Are Politicians Even in Control? - Steve Hilton

Added: Dec 11, 2023

Hilton shares his experience working in the UK government, where he observed a lack of alignment between the government's policy agenda and the actions of the civil service. He describes a culture of bureaucratic resistance, where senior civil servants believe it is their duty to thwart the initiatives of elected officials, leading to a significant gap between government promises and actual policy outcomes.

Hilton provides specific examples of the bureaucratic process, such as the "right round" letter-writing mechanism, which he characterizes as a paper-pushing exercise that hinders effective decision-making. He also discusses the challenges of cutting red tape and reducing the size of the civil service, highlighting the resistance to change within the bureaucratic system.

The conversation then shifts to the issue of illegal immigration, which Hilton views as a contentious and complex issue. He acknowledges the moral and practical considerations surrounding immigration but emphasizes the importance of controlled and fair immigration policies. Hilton expresses frustration with the failure of successive governments to effectively address illegal immigration, despite promises to do so.

Hilton also touches on the impact of political polarization and the erosion of public trust in democratic systems. He suggests that the disconnect between elected officials and the civil service, coupled with the failure to address pressing issues such as immigration, has contributed to a growing sense of anger and disillusionment among the public.

Hilton emphasizes the need for a radical reengineering of government, pointing out that the current system feels inadequate in delivering on its promises. He advocates for the decentralization of power, suggesting that neighborhoods should have more control over their own governance. He highlights the importance of the Coalition agreement, which aimed to decentralize power and put agency and budgets in the hands of people and neighborhoods, but laments that this vision was never fully realized.

The conversation then shifts to the political landscape in the United States, with Hilton discussing the rise of Donald Trump and the frustrations that led to his election. He notes that Trump's supporters are excited about him because they believe he delivered on his promises and got things done. Hilton also points out the shift in demographics within the Trump coalition, with more diversity in support, including working-class and wealthy individuals.

The discussion then turns to the issue of homelessness, particularly in California. Hilton highlights the challenges of addressing homelessness, including the lack of capacity for mental health treatment and the legal constraints that prevent effective solutions. He criticizes the current approach to homelessness, which he describes as false compassion, and emphasizes the need for a more pragmatic and common-sense approach to solving the problem.

Hilton also discusses the role of the Deep State in frustrating political agendas, particularly during the Trump administration. He acknowledges the challenges of navigating the bureaucracy and the entrenched ideologies within the government.

The conversation concludes with Hilton emphasizing the importance of family and the need for more support for parents, particularly in disadvantaged communities. He advocates for programs that provide hands-on help for families and children, citing examples of successful initiatives such as the Parent Nurse Partnership. Hilton argues that investing in family support can have a significant impact on society and save money in the long run.