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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Larry Elliott

‘Commanding heights of the economy’: the postwar blueprint that inspires Burnham

A collage in blue shows Clement Attlee, NHS building, mining tower, ambulances, and prescription items
Clement Attlee’s government in 1945 was committed to taking over the commanding heights of the economy. Illustration: Guardian Design/Getty

A prime minister with ambitious plans for state ownership. Private companies that put profits before investment. A country struggling with onerous debts.

The UK in 2026 with a new prime minister weighing up how and what price public utilities can be nationalised? No, this was Clement Attlee’s government in 1945, committed to taking over the commanding heights of the economy at a time when the country was on its uppers.

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