Gransnet forums

News & politics

This government has me puzzled

(179 Posts)
Cabowich Mon 22-Dec-25 12:43:43

On the one hand we have headlines such as 'Government rolls back nature protection to boost housing' next to the wonderful headlines on banning trail hunting, banning electric shock collars, chicken cages, banning shooting of hares during breeding season, etc, etc.

If Labour's plans for the extra animal welfare measures actually come to fruition that would be so, so good. But I fear they'll have a battle on their hands from sick people who either put profits first, or who love to kill for sport.

Whitewavemark2 Mon 22-Dec-25 13:01:15

Oh sorry I didn’t see this before I posted.

But this post encapsulates the destruction of environment also, which will be fought in parliament I think.

eazybee Mon 22-Dec-25 15:48:03

This government has me in despair.
Contradictory, inconsistent, duplicitous.
Promising much
delivering little.
Meanwhile.....?

M0nica Mon 22-Dec-25 15:55:20

I didn't know we had a government. I know there are a bunch of headless chickens running round Whitehall, but I have yet to see any sign of a government.

Perhaps this explains this new Bill.

Cabowich Mon 22-Dec-25 16:27:28

Monica well at least the headless chickens running round Whitehall won't have to live in cages grin.

Jane43 Mon 22-Dec-25 22:08:38

eazybee

This government has me in despair.
Contradictory, inconsistent, duplicitous.
Promising much
delivering little.
Meanwhile.....?

Delivering little? Many of their manifesto pledges have been achieved, others are in progress. 18 items achieved, 21 items in progress, 17 items on track
fullfact.org/government-tracker/

DaisyAnneReturns Tue 23-Dec-25 08:14:32

It’s interesting that so much of the information being shared seems to come from the UK’s right-wing press. That doesn’t mean it’s automatically wrong, but it does mean it’s worth being a bit cautious, especially when the coverage has a clear angle. If we’re trying to get closer to the truth (whatever that may be), it helps to look beyond sources with an obvious bias.

Taking the headline “Government rolls back nature protection to boost housing” and actually checking it, the picture is a bit more mixed. The government is changing planning rules to speed up housebuilding. Some habitat protections, like Biodiversity Net Gain for smaller developments, are being weakened to make things easier for developers. That said, it’s not a case of scrapping all environmental protections. The changes are fairly targeted, and many core protections are still there, even if critics think they may be less effective in practice.

If you take out some of the loaded language, there’s a worthwhile discussion to be had about whether these trade-offs make sense. What’s less helpful is when posts like this feel more about picking a fight or pushing a favourite cause than actually talking through the details.

Cabowich Tue 23-Dec-25 08:46:52

Well, DaisyAnneReturns, the headlines were taken from the BBC news web page - and, regarding the BBC, nobody seems to be able to determine whether they are right-wing, or left-wing.

And if I am picking a fight, it is only with people who enjoy hunting and who are cruel to animals for profitable purposes.

I still stand by my original comment - that it's hard to understand which direction this government is coming from, or aiming for. It is so full of contradictions, and not just in the animal welfare/nature arena.

DaisyAnneReturns Tue 23-Dec-25 10:34:52

Obviously it's not confusing to everyone.

You are seeing the issue from one extreme so cannot really expect to agree with either those with opposite views or those working to achieve a balance.

If you come out with phrases such as "people who enjoy hunting and who are cruel to animals for profitable purposes", which implies all people who hunt are "cruel to animals for profitable purposes" you are going to miss the detail that might allow you to be less "confused".

Even the BBC is looking for clicks these days and similar headlines came from our right-wing press.

nanna8 Tue 23-Dec-25 11:03:17

I’m wondering if some here either are in the government as spokespersons or have shades over their eyes? I’m inclined to think the former.

Madgran77 Tue 23-Dec-25 11:14:02

M0nica

I didn't know we had a government. I know there are a bunch of headless chickens running round Whitehall, but I have yet to see any sign of a government.

Perhaps this explains this new Bill.

Sadly I see the same. Either that or their communication strategy (what communication strategy?) is so poor that it is all happening but we dont know!! 😏🤔

Cabowich Tue 23-Dec-25 11:15:16

nanna8 grin

DAR yes, I should have typed "people who enjoy hunting and/or who are cruel to animals for profitable purposes" but, dear me, you really are dredging the bottom of the seabed here in your arguments.

Jaberwok Tue 23-Dec-25 11:25:31

Is Halal meat going to be banned? This form of slaughter is extremely cruel and should be top of the list, but surprise, surprise, it's not even on the list!! Now I wonder why? confused

Grantanow Tue 23-Dec-25 12:15:54

The problem, Jaberwok, is that politics is the art of the possible. Governments have to take voters preferences into account.

Jaberwok Tue 23-Dec-25 12:48:22

Hypocrisy is a word that comes to mind! But you're right not causing offence for certain voters pre empts, the moral high ground, truth and of course cruelty. The blind eye is a wonderful tool! It's a sad state of affairs.

sundowngirl Tue 23-Dec-25 14:43:55

Jaberwok

Is Halal meat going to be banned? This form of slaughter is extremely cruel and should be top of the list, but surprise, surprise, it's not even on the list!! Now I wonder why? confused

Of course they should ban Halal meat. I don't know why the RSPCA don't get involved and lobby for the ban. I'm appalled that it is served in schools as it's easier to give to everyone rather than just the muslim children or other religions that insist on this barbaric slaughter.

ronib Tue 23-Dec-25 14:50:44

There’s been some climb down over inheritance tax and farmers so now first £2.5 million exempt. I wonder if this is enough to pacify them?

Allira Tue 23-Dec-25 15:26:09

Jane43

eazybee

This government has me in despair.
Contradictory, inconsistent, duplicitous.
Promising much
delivering little.
Meanwhile.....?

Delivering little? Many of their manifesto pledges have been achieved, others are in progress. 18 items achieved, 21 items in progress, 17 items on track
fullfact.org/government-tracker/

And how many on back-track?

Another one today and not before time too.
They obviously have now realised who it is provides their bread, butter and in fact lavish meals in the Commons restaurants.

No, not the taxpayers - Farmers!

Oreo Tue 23-Dec-25 15:40:20

nanna8

I’m wondering if some here either are in the government as spokespersons or have shades over their eyes? I’m inclined to think the former.

You could be right 😂

Oreo Tue 23-Dec-25 15:42:13

Madgran77

M0nica

I didn't know we had a government. I know there are a bunch of headless chickens running round Whitehall, but I have yet to see any sign of a government.

Perhaps this explains this new Bill.

Sadly I see the same. Either that or their communication strategy (what communication strategy?) is so poor that it is all happening but we dont know!! 😏🤔

I think it’s a bit of both, their comms team are useless and so are they.

Allira Tue 23-Dec-25 16:01:21

Oreo

nanna8

I’m wondering if some here either are in the government as spokespersons or have shades over their eyes? I’m inclined to think the former.

You could be right 😂

Oh, I've often thought we've had SpADS on GN of various parties!

M0nica Tue 23-Dec-25 21:03:06

Jane43

eazybee

This government has me in despair.
Contradictory, inconsistent, duplicitous.
Promising much
delivering little.
Meanwhile.....?

Delivering little? Many of their manifesto pledges have been achieved, others are in progress. 18 items achieved, 21 items in progress, 17 items on track
fullfact.org/government-tracker/

Its not the number of manifesto pledges that matters but what progress, or not has been made on the major pledges on taxation, growth of the economy and house building.

Growth in the economy has been held back by the increases in taxation that mean that consumers are cutting back on expenditure, and are very cautious about committing themselves to large long term commitments like buying a house, which is why the housing targets will not be met, not because the houses couldn't be built, but because nobody wants to take the risk of increased long term debt.

DaisyAnneReturns Tue 23-Dec-25 21:56:48

nanna8

I’m wondering if some here either are in the government as spokespersons or have shades over their eyes? I’m inclined to think the former.

Suggesting critics are paid or biased avoids engaging with the actual points being raised. If disagreement is dismissed as propaganda, there’s not much room left for discussion.

DaisyAnneReturns Tue 23-Dec-25 21:59:15

Jaberwok

Is Halal meat going to be banned? This form of slaughter is extremely cruel and should be top of the list, but surprise, surprise, it's not even on the list!! Now I wonder why? confused

You obviously think you know Jaberwok. Why not share.

MayBee70 Tue 23-Dec-25 22:04:02

nanna8

I’m wondering if some here either are in the government as spokespersons or have shades over their eyes? I’m inclined to think the former.

I don’t have shades over my eyes. I just look at the whole picture not just the one given by the mainly right wing press which is owned by people who neither live or pay taxes here. And whose sole interest is in making rich people ( such as themselves) richer. As for this government it dawned on me today that we actually have a government that will say ok we got that wrong, we’ll look into it. If only the Conservative government(s) would have admitted that Brexit was a financial disaster ( which were still suffering from) but, no, they literally had to keep pretending it was a good thing.