The Guardian: Vassal State Review

There is a bravura chapter in Hanton’s exploration of the UK’s supposed “special relationship” with America that outlines how US-owned companies or investments dominate the way most of us eat, work, shop or even talk to one another. It’s a fascinating counterpoint to the notion that “taking back control” from Europe would mean more freedom. In fact, Hanton argues, by selling off contracts and companies to US entities paying little tax, yet acting as rent-takers for every transaction we make, we are becoming less independent than ever.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/apr/28/in-brief-earth-john-boyne-vassal-state-angus-hanton-the-penguin-history-of-modern-spain-nigel-townson-review