Back to the Eighties

Market forces have responded to the energy crisis with their customary efficiency, bearing forth the spirit of the sainted Thatcher by massacring the small business sector whose aspirational values supposedly animated her shrivelled Poujadist heart. In a superb access of Britishness, the energy cartel which has made prices unaffordable is now refusing contracts to business customers on the grounds that they might not be able to pay. Since many enterprises are expected to go bust, the energy companies are extorting five-figure kickbacks as a reward for deigning to consider them. Particularly grandiose savings are anticipated in the hospitality sector, implying that Britain's service economy may soon be subject to the kind of benign and cleansing restructure which the old bag herself imposed on the enemies within during days of yore.