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Outlines the case for tackling inequality in Britain and offers a road-map to a fairer society.
Britain is a grossly unfair country, disfigured by a broken social contract and unsustainable levels of inequality. This moral outrage presents a growing threat to our society, economy and democracy.
The Fair Necessities argues that unfair inequality undermines everything from faith in government to economic growth, yet a fairer country is within reach. Drawing on cutting-edge research and interviews with public figures, including including Vince Cable, Polly Toynbee and Liam Byrne, it sets out the moral, political and policy cases for tackling inequality and explains how to build a broad, cross-party consensus for a fairer society. Engaging, evidence-rich and ultimately hopeful, it offers the vision — and the practical roadmap — needed to rebuild Britain on fairer foundations.
"One of Britain's most important voices in the fight against (growing) inequality." Gary Stevenson, YouTuber, author and inequality economist
“What is fairness to which all sides of politics genuflect? Will Snell, one of the foremost thinkers of his generation, offers this – the most forensic, comprehensive and readable account you are likely to encounter. Read it. You will be surprised.” Will Hutton, journalist
“Will Snell brilliantly demonstrates that unfairness is not just a moral failure, but a strategic risk that poisons our democracy and drains our economy of its potential.” Kate E Pickett, University of York
"A passionate account of why fairness matters, insightfully navigating disagreements about its demands in pursuit of the vision of a fairer society as a common good in divided times." Sunder Katwala, British Future
“Commentary on fairness and inequality is often nebulous or Utopian. By contrast, Will Snell’s book is rigorous, carefully argued and practical.” Vince Cable, former Leader of the Liberal Democrats
"This book takes us right to the heart of everything wrong with the economy, politics and everyday life with the highest inequality rate among similar countries. Everyone knows Britain's gap in incomes and wealth is grotesque, but here is Will Snell's authoritative analysis of what can be done." Polly Toynbee, The Guardian
“A powerful and timely case for change. The Fair Necessities shows, with clarity and conviction, how inequality is eroding trust, growth and democracy – and sets out a practical path to rebuild a fairer Britain.” Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the House of Commons Select Committee on Business & Trade
"The evidence on how unfairness damages society and individuals is laid out eloquently, as are practical evidence-based solutions. A fairer society will benefit us all.” Professor Sir Michael Marmot CH, UCL Institute of Health Equity
"Deft, clever, terse and precisely targeted. Will Snell’s book takes us from cradle to grave, demonstrating how inequality can be a risk to our societies as deadly as any pandemic and that unfair societies produce very extreme dangerous politics.” Danny Dorling, University of Oxford
"As this highly accessible book demonstrates, inequality lies at the very heart of the problems of contemporary Britain. More importantly for progressives, it shows clearly how they can be overcome and a better future secured for us all." Mark Drakeford, Member of the Senedd
“A vitally important case for fairness, not just for its own sake but because unfairness is at the very centre of so many of our greatest threats.” Bobby Duffy, King’s College London
"One of Britain's most important voices in the fight against (growing) inequality." Gary Stevenson, YouTuber, author and inequality economist
"Will Snell factfully and thoughtfully offers a roadmap for a fairer Britain, where our fate is less determined by the wealth of our parents." Ryan Shorthouse, writer, thinker, speaker, entrepreneur and founder of Bright Blue
1. Introduction
2. Starting points
3. Equal opportunities or equal outcomes
4. Reward, reciprocity and respect
5. Looking at fairness in the round
6. How fair is Britain today?
7. How much do people care about fairness?
8. Counting the costs of unfairness
9. The building blocks of a fairer society
10. Dismantling the barriers to fairness
11. Conclusion