The Anti-Austerity Conference - 12/13 September 2025

Are you tired of hearing that improving the wellbeing of people and the planet is unaffordable?

Are you concerned that focus on GDP growth increases inequality?

Would you like to understand better how we got into this situation, and how we might overcome it?

This conference will debunk money myths to counter the common narrative that significant public interest investment is unaffordable or must be paid for by implementing austerity measures. Whether for healthcare, employment, climate action or housing, you will come away with a true understanding of how our government spends money and what is possible.

Dates: 12-13 September, 2025

Location: The Station - Creative Youth Network, Silver St, Bristol BS1 2AG

Friday 12 September

Noon—1:30pm: Voluntary Modern Money Theory (MMT) bootcamp

1:30—2:45pm: Lunch break

2:45—4:45pm: Voluntary screening of Finding the Money

4:45—5:00pm: Break

5:00—5:30pm: Welcome

5:30—7:00pm: Foundational framing conversation: Steven Hail and Stephanie Kelton

Steven Hail will cover how austerity is a policy choice. Stephanie will join us remotely for a 30-45 minute interview covering the need-to-know fundamentals of MMT.

7:30—9:00pm: The Political Economy of the UK

A panel session analysing the political economy of the UK, with a focus on the unnecessary damage from decades of austerity. Chaired by Randeep Ramesh, alongside Plaid Cymru Councillor Mark Hooper and Zack Polanski (deputy leader of the Green Party). More speakers to be confirmed.

Saturday 13 September

10:00—11:15am: Opening Keynote

What a Green New Deal and wellbeing economy would look like in the UK. Speaker to be confirmed. Followed by 45-min Q+A.

11.15—11:30am: Break

11.30—12:30pm: Introduction to Health and the NHS.

Moderated panel discussion. Chaired by William Thompson from Scotonomics, alongside Dr. Jaideep Pandit (professor of Anaesthesia at the University of Oxford). More speakers to be confirmed.

12:30—1:15pm: Lunch break

1:15—2:15pm: Introduction to Housing.

Moderated panel discussion. Chaired by Sheridan Kates (Green Party activist and organiser of Degrowth London), alongside Zack Polanski. More speakers to be confirmed.

2:15—3:30pm: Introduction to Employment.

Short Presentation and moderated panel session. Chaired by Phil Armstrong (Association for Heterodox Economics member and teacher), alongside Patricia Pino (PHD candidate at UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose). More speakers to be confirmed.

3.30—4:00pm: Final Session

Hearing back from the audience and making plans to take things forward.