Category: Politics

Top 1% of earners on track to own 64% of world’s wealth by 2030. UK Gini Index which measures inequality has risen from 25% to36.3% since 1977.

The capitalism practiced in this country has led to the mess we are now in. We did not chose to have the pandemic, or instigate the Ukraine War, but a minority did chose to leave the world’s largest trade organisation. Government policies have public services. Food banks in a country with average GDP $40000. It is fucking obscene. 172000 millionaires who this government have just a tax cut.

I am trying to work out the rationale for this. I assume that not all will spend the extra on more luxurious trinkets, or their children education; so they add it to their bank balance, where in turn it may allow the banks to increase lending to business. More likely they will buy more shares in FTSE100 companies like BP where their investment will make them more in dividends without creating a single job. Profits of these companies does get taxed so there could be some pay back for the government.

However this would not result in a surge in investment or jobs. The world currency market has shown what it thinks of this governments uncosted or scrutinised plans. The pound falls, FTSE falls, trade gap increases, debt increases, cost of debt increases, public services diminish, and the rich get richer. And still 30% of voters would vote for the nasty party like turkeys voting for Xmas! Fucking numbskulls.

At last a policy to believe in for our children and grandchildren. If Starmer can follow this up with more positive policies we could have a brighter future than the gloomy one Truss promotes.

Truss has been adopted by the right-wing ERG.

Firstly Biden rejects her trickle down economics as a failure. Then it becomes clear that there is no trade deal with the USA in the horizon.

Census data shows Catholics to out number protestants in NI which will make any undermining of the NI Protocol rather volatile.

She tells union members to stop striking or else! Undermining freedoms and probably leading to a general strike.

In response to mad Putin she just threatens back – thus feeding the Russian right wing (which is large).

She wants to restart fracking over riding the previous governments moratorium (until proven safe). Presumably she does not care about safety.

Her cultural war on WOKE has been shown nit to be supported by the public who agree with “woke’ positions on racial equality, immigration and sexual identity.

The majority of the public want higher taxes (52% with 40% saying keep it as it is now).

Concern for the environment is increasing

People are more concerned about the environment than they were a decade ago and it is
viewed by more people as a political priority.

• 40% are very concerned about the environment, almost double the proportion who reported this in 2010 (22%).
• The proportion who considers the environment to be one of the two most important issues facing Britain increased from 8% in 2010 to 21% now.
• Only health care, the economy and education are viewed by more people as being among the two most important issues facing Britain.

Climate change is the dominant issue

Climate change has become the dominant environmental issue but is certainly not the only one.

• 45% view climate change as the most important environmental issue, up from 19% in 2010.
• A majority (60%) believe that the world’s climate has been changing mostly due to human activity, while only 6% say the climate has not been changing or that it has been changing mostly due to natural processes.
• 64% see a rise in the world’s temperature caused by climate change as extremely or very dangerous – comparable to the proportions that see air pollution caused by industry (62%) or pollution of Britain’s rivers, lakes and streams (62%) as dangerous.

The majority are willing to pay for the environment

The majority of people are willing to pay in some way for the protection of the environment,
but there is no consensus on the best way to do this.

• 57% say they are willing to pay either through higher prices, higher taxes, or by a change in their standard of living, while 18% are unwilling to pay in any of these ways.
• 76% of those who are very concerned about the environment are willing to pay for its protection, while 10% remain unwilling, despite their concern.
• The most commonly suggested route for getting business and industry to pay for the protection of the environment is with heavy fines for polluters (38%), while, for individuals and families, there is most support for information and education (42%).

There are ways to get production and the economy moving in the UK. Cut child care costs, raise wages.

Oh dear, power has gone to her head. .Sounding like a spoilt brat she lectures the world’s leaders about her version of economics. Cut taxes and red tape in all areas, whilst handing out billions for the energy crisis, Ukraine, and nuclear power so far. The Tories proving once again that they are incompetent of running the economy, mist cannot survive without taxpayer funded handouts in bars in Westminster and subscriptions to Amazon Prime.

No trade deal with the USA in the foreseeable future, and the pound falling towards parity. Imports will rise, as will inflation, forcing the BoE to raise interest levels and thus pushing the cost of living crisis higher. Undermining Parliament at every opportunity, undermining fundamental human rights, destroying the environment. And anyone with basic numeracy can see that the tax cuts will hit the NHS and force more privatisation. Councils schools and the police will all be underfunded.What a shambles.

OMG – the hype is already starting and we have not got a date yet. I would not be surprised if some suckers will start queuing soon – camping outside Westminster Abbey?

This is all because the Tory Press no longer have a credible government to support. Their focus groups will have shown that there is little or no support for most of Truss’ Policies. I am sure they will do their best to brainwash the public into supporting the growth of fascism, but it will need more. So the Coronation will give them an opportunity to relive “the glories of the British Empire”, to ignore our crumbling economy and public services. They know flag waving and ‘nationalism’ is a way to sell newspapers and win votes.

The employment sector has largely been fragmented and de-unionised, “zero hours” contracts abound. Labour has lost its mojo. LibDems are still largely not trusted after the “coalition debacle” and ‘student loans’. The Greens have not mobilised or got their act together. Whether there will be an electoral pact we will wait and see.

Sterling seems set to fall against the $ and maybe the Euro. Exporters should benefit, but transport costs and red tape seem to be inhibiting. There is no ‘quick fix’ for the energy crisis. Even if the war in Ukraine ceases soon (unlikely) there is likely to be a considerable time lag in restoring fossil fuel supplies – especially given the growing momentum in some countries to increase green energy. Food prices will continue to rise as we only produce 50% of our food.

The break up of the Union. It kind of seems inevitable. The dominance of England (and indeed London and S-E) politically and economically is being exercised with increasing arrogance. Personally I am against the break up for the same reason as being anti-Brexit. But have total sympathy for the Scots! But then the House of Representatives in the USA shows just how democracy can be sidelined – when the US Constitution was first formulated I guess States were of similar population/size/economy? Greater federalism would seem to be an answer? But as with everything there are no easy answers and it is not, or should not be, a independence/union issue? Just the same as the Royalist/Republican issue.

Scots, Welsh and Irish see themselves as separate nations . I guess the N.Irish do too – but a bit like Crimea? All with very different histories – Wales Conquered, Northern Ireland acquired by settlement, Scotland (much more difficult – was it bad investment decisions, marriage?).

On this polarisation of opinions issue – I believe we will see this increase. Low life TV presenters will continue to spin hatred and discourse whilst purporting to promote friendship and unity. Farage is a classic example of saying what people want to hear, whilst avoiding facts. Trou du cul or tas de merde!

Meanwhile – the climate crisis expands and engulfs. Of course people will be more worried about their energy bills this winter – but when drought or flood entraps them it will be so much more serious.

It will be at least Wednesday before journalists get back to reporting important events again. Harry and Megan will FO back to the states leaving the Daily Mail with empty pages to fill (who will they find to hate next)? I am fairly sure the tugging of forelocks will soon be forgotten as winter and debts mount. The £ continues to fall despite Truss saying bankers bonus’ will be uncapped. How is Sterling falling against the Euro when countries like Germany have much greater energy crises than we do – Oh, it is because they are seen to have a competent government and the EU!

The pound remains low. Truss says she will destroy legislation that is designed to protect the public – diet guidelines, Health and Safety, employment, environment, culture – in the belief that it will stimulate the economy.

So the Govt is going to spaff £billions up the wall to protect energy company profits. This only justifiable if they are made responsible for insulation and green energy projects.

In the short term we may have to use more coal, oil and gas; but the longer term (2 years or more) must mean using less and increasing renewables. Nuclear power probably has a place in the future, but will take 10-15 years to be of significance. So solar panels on every suitable house, heat exchange where appropriate, onshore wind turbines by motorways (who can claim they are an eyesore there?) and insulation. Battery storage is advancing but alternatives like Dinorwig or smaller versions could all contribute. Wind turbines on electric pylons should be feasible. Could old water mills be used for local housing or even street lighting? strategically we do not need 5 or 6 big power stations and reliance on the national grid. The regional names of one power companies are a joke. Break them up into smaller hubs with more regional emphasis.

Wind power is cheaper than fossil fuels so why is it priced the same?

Climate deniers and the ignorant will mention China and Poland, etc. as reasons for not going green. Some people are paedophiles – that does not justify not having laws against it (Although Andrew Windsor might disagree). We should be world leaders in wind technology and wave power. Make the power companies invest in these areas.

No football. Papers full of boring crap about someone I did not know – I recognised her face from stamps, coins and bank notes. Government, having spent at least 6 weeks doing FA, will now spend another 2 weeks preening their egos on TV. Meanwhile inflation rise, the pound falls, industries close and are unable to export. Broken Britain is going rusty.

So we will soon have a new King – Charles the 3rd? Are we really going to put up with this archaic crap for much longer? The only justification is tourism!