Has Britain always had a crap economy?

[Ivor Bigun]

Was thinking about this. In colonial times, the economy was sustained by exploiting the colonies for cheap raw material and captive markets (witness how Britain really did not have a Great Depression a la the US or Germany).

After the war, Britain had Marshall Plan money, then North Sea Oil and finally cheap credit.

But what have been the real strengths of the British economy, if any? Of course there was a point when manufacturing was huge - but was there ever a time when British goods were considered "quality" like Japanese and German goods are now?

- Has Britain always had a crap economy?
Don't know about you but I've been doing OK. What's the point of an economy doing well if its people are treated like slaves? If it was so bad, why are so many people trying ot get into the UK?

- Was there ever a time when British goods were considered "quality" like Japanese and German goods are now?
Yes, when we were the only people making things - a long time ago.

IMO, the question thats more revealing is:
Can people in the UK keep its standard of living for the next 50 years?