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Vassal State
- How America Runs Britain
- Narrated by: Hugh Kermode
- Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
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Vassal State
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Summary
British politicians love to vaunt the benefits of the UK's supposed 'special relationship' with the US. But are we really America's economic partner - or its colony?
Vassal State lays bare the extent to which US corporations own and control Britain's economy: how American business chiefs decide what we're paid, what we buy, and how we buy it. US companies have carved up Britain between them, siphoning off enormous profits, buying up our most lucrative firms and assets, and extracting huge rents from UK PLC - all while paying little or no tax. Meanwhile, policymakers, from Whitehall mandarins to NHS chiefs, shape their decisions to suit the whims of our American corporate overlords.
Based on his 40 years of business experience, devastating new research, and interviews with the major players, Angus Hanton exposes why Britain has become the poor transatlantic relation - and what we can do to change it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ben.S.
- 12-08-24
Incredible insight into the pillaging of the UK
Littered with well exampled contradictions of US monopoly foreign taxation. Struck that $4 billion of artwork leaves the UK every year.
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- Ken
- 06-05-24
An interesting book looking at how one country can have influence over another.
I think the author illustrates clearly what money and power can achieve. I assume historically this is nothing new, but is now affecting Britain. I am not sure if this country will become a state of America or/and a playground for the rich? Time will tell!
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- MIC
- 16-10-24
Great Summary of UK Vassalage to Foreign Interests
I enjoyed this book and the points made on the following topics:
+ Abject failure of successive Tory and Labour governments to protect British interests.
+ Government policy of subservience to the US.
+ Foreign Direct Investment treated as if it is always good, even when it is really asset stripping by private equity firms.
+ HMRC taxation policy making it harder to start companies and taxing British companies more when operating than when they are sold off.
+ Comparison with German and French corporate board strategy, with employees getting a say on whether the company gets sold to Private Equity and representations of local and national strategic interest.
I was not so keen on some of Hanton's left-leaning, political opinions, e.g. general pro-EU statements - noting that the EU would protect the UK from US corporate take-overs, but neglecting to mention large take-overs by companies from EU states like EDF; comment that President Trump is "capricious", which is a misrepresentation, i.e. one could argue that Trump's policies are consistent with his own political beliefs, just not with preceding US governments.
However, despite this minor gripe, and occasional jarring political opinions, this is a great book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- LZPA
- 09-07-24
every british citizen/patriot must read
we have the IP we have the finance
but we systemically sell off to foreign countries ?
this has to change now .
debt inequality is the symptom .
foreign equity companies are the disease.
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- Steve Tricker
- 31-10-24
The Cost of “Special”
In *Vassal State, Angus Hanton delivers a sharp and incisive critique of the UK's relationship with the US, challenging the notion of a 'special relationship' and revealing a stark reality: Britain as an economic vassal to American interests. Through a blend of personal experience, rigorous research, and compelling interviews, Hanton lays bare how US corporations have come to dominate the British economy, dictating everything from wages to consumer choices.
The audiobook is rich with insights, showcasing the ways in which American business leaders have strategically acquired British assets and profits while often avoiding their fair share of taxes. Hanton’s thorough analysis highlights the implications of this dynamic, particularly on policymakers who seem to operate under the influence of their American counterparts.
While I found the content both enlightening and thought-provoking, I did feel that some sections were a bit padded out. Certain arguments could have been more concise, which would have sharpened the overall impact of Hanton's insights. The pacing occasionally slowed, detracting from the urgency of the book's important message.
Overall, Vassal State is a compelling listen that sheds light on a critical issue facing the UK today. Hanton’s call to action is both timely and necessary, making this book a valuable addition to the discourse on economic sovereignty. Despite some moments of excess, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the intersection of politics and economics.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 30-06-24
Eye opener
Excellent analysis of the current state of affairs with regards to “ special relationship”. A must read.
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- GIEL
- 05-09-24
The detail is fascinating
This is a book every young person should read. It is clear and persuasive. The book is a clear story of a country giving up its independence to a larger one without being aware of it. The take over of UK business by US companies has progressed at breakneck speed and the full consequences have been totally overlooked. .
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- Mr. D. Mistry
- 25-06-24
We are up the creek without a paddle
Very well laid out view on the UK current predicament. This book beautifully takes us through all parts of UK policy from healthcare, defence HMRC and UK intellectual property and how the US is controlling us by its so called special relationship. Unfortunately, I don’t see the UK political landscape changing to take us out of the US corporate buyout noose with its two party system. Angus’s views on other topics I checked out on-line, before I bought this book shows a person who really cares about the UK and highlights the inequalities in our society. I very much respect the well thought out opinions and arguments. This book is a must read, especially before the UK elections, to form an informed view before voting.
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- alex murphy
- 10-10-24
The premise
Very interesting but depressing in equal measure. Definitely worth a listen if you don’t mind getting annoyed.
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