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Can We Be Rich Again?: The Surprising Potential of Britain's Economy
Many worry that Britain is stuck in a doom loop of higher debt and higher taxes. In Can We Be Rich Again?, Jeremy Hunt argues that getting out of Britain's low growth is a solvable problem, and that we should approach the country's economic future with optimism.
Hunt asks the key How deliverable are the changes we need by a Labour, Conservative or Reform government? How do we get the economy growing despite dangerous levels of debt? How do we sell long term reforms when our leaders have so little political capital? But countering pessimism needs solutions not just assertions, and they need to be realistic – plans that politicians can actually deliver in a democratic system and the majority of the electorate can get behind.
Hunt asks the key How deliverable are the changes we need by a Labour, Conservative or Reform government? How do we get the economy growing despite dangerous levels of debt? How do we sell long term reforms when our leaders have so little political capital? But countering pessimism needs solutions not just assertions, and they need to be realistic – plans that politicians can actually deliver in a democratic system and the majority of the electorate can get behind.
- GenresPolitics
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 28, 2026
I read this, having fallen for his promo interviews, where he described it as a guide for an incoming Chancellor. Of course, I have no pretensions to become Chancellor, but it was an interesting premise. On that basis, I was expecting a précis of modern economic theory. However, it is a formula of potential improvements for the UK economy, as well many references to his time in office.
Having said all that, it's quite interesting. I note though that some of his figures have been (rightly) questioned by BBC's "More or Less" programme. And (of course), I would take issue with some of his solutions to Public Sector reform as being somewhat blunt. Nevertheless, it's a decent, easy read. If you're looking for a right of centre view of how to improve the economy, it's worth a read.
Having said all that, it's quite interesting. I note though that some of his figures have been (rightly) questioned by BBC's "More or Less" programme. And (of course), I would take issue with some of his solutions to Public Sector reform as being somewhat blunt. Nevertheless, it's a decent, easy read. If you're looking for a right of centre view of how to improve the economy, it's worth a read.
June 20, 2026
Not three stars because I disagree with anything in this book, but three stars because I think if the aim of this book is to inspire or to encourage the public to advocate for his suggestions then it is probably a failure. It is written with clarity and precision, and outlines how Britain has the potential to become significantly richer again because of its major strengths in finance, universities, science, technology (e.g. UK 3rd biggest tech/AI economy), life sciences, institutions and global connections. It basically suggests that Britain can be richer if it gets out of its own way (high taxes, too much regulation, low productivity and inefficient government/public services). Every suggestion that Hunt makes, even if you may disagree with them, is perfectly logical and reasonable and well argued.
However, although it nods to it, it doesn't really address the elephant in the room - the problem isn't a lack of good ideas, it is the lack of ability to implement them. The book lacks an explanation of how a government would actually, in reality, govern and implement these ideas, which, at the end of the day, is all that matters. That probably suggests that Hunt doesn't know.
These sort of sensible reforms aren't sexy enough for the media, and Hunt is still too associated with Tory failure. I wish the public discourse centred on optimistic calls for reform like this book does, rather than blaming “the rich,” migrants, elites, or the previous government, but it doesn't, and unfortunately I don't think this book is going to make much of an impact on the conversation.
However, although it nods to it, it doesn't really address the elephant in the room - the problem isn't a lack of good ideas, it is the lack of ability to implement them. The book lacks an explanation of how a government would actually, in reality, govern and implement these ideas, which, at the end of the day, is all that matters. That probably suggests that Hunt doesn't know.
These sort of sensible reforms aren't sexy enough for the media, and Hunt is still too associated with Tory failure. I wish the public discourse centred on optimistic calls for reform like this book does, rather than blaming “the rich,” migrants, elites, or the previous government, but it doesn't, and unfortunately I don't think this book is going to make much of an impact on the conversation.
August 3, 2026
Pragmatic, solid, and not overly technocratic.
Despite being one of the key players in a highly tumultuous period for HMG, Jeremy Hunt comes across as someone willing to put aside factional differences in the pursuit of actual “growth” that most people should be able to get behind.
As another reviewer has mentioned, he doesn’t breakdown “how” a government would implement these measures, but simply presents sensible, data backed steps which underline why we shouldn’t be too pessimistic about Britain.
This book WILL appeal to you if you naturally wince at simple catch all solutions presented as so-called miracle cures to the economy e.g Stopping boats, Re-joining EU, Wealth taxes.
Despite being one of the key players in a highly tumultuous period for HMG, Jeremy Hunt comes across as someone willing to put aside factional differences in the pursuit of actual “growth” that most people should be able to get behind.
As another reviewer has mentioned, he doesn’t breakdown “how” a government would implement these measures, but simply presents sensible, data backed steps which underline why we shouldn’t be too pessimistic about Britain.
This book WILL appeal to you if you naturally wince at simple catch all solutions presented as so-called miracle cures to the economy e.g Stopping boats, Re-joining EU, Wealth taxes.
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June 27, 2026The Telegraph praises Can We Be Rich Again?: The Surprising Potential of Britain's Economy by Jeremy Hunt for its "painful honesty" and optimistic 20-point roadmap to restore UK economic prosperity. The review highlights Hunt's focus on leveraging the UK’s strengths in tech and institutional stability to reverse economic decline. Read the full review at The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/41e6...
September 6, 2026
Jeremy’s book is the latest repeat of the growing cross party consensus on the need for structural reform, decentralisation etc
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews