"Better than before we decimated British industry,"
These were the same structural changes occurring both in Europe and the US. Heavy industry changed in response to more competitive regimes in SE Asia. Uneconomic sectors closed, the efficient sectors produced more value with less workforce.
You make the usual mistake the left of blaming government for the decline of many industrial areas. Perhaps you feel countries such as India, China and Korea(to name but a few)should remain in the stone age so Britain could continue in it's inefficient ways. You are a 21st century Luddite who wants to play Canute with the industrial output of more competitive countries. To preserve the status quo you would need expensive subsidies and a market for uncompetitive goods, In the real world both such options run out of road rapidly. Being competitive is a swear word to the trendy left. No winners are allowed for school sports and everyone lives in la la land. The loony left has a lot to answer for.