How do we take Britain from austerity to prosperity?

Dear reader,

On Tuesday 24 September, I’ll be joining my co-author David Walker to talk about our new book, The Only Way Is Up, live in London and livestreamed globally.

In one great whoosh, the country has liberated itself. But after 14 years of crushing, growth-killing, public service-stripping austerity, the new Labour government has a mountain to climb.

What does Labour’s dire inheritance really look like? Can they breathe renewal and stem the decay visible all around? Can they reclaim trust in politicians and government when they face such hard decisions on tax and spend?

You can join us on Tuesday 24 September, in conversation with the Guardian’s Heather Stewart, to discuss what went wrong during the Tories’ wild ride and look at the biggest question marks hanging over Labour now. As explored in our new book, we’ll draw a baseline from which to benchmark progress towards sustainable growth. It’s a steep gradient, but … the only way is up.

I hope to see you there.

Polly Toynbee
Columnist, the Guardian