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News & politics

This government has me puzzled

(180 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.

DaisyAnneReturns Wed 24-Dec-25 20:17:46

fancythat

^Please just try and remember that labour have inherited a corrupt Tory government.^

All governments "inherit" from the previous one.
They cant all get off the hook that way!

All governments do indeed inherit a past carved by the previous government but I do think it can be shown that the Tories left a government "stuck in a doom loop of short-termism" (Institute for Government) with performance having declined over a long period.

Public services were widely assessed as under strain.
The new government reported inherited financial pressures and gaps.
Analysts and stakeholder reports describe structural economic and social challenges linked to the previous decade plus.

It's not yet an established legal fact that the previous Conservative Government's acted corruptly. However, there are documented examples of inquiries and investigations in the UK that have revealed wrongdoing, red flags, or serious concerns about corruption or misconduct.

DaisyAnneReturns Wed 24-Dec-25 20:00:15

Oreo

DAR the list you supply could be for the far right or the far left.
Which is why it’s better to be nearer the centre.

I couldn't agree more but we do have to be aware of the shifting of the Overton window. For this public opinion sets boundaries on what policies or ideas are considered viable. The Overton Window has shifted on many fronts in recent years . From climate and social policy to immigration and economic ideas, some previously radical ideas are now mainstream political discussion points. In other areas there’s active backlash or repositioning that pulls the window back. The exact direction of the shift can vary by country and issue, but overall the range of what’s considered acceptable has definitely changed in recent years. Some have remained in what was centre. Others, in the "new" centre can still seem more left or right wing.

Oreo Wed 24-Dec-25 19:11:14

DAR the list you supply could be for the far right or the far left.
Which is why it’s better to be nearer the centre.

DaisyAnneReturns Wed 24-Dec-25 18:47:55

Allira

^I think you misunderstand the general definition of far-right politics Mollygo^

I think we do understand the general definition of far-right politics, DAR and we can all Google, copy and paste too.

But those definitions in your post do not always coincide with some of the claims made on GN.

Even those who generally vote Liberal Democratic, occasionally straying to Labour or the Tories, have been accusing of peddling far-right views.

It is perfectly possible for anyone, declaring a belief in a particular party, leaning in one or all areas of the far-right.

Peaseblossom Wed 24-Dec-25 18:38:38

leeds22 but they refuse to ban halal slaughter! Need to ban kosher too. No excuse for cruelty to animals.

Transcend Wed 24-Dec-25 18:16:44

Be grateful your leader does not think he is God. I live in the US. Everything good that we worked so hard for is being destroyed.

Doodledog Wed 24-Dec-25 17:35:58

I certainly don't see anyone who disagrees with the government, or with the LP in opposition as far right. I criticise them myself, and am further to the left than to the right.

I do, however, see much of the media as far right, and I despair when I hear parroted phrases that have clearly come from the tabloids/Telegraph (which is as bad) and/or the right wing TV. I'm thinking of 'rabbit in the headlights', 'Two Tier Keir', 'on its knees', 'off a cliff' and many many more. It's even worse when the parroters seem to think they are being witty when they repeat others' terms to 'make points' that don't really exist.

Facile terms like those are a gift to propaganda, and are often used to peddle misinformation, and to prevent nuanced debate.

I also find it disconcerting when people claim to have voted Labour, but disagree with fundamentally Labour policies such as universal free school meals or increased minimum wages. What did these voters expect? I wouldn't vote Tory then moan when services are cut along with taxes for the well-off.

From day one Starmer has failed to grasp the Communication nettle. It was always going to be difficult to govern with centre left policies when the media is so far to the right, but he doesn't appear to have considered that this would be the case.

I think he has made mistakes, but agree with those who see a willingness to reconsider as strength rather than weakness. Sticking to one's guns and being 'not for turning' is, IMO, lazy, and reminds me of parents who refuse to 'back down' when they have said things to their children but then realise they were too harsh or simply ill-advised. Those families are rarely close when the children grow up. We all make mistakes, but when they are pointed out if we have the sense and humility to admit it and make changes it is far better, IMO than doubling down and being intransigent.

leeds22 Wed 24-Dec-25 17:13:50

Whilst it is good news that cruel faming practices are to be banned but will imports of food still being produced using same cruel practices be banned. Or will our farmers find themselves being undercut by 'cruel' imports.

Having watched a a few hunt gatherings, the words of Oscar Wilde always spring to mind - the unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable'.

Allira Wed 24-Dec-25 17:03:02

Nanacool

Usual uninformed rubbish. Hunts follow an artificial scent, either dragged by a runner or quad. Perhaps you should attend a meet, as I have many times and have never seen anything killed. Hundreds of animals are killed by cars, perhaps we should ban them and just don't jet me on the subject of halal meat, but of course they are liebers core voters.

The Government claims that trail hunting is just a smokescreen for the hunting of wild animals and plans to ban that too.
I'm not sure how much illegal hunting still goes on.

Perhaps stopping people galloping on horses across the countryside in gatherings of more than two might be the only answer.

Allira Wed 24-Dec-25 16:59:10

I think you misunderstand the general definition of far-right politics Mollygo

I think we do understand the general definition of far-right politics, DAR and we can all Google, copy and paste too.

But those definitions in your post do not always coincide with some of the claims made on GN.

Even those who generally vote Liberal Democratic, occasionally straying to Labour or the Tories, have been accusing of peddling far-right views.

Nanacool Wed 24-Dec-25 16:55:19

Usual uninformed rubbish. Hunts follow an artificial scent, either dragged by a runner or quad. Perhaps you should attend a meet, as I have many times and have never seen anything killed. Hundreds of animals are killed by cars, perhaps we should ban them and just don't jet me on the subject of halal meat, but of course they are liebers core voters.

Susieq62 Wed 24-Dec-25 16:51:34

Mollygo well done
This exemplifies our tabloid press so succinctly!

David49 Wed 24-Dec-25 16:51:09

“I think you misunderstand the general definition of far-right politics Mollygo. This may help:

EXTREME NATIONALISM” Etc. Etc Ect

That equally applies to Extreme Left wing politics and any other intolerant regime

Barbadosbelle Wed 24-Dec-25 16:51:06

Nanna8

One does wonder.

Allira Wed 24-Dec-25 16:48:27

fancythat

^Please just try and remember that labour have inherited a corrupt Tory government.^

All governments "inherit" from the previous one.
They cant all get off the hook that way!

😁

Barbadosbelle Wed 24-Dec-25 16:44:18

.

I would think that the Government should be concentrating on the more important matters that they have on their plate.
..

Etoile2701 Wed 24-Dec-25 16:34:14

Hear hear!

Mollygo Wed 24-Dec-25 16:31:47

Will I get another message from GNHQ for daring to point that out. 🤔

Mollygo Wed 24-Dec-25 16:29:54

DaisyAnneReturns

I think you misunderstand the general definition of far-right politics Mollygo. This may help:

EXTREME NATIONALISM
Far-right politics strongly emphasizes the nation, often defining it in ethnic, cultural, or religious terms rather than civic ones. This can include ideas that some groups “belong” more than others.
AUTHORITARIAN TENDENCIES
Far-right movements often support strong leaders, strict law-and-order policies, and limits on democratic checks and balances, civil liberties, or independent institutions (like courts or the press).
EXCLUSIONARY OR HIERARCHICAL VIEWS
They commonly promote the idea that society should be organized hierarchically, opposing equality based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexuality. This can show up as racism, xenophobia, or anti-immigrant attitudes.
OPPOSITION TO LIBERAL DEMOCRACY
Many far-right ideologies reject key elements of liberal democracy, such as pluralism, minority rights, and protections for dissent. Some seek to replace democracy with authoritarian or ethnocratic systems.
POPULISM (often present, but not always)
Far-right groups often frame politics as a struggle between “the real people” and corrupt elites, media, or institutions, claiming to represent the nation’s “true will.”
TRADITIONALISM
They frequently advocate for strict social norms, opposing progressive changes related to gender roles, LGBTQ+ rights, or multiculturalism.

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Right-wing politics broadly supports free markets, limited government, tradition. Far-right politics goes beyond this by rejecting equality, pluralism, or democratic norms and promoting exclusion or authoritarianism.

So no, personally I don't see it as "anyone who disagrees" and I am sure Labour, and their supporters, can look after themselves.

Love your very wordy non-explanation DEAR. The fact that on GN and other media far right is instantly used to describe anyone who disagrees with something Labour does or disagrees with certain posters is indisputable.
As exemplified on here. 🤣🤣🤣

fancythat Wed 24-Dec-25 16:12:40

Please just try and remember that labour have inherited a corrupt Tory government.

All governments "inherit" from the previous one.
They cant all get off the hook that way!

Greciangirl Wed 24-Dec-25 15:59:11

Please just try and remember that labour have inherited a corrupt Tory government.

They can’t just wave a magic wand as you are all aware.

Ok, some decisions don’t or won’t suit everyone.
I personally don’t agree with the lifting of the two child benefit.

But I’m prepared to stick with this government rather than see a Tory or reform government getting in.

DaisyAnneReturns Wed 24-Dec-25 15:55:55

I think you misunderstand the general definition of far-right politics Mollygo. This may help:

EXTREME NATIONALISM
Far-right politics strongly emphasizes the nation, often defining it in ethnic, cultural, or religious terms rather than civic ones. This can include ideas that some groups “belong” more than others.
AUTHORITARIAN TENDENCIES
Far-right movements often support strong leaders, strict law-and-order policies, and limits on democratic checks and balances, civil liberties, or independent institutions (like courts or the press).
EXCLUSIONARY OR HIERARCHICAL VIEWS
They commonly promote the idea that society should be organized hierarchically, opposing equality based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexuality. This can show up as racism, xenophobia, or anti-immigrant attitudes.
OPPOSITION TO LIBERAL DEMOCRACY
Many far-right ideologies reject key elements of liberal democracy, such as pluralism, minority rights, and protections for dissent. Some seek to replace democracy with authoritarian or ethnocratic systems.
POPULISM (often present, but not always)
Far-right groups often frame politics as a struggle between “the real people” and corrupt elites, media, or institutions, claiming to represent the nation’s “true will.”
TRADITIONALISM
They frequently advocate for strict social norms, opposing progressive changes related to gender roles, LGBTQ+ rights, or multiculturalism.

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Right-wing politics broadly supports free markets, limited government, tradition. Far-right politics goes beyond this by rejecting equality, pluralism, or democratic norms and promoting exclusion or authoritarianism.

So no, personally I don't see it as "anyone who disagrees" and I am sure Labour, and their supporters, can look after themselves.

Allira Wed 24-Dec-25 15:17:07

Thanks!

DaisyAnneReturns Wed 24-Dec-25 15:10:57

David49

Allira

I can't remember if putting IHT on farms was in the Manifesto or not and don't have time to trawl through atm.

Can anyone remember?

It wasn’t in the agenda nor was increasing employers NI and many other changes.

No. It was a Buget Policy.

Allira Wed 24-Dec-25 15:04:52

That the flip has been brought about by party members is the most impressive thing

Yes, absolutely.
I presume the ones who know about farming and rural affairs. Not all Labour MPs are members of the metropolitan elite.