He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
I don't think this site is dominated by lefties, liberals maybe but not lefties.
The median PBer is a liberal who voted for Blair and Cameron and now backs Starmer or a Liberal Democrat. There are also more Remainers than Leavers.
There are a few Corbynites, Scottish Nationalists and Brexiteer right-wingers like you to add variety but the majority are liberals
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling on the issue - the very same polling highlighted by @TheScreamingEagles in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Casino is in a defensive crouch. I get that; it’s demoralising when the party you support fucks up spectacularly and with regularity.
But it’s very obvious that criticisms of government policy cross the political spectrum. Here’s today’s example.
No, it's just this site has become an echo chamber for only one point of view now and the hyperbole and invective is entirely performative.
Anyone pointing out that the modified policy is more popular than the original simply draws that herd their way, which is why virtually all others have given up and deserted the site.
It doesn't bother me, I like a fight, but you can understand why most simply can't be bothered.
PB retains a broad range of views. You are not the only representative of a right of centre view.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
Entirely your call. But if you're now describing a truckload of paid-up LibDems (of whom I'm one) as "Lefties" and not "centrists in the slightest" then that perhaps illustrates the current bunker mentality of the Conservatives and their supporters.
Yes. The Conservatives like to fight straw men, little understanding how extreme their positions have become. According to this new orthodoxy, even Osborne and Cameron would be unacceptably Leftist.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
I’m very centrist, it just doesn’t look like it from your faraway vantage point.
It's very common for people who are rather left-wing - like you, who've never said anything remotely centre-right on here in your whole life - to proclaim and position themselves as centrists because they want to appear moderate so they get a wider audience and more traction for their views.
It doesn't make it true.
Well, there’s a very large proportion of the population ready to vote Labour, while I’m not, which in theory at least puts me in the centre.
You may not flirt with too much of the nutty alt-right nonsense like our Leon, but economically you are pretty right wing, and culturally you’ve turned into Victor Meldrew at least three decades ahead of time. You’ve revealed before that you’re younger than many of us, and as an intelligent guy I’d guess you had a decent education. So for your demographic you’re really out on a limb.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
He's definitely worse than Truss - the leadership election showed that. It seems to have been rapidly forgotten how bad he was in that contest.
Plus Truss at least recognises the problem (lack of growth), even if she wasn't hugely competent at fixing it - although she faced resistance from people who should have been neutral.
Sunak is just flailing around mis-managing decline, and will take his party to a well deserved annihilation. There is no alternative to that now
He isn't, under Truss the Tories were heading for 1993 Canadian Tory style annihilation and being overtaken on seats by the LDs and SNP while Labour won a landslide.
Now under Sunak Labour are still heading for a 1997 style landslide at present but the Conservatives are still projected to come a clear second on seats and still be the main opposition
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
I don't think this site is dominated by lefties, liberals maybe but not lefties.
The median PBer is a liberal who voted for Blair and Cameron and now backs Starmer or a Liberal Democrat. There are also more Remainers than Leavers.
There are a few Corbynites, Scottish Nationalists and Brexiteer right-wingers like you to add variety but the majority are liberals
Isn’t the median *voter* a liberal who voted for Blair and Cameron and now backs Starmer or a LibDem? And more voters now think Brexit a mistake than a good idea. So PB is representative of the electorate!
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
One of the few things that gone well in Britain has been the cross-party consensus on the need for action on climate change. It was nowhere near enough but it was something. The little shit has chucked all of that in the midden because he thinks there's chance it might give the tories an extra ten seats in opposition. Pathetic and despicable in equal measure.
Liked by an even wider bunch of Lefties.
Rishi has simply extended a deadline to match the EU, whilst keeping the NZ target, something that passed entirely uncommented on by you when the EU did it.
As usual your invective is entirely synthesised.
But people don't trust Rishi.
Only 22% of people trust Rishi Sunak to tackle the climate crisis after his announcement that he will weaken the UK’s net zero policies.
An exclusive poll for the Guardian found that fewer than a quarter of people trust the prime minister to take on the challenge. A total of 53% said they did not trust him, while 19% said they did not know.
Yes it's for the Grauniad, but We Think are a proper pollster.
And without trust, a PM is doomed.
I actually don't think that's true. Few trust politicians in general, and few trusted, say, Boris, even when he won his large majority. Even Blair won large majorities despite being notably slippery.
What a politician needs is an optimistic vision of where they want to take the country. If you convince voters that you have a plan for making tomorrow better than today, they'll flock to you. That's what Margaret Thatcher, Johnson and Blair had in abundance, and what other recent Prime Ministers (Major, Brown, May and now Sunak) have lacked. Cameron was a bit in between. Liz Truss is the exception to that - she had a vision, but it was completely incompetently executed.
Ideally the vision should be positive, simple and explicable in a catchy soundbite.
Sunak has absolutely nothing like that and shows no sign of developing it. Nor does Starmer, but elections are mostly referenda on the incumbent government.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
We've had this discussion a few times before. Essentially the 'progressive' element have a greater fondness for the 'like' button than more conservative posters. They interpret this as validation of their belief that history is unfolding the correct way, which is a harmless and amusing delusion.
Yes, to be fair, I suspect if it was 2008 or 2009 the tide would be reversed and we'd have this precisely the other way round - in fact, I remember Jonathan was very lonely at the time, and really only had Tim for company - but we are where we are.
It's reflective of morale, and engagement, but not a balanced spectrum of opinion is my point.
Whoever puts their hand up in the audience and shouts out is different from what happens when everyone leaves the theatre and goes to cast their vote in private in the ballot box.
"It's reflective of morale, and engagement, but not a balanced spectrum of opinion is my point."
For all your huffing and puffing around it (call it gentle trolling/leftie-baiting if you prefer), I think this analysis is spot on.
We're in a world where the more left-wing attitude is more publicly acceptable, and hence both more likes and more posts. I suspect there are a significant proportion of readers of @Nigelb's comment on the right who want to disagree but aren't sure how to without sounding shameless/silly.
Personally, I actually find PB somewhat balanced for once, but that's probably because I'm further to the left than most of the so-called 'lefties' that are giving CR a hernia this morning.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
You mean, like in Aberystwyth where they would get an improved service to Birmingham as a result of extra capacity at New Street?
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
We've had this discussion a few times before. Essentially the 'progressive' element have a greater fondness for the 'like' button than more conservative posters. They interpret this as validation of their belief that history is unfolding the correct way, which is a harmless and amusing delusion.
Yes, to be fair, I suspect if it was 2008 or 2009 the tide would be reversed and we'd have this precisely the other way round - in fact, I remember Jonathan was very lonely at the time, and really only had Tim for company - but we are where we are.
It's reflective of morale, and engagement, but not a balanced spectrum of opinion is my point.
Whoever puts their hand up in the audience and shouts out is different from what happens when everyone leaves the theatre and goes to cast their vote in private in the ballot box.
"It's reflective of morale, and engagement, but not a balanced spectrum of opinion is my point."
For all your huffing and puffing around it (call it gentle trolling/leftie-baiting if you prefer), I think this analysis is spot on.
We're in a world where the more left-wing attitude is more publicly acceptable, and hence both more likes and more posts. I suspect there are a significant proportion of readers of @Nigelb's comment on the right who want to disagree but aren't sure how to without sounding shameless/silly.
Personally, I actually find PB somewhat balanced for once, but that's probably because I'm further to the left than most of the so-called 'lefties' that are giving CR a hernia this morning.
It isn’t that long since a whole phalanx of PB’ers were wetting themselves with excitement at the size of the majority Mrs May was about to win…. with other more moderate posters prepared to vote for her and subsequently the clown just to keep Corbyn out.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
You mean, like in Aberystwyth where they would get an improved service to Birmingham as a result of extra capacity at New Street?
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
I have always pointed out that HS2 is a white elephant, and so it has proven to be.
[EDIT: "arse biscuit" in this context is an expletive. I wasn't calling you an arse biscuit. I really have to work on my sentence construction)
Bingo.
But even after that retraction, no gold star as I had to give you so many hints.
Dammit! I don't like withdrawal of gold stars. It's coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. [Goes and massacres a group of Tusken Raiders]
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
We've had this discussion a few times before. Essentially the 'progressive' element have a greater fondness for the 'like' button than more conservative posters. They interpret this as validation of their belief that history is unfolding the correct way, which is a harmless and amusing delusion.
Yes, to be fair, I suspect if it was 2008 or 2009 the tide would be reversed and we'd have this precisely the other way round - in fact, I remember Jonathan was very lonely at the time, and really only had Tim for company - but we are where we are.
It's reflective of morale, and engagement, but not a balanced spectrum of opinion is my point.
Whoever puts their hand up in the audience and shouts out is different from what happens when everyone leaves the theatre and goes to cast their vote in private in the ballot box.
I've commented a few times that there was a change - some point after Brexit/Trump when the comments on the website moved to the left. Perhaps in line with a general cultural shift to the left.
But the website is also evidence of a contemporary phenomenon where people with unfashionable views get rounded up on. For instance by suggesting the validity of things that have been accepted as true for centuries - IE that those accused of sex crimes should have due process, innocent until proven guilty, a fair trial etc; but also lots of other comments I can think of (anything vaguely sympathetic to Trump is another example). It is entertaining to watch supposedly smart, sophisticated, professional people whip themselves up in to this outrage when confronted with what is essentially free speech.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
An excellent post with one quibble. He may unfairly be perceived to be disinterested but I don't think his detachment is mere perception.
He really doesn't get us ordinary folk. He is detached.
He also a fool. The HS2 policy makes zero sense - and earmarking 7th for an inheritance tax giveaway ? Cynical nonsense.
He might be a competent administrator, but he’s a dreadful chief exec.
Is he a competent administrator?
Anti-environment, anti-public transport, tax cuts for the wealthy, banning dangerous dogs. Sunak is like some tribute act to the mid 90s Tory Party. He looks like he'll get a similar response from the public.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
England has become a haven for Lefties. It's the Tories wot done it.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
We've had this discussion a few times before. Essentially the 'progressive' element have a greater fondness for the 'like' button than more conservative posters. They interpret this as validation of their belief that history is unfolding the correct way, which is a harmless and amusing delusion.
Yes, to be fair, I suspect if it was 2008 or 2009 the tide would be reversed and we'd have this precisely the other way round - in fact, I remember Jonathan was very lonely at the time, and really only had Tim for company - but we are where we are.
It's reflective of morale, and engagement, but not a balanced spectrum of opinion is my point.
Whoever puts their hand up in the audience and shouts out is different from what happens when everyone leaves the theatre and goes to cast their vote in private in the ballot box.
I've commented a few times that there was a change - some point after Brexit/Trump when the comments on the website moved to the left. Perhaps in line with a general cultural shift to the left.
But the website is also evidence of a contemporary phenomenon where people with unfashionable views get rounded up on. For instance by suggesting the validity of things that have been accepted as true for centuries - IE that those accused of sex crimes should have due process, innocent until proven guilty, a fair trial etc; but also lots of other comments I can think of (anything vaguely sympathetic to Trump is another example). It is entertaining to watch supposedly smart, sophisticated, professional people whip themselves up in to this outrage when confronted with what is essentially free speech.
Free speech means you’re free to say it, not that we’re somehow unfree to disagree with it!
Just a note on 'lefties'. In my whole life I have voted Lab once - in the 1997 GE. If I'm a leftie then the Cons are dead meat.
Talking of which - I note a No 10 source said something like 'this week, for the first time, we have seen the real Rishi.'
I know he meant it differently but that should send a chill through the bones of every one of the dwindling band of Con loyalists. Incidentally, I live in a very Con constituency (that of La Truss) and my colleagues and customers are no part of any elite. So I can tell you that discussions on PB are far to the right and far more generous to the Govt and Mr Sunak than what I hear most days.
Yesterday you were rather rude about the King parental style. From today’s mail:
At the time, he [Harry] was offered the chance to stay in Balmoral with his father Charles on the anniversary of the Queen's death on September 7 but said his busy itinerary made it impossible.
I guess Harry doesn’t rank seeing his father that high in his list of priorities
You believe the Daily Mail is neutral in this matter.
In which case Jeremy Corbyn was a Czech Spy
They are pretty pro Meghan to be honest - lots of fawning articles
Yesterday you were rather rude about the King parental style. From today’s mail:
At the time, he [Harry] was offered the chance to stay in Balmoral with his father Charles on the anniversary of the Queen's death on September 7 but said his busy itinerary made it impossible.
I guess Harry doesn’t rank seeing his father that high in his list of priorities
The King treats his youngest son in the same way the King treated his first wife.
Adulterers have form for treating their families badly.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
What have I done now? I'd like you to back up your assertion regarding my "unpleasantness".
I have simply been lurking for weeks now, although I did comment on the false-narrative regarding all 30 mph zones becoming 20s here in Wales, and I did question Sunak's rather clever, if cynical speech, blaming Labour/LD/ Green for stealing poor people's petrol cars and gas boilers.
I have kept away in order to avoid confrontation with posters like you. If you want me back, keep insulting me.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
Most of the commentary on Sunak and his failings I completely agree with however I just don’t get the hysterical reaction to what are minor tweaks to the net zero measures. I also don’t see how it is actively damaging either.
Yesterday you were rather rude about the King parental style. From today’s mail:
At the time, he [Harry] was offered the chance to stay in Balmoral with his father Charles on the anniversary of the Queen's death on September 7 but said his busy itinerary made it impossible.
I guess Harry doesn’t rank seeing his father that high in his list of priorities
No doubt there’s some fault on both sides - but good parents welcome their kids unconditionally.
The issue is that the King is quite busy - time has to be scheduled. Additionally Harry is not trusted - the fear is that private conversations will be leaked (may be not by Harry, but he will - reasonably - tell his wife and she is definitely not trusted) - while any photographs will be monetised.
The King’s duty comes above what he might want as a person
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
You mean, like in Aberystwyth where they would get an improved service to Birmingham as a result of extra capacity at New Street?
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
I have always pointed out that HS2 is a white elephant, and so it has proven to be.
How can you tell? It hasn't been built yet.
(See: Crossrail. Perhaps even the Edinburgh trams now the line has been extended. Much higher patronage than expected)
No matter your views on HS2, the way it has been ‘delivered’ is a national scandal and that alone should be enough to doom the Tory government.
The fact we have gone from a high speed link to the two biggest conurbations in the north, to only one, to none at all, to maybe even making journey times from Birmingham to central London longer (if it terminates at Old Oak Common) is pathetic. All that money spent for a defective railway line.
It is symptomatic of the rot at the heart of the British government.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
You mean, like in Aberystwyth where they would get an improved service to Birmingham as a result of extra capacity at New Street?
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
I have always pointed out that HS2 is a white elephant, and so it has proven to be.
HS2 would not be a white elephant. Nor would HS3 (NPR, call it what you will). Just as Crossrail and the CTRL/HS1 are not.
What Sunak is proposing (building on the lunatic IRP) would be the a herd of the whitest of white elephants. But it is not HS2.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
We've had this discussion a few times before. Essentially the 'progressive' element have a greater fondness for the 'like' button than more conservative posters. They interpret this as validation of their belief that history is unfolding the correct way, which is a harmless and amusing delusion.
Yes, to be fair, I suspect if it was 2008 or 2009 the tide would be reversed and we'd have this precisely the other way round - in fact, I remember Jonathan was very lonely at the time, and really only had Tim for company - but we are where we are.
It's reflective of morale, and engagement, but not a balanced spectrum of opinion is my point.
Whoever puts their hand up in the audience and shouts out is different from what happens when everyone leaves the theatre and goes to cast their vote in private in the ballot box.
I've commented a few times that there was a change - some point after Brexit/Trump when the comments on the website moved to the left. Perhaps in line with a general cultural shift to the left.
But the website is also evidence of a contemporary phenomenon where people with unfashionable views get rounded up on. For instance by suggesting the validity of things that have been accepted as true for centuries - IE that those accused of sex crimes should have due process, innocent until proven guilty, a fair trial etc…
Who is suggesting that those accused of sex crimes should not get a fair trial ?
As I recall, recent discussions revolved around whether or not their accusers ought to be gagged from giving their accounts in public. Not the same thing at all.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
The biggest problem with HS2 is still the name.
If they called it “Capacity 2050”, and the major stated aim of the project was to get 10,000 long-distance lorries off the road every day, then there would be widespread support for it.
It’s a failure of salesmanship by the politicians.
Trying to salami-slice the benefits as the project progresses, makes it even worse. It should have both gone to Heathrow and linked to HS1.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
You mean, like in Aberystwyth where they would get an improved service to Birmingham as a result of extra capacity at New Street?
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
I have always pointed out that HS2 is a white elephant, and so it has proven to be.
How can you tell? It hasn't been built yet.
(See: Crossrail. Perhaps even the Edinburgh trams now the line has been extended. Much higher patronage than expected)
Also see Borders railway. Bathgate line.
The former in particular having been annoyingly under-built to match (presumably) the Treasury model - but not real life ... though at least they run the trains all the way into Edinburgh, if not quite Melrose!
Just a note on 'lefties'. In my whole life I have voted Lab once - in the 1997 GE. If I'm a leftie then the Cons are dead meat.
Talking of which - I note a No 10 source said something like 'this week, for the first time, we have seen the real Rishi.'
I know he meant it differently but that should send a chill through the bones of every one of the dwindling band of Con loyalists. Incidentally, I live in a very Con constituency (that of La Truss) and my colleagues and customers are no part of any elite. So I can tell you that discussions on PB are far to the right and far more generous to the Govt and Mr Sunak than what I hear most days.
I used to voted Conservative - the last time was 2010. After that I watched the loons, snobs and racists drag the party rightwards leaving me in the political wilderness.
Then Corbyn dragged Labour leftwards and the LibDems disappeared without trace converting the political wilderness into a political desert.
Corbyn, UKIP and the ERG have a lot to answer for - they are lucky that "wrecking the system" is not a arrestable offence...
Yesterday you were rather rude about the King parental style. From today’s mail:
At the time, he [Harry] was offered the chance to stay in Balmoral with his father Charles on the anniversary of the Queen's death on September 7 but said his busy itinerary made it impossible.
I guess Harry doesn’t rank seeing his father that high in his list of priorities
No doubt there’s some fault on both sides - but good parents welcome their kids unconditionally.
The issue is that the King is quite busy - time has to be scheduled. Additionally Harry is not trusted - the fear is that private conversations will be leaked (may be not by Harry, but he will - reasonably - tell his wife and she is definitely not trusted) - while any photographs will be monetised.
The King’s duty comes above what he might want as a person
That an issue, not the issue. Another one is that he’s a crap dad.
No matter your views on HS2, the way it has been ‘delivered’ is a national scandal and that alone should be enough to doom the Tory government.
The fact we have gone from a high speed link to the two biggest conurbations in the north, to only one, to none at all, to maybe even making journey times from Birmingham to central London longer (if it terminates at Old Oak Common) is pathetic. All that money spent for a defective railway line.
It is symptomatic of the rot at the heart of the British government.
HS2 should go ahead in full, what needs chopping is the jobs of those who have mismanaged the project both in government and the contractors.
Dr. Foxy: " People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either. "
That's not just HS2. That's London generally. Even big cities like Leeds don't get anything remotely comparable when it comes to transport.
HS2 might actually benefit other parts of the country, if it went there.
If it had run up to Leeds, as per the original plan that Boris gutted, Newcastle would have had two HS trains an hour and Durham one HS an hour.
Johnson has a cheek complaining about the cancellation to Manchester after he gutted HS2 to Leeds.
Transport spend per head in the North east is pennies compared to London. It took us years to get replacement rolling stock for the Metro and Northern Rail, both went way beyond their planned life.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
England has become a haven for Lefties. It's the Tories wot done it.
It is hard to tell what the right even stand for. Pro business or anti business? Free trade or protection? Law and order or minimal law on the cheap? High tax or low tax? Low immigration or half a million a year?
The rhetoric never matches the delivery, and the rhetoric changes every couple of years according to what polls better.
A good third of people who would have been considered right wing in the 2000s would now be viewed as lefty by the remaining fan club. Another third support the blue rosette without giving much thought or out of (sometimes justified) fear of Labour. The remaining third have taken us here yet are unwilling to take even the slightest responsibility and prefer to blame the blob and lefties after13 years of Tory government.
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
Just a note on 'lefties'. In my whole life I have voted Lab once - in the 1997 GE. If I'm a leftie then the Cons are dead meat.
Talking of which - I note a No 10 source said something like 'this week, for the first time, we have seen the real Rishi.'
I know he meant it differently but that should send a chill through the bones of every one of the dwindling band of Con loyalists. Incidentally, I live in a very Con constituency (that of La Truss) and my colleagues and customers are no part of any elite. So I can tell you that discussions on PB are far to the right and far more generous to the Govt and Mr Sunak than what I hear most days.
I used to voted Conservative - the last time was 2010. After that I watched the loons, snobs and racists drag the party rightwards leaving me in the political wilderness.
Then Corbyn dragged Labour leftwards and the LibDems disappeared without trace converting the political wilderness into a political desert.
Corbyn, UKIP and the ERG have a lot to answer for - they are lucky that "wrecking the system" is not a arrestable offence...
The last tweet in the header sums up the balance issue for me:
"If the Tories do abolish inheritance tax, despite the desperate need for increased spending across so much of the public sector, and benefitting *only* millionaires, they deserve the annihilation heading their way."
This is from someone committed enough a member of the Conservative Party to be out canvassing in 2017 for May. It isn't just the usual suspects.
No matter your views on HS2, the way it has been ‘delivered’ is a national scandal and that alone should be enough to doom the Tory government.
The fact we have gone from a high speed link to the two biggest conurbations in the north, to only one, to none at all, to maybe even making journey times from Birmingham to central London longer (if it terminates at Old Oak Common) is pathetic. All that money spent for a defective railway line.
It is symptomatic of the rot at the heart of the British government.
I think the real scandal is that it is projected to cost £350 million/mile, when similar lines are delivered by the French and Spanish for a tenth of that. Either the NIMBYs should be overridden and the planning process massively curtailed or we should scrap it and also give up on building anything in this country.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
You mean, like in Aberystwyth where they would get an improved service to Birmingham as a result of extra capacity at New Street?
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
I have always pointed out that HS2 is a white elephant, and so it has proven to be.
How can you tell? It hasn't been built yet.
(See: Crossrail. Perhaps even the Edinburgh trams now the line has been extended. Much higher patronage than expected)
Also see Borders railway. Bathgate line.
The former in particular having been annoyingly under-built to match (presumably) the Treasury model - but not real life ... though at least they run the trains all the way into Edinburgh, if not quite Melrose!
The Borders railway HAS been a success as it has reconnected many communities to the railway since the erroneous closure under the LAB government in 1969.
Reopening to Carlisle if possible would be a good move to complete the reversal of this mistake.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
England has become a haven for Lefties. It's the Tories wot done it.
It is hard to tell what the right even stand for. Pro business or anti business? Free trade or protection? Law and order or minimal law on the cheap? High tax or low tax? Low immigration or half a million a year?
The rhetoric never matches the delivery, and the rhetoric changes every couple of years according to what polls better.
A good third of people who would have been considered right wing in the 2000s would now be viewed as lefty by the remaining fan club. Another third support the blue rosette without giving much thought or out of (sometimes justified) fear of Labour. The remaining third have taken us here yet are unwilling to take even the slightest responsibility and prefer to blame the blob and lefties after13 years of Tory government.
TBF, one might make not entirely dissimilar observations about the left. What is on short supply on both sides is competence.
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
Yes, but double taxation is perfectly normal. I paid beer tax, petrol tax and VAT in the last week, all from after tax income.
Unless you think the only tax should be income tax?
No matter your views on HS2, the way it has been ‘delivered’ is a national scandal and that alone should be enough to doom the Tory government.
The fact we have gone from a high speed link to the two biggest conurbations in the north, to only one, to none at all, to maybe even making journey times from Birmingham to central London longer (if it terminates at Old Oak Common) is pathetic. All that money spent for a defective railway line.
It is symptomatic of the rot at the heart of the British government.
I think the real scandal is that it is projected to cost £350 million/mile, when similar lines are delivered by the French and Spanish for a tenth of that. Either the NIMBYs should be overridden and the planning process massively curtailed or we should scrap it and also give up on building anything in this country.
Part of it is population density, so more people are affected in the UK than in France or Spain. The whole planning and environmental rigmarole is I’m sure a bigger factor.
It must surely be easier for Parliament to pass a Bill agreeing to pay everyone a 50% uplift on their property on the route, than to have to sit through a decade of public enquiries with vocal opposition groups on the route?
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
All money circulating in the economy is taxed at many, many multiple points through its lifecycle.
Three key reasons:
People with millions spend a lower proportion and horde more of it. This is bad for the economy. It is a drag on growth. If wealth is left to accumulate by parentage rather than hard work, it disincentives hard work, again a drag on growth and aspiration. Fairness. Someone has to pay, either someone earning the money, or someone gifted the money.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
I think there are a lot of people (I'm one) who didn't much care either way when it was mooted. If they'd passed an act of Parliament to authorise building it, then invited a private consortiums to bid for the right to build, operate and own it, with said consortiums having to finance it up front but then getting the revenue from it, I would have been all for it. I wouldn't have expected this bidding process to raise much money, but hey, we'd have got a railway with all it's benifits out of the deal.
But if no-one had bid even a nominal pound on this basis, it would have meant that the business case couldn't be stood up. Probably, everybody in the room knew that, which is why it wasn't offered out on that basis.
Instead we have this big back hole into which we keep ramming ludicrous amounts of cash for less and less railway - and it is important to consider the sunk cost fallacy; if the remaining cost to finish it is more than it is worth to us, we're better off abandoning it than pressing on.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
England has become a haven for Lefties. It's the Tories wot done it.
It is hard to tell what the right even stand for. Pro business or anti business? Free trade or protection? Law and order or minimal law on the cheap? High tax or low tax? Low immigration or half a million a year?
The rhetoric never matches the delivery, and the rhetoric changes every couple of years according to what polls better.
A good third of people who would have been considered right wing in the 2000s would now be viewed as lefty by the remaining fan club. Another third support the blue rosette without giving much thought or out of (sometimes justified) fear of Labour. The remaining third have taken us here yet are unwilling to take even the slightest responsibility and prefer to blame the blob and lefties after13 years of Tory government.
TBF, one might make not entirely dissimilar observations about the left. What is on short supply on both sides is competence.
Sure. But they have not been in power for a long time, and were rightly clobbered by the electorate for the Corbyn nonsense. Now it is the rights turn to be dragged back to the middle.
The arrogance of this. We must not be subject to the same laws that apply to everyone else - even where there is evidence that one of us might have committed a crime.
And if we don't get our way we'll refuse to do something which may be necessary to keep safe the people we have pledged to serve.
It isn't arrogant. They aren't walking away from the Met, they are just saying they don't want to be firearms officers. You should only do this job if you accept the proposition that one error of judgement can lead you spending the rest of your life in prison. I would guess it will be difficult to find competent people to do this work after these events.
The test for murder is much higher than a simple error of judgment. This is the test the CPS applies before deciding to charge -
1. Is there sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction? If the answer is yes, then the next question is:
2. Is a prosecution required in the public interest?
What these officers are in effect saying is that the CPS should not apply this test.
Now I have quite a lot of sympathy for armed police officers having to make a split second decision about whether to shoot someone. There have been quite a few such shootings in recent years - in some cases in terrorist incidents as well as in ordinary crimes. But if the evidence for a murder charge is there, the police officers' argument seems to be that it should not be in the public interest for them to be prosecuted. And that means that those charged with implementing and upholding the law should, ipso facto, be excused from following the same laws as the rest of us.
That is a pretty dangerous precedent to set.
Don't the CPS also have to consider the suspect to be guilty? My police officer friend is concerned that they are taking the easy option of letting a jury decide.
I have no idea if this is the protocol in such cases, but I think all serving armed police officers should have the right to review the evidence including any camera footage that has been used by the CPS to come to the decision to charge. That might be unusual, but they are in an unusual job and have the right to know what will get them charged with murder.
It is not the job of the CPS to judge whether or not a defendant is guilty. That is absolutely the job of the jury, and it is disappointing that a police officer does not understand that.
The CPS will not prosecute a defendant they know to be innocent, in the same way that a barrister cannot defend a defendant if they know the defendant is guilty. However, if the CPS don't have anything that proves the defendant is innocent, it all comes down to whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. In other words, is there sufficient evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.
I think where a case like this gets tricky is that the CPS have to judge whether or not it was a reasonable action to take as per their job. Apparently the case is going to be heard next September so a bit of a wait to find out to hear the evidence. Hearing this week to determine if the officer gets to keep their anonymity.
And that’s part of the issue. By the the officer will have been suspended and he and his family will have the stress and uncertainty of whether he will be convicted of murder for his actions.
Can you see why other officers might not want to take that risk?
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
You mean, like in Aberystwyth where they would get an improved service to Birmingham as a result of extra capacity at New Street?
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
The fabled extra capacity is primarily for commuter services into London. That is the justification for HS2.
With all the post-Covid WFH, hybrid working and Teams meetings, it has turned out to be a pretty lame justification.
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
Yes, but double taxation is perfectly normal. I paid beer tax, petrol tax and VAT in the last week, all from after tax income.
Unless you think the only tax should be income tax?
Besides.
A lot of the wealth we're talking about is house price inflation which hasn't been taxed.
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
Because it can be. I agree with moving it onto the recipient as unearned income. It's a windfall with no economic activity to justify it.
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
Yes, but double taxation is perfectly normal. I paid beer tax, petrol tax and VAT in the last week, all from after tax income.
Unless you think the only tax should be income tax?
Besides.
A lot of the wealth we're talking about is house price inflation which hasn't been taxed.
And ISA capital gains not taxed, pensions gains not taxed.....
Rishi Sunak thinks the British people are idiots. That's the only rational explanation for last week's shambolic, short-sighted, self-serving, fraudulent grandstanding on net zero.
There was a moment on Wednesday, when the Prime Minister started speaking, that I thought he actually got it. 'Too often, motivated by short-term thinking, politicians have taken the easy way out,' he acknowledged. 'Telling people the bits they want to hear and not necessarily always the bits they need to hear.'
And then he promptly bottled it, and took the easy way out.
The arrogance of this. We must not be subject to the same laws that apply to everyone else - even where there is evidence that one of us might have committed a crime.
And if we don't get our way we'll refuse to do something which may be necessary to keep safe the people we have pledged to serve.
It isn't arrogant. They aren't walking away from the Met, they are just saying they don't want to be firearms officers. You should only do this job if you accept the proposition that one error of judgement can lead you spending the rest of your life in prison. I would guess it will be difficult to find competent people to do this work after these events.
The test for murder is much higher than a simple error of judgment. This is the test the CPS applies before deciding to charge -
1. Is there sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction? If the answer is yes, then the next question is:
2. Is a prosecution required in the public interest?
What these officers are in effect saying is that the CPS should not apply this test.
Now I have quite a lot of sympathy for armed police officers having to make a split second decision about whether to shoot someone. There have been quite a few such shootings in recent years - in some cases in terrorist incidents as well as in ordinary crimes. But if the evidence for a murder charge is there, the police officers' argument seems to be that it should not be in the public interest for them to be prosecuted. And that means that those charged with implementing and upholding the law should, ipso facto, be excused from following the same laws as the rest of us.
That is a pretty dangerous precedent to set.
Don't the CPS also have to consider the suspect to be guilty? My police officer friend is concerned that they are taking the easy option of letting a jury decide.
I have no idea if this is the protocol in such cases, but I think all serving armed police officers should have the right to review the evidence including any camera footage that has been used by the CPS to come to the decision to charge. That might be unusual, but they are in an unusual job and have the right to know what will get them charged with murder.
They should not be above the law, we are not in teh wild west and should not suffer trigger happy cops.
No matter your views on HS2, the way it has been ‘delivered’ is a national scandal and that alone should be enough to doom the Tory government.
The fact we have gone from a high speed link to the two biggest conurbations in the north, to only one, to none at all, to maybe even making journey times from Birmingham to central London longer (if it terminates at Old Oak Common) is pathetic. All that money spent for a defective railway line.
It is symptomatic of the rot at the heart of the British government.
I think the real scandal is that it is projected to cost £350 million/mile, when similar lines are delivered by the French and Spanish for a tenth of that. Either the NIMBYs should be overridden and the planning process massively curtailed or we should scrap it and also give up on building anything in this country.
I don't quite like that £350 million/mile figure, as I *suspect* the costs are not driven by the civil engineering costs. It'd be interesting to see a breakdown of what is being spent where.
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
You mean, like in Aberystwyth where they would get an improved service to Birmingham as a result of extra capacity at New Street?
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
I have always pointed out that HS2 is a white elephant, and so it has proven to be.
How can you tell? It hasn't been built yet.
(See: Crossrail. Perhaps even the Edinburgh trams now the line has been extended. Much higher patronage than expected)
Also see Borders railway. Bathgate line.
The former in particular having been annoyingly under-built to match (presumably) the Treasury model - but not real life ... though at least they run the trains all the way into Edinburgh, if not quite Melrose!
The Borders railway HAS been a success as it has reconnected many communities to the railway since the erroneous closure under the LAB government in 1969.
Reopening to Carlisle if possible would be a good move to complete the reversal of this mistake.
I agree it has been a success - that's my point - indeed more of a success than expected (else it'd have been properly built double track throughout).
Rishi Sunak thinks the British people are idiots. That's the only rational explanation for last week's shambolic, short-sighted, self-serving, fraudulent grandstanding on net zero.
There was a moment on Wednesday, when the Prime Minister started speaking, that I thought he actually got it. 'Too often, motivated by short-term thinking, politicians have taken the easy way out,' he acknowledged. 'Telling people the bits they want to hear and not necessarily always the bits they need to hear.'
And then he promptly bottled it, and took the easy way out.
I am exhausted after watching the Ireland South Africa game - completely enthralling. I predicted a South Africa win but it could have gone either way.
In this weekends games I also predicted a Samoa win (Fail) and a Wales win (oh $hit...).
A brilliant RWC so far....
Bet both Ireland and RSA are glad that England weren't in their group......
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
We have already acted, and are continuing to act. The problem is that a lot of the acts are grand gestures (net Zero, sudden bans on things, closing nuclear plants) rather than anything sensible (eg carbon tax).
I expect dumping HS2 to be quite popular. A lot of people never wanted it, though seem strange to build the Acton to Aston bit. Scrap that too.
A lot of very noisy people living near the route never wanted it. And hired a number of well-known shall we say politely economical with the actualite consultants and lawyers e.g. Rukin and Streeten to put forward their case (which seldom bore any resemblance to the facts).
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either.
You mean, like in Aberystwyth where they would get an improved service to Birmingham as a result of extra capacity at New Street?
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
The fabled extra capacity is primarily for commuter services into London. That is the justification for HS2.
With all the post-Covid WFH, hybrid working and Teams meetings, it has turned out to be a pretty lame justification.
Meanwhile ancient woodlands have been destroyed.
No;e the extra capacity comes from the fact you can now run slower trains stopping at more places on the main lines. Which means regular services from say small stations outside Leeds to Leeds which currently don’t exist because it creates problems on the route.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
It’s also about the policy. The desperate flailing around on climate change is actively damaging.
Liked by a bunch of Lefties, all the usual suspects I see.
Look at the YouGov polling on the issue.
I'd describe those who liked Nigelb's comment as PB's Centrist Dads rather than PB's Lefties.
Which is exactly Sunak's problem. Because Centrist Dads voted for Cameron, and if you look at the YouGov polling - the very same polling highlighted by OGH in his previous header - they were initially prepared to give Sunak the benefit of the doubt. Now they're not.
Er, no. The Woodpecker, Heathener, IanB2, El Capitano, Foxy...
All the usual suspects. None of them are centrists in the slightest.
And then on DuraAce's characteristic unpleasantness you also have MexicanPete, NorthernMonkey and Carnyx. They may support Labour, LDs or the SNP but they are all of a type.
This site has become a haven for Lefties. It's what it is now.
I liked both those comments and added one of my own.
If I who voted for Hague, Cameron and May am now a lefty, the right really has lost it.
You should be jailed for those crimes, for a very long time.
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
I disagree. That’s effectively the argument of the Trumps and DeSantises - and quite seductive for the old with money. But it’s immensely selfish.
No matter your views on HS2, the way it has been ‘delivered’ is a national scandal and that alone should be enough to doom the Tory government.
The fact we have gone from a high speed link to the two biggest conurbations in the north, to only one, to none at all, to maybe even making journey times from Birmingham to central London longer (if it terminates at Old Oak Common) is pathetic. All that money spent for a defective railway line.
It is symptomatic of the rot at the heart of the British government.
I think the real scandal is that it is projected to cost £350 million/mile, when similar lines are delivered by the French and Spanish for a tenth of that. Either the NIMBYs should be overridden and the planning process massively curtailed or we should scrap it and also give up on building anything in this country.
I don't quite like that £350 million/mile figure, as I *suspect* the costs are not driven by the civil engineering costs. It'd be interesting to see a breakdown of what is being spent where.
As a certain interesting company proved with space launch, if you take out Big GovernMent Process* (TM) then prices can be collapsed.
It’s about making a decision - are we building a railway? Or are we making lots and lots of people happy?
No matter your views on HS2, the way it has been ‘delivered’ is a national scandal and that alone should be enough to doom the Tory government.
The fact we have gone from a high speed link to the two biggest conurbations in the north, to only one, to none at all, to maybe even making journey times from Birmingham to central London longer (if it terminates at Old Oak Common) is pathetic. All that money spent for a defective railway line.
It is symptomatic of the rot at the heart of the British government.
I think the real scandal is that it is projected to cost £350 million/mile, when similar lines are delivered by the French and Spanish for a tenth of that. Either the NIMBYs should be overridden and the planning process massively curtailed or we should scrap it and also give up on building anything in this country.
Sounds like with a bit of thought and change of planning law we could have saved £20-30bn and delivered the thing too. But hey, who needs experts or people who think long term? And how can we get lower taxes......
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
I disagree. That’s effectively the argument of the Trumps and DeSantises - and quite seductive for the old with money. But it’s immensely selfish.
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
Yes, but double taxation is perfectly normal. I paid beer tax, petrol tax and VAT in the last week, all from after tax income.
Unless you think the only tax should be income tax?
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
I disagree. That’s effectively the argument of the Trumps and DeSantises - and quite seductive for the old with money. But it’s immensely selfish.
As a puritan, you ought to get that.
Not to worry, the AI will lead to enough innovation to save us from the worst of climate change. Not sure what will save us from the AI though.....
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
We have already acted, and are continuing to act. The problem is that a lot of the acts are grand gestures (net Zero, sudden bans on things, closing nuclear plants) rather than anything sensible (eg carbon tax).
It’s also the point where vague ideals “Net Zero by 2050, yay!” start running up against actual costs (electric cars, home insulation, boiler replacement) bourne by actual people. People who vote. Governments across the West have been screwed financially by the pandemic, and facing competition from countries like China and India who value economic growth above environmental targets.
It’s going to be a very difficult next few years for governments everywhere, lots of incumbents are going to get the boot, but many of the new governments that replace them are also short on ideas.
Gutting HS2 so there's money to spare for an inheritance tax cut, uniting the Green Party and the Ford Motor Company in opposition to his backsliding on Net Zero... Sunak really is the absolute worst. It's like the Tories actually wish us harm now, squatting in power, bereft of any ambition other than power for the sake of it, dragging us down further every day.
Yesterday you were rather rude about the King parental style. From today’s mail:
At the time, he [Harry] was offered the chance to stay in Balmoral with his father Charles on the anniversary of the Queen's death on September 7 but said his busy itinerary made it impossible.
I guess Harry doesn’t rank seeing his father that high in his list of priorities
No doubt there’s some fault on both sides - but good parents welcome their kids unconditionally.
The issue is that the King is quite busy - time has to be scheduled. Additionally Harry is not trusted - the fear is that private conversations will be leaked (may be not by Harry, but he will - reasonably - tell his wife and she is definitely not trusted) - while any photographs will be monetised.
The King’s duty comes above what he might want as a person
LOL the King is busy, what kind of idiot believes that , the arsehole swands about stuffing his fat face and pocketing as much of the public's money he can get his hands on. A day's work would unhinge him.
Just a note on 'lefties'. In my whole life I have voted Lab once - in the 1997 GE. If I'm a leftie then the Cons are dead meat.
Talking of which - I note a No 10 source said something like 'this week, for the first time, we have seen the real Rishi.'
I know he meant it differently but that should send a chill through the bones of every one of the dwindling band of Con loyalists. Incidentally, I live in a very Con constituency (that of La Truss) and my colleagues and customers are no part of any elite. So I can tell you that discussions on PB are far to the right and far more generous to the Govt and Mr Sunak than what I hear most days.
I used to voted Conservative - the last time was 2010. After that I watched the loons, snobs and racists drag the party rightwards leaving me in the political wilderness.
Then Corbyn dragged Labour leftwards and the LibDems disappeared without trace converting the political wilderness into a political desert.
Corbyn, UKIP and the ERG have a lot to answer for - they are lucky that "wrecking the system" is not a arrestable offence...
The last tweet in the header sums up the balance issue for me:
"If the Tories do abolish inheritance tax, despite the desperate need for increased spending across so much of the public sector, and benefitting *only* millionaires, they deserve the annihilation heading their way."
This is from someone committed enough a member of the Conservative Party to be out canvassing in 2017 for May. It isn't just the usual suspects.
Yes, that last tweet is spot on. They deserve an absolute hammering if they do that. At a time when the tax burden is at an all time high simply giving a tax cut to the very wealthiest in society who don’t really need it just to grasp unearned wealth. Well fuck the Tories.
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
Yet the world has acted and is acting on climate change. You may think it is insufficient but that is not the same as doing nothing.
Yesterday you were rather rude about the King parental style. From today’s mail:
At the time, he [Harry] was offered the chance to stay in Balmoral with his father Charles on the anniversary of the Queen's death on September 7 but said his busy itinerary made it impossible.
I guess Harry doesn’t rank seeing his father that high in his list of priorities
No doubt there’s some fault on both sides - but good parents welcome their kids unconditionally.
The issue is that the King is quite busy - time has to be scheduled. Additionally Harry is not trusted - the fear is that private conversations will be leaked (may be not by Harry, but he will - reasonably - tell his wife and she is definitely not trusted) - while any photographs will be monetised.
The King’s duty comes above what he might want as a person
LOL the King is busy, what kind of idiot believes that , the arsehole swands about stuffing his fat face and pocketing as much of the public's money he can get his hands on. A day's work would unhinge him.
Malc, think you need to discuss upping the chill pill dose with your doctor, you wouldn´t want anyone to think you had become unhinged again.
Gutting HS2 so there's money to spare for an inheritance tax cut, uniting the Green Party and the Ford Motor Company in opposition to his backsliding on Net Zero... Sunak really is the absolute worst. It's like the Tories actually wish us harm now, squatting in power, bereft of any ambition other than power for the sake of it, dragging us down further every day.
It’s a scorched earth strategy, isn’t it?
Yep everything they burn down will still need to be implemented just at a higher cost.
But with inheritance tax gone, capital gains tax could easily be applied to inheritances (after all if you receive an inheritance you gain capital) and I suspect the Tories haven’t thought through the consequences. And by the looks of it we will need the money
Never bin a tax as the replacement will likely be worse..l
Just a note on 'lefties'. In my whole life I have voted Lab once - in the 1997 GE. If I'm a leftie then the Cons are dead meat.
Talking of which - I note a No 10 source said something like 'this week, for the first time, we have seen the real Rishi.'
I know he meant it differently but that should send a chill through the bones of every one of the dwindling band of Con loyalists. Incidentally, I live in a very Con constituency (that of La Truss) and my colleagues and customers are no part of any elite. So I can tell you that discussions on PB are far to the right and far more generous to the Govt and Mr Sunak than what I hear most days.
I used to voted Conservative - the last time was 2010. After that I watched the loons, snobs and racists drag the party rightwards leaving me in the political wilderness.
Then Corbyn dragged Labour leftwards and the LibDems disappeared without trace converting the political wilderness into a political desert.
Corbyn, UKIP and the ERG have a lot to answer for - they are lucky that "wrecking the system" is not a arrestable offence...
The last tweet in the header sums up the balance issue for me:
"If the Tories do abolish inheritance tax, despite the desperate need for increased spending across so much of the public sector, and benefitting *only* millionaires, they deserve the annihilation heading their way."
This is from someone committed enough a member of the Conservative Party to be out canvassing in 2017 for May. It isn't just the usual suspects.
Yes, that last tweet is spot on. They deserve an absolute hammering if they do that. At a time when the tax burden is at an all time high simply giving a tax cut to the very wealthiest in society who don’t really need it just to grasp unearned wealth. Well fuck the Tories.
Taz, the point is the wealthy don't pay it , it is the poor mugs in the middle who have slogged all their lives , saved a bit and bought a house etc, never sponged a penny and paid tax for 50 years that are paying it. They should ensure the wealthy pay their taxes , no tax avoidance/evasion wink wink, rather than clobbering the people who strive to better themselves.
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
I'm feeling increasingly undefeatist. The key is that the next steps are becoming less and less reliant on politics. Solar just gets cheaper all the time, the deployment everywhere just gets faster and faster. Offshore wind is finally becoming economical and it'll scale out crazy fast all over the place. Electric cars are better than gasoline cars: If they're not already faster, cheaper, quieter and easier to maintain, they soon will be.
This is a way more optimistic situation to be in than one where we were just relying on politics, because the world has lots of different countries and it was always going to be hard to get them all to do the right thing at the same time when they could instead get a competitive advantage by doing the wrong thing.
Yesterday you were rather rude about the King parental style. From today’s mail:
At the time, he [Harry] was offered the chance to stay in Balmoral with his father Charles on the anniversary of the Queen's death on September 7 but said his busy itinerary made it impossible.
I guess Harry doesn’t rank seeing his father that high in his list of priorities
No doubt there’s some fault on both sides - but good parents welcome their kids unconditionally.
The issue is that the King is quite busy - time has to be scheduled. Additionally Harry is not trusted - the fear is that private conversations will be leaked (may be not by Harry, but he will - reasonably - tell his wife and she is definitely not trusted) - while any photographs will be monetised.
The King’s duty comes above what he might want as a person
LOL the King is busy, what kind of idiot believes that , the arsehole swands about stuffing his fat face and pocketing as much of the public's money he can get his hands on. A day's work would unhinge him.
He must be super busy given the state pay for two people to get him dressed, iron his shoelaces and squeeze the toothpaste onto his brush.....not sure I have ever met anyone that busy that they require that level of time saving.
He's not worse than Truss or Johnson. Both of them struggled with basic day to day administration and he runs a steady ship. He's also got several important deals done.
Rishi's problem is that he's perceived to be detached and disinterested coupled with poor political salesmanship. When you add this in to his approach to risk which, in its delivery, goes from extremely cautious to cautious to desperate panic it conveys a lack of confidence that others pick up on and irritates them because they don't really know or trust his motives.
It's not actually the policy. The guy has never crystallised what he's about, where his heart is and why you should trust him, or communicated his vision and prospectus for Britain.
that's because he doesn't have a vision. It's government by powerpoint and spreadsheet and a uniquely undisciplined cabinet
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
Yes, but double taxation is perfectly normal. I paid beer tax, petrol tax and VAT in the last week, all from after tax income.
Unless you think the only tax should be income tax?
Those are all taxes on economic activity
Inheritance tax is not.
Right, and we should favour taxes on lack of economic activity over taxes on economic activity, because that encourages people to spend money and keep the economy moving, rather than just sitting on it. So that makes inheritance tax the worst one to consider scrapping IMO. Plus taxing large inheritances rather than peoples' everyday spending is more progressive taxation.
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
Yes, but double taxation is perfectly normal. I paid beer tax, petrol tax and VAT in the last week, all from after tax income.
Unless you think the only tax should be income tax?
Those are all taxes on economic activity
Inheritance tax is not.
But isn't economic activity- changing and exchanging stuff so it is valued more- a good thing, to be encouraged?
As opposed to waiting for an ancestor to pop their clogs.
I've just had to deal with an IHT bill. Annoying, sure, but I'd also just had a windfall to pay for it.
I almost sympathise with Casino. His choice is to vote for himself first - the Conservatives are better financially for him and his family. I can't object to that - we all do what we see as best for our own.
The problem now is that the Tories are fucking mental. With the deliberate use of the expletive because their position now is akin to piracy.
Casino will vote for more money for himself and his family. Fine. I suspect the reason for his increasing rants is that he finds it increasingly difficult to ignore the taste of bile as his conscience wrestles with just where that money is coming from.
Like pirates, the Conservative Party are out to line their own pockets with as much of our money as they can before the get caught and hung. I would have more respect for them if they just admitted it - its not as if they can disguise it.
I joked that they should run Lee Anderson with a "Vote Conservative or Fuck Off" campaign. I think Sunak has done the abridged version and the slogan is simply "Fuck Off".
Many of us have different life experiences, different perspectives, different political leanings. But we're all citizens of this country and human beings. Morality is a thing. Right and Wrong. The reason why the remaining Tories lash out is that they are voting for wrong. And they know it.
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
I'm feeling increasingly undefeatist. The key is that the next steps are becoming less and less reliant on politics. Solar just gets cheaper all the time, the deployment everywhere just gets faster and faster. Offshore wind is finally becoming economical and it'll scale out crazy fast all over the place. Electric cars are better than gasoline cars: If they're not already faster, cheaper, quieter and easier to maintain, they soon will be.
This is a way more optimistic situation to be in than one where we were just relying on politics, because the world has lots of different countries and it was always going to be hard to get them all to do the right thing at the same time when they could instead get a competitive advantage by doing the wrong thing.
Agreed 100%.
The biggest positive will come, as has always happened in the past, by changes in the state of technology.
The plan to abolish inheritance tax reminds me of Corbyn’s pledge to abolish tuition fees. With that and the dicking about with net zero, he’s recognisably as reckless and irresponsible as Corbyn. He deserves the same fate.
If they did get rid of inheritance tax it would make its replacement fair game. Time to move it on to the recipient, I suggest something like a lifetime allowance of £100k tax free, next £200k @ 15%, anything more @ 40%.
And the in principle point remains: these are assets accumulated from taxed income. Why should it be taxed a second time just because it has been transferred with no economic activity?
for the same reason that investment income from deposit accounts etc is taxed even though the original money was usually from taxed income I would also say that the value of assets like houses and property rises in value due to prosperity of the country rather than any extra work from the owner occupier. I bought my house in 2001 for £50000. It is now worth at least £150000. I bought it from cash without a mortgage. I would call that fair game for taxation when (and if..) I die.
It is pretty clear that the world is not going to act on climate change. I am increasingly defeatist, and think we might as well enjoy ourselves before the inevitable mass extinction of civilisation.
I'm feeling increasingly undefeatist. The key is that the next steps are becoming less and less reliant on politics. Solar just gets cheaper all the time, the deployment everywhere just gets faster and faster. Offshore wind is finally becoming economical and it'll scale out crazy fast all over the place. Electric cars are better than gasoline cars: If they're not already faster, cheaper, quieter and easier to maintain, they soon will be.
This is a way more optimistic situation to be in than one where we were just relying on politics, because the world has lots of different countries and it was always going to be hard to get them all to do the right thing at the same time when they could instead get a competitive advantage by doing the wrong thing.
As someone put, be careful where you sequester all the carbon, if you go that root.
The Carbon Shortage of 2100 will be the next problem….
Gutting HS2 so there's money to spare for an inheritance tax cut, uniting the Green Party and the Ford Motor Company in opposition to his backsliding on Net Zero... Sunak really is the absolute worst. It's like the Tories actually wish us harm now, squatting in power, bereft of any ambition other than power for the sake of it, dragging us down further every day.
It’s a scorched earth strategy, isn’t it?
Yep everything they burn down will still need to be implemented just at a higher cost.
But with inheritance tax gone, capital gains tax could easily be applied to inheritances (after all if you receive an inheritance you gain capital) and I suspect the Tories haven’t thought through the consequences. And by the looks of it we will need the money
Never bin a tax as the replacement will likely be worse..l
Capital gains is a tax on profits not a tax on asset transfers
Just a note on 'lefties'. In my whole life I have voted Lab once - in the 1997 GE. If I'm a leftie then the Cons are dead meat.
Talking of which - I note a No 10 source said something like 'this week, for the first time, we have seen the real Rishi.'
I know he meant it differently but that should send a chill through the bones of every one of the dwindling band of Con loyalists. Incidentally, I live in a very Con constituency (that of La Truss) and my colleagues and customers are no part of any elite. So I can tell you that discussions on PB are far to the right and far more generous to the Govt and Mr Sunak than what I hear most days.
I used to voted Conservative - the last time was 2010. After that I watched the loons, snobs and racists drag the party rightwards leaving me in the political wilderness.
Then Corbyn dragged Labour leftwards and the LibDems disappeared without trace converting the political wilderness into a political desert.
Corbyn, UKIP and the ERG have a lot to answer for - they are lucky that "wrecking the system" is not a arrestable offence...
The last tweet in the header sums up the balance issue for me:
"If the Tories do abolish inheritance tax, despite the desperate need for increased spending across so much of the public sector, and benefitting *only* millionaires, they deserve the annihilation heading their way."
This is from someone committed enough a member of the Conservative Party to be out canvassing in 2017 for May. It isn't just the usual suspects.
Yes, that last tweet is spot on. They deserve an absolute hammering if they do that. At a time when the tax burden is at an all time high simply giving a tax cut to the very wealthiest in society who don’t really need it just to grasp unearned wealth. Well fuck the Tories.
Taz, the point is the wealthy don't pay it , it is the poor mugs in the middle who have slogged all their lives , saved a bit and bought a house etc, never sponged a penny and paid tax for 50 years that are paying it. They should ensure the wealthy pay their taxes , no tax avoidance/evasion wink wink, rather than clobbering the people who strive to better themselves.
Morning Malc, hope you and you’re family are well.
Absolutely agree with you on all of that. It is the proverbial squeezed middle on the receiving end and yet because you have a state pension worth a few thousand you have worked all your life for it is people like you who are accused of ripping off the younger generation not these parasites.
With regards to HS2 we get argument about speed vs capacity, and about whether we now need the thing. A basic question. France has High Speed Rail. Germany. Italy. Spain. Belgium. Are we worse than these countries?
The argument for modernising the rail network is clear and unambiguous - the challenge is cost. It appears to be a peculiarity of Britain that we inflate the cost of any project many times over - absurd specifications and abused supply relationships.
Ultimately it doesn't matter whether Sunak cancels the rest of HS2 or not - it will be built. This just adds more delay. And cost.
Gutting HS2 so there's money to spare for an inheritance tax cut, uniting the Green Party and the Ford Motor Company in opposition to his backsliding on Net Zero... Sunak really is the absolute worst. It's like the Tories actually wish us harm now, squatting in power, bereft of any ambition other than power for the sake of it, dragging us down further every day.
It’s a scorched earth strategy, isn’t it?
Yep everything they burn down will still need to be implemented just at a higher cost.
But with inheritance tax gone, capital gains tax could easily be applied to inheritances (after all if you receive an inheritance you gain capital) and I suspect the Tories haven’t thought through the consequences. And by the looks of it we will need the money
Never bin a tax as the replacement will likely be worse..l
Capital gains is a tax on profits not a tax on asset transfers
Comments
I would expect your party to do exactly the same, and so would you.
The median PBer is a liberal who voted for Blair and Cameron and now backs Starmer or a Liberal Democrat. There are also more Remainers than Leavers.
There are a few Corbynites, Scottish Nationalists and Brexiteer right-wingers like you to add variety but the majority are liberals
You may not flirt with too much of the nutty alt-right nonsense like our Leon, but economically you are pretty right wing, and culturally you’ve turned into Victor Meldrew at least three decades ahead of time. You’ve revealed before that you’re younger than many of us, and as an intelligent guy I’d guess you had a decent education. So for your demographic you’re really out on a limb.
A rather greater number who wanted the extra capacity and quicker journey times on their local lines do, but tend not to shout about it so much.
https://twitter.com/thekareem/status/1309381943990067201
[EDIT: "arse biscuit" in this context is an expletive. I wasn't calling you an arse biscuit. I really have to work on my sentence construction)
Now under Sunak Labour are still heading for a 1997 style landslide at present but the Conservatives are still projected to come a clear second on seats and still be the main opposition
What a politician needs is an optimistic vision of where they want to take the country. If you convince voters that you have a plan for making tomorrow better than today, they'll flock to you. That's what Margaret Thatcher, Johnson and Blair had in abundance, and what other recent Prime Ministers (Major, Brown, May and now Sunak) have lacked. Cameron was a bit in between. Liz Truss is the exception to that - she had a vision, but it was completely incompetently executed.
Ideally the vision should be positive, simple and explicable in a catchy soundbite.
Sunak has absolutely nothing like that and shows no sign of developing it. Nor does Starmer, but elections are mostly referenda on the incumbent government.
But even after that retraction, no gold star as I had to give you so many hints.
For all your huffing and puffing around it (call it gentle trolling/leftie-baiting if you prefer), I think this analysis is spot on.
We're in a world where the more left-wing attitude is more publicly acceptable, and hence both more likes and more posts. I suspect there are a significant proportion of readers of @Nigelb's comment on the right who want to disagree but aren't sure how to without sounding shameless/silly.
Personally, I actually find PB somewhat balanced for once, but that's probably because I'm further to the left than most of the so-called 'lefties' that are giving CR a hernia this morning.
I think the point is, you're not keen on the idea (partly because you don't fully understand the implications of the extra capacity it would bring, including for Leicestershire) and are projecting your views as a result.
But the website is also evidence of a contemporary phenomenon where people with unfashionable views get rounded up on. For instance by suggesting the validity of things that have been accepted as true for centuries - IE that those accused of sex crimes should have due process, innocent until proven guilty, a fair trial etc; but also lots of other comments I can think of (anything vaguely sympathetic to Trump is another example). It is entertaining to watch supposedly smart, sophisticated, professional people whip themselves up in to this outrage when confronted with what is essentially free speech.
Anti-environment, anti-public transport, tax cuts for the wealthy, banning dangerous dogs. Sunak is like some tribute act to the mid 90s Tory Party. He looks like he'll get a similar response from the public.
Talking of which - I note a No 10 source said something like 'this week, for the first time, we have seen the real Rishi.'
I know he meant it differently but that should send a chill through the bones of every one of the dwindling band of Con loyalists. Incidentally, I live in a very Con constituency (that of La Truss) and my colleagues and customers are no part of any elite. So I can tell you that discussions on PB are far to the right and far more generous to the Govt and Mr Sunak than what I hear most days.
What have I done now? I'd like you to back up your assertion regarding my "unpleasantness".
I have simply been lurking for weeks now, although I did comment on the false-narrative regarding all 30 mph zones becoming 20s here in Wales, and I did question Sunak's rather clever, if cynical speech, blaming Labour/LD/ Green for stealing poor people's petrol cars and gas boilers.
I have kept away in order to avoid confrontation with posters like you. If you want me back, keep insulting me.
I am truly honoured.
The King’s duty comes above what he might want as a person
(See: Crossrail. Perhaps even the Edinburgh trams now the line has been extended. Much higher patronage than expected)
Dr. Foxy: " People who live nowhere near it but are expected to pay for it are often not keen either. "
That's not just HS2. That's London generally. Even big cities like Leeds don't get anything remotely comparable when it comes to transport.
HS2 might actually benefit other parts of the country, if it went there.
The fact we have gone from a high speed link to the two biggest conurbations in the north, to only one, to none at all, to maybe even making journey times from Birmingham to central London longer (if it terminates at Old Oak Common) is pathetic. All that money spent for a defective railway line.
It is symptomatic of the rot at the heart of the British government.
What Sunak is proposing (building on the lunatic IRP) would be the a herd of the whitest of white elephants. But it is not HS2.
As I recall, recent discussions revolved around whether or not their accusers ought to be gagged from giving their accounts in public. Not the same thing at all.
If they called it “Capacity 2050”, and the major stated aim of the project was to get 10,000 long-distance lorries off the road every day, then there would be widespread support for it.
It’s a failure of salesmanship by the politicians.
Trying to salami-slice the benefits as the project progresses, makes it even worse. It should have both gone to Heathrow and linked to HS1.
The former in particular having been annoyingly under-built to match (presumably) the Treasury model - but not real life ... though at least they run the trains all the way into Edinburgh, if not quite Melrose!
Then Corbyn dragged Labour leftwards and the LibDems disappeared without trace converting the political wilderness into a political desert.
Corbyn, UKIP and the ERG have a lot to answer for - they are lucky that "wrecking the system" is not a arrestable offence...
Another one is that he’s a crap dad.
Johnson has a cheek complaining about the cancellation to Manchester after he gutted HS2 to Leeds.
Transport spend per head in the North east is pennies compared to London. It took us years to get replacement rolling stock for the Metro and Northern Rail, both went way beyond their planned life.
The rhetoric never matches the delivery, and the rhetoric changes every couple of years according to what polls better.
A good third of people who would have been considered right wing in the 2000s would now be viewed as lefty by the remaining fan club. Another third support the blue rosette without giving much thought or out of (sometimes justified) fear of Labour. The remaining third have taken us here yet are unwilling to take even the slightest responsibility and prefer to blame the blob and lefties after13 years of Tory government.
"If the Tories do abolish inheritance tax, despite the desperate need for increased spending across so much of the public sector, and benefitting *only* millionaires, they deserve the annihilation heading their way."
This is from someone committed enough a member of the Conservative Party to be out canvassing in 2017 for May. It isn't just the usual suspects.
Reopening to Carlisle if possible would be a good move to complete the reversal of this mistake.
What is on short supply on both sides is competence.
Unless you think the only tax should be income tax?
It must surely be easier for Parliament to pass a Bill agreeing to pay everyone a 50% uplift on their property on the route, than to have to sit through a decade of public enquiries with vocal opposition groups on the route?
Three key reasons:
People with millions spend a lower proportion and horde more of it. This is bad for the economy. It is a drag on growth.
If wealth is left to accumulate by parentage rather than hard work, it disincentives hard work, again a drag on growth and aspiration.
Fairness. Someone has to pay, either someone earning the money, or someone gifted the money.
But if no-one had bid even a nominal pound on this basis, it would have meant that the business case couldn't be stood up. Probably, everybody in the room knew that, which is why it wasn't offered out on that basis.
Instead we have this big back hole into which we keep ramming ludicrous amounts of cash for less and less railway - and it is important to consider the sunk cost fallacy; if the remaining cost to finish it is more than it is worth to us, we're better off abandoning it than pressing on.
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-sunak-smart-for-easing-climate-targets/
DeSantis: Humans are ‘safer than ever’ from effects of climate change
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/20/desantis-2024-climate-change-00117078
Can you see why other officers might not want to take that risk?
With all the post-Covid WFH, hybrid working and Teams meetings, it has turned out to be a pretty lame justification.
Meanwhile ancient woodlands have been destroyed.
A lot of the wealth we're talking about is house price inflation which hasn't been taxed.
There was a moment on Wednesday, when the Prime Minister started speaking, that I thought he actually got it. 'Too often, motivated by short-term thinking, politicians have taken the easy way out,' he acknowledged. 'Telling people the bits they want to hear and not necessarily always the bits they need to hear.'
And then he promptly bottled it, and took the easy way out.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-12553693/DAN-HODGES-Theres-no-painless-route-net-zero-Rishi-Sunak-tell-fairy-tales.html
That’s effectively the argument of the Trumps and DeSantises - and quite seductive for the old with money. But it’s immensely selfish.
As a puritan, you ought to get that.
It’s about making a decision - are we building a railway? Or are we making lots and lots of people happy?
*AkA Fill everyone’s rice bowl.
Inheritance tax is not.
It’s going to be a very difficult next few years for governments everywhere, lots of incumbents are going to get the boot, but many of the new governments that replace them are also short on ideas.
But with inheritance tax gone, capital gains tax could easily be applied to inheritances (after all if you receive an inheritance you gain capital) and I suspect the Tories haven’t thought through the consequences. And by the looks of it we will need the money
Never bin a tax as the replacement will likely be worse..l
This is a way more optimistic situation to be in than one where we were just relying on politics, because the world has lots of different countries and it was always going to be hard to get them all to do the right thing at the same time when they could instead get a competitive advantage by doing the wrong thing.
As opposed to waiting for an ancestor to pop their clogs.
I've just had to deal with an IHT bill. Annoying, sure, but I'd also just had a windfall to pay for it.
The problem now is that the Tories are fucking mental. With the deliberate use of the expletive because their position now is akin to piracy.
Casino will vote for more money for himself and his family. Fine. I suspect the reason for his increasing rants is that he finds it increasingly difficult to ignore the taste of bile as his conscience wrestles with just where that money is coming from.
Like pirates, the Conservative Party are out to line their own pockets with as much of our money as they can before the get caught and hung. I would have more respect for them if they just admitted it - its not as if they can disguise it.
I joked that they should run Lee Anderson with a "Vote Conservative or Fuck Off" campaign. I think Sunak has done the abridged version and the slogan is simply "Fuck Off".
Many of us have different life experiences, different perspectives, different political leanings. But we're all citizens of this country and human beings. Morality is a thing. Right and Wrong. The reason why the remaining Tories lash out is that they are voting for wrong. And they know it.
The biggest positive will come, as has always happened in the past, by changes in the state of technology.
I would also say that the value of assets like houses and property rises in value due to prosperity of the country rather than any extra work from the owner occupier.
I bought my house in 2001 for £50000. It is now worth at least £150000. I bought it from cash without a mortgage. I would call that fair game for taxation when (and if..) I die.
The Carbon Shortage of 2100 will be the next problem….
Absolutely agree with you on all of that. It is the proverbial squeezed middle on the receiving end and yet because you have a state pension worth a few thousand you have worked all your life for it is people like you who are accused of ripping off the younger generation not these parasites.
The argument for modernising the rail network is clear and unambiguous - the challenge is cost. It appears to be a peculiarity of Britain that we inflate the cost of any project many times over - absurd specifications and abused supply relationships.
Ultimately it doesn't matter whether Sunak cancels the rest of HS2 or not - it will be built. This just adds more delay. And cost.