Anything we can do, we can afford: debunking money myths to end austerity in the UK

Are you tired of hearing that improving the wellbeing of people and the planet is unaffordable?

Are you concerned that focus on GDP growth increases inequality?

Would you like to understand better how we got into this situation, and how we might overcome it?

For too long the solutions to our cost-of-living and environmental crises have been held back by a misunderstanding of the freedom and capacity the UK government has to fund these solutions.

Join us in Bristol to learn powerful, real, economic knowledge that blows traditional thinking apart and allows social and environmental goals to take centre stage. No prior knowledge is needed, this event is highly accessible and open to all.

Friday 12 September

Noon—12:30pm: Registration for optional morning sessions

12:30—2:30pm: Optional screening of the film "Finding the Money"

An intrepid group of economists is on a mission to flip our understanding of the national debt — and the nature of money — upside down. This film will change your perspective on how countries around the world can tackle the biggest challenges of the 21st century: from climate change to inequality. This screening is in-person only, but we invite online participants to watch the film here beforehand and join the online group in the next session

2:30—2:45pm: Break

2:45—4:30pm: Optional Modern Money Theory (MMT) bootcamp

Opportunity to break into groups to discuss the themes from the film, and how they apply to the UK. There will be an online group for remote participants.

4:30—5:00pm: Break and registration for the rest of the conference

5:00—5:15pm: Welcome

5:15—5:45pm: Austerity as a Political Choice: Associate Professor Steven Hail (Director, Economics of Sustainability Graduate Program, Torrens University and founder of Modern Money Lab)

5:45—6:30pm: Resourcing a Greener New Deal: Professor Stephanie Kelton (Professor of Public Policy, Stony Brook University - author of The Deficit Myth) - joining online

6:30—7:00pm: Q&A with Stephanie and Steven.

7:00—7:45pm: Break

7:45—8:45pm: The Political Economy of the UK - moderated panel discussion

A panel session analysing the political economy of the UK, with a focus on the unnecessary damage from decades of austerity. Chaired by Randeep Ramesh (chief leader writer at The Guardian), alongside Plaid Cymru Councillor Mark Hooper, Sasha Josette (co-director of the Working Class Climate Alliance and long-time organiser and strategist) and Zack Polanski (deputy leader of the Green Party and elected member of the London Assembly).

Saturday 13 September

10:00—11:00am: What a Greener New Deal and wellbeing economy would look like in the UK: Professor Tim Foxon

Followed by Q+A.

11:00—11:15am: Break

11:15—12:15pm: Introduction to Health and the NHS - moderated panel discussion

Tackling health inequality in the UK: enabling people to live healthier lives, and rebuilding an NHS and care system that works for everyone. Chaired by William Thompson from Scotonomics, alongside Dr. Jaideep Pandit (professor of Anaesthesia at the University of Oxford) and Emma Hughes (Just Treatment). More speakers to be confirmed.

12:15—1:15pm: Lunch break

1:15—2:15pm: Introduction to Housing - moderated panel discussion

The UK’s housing affordability crisis: what can be done? Chaired by Sheridan Kates (Modern Money Lab UK and Green Party activist), alongside Nick Ballard (Head Organiser, ACORN). More speakers to be confirmed.

2:15—2:30pm: Break

2:30—3:30pm: Introduction to Employment - short presentation and moderated panel session.

A good job for everyone who wants one: ensuring full employment in the UK through a government job guarantee. Chaired by Phil Armstrong (Association for Heterodox Economics member and teacher), alongside Geoff Tily (Senior Economist, Trades Union Congress) and Patricia Pino (PhD candidate at UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose and cohost of the MMT Podcast).

3.30—4:00pm: Final Session

Hearing back from the audience and making plans to take things forward.