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Angus Hanton: How America owns Britain and can turn countries into vassal states

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Episode Summary

I had the pleasure of meeting Angus Hanton, the author of Vassal State: How America Runs Britain, and let me tell you, the conversation was nothing short of eye-opening. Not just for me, as a Brit, but the fact that most countries around the world are also America’s vassal states!

But since the UK is a major economic power (or so we thought), Angus didn’t hold back in revealing some startling truths about the UK’s economic landscape and its intricate ties with the US.

One of the most shocking revelations was the extent of American ownership in the UK. Did you know that over a fifth of our economy’s turnover is funnelled to US corporations? That’s a staggering amount, and it raises questions about our economic sovereignty, especially after Brexit promises (aka lies).

We discussed how the AI bubble is precariously propping up the stock market, with 80% of it dependent on this volatile sector, according to recent data published by the Financial Times. It’s a bubble that could burst at any moment, dragging the UK down with it.

Angus also painted a vivid picture of how the UK has become a vassal state, with decisions about our food safety and standards being made across the Atlantic. It’s a sobering thought, but one that we need to confront considering the current Administration.

The discussion left me flabbergasted and pondering the future of my country. Join the conversation to learn more about these pressing issues that most likely have already impacted your country.

Let’s wake up and smell the coffee, or tea — preferably British, of course!

Key Takeaways

(YouTube Timestamps)
  • 00:00:00 – Preview
  • 00:04:16 – The danger of the AI bubble powering 80% of the stock market
  • 00:09:10 – How British tech sectors have become totally reliant on Silicon Valley
  • 00:14:02 – What triggered Angus to write his “Vassal State” book?
  • 00:24:48 – How and why have UK governments allowed a complete takeover by US corporations?
  • 00:30:43 – The role of politicians and policy: Was it all by design or incompetence?
  • 00:33:45 – Who is ultimately responsible for the British economic extraction by the US?
  • 00:44:21 – Will the latest $200bn tech and AI investment pledged by the US kill British tech?
  • 00:52:23 – Brexit and politicians’ lack of business understanding made matters much worse
  • 00:58:56 – Has the US takeover of Britain’s economy made the UK richer or poorer?
  • 01:03:37 – Why do British politicians put US interests first, while claiming patriotism?
  • 01:09:47 – The negative impact of the current rise of AI on future employment and employers
  • 01:15:50 – Is the UK the worst case scenario of a vassal state, or are there other vassal states?
  • 01:23:21 – If US stock markets are overly dependent on the AI bubble, what will happen to the UK economy when it bursts?
  • 01:32:49 – Can the UK ever rejoin the EU as America’s vassal state?
  • 01:36:20 – How should people and younger generations navigate the hype-up AI-driven future?
  • 01:44:46 – The negative influences from thinktanks, lobbyists and weakening regulations
  • 01:48:07 – Is the Vassal State book anti-American?
  • 01:50:27 – What lessons should we learn from America to stop us from being a vassal state?

Our Favourite Quote from This Episode

I know we’re better on rhetoric than we are on action!

About our Guest

Angus Hanton

The CEO Retort Guest Profile: Angus Hanton.

Angus Hanton is a British entrepreneur, economist, and investor with a career spanning over 40 years. He is the author of the groundbreaking book and bestseller, Vassal State: How America Runs Britain, based on his research that lays bare the extent to which US corporations own and control Britain’s economy.

Angus is also the co-founder of the Intergenerational Foundation (IF), a UK-based think tank focused on promoting the interests of younger generations.

He is a self-described baby boomer who uses his background to analyse how government policies have transferred wealth and liabilities from older to younger generations.

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