Financialization of Society

You are cordially invited to attend and participate in a FREE event in the Houses of Parliament on "Financialization of Society".

The UK is deep in the era of financial extraction, given public visibility by private equity. Its business model typically includes excessive leverage, higher prices, cuts in real wages and staffing, low investment, asset-stripping, profit shifting, short-termism and tax shenanigans.  Its victims include Bernard Matthews, Byron Burger, Casual Dining Group, Cath Kidson, Comet, Debenhams, Flybe, Four Seasons Health Care, HMV, TM Lewin, Maplin, Monarch Airlines, Paperchase, Planet Organic, Poundworld, Southern Cross, Toys R Us and many more. Thousands of jobs and supply-chain networks have disappeared. Private equity controls or has significant interest in water, energy, housing, ports, airports, airlines, child and social care, hospitals, dentistry, ophthalmic services, student accommodation, veterinary services, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants and more. Vast profits are made from the bills paid by every household.

A Panel of experts will discuss the public policy implications. These are Dr Kate Bayliss (Department of Economics at SOAS, University of London),  Professor Neil Kellard (Professor of Finance, University of Essex) and David Rowlands (Director, Centre for Health and the Public Interest). There will be opportunity for audience participation.

Date and Time: 16 November 2026, 5.45 p.m. to 7.15 p.m.