Britain once ruled an empire where the sun never set, yet its lingering self-image as a leader rather than a learner has left it blind to the successes of nations it once governed or protected. According to the IMF’s 2024 World Economic Outlook, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates now surpass the UK in GDP per capita (adjusted for purchasing power) – a stark reversal of fortunes. These countries didn’t just inherit Britain’s best traits – common law, property rights, contract enforcement, and the English language – they built on them. Meanwhile, the UK stagnated, shackled by inertia and pride.

Emulation and imitation are fundamental pillars of human learning, driving our social evolution and cultural advancement. History shows that imitation drives progress. Britain itself was forged by borrowing – from Roman roads to Norman laws – yet today it recoils at learning from its former colonies and protectorates. As Britain grapples with persistent economic stagnation, it’s time to swallow that pride and embrace the free-market lessons these nations offer. Their triumphs aren’t just economic – they’re a blueprint for national renewal.

Energy: efficiency over extravagance

The UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant shames Britain’s Hinkley Point C. Four South Korean APR-1400 reactors were built for less than half Hinkley’s per-kilowatt cost, using a proven design with existing certifications. Hinkley, by contrast, opted for a bespoke EPR reactor, ballooning costs with 7,000 regulatory tweaks, delays, and private-sector dithering. The UAE’s pragmatic approach – phased construction, sovereign financing – delivers clean energy without the farce. Britain must ditch its obsession with reinventing the wheel, and simultaneously, its blind faith in intermittent solar and wind.