Why do you support Labour?

For a 'new' poster (as far as I'm aware) talk about 'jump right in'

Rosie why shouldn’t a new poster be able to express their views immediately? GN is an open forum; all posters have equal rights, no matter how long they’ve contributed. There’s no hierarchy.

TBH, one of the things that bothers me about GN is the ‘clique’ mentality of a few posters (particularly on the N&P thread). On occasions it feels like ‘playground bullying’.

“And yet you’re still here” I’m sure someone will respond

NotSpaghetti

Yes, there's definitely general desire for fairness and equality (Long standing Labour ethical principle) for me.

I'm another who thinks we should have high taxes and high level of services too.

40% tax for the last goodness know how many years is enough for individuals, thank you!

This Government like many before them haven’t got the backbone to go after the big conglomerates who pay as little tax as possible!

Indigo8 I think the proof that Starmer isn't of the same mould is that he's not able to "spin" - if he was people would like him more!

When Blair won the choice was Tory or "nearly Tory". I am not (and was not) a Blair fan at all but his focus on Early Years was excellent and SureStart, after a patchy start really helped people I worked with a lot. It was a great programme and is worth bringing back.

And, I might add, anything towards this is better than nothing in my view!

Yes, there's definitely general desire for fairness and equality (Long standing Labour ethical principle) for me.

I'm another who thinks we should have high taxes and high level of services too.

ronib

I am confused by Labour - giving £3 billion annually to Ukraine in military aid to Ukraine for 100 years and our pensions amongst the lowest in Europe. Removing the opportunity to study Latin in State schools from February. Embarking on the most expensive and spurious net zero energy program. Endangering the continuation of family run farms with inheritance taxes and taking on our food producers. Taxing employers so moving jobs overseas. Can it get much worse?

The Tories removed the study of music and drama from state schools, and their policies are behind the decimation (or worse) of Arts and Humanities courses in universities. That is much further reaching, as culture and ideas are passed on via the Arts, and reducing access to the production of them limits the range of voices that we hear, whether literally (as performers) or via their writing.

Rosie51

I voted Labour (even though I despise my sitting Labour MP) but honestly if I'd seen the bullying, insulting posts of Beeches I would have been tempted to vote for anybody else. For a 'new' poster (as far as I'm aware) talk about 'jump right in'!!!

There are a few ‘new’ posters just now who have settled in very quickly, aren’t there?

Cossy

Indigo8

Shiname I was the one who requested that the moderators remove your comment, on the grounds that personal attacks are not allowed.

Well done. Never ever personally attack

Yes, very well done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I voted Labour and have no regrets. I’m relieved the tories are no longer sitting smug as our public services fall apart.
I agree with positive comments about the ideology, belief systems that underpin the LP.
I’d like to see greater investment in public services, the Scandi model seems to ensure safer more equal society

I voted Lib Dem, because where I live it was a two horse race between the Tories and Lib Dem’s, and every vote counted. I support Labour though, fundamentally because I want a society where people are treated fairly and equally. I despise the ‘I’m alright Jack’ mentality that is growing in the UK, when so many plainly aren’t. I don’t think the government are getting everything right, but I do think that some things are starting to change for the better, and realise that it’s going to take several years before a lot of what is happening is noticeable. I’m particularly happy that from April the rise in the minimum wage is above inflation, which will ease the pressure on millions of the lowest paid workers somewhat.

Rosie51

I voted Labour (even though I despise my sitting Labour MP) but honestly if I'd seen the bullying, insulting posts of Beeches I would have been tempted to vote for anybody else. For a 'new' poster (as far as I'm aware) talk about 'jump right in'!!!

I was just thinking the same thing 🤔

Beeches

Thanks Ladyleftfield, I agree all those points, and would like there to a global push to effectively tax those with +£10 million wealth which seems to be the biggest cause of inequality and I can’t imagine why Reform aren’t interested in taxing the uber rich (except I can absolutely guess)

The wealthy are already taxed in a higher band, if you over tax then all it does is send them somewhere else to live and takes away any incentive to invest or spend.
We need more in tax but it has to be across the board and if we want better public services then we all need to pay more tax.
That’s why it was a huge mistake for Labour to say they wouldn’t put up income tax or NI before the election.

Indigo8

Shiname I was the one who requested that the moderators remove your comment, on the grounds that personal attacks are not allowed.

Well done. Never ever personally attack

Shiname I was the one who requested that the moderators remove your comment, on the grounds that personal attacks are not allowed.

I am confused by Labour - giving £3 billion annually to Ukraine in military aid to Ukraine for 100 years and our pensions amongst the lowest in Europe. Removing the opportunity to study Latin in State schools from February. Embarking on the most expensive and spurious net zero energy program. Endangering the continuation of family run farms with inheritance taxes and taking on our food producers. Taxing employers so moving jobs overseas. Can it get much worse?

I voted Labour (even though I despise my sitting Labour MP) but honestly if I'd seen the bullying, insulting posts of Beeches I would have been tempted to vote for anybody else. For a 'new' poster (as far as I'm aware) talk about 'jump right in'!!!

Much the same as others on this thread for me.

I believe that society should work on a capitalist version* of the principle of 'from each according to ability, and to each according to need', and think that Labour give us the best chance of that happening. I also believe in equality of opportunity, and think the Tories work against that.

I am another who is waiting to see how things go before jumping to criticism. They said that things would be tough at first, and they have been, but they were voted in by people who knew that. I see KS as a strong leader who hasn't bowed to the constant (and exasperating) drip drip of criticism he's had from day one.

I don't support everything they've done, but I don't regret voting for them. The world is in turmoil, and I think anyone who got in would have trouble navigating the waters just now.

*by which I mean that I think everyone capable should contribute, so that there can be a decent safety net for the young, the old, the sick, the weak etc (anyone who is unable to contribute, basically) but I don't think that everyone should earn the same.

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Beeches

Thanks Ladyleftfield, I agree all those points, and would like there to a global push to effectively tax those with +£10 million wealth which seems to be the biggest cause of inequality and I can’t imagine why Reform aren’t interested in taxing the uber rich (except I can absolutely guess)

And still, you have to have a dig at Reform 😂😂

I agree with all the reasons given above to support Labour but they are not showing as much competence as I had hoped for.

I voted labour and I believe they will get this country back on its feet but it will hurt and it will take time. Conservatives ran this country into the gutter and they pick up a poison chalice which conservatives left behind. People are putting labour down too quickly! Give them a chance!

Thanks Ladyleftfield, I agree all those points, and would like there to a global push to effectively tax those with +£10 million wealth which seems to be the biggest cause of inequality and I can’t imagine why Reform aren’t interested in taxing the uber rich (except I can absolutely guess)

LizzieDrip

I support Labour because:

They have a commitment to social justice - a belief that all citizens should be able to reach their potential, no matter what their background.

They have a commitment to public services for the benefit of all in society e.g. the NHS free at the point of need; a good education system for all; a properly functioning justice system.

They have a commitment to address the climate emergency the world is facing.

They have shown some commitment to re-distribution of wealth e.g. means testing the WFA; removing the tax break for private schools; revising the unequal inheritance tax enjoyed be farmers. (I would like them to go even further in the area of wealth distribution). Those with the broadest shoulders should contribute more to society.

They have a commitment to addressing the UK’s housing crisis e.g. revising planning systems; affordable house building.

They have a commitment to break the cycle of gangs exploiting immigrants. They are processing asylum claims in a timely fashion.

They have a commitment to the UK remaining a member of the ECHR.

They want closer trading links with our nearest trading partner - Europe.

The PM and current cabinet are the most working class the UK has ever had. They understand the lived experience of working class people.

The PM particularly has a deep commitment to human rights.

I think that’ll do for now Beeches

Well said.

Glad to read above what I didn't have the energy to get down tonight. Core values. Uphill at the moment and a rocky road. Lots of good things said I agree with cossy on my attitude to the difficulties.