After World War 2, Britain faced issues which are familiar today: strengthening the welfare state, dealing with an inflated public debt, improving productivity performance, underpinning support for the market economy, and credibly promising a better future. The Attlee government has been widely praised for its handling of this difficult situation and it is often said that we should remember the lessons of the 1940s. But what are the lessons we should learn, how successful were the policies of the time, and should we really try to go back to the future?

Meet our speaker and chair

Nick Crafts is Professor of Economic History at the University of Sussex Business School, Emeritus professor at the University of Warwick, and current President of the Royal Economic Society.

Patrick Wallis (@phwallis) is Professor of Economic History at LSE. His research explores the economic, social and medical history of Britain from the 16th to 18th century

More about this event

This event forms part of LSE’s Understanding the UK Economy series, showcasing research and expertise on the state of the UK economy and its future.

The Department of Economic History (@LSEEcHist) is one of the world's leading centres for research and teaching in economic history. It is home to a huge breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise ranging from the medieval period to the current century.

Twitter Hashtag for this event: #LSEUKEconomy

Podcast & Video

A podcast of this event is available to download from Play it Again Clem? Lessons from the 1940s for Post-COVID Britain.

A video of this event is available to watch at Play it Again Clem? Lessons from the 1940s for Post-COVID Britain.

Podcasts and videos of many LSE events can be found at the LSE Public Lectures and Events: podcasts and videos channel.