The UK does not have a welfare problem

Posted on February 12 2026

I so agree with this:

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5 Responses

Bob Forsyth says:

February 12 2026 at 5:28 pm

Many thanks for this excellent reminder. More proof as if any were needed, of just how deep is the economic morass we are wading through. I thought the UK figure was even lower (more like 7%) from official government statistics that I have seen. Nevertheless, what is absolutely clear is that we a not investing anywhere near the amount that we should be in welfare, and have not been doing so for 20 years or more. Which means that the relative gap between the UK and the EU is widening and accelerating.

Reply
Ian Stevenson says:

February 12 2026 at 5:33 pm

I looked at a breakdown of Danish spending. They seem to do the politics of care.

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- Richard Murphy says:
  
  February 12 2026 at 6:26 pm
  
  Much better than we do. Free educti9n to PhD level as well.
  
  Reply
Edward says:

February 12 2026 at 6:14 pm

Not only that, but isn’t there a surplus in the UK?

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- Richard Murphy says:
  
  February 12 2026 at 6:24 pm
  
  Sorry, but surplus of what? Certainly not in government finances.
  
  Reply

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