Universal basic income is winning the argument against sceptics, and mobilising across the world
We enjoyed Will Stronge, from Autonomy - the think-and-do-tank that’s running universal basic income trials across the UK in the next 12 months - change the scepticism of Novara Media’s Aaron Bastani towards the policy, in the clip above (here’s the show site).
Many great points made, especially about examining our assumed common sense about the virtues of work.
Why is it that when the state subsidises a business’s rates, or pays for a PhD, they’re not regarded as spongers - as many do when thinking about UBI recipients?
What about the false claims that many UBI schemes don’t really help increase participation in work - when what’s often actually happening is that recipients are using it to subsidise up-skilling or training, which gets them better employment in the medium and long term?
And why can’t we embrace that UBI could be wages for care-work, but given to both woman and men, exerting their responsibilities?
We were also happy - as a consequence of digging into the amazing portfolio of Sheffield’s Opus network, reported on yesterday - to find the UBI Lab Network. Their purpose is below:
UBI Lab is a worldwide decentralised network of citizens, researchers, activists and campaigners exploring the potential of Universal Basic Income..
A UBI Lab is a citizen led group seeking to explore and advocate for a Universal Basic Income. Groups are themed geographically or by lived experience.
There are currently 40 UBI Labs across the world with the majority located in the UK. Labs meet each month to share learning and contribute to a shared set of resources.
The Labs are assisted by the UBI Lab staff team who offer skills, resource and expertise where needed to facilitate the aims of each UBI Lab.
More here. There’s a lot of resources here - a page on UBI reporting around the world, an FAQ on UBI that’s also in Mandarin, and campaign materials.