06-28-2025, 07:24 AM
The ongoing battle/ discussion over benefits has highlighted just how difficult tackling the issue of welfare in our country is. No one thinks the status quo is sustainable, but when Labour attempt to sort it out by making cuts revolt from their own party, and pathetic attempts to undermine their efforts from the party who allowed things to get so bad are all that Keir Starmer and his chancellor can look forward to. The fact is a year ago Labour inherited a country with high levels of debt, a welfare bill out of control and rising so fast by 2030 it will be 40% more expensive than it is today.
But what stands out is the fact that over 100 Labour MPs where able to indicate that they would vote against their party, would Tory MPs who’s only interest would have been climbing the slippery pole to the cabinet have done likewise, I very much doubt it. With all that went on in the past year warts and all, two things stand out for me.
First Labour are prepared to take long term decisions which will make them less popular, knowing full well that putting country before party may damage their chances of re election.
Secondly Labour have made things very difficult for themselves by promising not to increase personal taxes. They will have to increase taxes to sort out this mess, promising not to do so was wrong, Rachael Reeves has to do what she promised not to do, particularly after recent events.
Labour are currently attempting to square the circle, it’s time they and us smelt the coffee. Higher taxes will surely need to come or unpalatable cuts and austerity, take your pick. Or Labour could do what the Tories did, simply ignore these issues and leave it for the next government to sort out, then vilify them in opposition for trying to sort out the mess they left.
Finally what about reform, the party who are promising the earth, they are telling us they can square the circle, and sadly the gullible reckon they should be given the chance to do so.
Worrying times.
But what stands out is the fact that over 100 Labour MPs where able to indicate that they would vote against their party, would Tory MPs who’s only interest would have been climbing the slippery pole to the cabinet have done likewise, I very much doubt it. With all that went on in the past year warts and all, two things stand out for me.
First Labour are prepared to take long term decisions which will make them less popular, knowing full well that putting country before party may damage their chances of re election.
Secondly Labour have made things very difficult for themselves by promising not to increase personal taxes. They will have to increase taxes to sort out this mess, promising not to do so was wrong, Rachael Reeves has to do what she promised not to do, particularly after recent events.
Labour are currently attempting to square the circle, it’s time they and us smelt the coffee. Higher taxes will surely need to come or unpalatable cuts and austerity, take your pick. Or Labour could do what the Tories did, simply ignore these issues and leave it for the next government to sort out, then vilify them in opposition for trying to sort out the mess they left.
Finally what about reform, the party who are promising the earth, they are telling us they can square the circle, and sadly the gullible reckon they should be given the chance to do so.
Worrying times.
We all have opinions, thank god they are not all the same, or there would be no debate.