Columnist and commentator Peter Hitchens has pushed back against criticisms that current Prime Minister Andy Burnham's policies might lead the country back to the 1970s. Hitchens suggests that such a comparison, often used negatively, overlooks positive aspects of that decade.
In an opinion piece published on July 21, 2026, Hitchens stated that many people, including himself, view the 1970s with a degree of fondness and do not believe it was as detrimental as often portrayed. He contends that aspects such as low crime rates and ample employment opportunities, which he associates with that era, would be welcomed by a significant portion of the population.
The commentary appears to address political discourse surrounding Burnham, where a return to the conditions of the 1970s is framed as a negative outcome. Hitchens's perspective offers a counterpoint, suggesting that the perceived shortcomings of the past might hold appealing elements for contemporary society.