Why do you support Labour?

I get disillusioned by all the main parties usually because of hypocrisy - when they say one thing but do another and by corruption. I do vote though because I think it’s a privilege to have the bite when so many in other countries don’t and many of our ancestors didn’t have the vote. I voted Labour last time because the candidate who has been the MP for many years is a good constituency MP. He has a great local office with workers who have knowledge on an array of things like housing, pension rights and domestic violence. They always respond to you and offer practical help and the MP steps in when required. He’s also visible in the community so you don’t think he just stays in London and he’s in touch with ordinary people.

Have just signed a petition for rebuilding of local hospital - been delayed again until 2032. Short of trying to fund raise from the private sector, what else is left to repair a hospital in dire conditions?

Barleyfields

A thumbs up from me too. I am so fed up with hearing his miserable intonation of nothing but doom and gloom. I don’t think Starmer knows how to do ‘upbeat’. Being inspirational is an essential quality in a leader. He is depressing in the extreme.

Did you not think the delivery of the AI speech was upbeat Barleyfield? I don't think that was "all gloom and doom" by any measure.

A thumbs up from me too. I am so fed up with hearing his miserable intonation of nothing but doom and gloom. I don’t think Starmer knows how to do ‘upbeat’. Being inspirational is an essential quality in a leader. He is depressing in the extreme.

escaped

I'm not looking for whatever is perceived as charisma, allure, or even magnetism (yuk!).
I'm looking for cheerfulness and expectant happiness about a rosier future, or what's the point?
There was an item on tv last night about high achieving individuals, mainly in Sport, though you could apply it to politics. I can't remember word for word, but it was something like you need to look agile (and buoyant) so as not to look fragile. Basically exude an upbeat, poitive attitude. Slow and steady can still be presented in an uplifting and heartening manner. But that's my take, there's enough doom and gloom around.
Also, I think the Labour Comms team is pretty poor in that respect.

You get a thumbs up from me, it was gloom and doom from the start and it really really needed an upbeat message to the population.

I agree Allira problems go way back before the Tories enjoyed their long reign.
I would seriously hope that Labour get on with the big problems and I don’t expect it can be done in a few months or even a couple of years but it does need at least starting, not the tinkering round the edges.Social care and the NHS is the major problem to me.

I'm not looking for whatever is perceived as charisma, allure, or even magnetism (yuk!).
I'm looking for cheerfulness and expectant happiness about a rosier future, or what's the point?
There was an item on tv last night about high achieving individuals, mainly in Sport, though you could apply it to politics. I can't remember word for word, but it was something like you need to look agile (and buoyant) so as not to look fragile. Basically exude an upbeat, poitive attitude. Slow and steady can still be presented in an uplifting and heartening manner. But that's my take, there's enough doom and gloom around.
Also, I think the Labour Comms team is pretty poor in that respect.

Eloethan

I have not been a supporter of Starmer for a number of reasons, not least because of the way Corbyn was treated. (I know I will be ridiculed for that). However, the constant attacks on Reeves and Starmer demonstrate how skewed our media is and how gullible our electorate is.

After presiding over 14 years of corruption, mismanagement, neglect, dishonesty and greed, I find it incredible that the Conservative Party has the sheer nerve to criticise the Labour Party for everything move it has made so far. As for the people of this country, did they really expect the Labour Party to clear up this unholy mess (everything in ruins - the justice system, the transport system, the education system, public utilities, etc, etc, etc,) within a few months without upsetting anyone at all?

As for the people of this country, did they really expect the Labour Party to clear up this unholy mess (everything in ruins - the justice system, the transport system, the education system, public utilities, etc, etc, etc,) within a few months without upsetting anyone at all?

In a word - Yes probably, Eloethan!!

In fact the mess is not just from the last 14 years, it's a culmination of years of wrong decisions by successive governments who did not think through the long-term consequences of their actions.

Iam64

Johnson and Trump are charismatic. Enough said

Really????

Not everyone finds that the case, believe it or not. Some people actually find both of them repulsive but I suppose enough people agree with you or neither of them would have got anywhere.

I don't really mind if Starmer has an uninspiring way of presenting policies as long as he has integrity and starts to improve things in this country.. I prefer slow and steady.. though I think he could replace some people

Another one here glad to hear from Eloathan

Johnson and Trump are charismatic. Enough said

Another one in full agreement with Eloathan.

KS is not charismatic- but since when did that become a necessary attribute of a good leader? He’s not rabble rousing, he’s running a country.

Whilst I do agree with what Eloethan is saying, I do wish Labour would show a bit of optimism in what they say. By that I mean more passion, and conviction. Its all so flat and monotone to me, that they make the problems sound insurmountable. If it was that overwhelming a task, why take it on in the first place? I don't agree that they had no idea!

I accepted their 20% on school fees, (grrr), though it won't make much difference, I supported what KS said about more checks on home schooled children, I even actually supported him on something - but I can't even remember what because it was delivered in that same dull, soulless manner!

Eloethan

I have not been a supporter of Starmer for a number of reasons, not least because of the way Corbyn was treated. (I know I will be ridiculed for that). However, the constant attacks on Reeves and Starmer demonstrate how skewed our media is and how gullible our electorate is.

After presiding over 14 years of corruption, mismanagement, neglect, dishonesty and greed, I find it incredible that the Conservative Party has the sheer nerve to criticise the Labour Party for everything move it has made so far. As for the people of this country, did they really expect the Labour Party to clear up this unholy mess (everything in ruins - the justice system, the transport system, the education system, public utilities, etc, etc, etc,) within a few months without upsetting anyone at all?

I agree with you.. and about Corbyn

Whitewavemark2

eleothan doesn’t post as often as she used to do, but when she does her posts are always measured, intelligent and well thought out😊.

Yes to this

eleothan doesn’t post as often as she used to do, but when she does her posts are always measured, intelligent and well thought out😊.

Eloethan

I have not been a supporter of Starmer for a number of reasons, not least because of the way Corbyn was treated. (I know I will be ridiculed for that). However, the constant attacks on Reeves and Starmer demonstrate how skewed our media is and how gullible our electorate is.

After presiding over 14 years of corruption, mismanagement, neglect, dishonesty and greed, I find it incredible that the Conservative Party has the sheer nerve to criticise the Labour Party for everything move it has made so far. As for the people of this country, did they really expect the Labour Party to clear up this unholy mess (everything in ruins - the justice system, the transport system, the education system, public utilities, etc, etc, etc,) within a few months without upsetting anyone at all?

Absolutely.

I have not been a supporter of Starmer for a number of reasons, not least because of the way Corbyn was treated. (I know I will be ridiculed for that). However, the constant attacks on Reeves and Starmer demonstrate how skewed our media is and how gullible our electorate is.

After presiding over 14 years of corruption, mismanagement, neglect, dishonesty and greed, I find it incredible that the Conservative Party has the sheer nerve to criticise the Labour Party for everything move it has made so far. As for the people of this country, did they really expect the Labour Party to clear up this unholy mess (everything in ruins - the justice system, the transport system, the education system, public utilities, etc, etc, etc,) within a few months without upsetting anyone at all?

About 40% of immigrants to the UK are students. They pay very high fees to study in the UK and are keeping universities from going bankrupt (and subsidising home students). They also pay for the NHS.

Universities are suffering from the restrictions on overseas students who are no longer able to bring in dependents. I know that at least two of my local NE unis are suffering from a severe cashflow shortage as a result.

About 40% of immigrants to the UK are students. They pay very high fees to study in the UK and are keeping universities from going bankrupt (and subsidising home students). They also pay for the NHS.

Most students stay for the duration of their course and then return home and a new cohort of students arrives.

The advantages of foreign students are income for the UK and the exporting of British ideas (soft diplomacy).

foxie48

Biscuitmuncher

foxie48 of course we would manage without them, who do you think they are treating! Go to any doctors or hospitals they're full of foreigners

"Biscuitmuncher* That's absolutely wrong. I've had two hospital admissions in 2024, on both occasions I was cared for by Migrant doctors, nurses and healthcare workers who came from all over the world. I live in a mainly rural area of the country with a very small migrant population. My daughter is a hospital doctor in Wales, she also works with staff from all over the world treating British patients. I wonder whom you are categorising as "foreign" Most "foreign" people will be required to pay for their NHS treatment.

Same here! I've had loads of hospital admissions and outpatient appointments over the last three years. Nearly every time I've been treated by people with foreign names (no idea if they themselves were immigrants or their parents). The only time I recall being treated by a doctor with and English-sounding name, he turned out to be Australian (and very good he was too).

My GP surgery has a number of staff with foreign-sounding names (again no idea if they were actually immigrants), but we have a low number of immigrants living in the area and I've never been aware that the waiting room is full of foreigners.

MaizieD

I think you need an Oxford comma in there, Allira

Eats, shoots, and leaves..

Probably!!

Curious, though.

I think you need an Oxford comma in there, Allira

Eats, shoots, and leaves..

MissAdventure

A koala?

😁
The book by Lynne Truss!

Yes, a koala eats shoots and leaves.
Insert a comma and the meaning changes.

Where is the OP?