Poland could overtake Great Britain economically within a decade

If economic trends continue, Poland may overtake Great Britain within a decade, said Robert Jenrick, an MP from the British Conservative Party, in a comment published on Tuesday in the Telegraph daily.

The politician expressed the opinion that comparing the current GDP per capita of the Islands of $60,620. with Polish GDP per capita – USD 50,378. Such data is provided by the World Bank.

In his opinion, “two decades ago, the gap between earning opportunities in Poland and Great Britain was huge.” He cited figures showing that at that time Great Britain's GDP per capita was USD 39,228, while in Poland it was USD 13,936. Jenrick recalled that at that time “Poles with higher education and qualifications were willing to undertake physical work in Great Britain (…) because it was related to financial issues.”

Stagnation is not inevitable. https://t.co/leFiFHKb3q

— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) November 4, 2025

The Tory pointed out that since 2008, UK GDP per capita has grown by an average of 0.7%. annually, when “for 30 years, Poland has enjoyed the longest, uninterrupted period of economic growth in the history of Europe (except for a short episode related to the COVID-19 pandemic)”.

According to the British politician, the success of the Polish economy is due to, among others, transition to a dynamic free market economy during the transformation period, a 19% corporate income tax rate, simplified tax law and the creation of special economic zones.

One of the effects of these actions is, according to Jenrick low unemployment rate in Poland, approximately 3 percent, compared to 4.8 percent in Great Britain.

In the parliamentarian's opinion, “Polish leaders made reasonable decisions in the long-term interest of the country. They rejected the path of stagnation and adopted the established way of thinking.”

In his opinion, British leaders and institutions “have become complacent due to the success they have achieved.” “They took success for granted, not deserved, and indulged in comforts that the country could not afford. How wrong they were,” concluded the politician.

From London Marta Zabłocka (PAP)

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