[Politics] The Labour Government

Bodian said:

Maybe it was cut and paste from somewhere. I'm sure @Right Brain Ronnie will provide the link for us if it was. Otherwise we might think that the account is for a made up character with special characteristics. But I can't believe someone would do that, would they?

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

Thank you, but it did take me 2 hours to do, I won't be doing that again anytime soon, I can tell you.

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Bodian said:

Not a cut-and-paste from an article then. I thought it was a bit too specific to have been. Good stuff.

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dsr-burnley said:

Council housing, even "like they used to", has a lot of drawbacks. Unless councils can be persuaded to buy significantly more properties than the rental market needs, it is not fit for the same purposes that rental houses provide.

For example, as it stands, if I rent a property near Burnley and someone offers me a job in Brighton, I can be out of my rented property and into a new one in Brighton within a week, probably; a month, certainly. How long would it take me, in the past, present or future times, to get to the top of the Brighton & Hove waiting list?

Or if I don't like my present council house or my circumstances change and I want to move, will the council be able to oblige me in a matter of days, or will it take forever?

The answer to high house prices is simple. Instead of trying to reallocate the current housing stock in favour of the relativel yaffluent young and against people who need to rent, then they should just build (or allow to be built) more houses. Ignoring costs of land, the build price of a decent 4-bedroom semi is less than £200k, at least in the north, and there is no reason it should be vastly different elsewhere. The build price of a row of terraces would be significantly less. There is profit in it for house builders if the government (and the Tories were guilty here) are allowed to build them.

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

Not at all I had to pull apart all of the post and systematically go through it. It's a mammoth task for me, and generally I wouldn't go to such extremes, it's too exhausting for me.

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

Did you watch it all? as you responded in just 5 mins.

She has put across very fair points, like I say most reform voters feel. Starmer needs to fix his language fast. I wonder why his popularity has plummeted? It's not rocket science.

For the record I didn't vote last time, as I underestimated reforms popularity, I know many who done the same and who will put their X next to Reform next time around. Reform is now the real working class party of the UK.

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Machiavelli said:

It really didn't. It provide secure, cheap, quality accommodation for tens of millions. Even in Burnley, it did.

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

Haven't they just and Rachel thieves will do everything to stuff up the economy fuel Tax will be great to get the economy going.......not. never mind the public sector will have fat wallets to go on shopping sprees.
COVID, The Ukraine War and now Reeves & Starmer, just how deep will that black hole be?

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

Not at all I had to pull apart all of the post and systematically go through it. It's a mammoth task for me, and generally I wouldn't go to such extremes, it's too exhausting for me.

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

Is there anyone in this forum still supporting Starmer?

Record low ratings at this stage, he always was a walking disaster, but to lead our country, which he doesn't even believe in, he makes me cringe when he stands by our union flag, its just another show of his deceit.

Starmer's ratings hit record low as cronyism row continues

To Downing Street, where it appears the new Prime Minister isn’t having the most pleasant of premierships. Sir Keir Starmer has been in the top job for less than two months – and yet he’s already facing a cronyism row that doesn’t appear to be disappearing. Despite the resignation of Labour...

www.spectator.co.uk

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Is it PotG? said:

Indeed, looks like I'll be able to send my Gran some cash for the December radiators now.

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

But it's fact.

How do you feel about him now you seen him on the other side of the house.

How many out of 10?

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

Let's face it you can't judge the Tories fairly since COVID as there are no metrics to compare fairly against. The 14 years of failure on washes with the left wing.

The facts are Starmer isn't popular and got in by the back door because the Tories left it wide open with a sign saying welcome on it. Reform are still surging forward and will take a good few of labours voters if Starmer remains in place.

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rogersix said:

do you know what balance means?

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dsr-burnley said:

It did indeed. But it wasn't flexible. If you had a council house, you were bottom of the list for moving to another one (especially if you wanted to move to another town).

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Is it PotG? said:

Please do, as I said the projected income will be less than boasted about and the numbers paying will be less.
Can't be much clearer really, can it?

Regarding your bugbear, Nat West shares.

After the major kicking, banks prove they have broad shoulders and recover.

Nowt new there, and good for everyone with an interest.

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dsr-burnley said:

Council housing, even "like they used to", has a lot of drawbacks. Unless councils can be persuaded to buy significantly more properties than the rental market needs, it is not fit for the same purposes that rental houses provide.

For example, as it stands, if I rent a property near Burnley and someone offers me a job in Brighton, I can be out of my rented property and into a new one in Brighton within a week, probably; a month, certainly. How long would it take me, in the past, present or future times, to get to the top of the Brighton & Hove waiting list?

Or if I don't like my present council house or my circumstances change and I want to move, will the council be able to oblige me in a matter of days, or will it take forever?

The answer to high house prices is simple. Instead of trying to reallocate the current housing stock in favour of the relativel yaffluent young and against people who need to rent, then they should just build (or allow to be built) more houses. Ignoring costs of land, the build price of a decent 4-bedroom semi is less than £200k, at least in the north, and there is no reason it should be vastly different elsewhere. The build price of a row of terraces would be significantly less. There is profit in it for house builders if the government (and the Tories were guilty here) are allowed to build them.

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

1. Foodbanks and Poverty
- Economic Context: The increase in foodbanks since 2010, while concerning, must be viewed within the broader economic context. The UK, like many other countries, faced significant economic challenges following the global financial crisis of 2008. Austerity measures were implemented to reduce the national deficit, and while these policies were harsh, they were intended to restore fiscal stability. The rise in foodbank usage can be attributed to a combination of factors, including greater awareness and availability of foodbanks, changes in the benefits system, and an evolving economy where the nature of employment is changing.
Employment Successes: It’s also important to note that under Conservative leadership, the UK achieved record-high employment rates before the pandemic, suggesting that many policies were successful in creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

2. COVID-19 Response
Unprecedented Challenge:The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented global crisis that caught all governments off-guard. The UK’s response, while not perfect, was on par with many other developed nations that also struggled with similar issues, such as PPE shortages and the rapid spread of the virus in care homes.
Rapid Innovation:The government’s efforts to secure PPE and develop a Track and Trace system were made under immense pressure. Mistakes were made, but this was a common story across the world as governments grappled with a novel virus. Additionally, the UK’s vaccine rollout was one of the fastest in the world, a success that likely saved thousands of lives.
Learning from Mistakes:It's also crucial to acknowledge that the government has since adapted and made changes to improve resilience in the face of future pandemics, with investments in domestic PPE production and new health security infrastructure.

3. Brexit
Democratic Mandate: Brexit was the result of a democratic referendum in which a majority voted to leave the European Union. The government had a mandate to deliver on that decision, and despite the complexity and division it caused, it was ultimately about respecting the will of the people.
Economic Opportunities: While the implementation of Brexit has been challenging, it has also opened up new opportunities for the UK to strike its own trade deals and reassert control over its laws and borders. Over time, these changes could lead to economic benefits and a stronger, more independent global position.
Long-Term Perspective: The full impacts of Brexit are still unfolding, and it is premature to judge its success or failure so soon after its implementation. It’s important to give these policies time to take effect and for the UK to adapt to its new role outside the EU.

4. Populism and Leadership
Populism vs. Representation:The rise of populism within the Conservative Party can be seen as a reflection of a broader global trend where voters feel disconnected from traditional political elites. The election of MPs who championed Brexit and the leadership of figures like Boris Johnson and Liz Truss represent a shift towards a more direct form of representation, where leaders are more attuned to the will of the electorate.
Liz Truss's Tenure:While Liz Truss’s tenure as Prime Minister was brief and her economic policies controversial, it’s worth noting that the Conservative Party acted quickly to rectify the situation, demonstrating a capacity for self-correction. The UK’s economy, while strained, remains resilient, and there has been swift action to stabilize markets and protect homeowners.
5. Labour and Reform UK
Labour's Challenges:Criticisms of Keir Starmer’s Labour Party as being out of touch with public sentiment are not unfounded. Labour has struggled to present a clear and compelling alternative to the Conservatives, and internal divisions have plagued the party for years. This lack of coherence may explain why some voters are skeptical of giving Labour the benefit of the doubt.
Reform As for Reform , it reflects a portion of the electorate that feels their concerns are not being addressed by the major parties. Dismissing them as “cretins” overlooks the genuine frustrations that many people feel. Instead of deriding these voters, it’s important to engage with their concerns and offer constructive solutions.

In conclusion, while the original critique of the Conservative Party highlights valid concerns, it’s important to also consider the complexities of governance, the challenges posed by unprecedented events like COVID-19, and the ongoing impacts of major decisions like Brexit. The Tories have faced significant challenges, but they have also made efforts to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the country.

And now Loose canon Angie, been mouthing off boasting of her preferential treatment in the NHS, because the doctor was in agreement with her stance on Gaza.

Two tiers everywhere, is this really the look labour are looking for? 🫣

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Right Brain Ronnie said:

Thank you, but it did take me 2 hours to do, I won't be doing that again anytime soon, I can tell you.

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dsr-burnley said:

It did indeed. But it wasn't flexible. If you had a council house, you were bottom of the list for moving to another one (especially if you wanted to move to another town).

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nicko31 said:

I know little of your posting history TBH, but it will be one or the other. Unless you were betting on the markets (some made a packet)

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