[Politics] Are Labour going to turn this country around?

[abc]

As I said before, not all inflation is equal, there’s a need to differentiate between types of inflation.

I don’t know how we have one of the lowest productivity levels in Europe, as most of the people I know work like dogs with very little reward to show for it. If they didn’t do the constant overtime they do, they’d only just cover their bills. Working 12 hour days just to have enough money for a holiday once a year seems obscene to me.

I know that the businesses I’ve worked at more recently have had people performing drudge work that would be low hanging fruit for automation, but that just removes jobs from the ecosystem. It possibly does explain low productivity levels compared to other nations however.

Edit: here’s a timely article showing the effects of stifling demand by keeping the workforce poor:

Record jump in number of firms in financial distress https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vmrpdrk4eo

I suspect there is quite a gap between those who work very hard and are productive and those like train drivers that get higher and higher wages but refuse to modernise and in fact demand to work less hours for more money.
But also the answer is rarely working harder or longer hours but being more productive through the use of technology, machinery etc. This requires acceptance of change by the workforce (see trains) and investment by companies. The latter requires an economically competent chancellor to create the right environment for investment.Reeves has done the opposite.

 

[chickens]

I suspect there is quite a gap between those who work very hard and are productive and those like train drivers that get higher and higher wages but refuse to modernise and in fact demand to work less hours for more money.
But also the answer is rarely working harder or longer hours but being more productive through the use of technology, machinery etc. This requires acceptance of change by the workforce (see trains) and investment by companies. The latter requires an economically competent chancellor to create the right environment for investment.Reeves has done the opposite.

Reeves is doing exactly what the previous Tory chancellor was doing, showing that in effect there are no meaningful choices to be made in British politics.

You elect a blue party, they do what the Treasury officials convince them must be done, you elect a red party and they do what the Treasury officials convince them must be done.

Very much like Democrat/Republican in the US, both are the status quo, the presentation may be different, but the reality will be the same. There will be differences around the edges, I infinitely prefer Labour’s low-key and more measured approach to policy, over the Conservatives rabble-rousing and vindictive approach, creating “enemies” that must be defeated, but aside from the presentation there is limited to no difference between both parties, we’ve just elected a slightly less divisive centre-right party to replace a party that had moved too far right to appeal to the majority of the electorate.

I will give Starmer’s government more time, and I still regard it as an improvement on the government that went before it, but most of Reeves pronouncements since becoming chancellor have brought her back in line with what the Conservative chancellor was advocating in their last term in power. For those hoping for a saner path forward, there’s precious little so far to hang your hat on.

Debt-fuelled growth, softening non-dom changes, and allowing British consumers to be ripped off with impunity were all central pillars of Conservative policy. I see why people give up on politics, it’s a very thin gruel we’re expected to swallow.

 

[Simster]

I watched BBC QT for the first time in years and the Labour politician was a classic Starmer cabinet member. Didn't really say anything strong, full of bluster and gave me no confidence at all. Feeble.

 

[abc]

Reeves is doing exactly what the previous Tory chancellor was doing, showing that in effect there are no meaningful choices to be made in British politics.

Sadly, we are in agreement.

 

[HillBarnTillIDie]

Its being reported that the day Starmer visited Southport to lay a tribute in light of the awful child killings (for all of 19 seconds) he was driven straight back to the capital to attend a Labour victory celebration party.

Not really an appropriate thing to do in my opinion.

 

[Bodian]

Its being reported that the day Starmer visited Southport to lay a tribute in light of the awful child killings (for all of 19 seconds) he was driven straight back to the capital to attend a Labour victory celebration party.

Not really an appropriate thing to do in my opinion.

'It's being reported'?

It was in the news at the time.

Keir Starmer laid tribute to Southport victims before going for drinks

The Prime Minister mingled with Labour supporters at a barbecue at No 10 after he laid a floral tribute earlier that day in Southport, where three children were fatally stabbed.

www.dailymail.co.uk