One simple flaw underlies the many government failures that have afflicted us for decades. Too many spending decisions are based on short-term cost considerations, with too little regard given to long-term benefits. Expenditure is seen as a drain on public finances, rather than an investment that more than pays for itself over time.
A particularly serious example has been exposed in the recent report into the impact of the Covid pandemic. It highlighted just how close the NHS came to collapse – and key to avoiding that collapse were the heroic actions of NHS workers. They battled with shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies and beds, as wave after wave of infection struck. Many suffered understandable mental health issues, and some even died as a result of the conditions forced upon them. And yet, four years before the outbreak, a simulation exercise was carried out to test the UK’s preparedness for a pandemic. It highlighted a shortage of PPE for NHS workers, but the then Tory government decided against purchasing more – a short-term cost decision that subsequently caused much unnecessary suffering and loss of life, as well as damaging our economy.
If only …
Short-term thinking also lies behind the economic damage being caused by the present Middle East war. Had successive governments not steadily backtracked on environmental policies and delayed our transition to renewable energy, we would not now be so badly affected by rocketing gas and oil prices. In Dorset, the Navitus Bay wind farm that was blocked by Conservative councillors in Bournemouth would now have been powering much of our county. Imagine how much less the Iran war would now be costing us if we had invested in upgrading existing properties, built new ones cheaper to live in with high levels of insulation, PV panels and electric heating, and accelerated the transition to electric vehicles.
Perhaps those politicians who are fond of describing climate action as ‘net zero stupid’ will now reflect on the real stupidity – dancing to the tune of fossil fuel interests instead of seizing the benefits of addressing climate change.
Ken Huggins
North Dorset Green Party
