International

The European Commission is hindering any possibility that Dutch trains will soon be able to travel more quickly. The adaptation of the 'ATB' security system, which would make this possible, simply isn't acceptable, in the European Commission's view. The Dutch ATB system isn't up to scratch and must be replaced by a European system, ERTMS. In the SP's opinion, however, this EU-approved system is expensive, doesn't work very well, and won't come on stream until 2020.

Faith in market-think was based on three promises: the free market would bring prosperity for everyone; it would, through international trade, drive out war; and government spending would fall. America has broken all three of these promises. The United States has seen years and years of economic growth, but the underclass has grown as never before. Neoliberal globalisation has not led to peace and the US is one of the world's most warlike countries. Meanwhile, the financial policies of the government have bankrupted the country.