There's always a loophole being exploited when it comes to tax, and that's how he'll get away with it. Who was the last famous person to get done for tax evasion in the UK, Lester Piggot? The blame gets put on the lawyer, who argues that there's nothing in the law that says they can't exploit the loophole, and then it all goes quiet. Annoying but depressingly predictable.
Good to see Starmer providing some vision of what he will deliver as PM. It is pretty clear he is going to be PM now, the coming winter of discontent will be the final nail in the conservative coffin. He needs to start giving people hope that he and his front bench are capable and a better choice. He needs to create clarity on how benefit from Labour being in power. I think it is a pretty average start though personally. More devolution, no new money, seems a bit like taking power and then throwing the problems to others to solve to me. I appreciate he believes in this vision, and parts of it are sound, but as a whole I suspect it is lacking in any real hope. Just my opinion, as always.
He's got to get other people in front of the camera more often, but he's also got the problem that the likes of gob-on-a-stick Rayner and hectoring schoolmistress Reeves are exactly the type of politicians that put swing voters off. Then you're into the proper loonies like Burgon and that fella who thinks everything and everyone's racist (I forget his name). It's a step forward on policies by actually having some, but there might need to be a fair bit of reshuffling of personnel goes on before they look the part.
Imho it doesn't matter who fronts or what policies the Labour Party has, you will always be a supporter of the Bonko and Thatcher tribe. Forever tugging your forelock at them. Although if you are truly in exile? Do you vote?
Forever tugging yourforedeck at them. That’s got to be one of the funniest quotes I’ve heard yet, coming from an out and out Labour luvvy
Not a very humble opinion there. Not correct either. I have the advantage of being able to vote for whoever is likely to unseat the SNP candidate. Last four elections that's been Labour x 2, Lib Dem x 2. Probably Labour again next time. Consider your bubble burst. Have you got anything other than calling people tories?
It is a good start for me, it is only a consultation document for discussion and l will follow what happens from there. Love it if the House of Lords went, but need info on elected representatives. Two thing l wouldn't want to see, an over inflated 2nd house, and certainly unlike the American system were the opposition often hold up legislation. Change is desperately needed and this document is a starting point
Which one is Exile? or he is the brown nose taking the picture hoping for a few crumbs from workshy, entitled toffs?
Fair enough that mate. I think it lacks a bit of depth, but like you say it is a start point. I hope we get a good quality of challenge. The Lords needs huge overhaul. Like you say I would hate to see a US version where change is thwarted. That is what an elected house would achieve I fear. I cant help but think any attempt at significant change will just get bogged down. Was it Robin Cook who tried to shake it up and failed? The last thing Labour need as a priority in my opinion is a long winded battle with the Lords, it wont end well I suspect. Not surprised to see them getting grief for no mention of proportional representation. Bit of an ommission from any consultation I think.
Some constitutionalist can perhaps help me, my current understanding of the House of Lords, is that they can suggest amendments which are then past onto the House of Commons. If the HoC turns down any amendments a couple if times then they are ignored and the legislation is past. So they merely act as a pause and review the HoC legislation, suggesting amendments.? If that is the case, why not have them elected senators with exactly the same powers, or lack of them?
So that is all you've got? No surprise. It's why Labour have gotten humped repeatedly for the last twelve years.
If we'd arrived at 2023 without the House of Lords would anyone be saying, 'I have a great idea, why don't we pay an unelected bunch of toffs to meddle in the affairs of the duly elected Government.'
Get rid of the vast majority hereditary peers (unless they happen to be experts in a particular field that's a benefit to the chamber). All peerage nominations to go through a cross bench selection process.