PoliticsJuly 13, 2026

nationalisation

/ˌnæʃnəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/

Definition

The process of a government taking ownership and control of private assets, industries, or services to be run for public benefit.

Etymology

Derived from the English word 'nation' plus the suffix '-ise' (to make) and '-ation' (the act or process). It reflects the 19th-century transition to state-run control of vital infrastructure, entering common usage during the rise of industrial regulation.

In the news

In this article, nationalisation refers to the full state takeover of utility companies. The author notes that Burnham plans to increase public control without necessarily pursuing full nationalisation, as doing so would be extremely expensive.

What we know about Andy Burnham's policies

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BBC

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