Merton Green Party were thrilled to welcome Ann Pettifor, one of the leading economists behind the Green New Deal, to tell us about her new book, The Global Casino, on Tuesday 24 March.

60 people heard Ann talk to Merton Green Party member Nick Robins about her early life and the birth of the Green New Deal. Making money has become a matter of speculation rather than industry, she argued – describing the role of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in setting prices for some global markets, and how neoliberal belief in the markets regulating themselves has led to the huge increase in the wealth of a few.

Ann felt optimistic following Zack Polanski’s recent speech on the economy, stating that it had shown signs that he understands how things needed to change. Her great concern, though, is that a wealth tax would not work without cross-border control. At the moment, money can be transferred into off-shore accounts at the push of a button.

Ann answered questions from the enthusiastic audience on a range of subjects. She advocated measuring economic activity rather than GDP, and spoke of the importance of managing interest rates, alternatives to the dollar as the international currency, the role of the Bank of England, the need to regulate big tech, digital sovereignty, and what would constitute a just transition!

Next Open Meeting:

Natalie Bennett, one of our two hardworking Green peers in the House of Lords (Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle) and former leader of the Green Party, is joining our next open meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23 June in the Merton Arts Space behind Wimbledon Library.