Now, more than any time since the Second World War, the fundamentals upon which our economy and society have for so long been based, are being contested. We are debating who we are as a country and what we stand for. 

Our place in the world has rarely felt less certain.

But one thing upon which there seems to be a growing consensus is the need to change the way our economy works and delivers its rewards. The motivation behind this collection is to influence that debate. The essays contained in this pamphlet lay bare the inequality, unfairness, missed opportunities and rapid pace of change which typify the British economy in 2017. And offer a vision of the alternative. 

The Co-operative Party is clear that the way to build an economy for all; that delivers rewards more fairly; successfully seizes new opportunities and effectively supports our people through the inevitable changes ahead, is one with co-operation at its heart. That means a larger co-operative sector – yes – but also the hard-wiring of co-operative values into the DNA of the broader economy. These principles; self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, solidarity, honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others provide a roadmap to a future around which people from all parts of the country and all backgrounds can unite. 

‘Take back control’ was the rallying cry of the campaign to leave the EU and it is the rallying cry at the heart of this publication too. But the question is – control for who? Our proposition is that to rebuild our sense of national unity and restore faith that those who work hard can expect to receive a fair reward at the end of the month, requires a revolution in who owns and in whose interests the British economy is run. 

Some clearly believe that a British economy outside the EU should be one modelled on the low taxes, light touch regulation and entrenched inequality of Singapore. There is an alternative. One where purposeful, values driven and productive companies create growth and jobs; where the fruits of this labour are fairly shared; where banks strive to meet the needs of individuals, businesses and communities not the other way around; where markets are shaped in the interests of consumers and companies pay their fair share of tax. In other words, control by and for the many, not the few. 

The good news is that we don’t have to imagine this alternative future, it’s already out there. Across the World and across Britain, hundreds of thousands of co-operatives, with billions of pounds of assets, are showing that there is a better way of doing things. The essays in this collection draw inspiration from that movement to provide a radical vision for the future. Now it is ours to build.