all over the world – this country is crying out for the same. Manufacturing industry is not the sole domain of cheaper countries; for example, 99% of all cruise ships are designed and built in the West; not China, not Korea, not Japan.
Conclusion
If we leave the EU but do nothing different, if we keep everything the same by using predominantly the same ‘business model’ as before – then leaving becomes hollow, as no real change will occur in people’s lives.
Rebalancing the economy by taking advantage of the pound’s devaluation, creating skilled and well paid manufacturing jobs, boosting our already growing export base through new and revived industries, helping to rebuild communities especially in the North of the country – as well as being able to state as a 100% fact that only UKIP is the party for working people.
All this could happen, but only if UKIP’s raison d’etre is focused on promoting reindustrialisation in all its forms.
I have to leave yet another comment.
Regarding the Fleet Solid Support Ships and value for money. Peter luff or/and Harriet Baldwin amongst their other poor excuses for the MARS tankers being built abroad, was that the tankers were half the price of the Italian UK shipbuild bid. While on the face of it, that may be the case, but let’s say that was a purely UK price, and we will round it up to 700 million. Much has been said about tax clawback, and this is around 40-50% that can be traced. Mr Barnier likes to speak about net when it suites him, and is so about this ridiculous imaginary bill for this rip off eu empire, so we need to speak about net cost after those taxes we can measure. The actual cost is not 700 million, but 350 million, and that is not all. People like to speak about everyone else being half the price, so we half the price and you get 175 million pounds that South Korea should of built those 4 Tankers for, and that is being generous. Their tax to pay is irrelevent.
I thought I had left a reply this morning regarding your name. Apologies Rupert, not Robert.
Robert you are from Southampton like me, and are probably frustrated with events that need not take place that undermine our industry. You quoted me in your excellent article regarding the return to shipbuilding at Sunderland. For this article, the answer is, of course yes. There is little time, and this will be badly written. The new 1 billion pounds contract for the Fleet Solid Support Ship are coming up. The tax claw back the exchequer is never taken into consideration but is huge, along with future investment in people and facilities that will make us more competitive with currency fluctuations, so a catch 22 situation come about, as Civitas articles mention in a few reports that cover contracts like these. Pallion will be a big addition to the Fleet Solid Support Ships along with integrated UK Steelworks in providing cut and prepared to speck plate (parts Nesting, web stringers etc) and section (notched etc), a higher value product that benefits the steelworks and shipbuilder in many ways (also other steel intensive industries, like JCB, Bridge builders etc). Liberty Steel, British Steel along with a hopefully more forward looking Tata steel in the UK will provide this. Appleby-Frodingham plate mill can be opened by Liberty Tata or British Steel to complement Dalzell steel works. The plan needs closer consortia for the Solid Ships, as in Pallion, A&P, Tyne and Rosyth (final assembly), or Inchgreen (final assmbly but lack cranes) on the west coast. There are many possibilities with the likes of Port Clarence Wilton marine building deck modules if it’s in their interests and business plan, as an example. The myth that heavy industry has no future in the UK and cannot thrive needs to be dispelled now. But, as you say, you need a ambitous UK government that desires this. The putting out to competition is just a ruse to hide the fact the UK government have to tender abroad due to EU rules that are killing UK industry growth in certain areas, and feel obliged to give those contracts to the supposed lowest bidder. Those MARS oil tankers could well have been value for money if built in the UK for 900 million pounds total (total was around 610 million pounds) (we could have built them for far lower). No UK firms will bid, if they feel they are up a against a fixed competition and the cards are stacked against them. This is not shame but a crime. We will find out what this UK shipbuilding Sstrategy is all about when a decesion is made on the Fleet Solid Support Ships.
Rupert.
This is an excellent article with many interesting comments. I have read the other 3 articles you have had published on here. The 2 about ship building were equally interesting. Most of this is new to me. The party needs to give this serious thought. We will have a new leader soon presenting an opportunity to get your ideas reconsidered. Please email me – I am interested in hearing more – see about taking your ideas forward. Thanks. M
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/contractor-wondering-delivering-german-steel-11471621
Click my link and you will see the proof that Germany can supply Reebar to almost outside the Spanish owned Celsa Reebar plant at a fraction of the cost that it can be made in Cardiff.My comment is last but one down,number 8.
See how Swedish steel will be used for 3.new Royal Navy Ships,one deal is
worth £348 Milion,and the second is £3.5 Billion for 589 Ajax armoured vehicles.
The MOD has admitted that 4,000 tonnes of steel for the new Royal Fleet Auxiliary
refuelling tankers will be sourced from South Korea.Also the Tories failed to guarantee British Steel will be used for the The 26 Globsl Combat Ship.
To sum up,it is absolutely absurd that because of the Government’s suicididal Green
policies,they have to import foreign steel from around the World to build British Ships,Tankers and armoured vehicles,because they alone have damaged our
industrial manufacturing industries,where it is now no longer able to compeat on the World stage,they have shot it in the foot,,It is now crippled beyond repair.
Rupert I take it that your financial portfolio is in 6 figures,if that is correct,may I suggest that you you would find a better return on your investment by buying shares
with Sirius Minersls who will be building and running the new Potash Mine,near Whitby,it will not be an instant cash earner,and will take time before in full production,
but I can guarantee this to be a sound investment for the future,which I wish you good luck,kind regards Geoff.
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/business/business-news/sirius-minerals-work-gets-underway-12526287
Dear Geoff. I’ve read your comments with interest, if not a little amusement at times as I’m not a wealthy investor or the like – just a marine surveyor on a standard wage like most other people!
My thoughts on this are not what you’re thinking though. Any revival can only be politically based first and foremost. It has to be an actual desire of government to actively want to see industry revived. It must have the same level of commitment towards reindustrialisation that Labour has towards the NHS – or the Conservatives have to free market economies – or the Lib Dems have to remaining in the EU – or the Greens have on climate change.
Without that – then yes, nothing will happen.
And that’s why UKIP could start this change. I have simply created a road map to this process – but only the party (or any political party for that matter) can make it a reality.
It’s not just about investment either – it’s about regulations / laws / union involvement / civil and infrastructure projects etc and etc. Leaving the EU allows us to make decisions based upon the needs and requirements of this country first. A pro-industry government, free from EU rule, could propose and legislate the type of regulation that would give us an advantage over our competitors. A pro-industry government could invest in our poor and outdated yards and rebuild them to the exact same level of specification to that of our competitors. But – and it must be stated clearly – this is not nationalisation, but nothing more than a ‘helping hand’ – though the financial aspect is a separate issue.
Productivity and efficiency is as much down to quality and effective / experienced management as much as it is to union interaction. For sure, union roles would have to be changed as a pre-requisite.
The workforce exists and though it may be scattered, a quality workforce can be built up over time. Many UK workers are abroad as well as others working in various UK sites in other industries.
And to dispel this myth that we can’t compete with the East – did you know that the overwhelming majority of complex vessels such as military, research, workboats, cruise and passenger ships etc are built here in the West? The East predominantly builds cheap and basic vessels. This is not the market we would be entering so it doesn’t matter what’s built there. For complexity = the West and cheap / basic = the East – in a nutshell. We would NOT be competing in that market – that’s also fundamental to understand.
And all this could start from one site, essentially using a fully modernised but existing yard (Pallion in Sunderland) as a test bed for any new inclusive policy – starting off small scale naturally.
But without political desire to see this happen on the ground, then it is almost certainly to remain simply as an idea.
To close down foundries, steel works, ship building, our own aircraft industry (as the Freench still have theirs with fighter production)etc was absolutely criminasl.
Yes, I used to travel around the country and to see the wrecked buildings in the midland and in the north that used to produce famous names in manufacturing was really upsetting.
No wonder why Mrs Thatcher was so detested by many within the manufacturing process. It is the manufacture of items that makes the money to go around, not the public service industry. The proposed sales and customer services were processed overseas.
Years ago, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Porsche, BMW were all facing problems and their government stepped in and placed highly experienced and knowledgeable management in place. Result? They now own many of our famous brands. Of course, they did not, nor do they have now irresponsible Communist riddle
d unions, as we had and still have. Our own management was just the old boy network, with no real understanding of the manufacturing process.
We need to invbest in our infrastructure with items being manufactured her in the UK We need to encourage business leaders and companies with a well remunerated work force that can and will take pride in the finished products. We need proper training for real jobs including old stly apprentices but with a decent living wage to be paid to the youngsters and encouragement to the emplyers i.e. finance in helping to train.
Nothing is impossible. We can, should and must encourage money making industriesd here and to keep up with upto date improvements etc.
In Gernamy, the work titles such as engineer, plumber, electrician still has the same respect as Herr Docktor. It is time, we got our hands dirty again!
I’ve probably met one or two of you. But I retired in 91, so maybe not.. My speciality was as temp ceo, rescuing dying industrial companies. The common denominator was always tax. 80 % of everything in uk is tax. There were other contributing factors, many of which have been mentioned, all of which have to be calculated and sent to some faceless office. Naming just a few taxes let’s just mention Income tax, NI, Hydrocarbon taxes, taxes on petrol, whisky etc, Rates, Excises, customs duties,motor licenses,VAT,Air transport taxes, tobacco tax,And on and on and on. You’ve got it, they can spend it. Industries are a prime target, they employ lots of people in single locations, it’s difficult to move, they have fixed assets that can be taken and sold.
I could give chapter and verse on almost anything that affects industries. But it gets very boring. Also with computers no-one actually knows what going on inside, and IT hasn’t a clue, and the chap who originally wrote is probably retired. There, are a few quick fixes, but once you fix it they’ll just want more money. This is not a recipe for a future.
GEOFFREY CHARLES ELLIOTT. // February 2, 2017 at 11:52 am // Reply
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/contractor-wondering-delivering-german-steel-11471621
I forgot to say,in Britain today we are paying 3.6 times more for Diesel than the US.
IIf you click the above link,you can all see for yourselves the insurmountable odds that we face in what is now left of our once great manufacturing industries.Also please see my comment which was published on Wales Online.I wrote in 2014 that we in Britain are now importing 79% of what we need,in all probability that has now
increased.Much of it brought in by foreign lorries,hence all the thousands we now see on our roads and motorways,each and every day,and now even at night.I wrote in 2012 that just in 24 hours,over 12,000 came into our country through the Port of
Dover.They carry extra Diesel,in having an extra tank,and fibreglass bellytanks,their not that stupld to buy their Diesel here.For many years all these foreign trucks paid nothing to travel on our roads,many of these lorries cause major damage to our roads as they are way overloaded,but we have not enough provision to even weigh them,as we have so many coming in,everything would grind to a halt.Every year over 1.5 Million foreign trucks come into Britain.However we did introduce a levy,and in
the first year of operation our HGV Levy raised £46.5 million.Anyway today we face a huge bill of £93 Million,because the vile and corrupt EU commission,state that our HGV levy discriminates against non-UK Hauliers,again shot in the foot by those scum in Brussels.Our Hauliers now are further disadvantaged as foreign trucks,with their cheaper Diesel and running costs,are now stealing even our internal work,and there’s bugger all we can do about it.
If the UK economy is doing so well then why did our National Debt increase in 2015,
by £71.9 Billion.Rhe only reason our economy does not implode,is because our interest rates are so very low.The truth is that when they do increase,as they surely will,than our whole economy will collapse.We are just not paying our way in the World anymore,iit is only our financial markets in the City that are keeping us afloat.
To many of you who write on here,I don’t think you believe what has happened to our
once great country.,you have never had to go out and generate your own money,I like my great grandfather before me,Haulier Charles Elliott,only by our own efforts did we manage to survive,we never worked in some poncy office job,or where your pay cheque was guaranteed.I honestly cannot see any future for my 6 grandchildren,here in the country of their birth.My eldest grandson is now teaching in Dubai,I cannot see him ever returning for good.
Thank you,Geoff.Elliott,UKIP,Pontypridd.
Dear Geoff. The answer lies fundamentally in there being a political party that actively wants to change things. Without political will, then activism, campaign groups, articles on ‘Ukip Daily’ etc all mean nothing. We all know that the Conservatives do not want manufacturing to return in the way many of us do. Labour are more interested in gender and identity politics rather than helping those the party was created for in the main and the Lib Dems and Greens, well we all know their stance. Which leaves UKIP as the only ptential chance there is. But I don’t think the party grasps just what such a policy would do regards gaining the volume of support it requires. I am in no doubt that the North East and West would be fully behind the party if it put forward such a policy of reindustrialisation.
It has to be politcal but it doesn’t have to start with main government. Local government (councils etc) under UKIP control can make those changes on the ground, in the areas where industry can be restarted, ideally where companies and / or industrial infrastructure remain. Local councils can decide regulation to directly assist firms and factories through issues such as business rates, machinery, local infrastructure etc. In other words, an ‘industry friendly’ council.
Any revival of industry will start at the local level and work it’s way up as opposed to UK wide and working it’s way down. But at its core is the desire to see it return, balanced by doing what is possible at the present time.
Lastly, my name’s Rupert – not Peter!
Rupert,
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/94997/hyundais-factory-the-biggest-in-the-world
Dear Rupert,I apologise for getting your name wrong.I must have had a mature moment,or quite probably,as my wife keeps telling all her friends,that “Geoff.has Premature Senile Dementia”.The original article was written by Peter Zoefit,here on UKIP DAILY,the 1ST of February 2017.
Rupert and everyone please click on my link,and you will see the largest car plant in the World owned by Hyundai,it is colossal,also see that the company also has a massive shipyard.It saddens me so much when I look back at all the great companies who have disappeared from Britain,gone for good!
https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/MAERSK-SEOUL-IMO-9306550-MMSI-636092788
Click the link to see the position of the huge Contaner Ship,the Maersk Seoul.
South Korea can build cars and ships and sail them vast distances,at a fraction of the cost that we can.
Rupert I admire your nostalgic optimism,however what you are proposing sadly is sheer pie in the sky,and will never ever get off the ground.
Over the years others have echoed your proposals,Peter Zoefit who penned the above article being one of many.Later I will post some more links which show beyond doubt,that financial backers would just not be prepared to fund
such a project.
GEOFFREY CHARLES ELLIOTT. // February 1, 2017 at 10:03 pm // Reply
Peter I wish I had the same optimism that you have,sadly I do not.I am in my 73 RD year,I remember when we had full employment.I am a retired Haulage Contractor,and Vehicle Dismantler,I went to Grammar School.I have seen first hand all of our great manufacturing industries close down.In 1955 Britain was the largest vehicle exporter in the World,but in 2012 we became the smallest.All the car plants that are still in production,are all owned by foreign companies.We don’t even make
our own lorries anymore.We have the highest energy costs in the World.Our wholesale electricity is 80% more than in mainland Europe.First they closed our coal mines down,then they closed our steel plants down.When the Welsh Assembly first started,we had 9 steel plants,and today we have just the one at Port Talbot,and that was in deep trouble,and still is.The foreign owners Tate of India,rubbished the boys pension fund.The business rates for the Plant in 2015,were £10 Million,paid to the greedy Neath and Port Talbot Counci,and what do the council do for all that money nothing,absolutely nothing.Here in the UK,business is being squeezed out of existence,by a combination of the highest energy costs,and EU emissions fines,and the UK’s Carbon Price Floor.Then the numpties have closed most of our efficient coal fired power stations,the ones left are all running at a huge loss,all because the vile and corrupt EU’s Large Combstion Plant Directives,LCPD.As well as coal fired power stations,it also includes Steelworks,Petroleum Refineries,Cement Manufacturing etc
etc.Then we have the ridiculous.and insane Green Energy Prices.Those idiotic green policies have no effect on Climate whatsoever.All they really do is to move our people’s jobs to areas such as China,that have no environmental interests whatsoever.Worse still,as well as the huge job losses in manufacturing,the sheer stupidity of all this is when it is all shipped back to us.Then we have the highest Diesel prices in the World,we pay 57.7% Tax on our Diesel and Petrol.In December in Poland,Diesel was 47 pence a litre cheaper than us,even in Germany it was 17 pence a litre than us,remember that there are 4.546 Litres in a Gallon.Worse still today in Britain we are paying 3.6 times more for Diesel.
How can we reinvent ourselves when we have all the above loaded against us.
Thank you,Geoff.Elliott.UKIP,Pontypridd.
Rupert I used to be a Purser in the Merchant Navy in the 1950/60s, I know you are in the ship surveying business, so I will tell you a joke.
Chief Engineer in foreign port (Lagos) says to me.
“we are all busy with repairs in the Engine room, I am waiting for the Surveyor and I`ve nobody to send to meet him at the dock gates – would you mind doing that for me.
My reply
“Yes no problem chief, but how will I recognise him”
His reply
“Oh you won`t have any trouble, they are all weedy little b*ggers, for crawling through the double bottom tanks”
Re: reinstating Industrialisation and particularly the ship building interest, I couldn`t agree with you more, I have watched and read the atrophy over the last 50odd years, which I think really began with the introduction of Super tankers and other bulk carriers then the cargos became more packaged and went to Ro Ro ferries and then came the super container carriers.All being built elsewhere
a) Because the EU strangled our Steel industry
b) Because we had the iniquitous GW scandal that meant we didn`t compete on power pricing
c) Because of dreadful Labour relations in our shipyards and the “who does what” mentality, which usually resulted in “all doing nothing”
d) Because we didn`t invest in modern “speedier” methods in the ship yards and it all went abroad, not just on cost, but also on speed of delivery, I seem to remember when an order for 12/15 standard cargo vessels went to Poland under a deal done by the Wilson government.
I watched the Caledon yard in Dundee close and was told that when it was dismantled it was found they were using equipment made at the time of the Kaiser (No connection intended)
e) Then there was the “Flags of convenience” fiasco, where I understand British companies couldn`t compete due to punishing tax regimes.
f) So not only did we lose our companies, but we lost our trained Officer Personel
g) Then we got Concorde and the rest of Transatlantic air travel, which killed that passenger trade – I`ve no idea how many vessels are engaged in the Cruising industry, but I would guess precious few are British owned and even less built in this country.
We are supposed to be a trading nation, Brexit if successful will enhance the global compass of our trading interests and so more cargos should be available to carry in British hulls.
So I wish you well in your Sunderland project, but I do hope you have an USP (Unique Selling Point) for the Yard`s output and I do hope you can get a Govt deal for reduced energy costs.
Much of what you all say is true,I’ve watched and wept for 60 years. But there is one common denominator. The search for ever greater taxes to pay off the need for power. Nothing else! Politics always destroys.
It wouldnt hurt to become a low tax haven off the coast of europe. It worked in spades for Hong Kong.( and China )
Two things have decimated the manufacturing industry in this country, possibly three.
1) Climate change policies / green taxes
In the race to reduce carbon emmissions, our governments have colluded to shut down much of our heavy industry. Ministers, campaigners and activists may well all be slapping each other on the back, but the reality is that they’ve not reduced anything (emmissions-wise), just ‘moved the problem’ elsewhere in the world, ie the likes of China and India.
2) The EU single market
Before the Common Market, it was possible for Britain to apply tariffs on imported goods, especially where those same goods were also being manufactured in Britain. Now with ‘free movement of goods’, tariff-free, and all in the spirit of ‘competitiveness’, big companies have taken advantage of the much lower costs of relocating their manufacturing elsewhere in the EU (lower wages etc).
The third reason is possibly the ‘unions’. Union demands have done little to cement Britain’s place as a manufacturing power, whether it was down to strikes over better wages or whatever. I don’t deny that people should be paid a fair wage, but when unions start making unreasonable demands, factories get closed and jobs get lost. I believe if we want to see reindustralisation, and for it to be a success, the power of the unions will need some curbing.
You missed out “lousy management” Stuart, management with no connection to the product who do not care if they are in charge of making umbrellas or gearboxes as long as they are in charge, and with no desire to communicate with or listen to the workforce. Too little investment in modern machinery and methods and no interest at all in creating and supporting training programs.
The fly in the ointment for manufacturing is that technologically, we are very close, only about one generation away, from massive influxes of robotisation into the manufacturing process that will make the number of workers employed in factories here and worldwide dwindle alarmingly.
Manufacturing will all too soon consist of robotics being used to collect the raw materials, autonomously delivering it to factories where a huge variety of robotic machines will assemble all elements across the production line and auto-dispatch the final product, probably direct to consumers. Humans will not only not be required, they’d be an expensive liability.
This requires us as a nation to strategically determine where future prosperity will come from. Clearly once robots are building and maintaining robots, there are zero labour costs and the cost of raw material will be the controlling factor of price at the factory gate. Hence countries that have plenty of natural raw material will win the manufacturing war – and Britain, owning a relatively small land mass, is woefully short in this area.
Logically, sophisticated technological and service industries are our best bet down the line at finding a way to maintain a human workforce, but worryingly, even these areas are going to be hard hit, sooner than most think, by the appearance of increasingly ‘intelligent’ and sophisticated machines.
We shouldn’t ignore manufacturing, but we need to prepare now for a very new world which will rival the huge social and economic changes witnessed during the industrial revolution. How to earn money and redistribute it in a way that avoids mass poverty is the real challenge ahead. The countries that get it right are the ones that will be prosperous.
Hi David and thanks for your comment. Yes, you are absolutely correct about robotics and many forms of present and future industries. However, there are still those large scale manufacturing industries (aka heavy engineering) where robotics will alwways be second to human involvement – and these are industries we used to do well such as shipbuilding. Shipbuilding to this day is the only industry that uses the most wide ranging and varied of skilled trades in addition to requiring a large to very large workforce. A robot simply couldn’t replace a human when it comes to shipbuilding – but if it could, then we’re talking about AI androids which in turn would then mean the end of human based work, with humanity becoming a race of pure leisure.
Robotics we mean instead of many thousands working in a shipyard, it will be low thousands, but still many people used more productively. It has been said that it will not mean job loses, but worker being used in a different way performing different tasks and not dangerous (even if it was, some is better than none). It helps get the playing field more level and takes away any lower wages advantage, which is largely a myth. South Korean wages at scale of 1 to 20 were at 6 to 7 in 2006-07, with Britain at 10 and Germany at 20. Energy needs to be addressed though. No disrepect to people born in 1944. But my dad is one of those baby boomers I blame partly for helping to lose our industries, and I cannot listen to cannot doers, as there is no such thing. New blood is the key as we have not been tarnished by the previous generation. We will have a re-born shipbuilding industry and Liberty Steel along with British steel are ambitious. This is going to be the UK re-emerging economy with modern new re-emerging heavy, heavy hi-tech modernised industries that we are very good at. This eu does not like that fact.
I forgot to say. My dad speaks like this too, probably because they have witnessed the decline. But all will be turned around and the energy issue must not be out new low wages excuse for this era. Why huge taxes are no imposed on imports because of carbon, I do not know. Pallion does not need a huge investment to become the 21st-century shipyard it was called and James Venus envisioned. The backers will be firstly the UK government believing in UK industry and those Solid Support Ships being built here in the UK. Then we will see a huge change. It does not take much, but Energy, Energy, Energy costs and supply need to be addressed, along with human energy, attitude and enthusiasm.
Indeed. To add the forthcoming AI/robotisation is the opportunity to take a lead. The benefits if properly controlled could mean de-population down to sustainable levels and a better environment. Just imagine how great it would be to travel on decongested roads in your semi-autonomous vehicle. Britain would really be a “green and pleasant” land and people could pursue those things that really interest them. Getting to such a utopia though is the problem and as usual the politics of grievance and anxiety will prevent the necessary changes
People will pay a premium for handmade quality goods when box standard items are produced by robotics. We cannot compete with a large country with raw material aplenty so we have to go into niche markets.
In any event we must develop the robotics sector better tha anyone else in order to sell the technology to other countries.
We are not heading for an age of leisure but one of heightened nationalism. We must increase our level of self sufficiency for the coming problems.
Very soon many poor countries will have populations in the hundreds of millions. Do the math on Ethiopia; Pakistan; Indonesia; prob Iran; Turkey; Nigeria; Mexico; Brazil;etc.
There are going to be wars of neighbours over lots of grudges eg fish;water;access to ports etc etc.
We need a strong defence force that supplies itself with armaments. We need a strong strategic alliance with Canada and Oz.
David automation has already changed the way we do almost everything and will continue to do so. I remember a drawing-board salesman visiting the company where I worked. He was shown our engineering design department where row upon row of draughtsmen (and some women) all sat at their computers typing away furiously, and yes, they were drawing. We had our 386 computers running Autocad in Dos. He didn’t look very happy when he left!
I have always seen new technological developments as exciting not frightening. Indeed, I took a course on touch-typing long before this because I knew it would come in handy later.
With regards robots someone has to build them, design them, maintain them and operate them. Underlying engineering principles have not changed but new technology brings new opportunities and new products and makes new things possible that weren’t before.
I’m very confident that the clever inventive people that inhabit our funny little island will grab any opportunities put before them with both hands and run with them.
We need to create an economic environment where they can, because if we do they will.
Indeed.
What we will need to do is make sure that companies with important intellectual property rights in wealth earning technologies cannot be bought out and have the income shopped abroad as easily as happens now.
While I am not by nature a protectionist, I am concerned that we do not stop our big earning companies from being poached in the way other countries do. We need to either have a level playing field or play the game the same way as our competitors.
and the cost of raw material will be the controlling factor of price at the factory gate. Hence countries that have plenty of natural raw material will win the manufacturing war – and Britain, owning a relatively small land mass, is woefully short in this area.
When you see the mountain of resource at Southampton docks, you realise that this is not the case. We have huge resource. Scrap material.
Well said; in particular we need an end to the import of crap, especially steel, from China.
Rupert, I absolutely agree! Let’s not forget, it was what won Trump so much support. It is shocking that anything and everything that is to be built or used going forward, take Chinese steel proposed for our new Nuclear Power Stations, and I read the other day that something else has been commissioned using steel from Europe, never seems to be made in Britain.
Above all, our steel industry must be saved – I believe all our industry has been run down on purpose.
ABSOLUTELY VITAL
Some industries have a strategic role for any midsize free market economy that is independent and sovereign (UK in a few short years).
Aerospace, vehicles, bicycles,IT, munitions, armaments,steel and coal ( the latter to maintain an energy supply mix), textiles to some extent ( we have the sheep and we all wear clothes). Even food and food processing are vital to survive unforseeable events that happen a la black swan.
In 2017 the UK remains ( amazingly) a major industrial power but it must grow this sector. Young people should be encouraged to consider a career in manufacturing through apprenticeships. retired engineers ought to teach their skills in ( to be created) technical secondary schools.
We are still world leaders in much and this includes hydraulic engineering, aerospace,pharmaceuticals,logistics, specialist textiles ( using plastics) and much much more.
China has openly stolen patents and other countries have secretly subsidised their industries. We need to demand a level playing field and a kick start to new/old industries.
Finally China needs to be sued by some form of international court for patent rights etc and compensation demanded in the billions.
http://www.ukipdaily.com/back-roots-forward-blossoming-future-manifesto-proposals/
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/nov/16/why-britain-doesnt-make-things-manufacturing
Peter thank for your article.I too would love to see my country revive our once great manufacturing industries but it saddens me to say that is now an impossibility.
I was born in Tonypandy,Rhondda Valley,in 1944.Back then we still had Coal Mines and Steel Plants and factories everywhere all making things.We lost our last great coal mine,the Cambrian Coliery,where many of my family worked,with the disaster where 31 men were killed.http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2015-05-15/anniversary-of-cambrian-colliery-disaster-approaches/
Everyone clink onto my links,and you will see the insurmountable odds that we face in reinventing manufacturing.I was brought up in a yard,I am a retired Haulage Contractor,and Vehicle Dismantler,I have seen first hand all our coalmines close,all of our steelworks close,only one remains the giant plant at Port Talbot,and that is in deep trouble,just about all of our factories are gone,the only one below where I live,is called P B GELATINS,and is the only plant still manufacturing on the giant Treforest
Industrial Estate,where once there were factories either side of the River Taff,have all closed down.P B Gelatines,was known as Leiners,which was known around here as
‘The Bone Factory’,where once over 875 people once worked,today just a handful operate the plant,due to Automation.As I say in my links,and published here on UKIP DAILY on the
Hi Geoffrey and thanks for your involved comment. But nothing is impossible – I’ve actually put together a valid industrial policy proposal for the party and even talked it through with them. The policy is geared around shipbuilding and using the only mothballed shipyard in the UK at Pallion in Sunderland.
Nothing will change if we don’t first, believe in it and second, have the actual desire to practically see it through.
If it truly were impossible, I’d have accepted it. But I don’t accept this is impossible – hard amd challenging yes, impossible – never!
We certainly should be making more of our own stuff, so many things have foreign labels on them today. We also still have a lot of bright and intelligent scientifically-qualified people coming out of our universities —maths, computers, physics, engineering— only to find jobs in retailing, financial services, pen-pushing or burger-flipping (well, maybe not quite that bad but it sometimes feels that way). It’s no wonder they either leave the country or bury themselves back into further study. We have lots of British people with the skills, innovation and bright ideas, I am sure…to start putting the Great back into Great Britain.
Rupert yes and yes again. I remember as a boy, living in South Africa, that almost all my toys had one thing in common. They had ‘Made in England’ on them.
When I arrived in 2000 I travelled extensively to all corners of the UK. I kept asking myself what do they all do? All I saw was houses and high-streets. Now I know there are industrial areas, but nothing on the scale I was used to.
I see it as absolutely essential that we rebuild our industrial sector so we can provide jobs for those who are technically inclined.
Our political opponents all seem to be heavily populated by politicians that are more interested in the global economy than ours. They are all compromised.
So we have an open goal right in front of us. Only UKIP can do it!
Not only will this win us votes by creating good quality well-paid jobs, but more importantly, it will win us financial support from entrepreneurs by creating opportunities for them.
Key in all of this will be cheap energy, essential if we are to be competitive on the world stage.