The Pinch: How the baby boomers stole their children's future - and how they can give it back
3rd Feb 2010; 18:00
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RSA Keynote
The baby boom of 1945-65 produced the biggest, richest generation that Britain has ever known. Today, at the peak of their power and wealth, baby boomers now run our country; by virtue of their sheer demographic power, they have fashioned the world around them in a way that meets all of their housing, healthcare and financial needs.
David Willetts MP visits the RSA to argue that the baby boomer generation has attained this position at the expense of their children. Social, cultural and economic provision has been made for the reigning section of society, while the needs of the next generation have taken a back seat.
Willetts argues that if our political, economic and cultural leaders do not begin to discharge their obligations to the future, the young people of today will be taxed more, work longer hours for less money, have lower social mobility and live in a degraded environment in order to pay for their parents' quality of life. However, whilst the imbalance in the quality of life between the generations is becoming more obvious, what is less certain is whether the older generation will be willing to make the sacrifices necessary for a more equal distribution.
With David Willetts MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Universities and Skills
Chair: James Crabtree, Senior Editor at Prospect and a trustee of the charity UK Citizens Online Democracy
Suggested hashtag for Twitter users: #rsaboomer
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