General News Thread

[Innovindil]

1 hour ago, StanSP said:

Just looking at what BBC showed in Barnsley. They voted because it's different to Starmer. Some even saying that Labour 'weren't doing anything for the working class'. As if Farage would

 

It's really weird seeing people's reasons for the Reform vote. It's anti-Labour/pro-change as opposed to a glowing reference for Farage or his ilk. 

Tbf, it's exactly the same as at the general election when labour won a majority. More anti-tory vote than pro labour at the time imo. 

[Jon the Hat]

3 hours ago, Innovindil said:

Tbf, it's exactly the same as at the general election when labour won a majority. More anti-tory vote than pro labour at the time imo. 

Labour have also massively blown their chance, mostly by looking incompetent, but also because they failed to deliver the reforms needed to pay for the spending they committed to.

[Robo61]

2 hours ago, Jon the Hat said:

Labour have also massively blown their chance, mostly by looking incompetent, but also because they failed to deliver the reforms needed to pay for the spending they committed to.

While I agree to an extent that labour have been disappointing, should have been much bolder in my view even if that had pissed people off. Love to know what reforms you think were require, given that the Tories had spent 14 years reforming the public sector under the guise of austerity, and look how that worked out. 

[Sampson]

I don’t think it’s about looking incompetent more than them abandoning their core voter demographics to chase a voter demographic that hasn’t voted for them in a generation and was never going to vote for them. The flat-cap Yorkshireman hasn’t voted Labour in a generation. Labour voters have primarily been younger, university educated, white collar urbanite liberals for decades. And the stricter immigration rhetoric, the red-lines over rejoining the European market, the refusal to properly vocally distance ourselves from the US and the red lines on taxes on the wealthy are all massive turn offs for core Labour voters. 
 

Meanwhile even if Labour get net immigration down to 0 by 2029, it’s not going to be enough for Reform voters as Farage will just move the goalposts and say we need to kick out loads with permenant residency or even citizenship who’ve lived in the uk for decades. It was always a fools game trying to win back voters on immigration.

 

Just reading the John Curtice analysis and it’s still very clear that despite Labour constituencies going to Reform, very few voters actually go directly to Reform. Reform instead have largely captured the former Tory over 60s vote and many who were former “do not votes”, whereas far more Labour voters have gone over to the Greens and LibDems and therefore split that vote 3 ways.

[Zear0]

Some decent spice

 

 

[Lionator]

22 minutes ago, Sampson said:

I don’t think it’s about looking incompetent more than them abandoning their core voter demographics to chase a voter demographic that hasn’t voted for them in a generation and was never going to vote for them. The flat-cap Yorkshireman hasn’t voted Labour in a generation. Labour voters have primarily been younger, university educated, white collar urbanite liberals for decades. And the stricter immigration rhetoric, the red-lines over rejoining the European market, the refusal to properly vocally distance ourselves from the US and the red lines on taxes on the wealthy are all massive turn offs for core Labour voters. 
 

Meanwhile even if Labour get net immigration down to 0 by 2029, it’s not going to be enough for Reform voters as Farage will just move the goalposts and say we need to kick out loads with permenant residency or even citizenship who’ve lived in the uk for decades. It was always a fools game trying to win back voters on immigration.

 

Just reading the John Curtice analysis and it’s still very clear that despite Labour constituencies going to Reform, very few voters actually go directly to Reform. Reform instead have largely captured the former Tory over 60s vote and many who were former “do not votes”, whereas far more Labour voters have gone over to the Greens and LibDems and therefore split that vote 3 ways.

Yep, the Labour/LD/Green vote massively outweighs the current reform vote. Which I think is the strategy as to why Burnham would be better than Starmer as he could potentially bring back a lot of the people that have been transfixed by Polanski. If Labour can get 5% of voters back from the Greens then the next election will be a lot prettier. 

[Scanchez]

17 hours ago, OntarioFox said:

My #1 tip to anyone right now would be, if you don't have it already, to start a savings pot for private healthcare insurance, so you can get on BUPA or something equivalent with full cover by 2029. Not because I agree with it in the slightest, but because by the mid 2030s you might bloody well need it.

 

While I don't believe Reform would be capable of dismantling the NHS entirely in one term before the country gets the mother of all buyer's regret, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it's been ground down to the point that it resembles the dental sector, where it's technically still available but you have to get lucky in the postcode lottery then queue around the neighbourhood just to get an NHS GP. And then get charged more than you should anyway.

I think that's very smart advice.

[CruzNoir]

10 hours ago, Livid said:

There’s no way I’ll ever vote Reform but I understand why a lot do, and it’s not all down to racism. 

 

 

 

 

I can’t understand it at all tbh

 

He has zero, factually zero relevant policies that make sense, Factually shown support for Putin, factually shown admiration for Nazism, factually scurries away the millions he earns by not paying his due in taxes, factually recruits known racists into his party who on record have said some of the most unacceptable racial things that should be no where near politics, factually has spoken about having a private healthcare and dismantling the NHS, has factually talked about taking away workers rights implementing a system that is entirely at the benefit of the the employer, denies the urgency of climate change, factually ruined our national security and obliterated our economy with his Brexit lies, created the biggest divide in our politics, and has most of our hard working migrants in fear with his possible impending premiership at the next general election, he buggers off too other Countries notably America too absolutely slag off his own Country actively seeking Trump too slam sanctions ON US!!! His own countrymen ffs!!!!!

 

He’s an absolute snake/traitor of the highest order 

 

But folks who don’t do ANY research into this moron vote for him because he “Says it as it is doesn’t he”

 

Jesus Christ 

 

Tories were disastrous for 14 years, putting it mildly, and Labour have actually got a lot done but have been let down by terrible leadership by Starmer, terrible decisions, terrible public communication, which has completely drowned out the good things they have managed to do, but F me it’s still a better option than Traitors Reform party 

 

I’m equally angry with Labour and Tories for allowing a group like reform too get too where they are

 

social media algorithms have a lot too play on reforms rise aswel

 

I fully expect Farage to eventually be pm because other parties have done a terrible job at ousting Farage for what he truly is, and the media tbf 

 

People want change, I get it, but if they bothered to do any research into the change they want, I don’t get how that would be Reform 

Edited 9 May by CruzNoir

[leicsmac]

Also, on the general council topic, a little perspective:

 

 

[davieG]

24 minutes ago, leicsmac said:

Also, on the general council topic, a little perspective:

 

 

But judging from the media response Reform are now running the Country which is one of the reasons they were able to increase their vote at the expense of the other parties leading up to the election.

 

Turquoise is the new Black

[davieG]

So all those voting Reform want to see us with military in the Straits of Hormuz and being laughed at and despised by the rest of Europe and beyond as we kow tow to Trump. 

 

I guess the Falklands War gave Thatcher another term as PM.

[SpacedX]

Following their May 2025 election victory, Reform UK, which took control of Lincolnshire County Council, has reversed local climate leadership by "declaring war" on green energy, with leader Cllr Sean Matthews dismissing the "climate emergency". The administration is in the process of scrapping net-zero targets and opposing renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, labelling them "eyesore." This local policy aligns with the national Reform UK party’s stance, which has received significant funding from  climate change deniers, including direct support from the Heartland Institute. The sheer irony of this happening first in Lincolnshire of all counties - you couldn't make it up. 

[leicsmac]

23 minutes ago, SpacedX said:

Following their May 2025 election victory, Reform UK, which took control of Lincolnshire County Council, has reversed local climate leadership by "declaring war" on green energy, with leader Cllr Sean Matthews dismissing the "climate emergency". The administration is in the process of scrapping net-zero targets and opposing renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, labelling them "eyesore." This local policy aligns with the national Reform UK party’s stance, which has received significant funding from  climate change deniers, including direct support from the Heartland Institute. The sheer irony of this happening first in Lincolnshire of all counties - you couldn't make it up. 

When future generations (such as they will be) ask who killed the world for them, we'd better have entries like this available to point out the answer.

[OntarioFox]

The Net Zero thing is the biggest swindle Reform have going. It's an actual disgrace and a terrifying thought that they could tear up the work we've done over the last 10-20 years to become a world leader in renewables.

 

A lot of their platform I'm kind of just resigned to and making plans to mitigate in my own life if they get power in 2029. But the climate change denial and their blatant backhanders from the oil and coal industries make me genuinely angry. It's going to cost this country A) tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of jobs, B) our place as a global leader on wind and now solar and C) undermine our energy security and double down on making us beholden to what happens in places like the Middle East and Russia.

 

I'd go as far as to call it traitorous.

[leicsmac]

1 minute ago, OntarioFox said:

The Net Zero thing is the biggest swindle Reform have going. It's an actual disgrace and a terrifying thought that they could tear up the work we've done over the last 10-20 years to become a world leader in renewables.

 

A lot of their platform I'm kind of just resigned to and making plans to mitigate in my own life if they get power in 2029. But the climate change denial and their blatant backhanders from the oil and coal industries make me genuinely angry. It's going to cost this country A) tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of jobs, B) our place as a global leader on wind and now solar and C) undermine our energy security and double down on making us beholden to what happens in places like the Middle East and Russia.

 

I'd go as far as to call it traitorous.

It's not just (possibly) traitorous to the nation of the UK. 

 

It's (almost certainly) traitorous to the very cause of life itself.

 

No greater treason than that IMO.

[Lionator]

12 minutes ago, OntarioFox said:

The Net Zero thing is the biggest swindle Reform have going. It's an actual disgrace and a terrifying thought that they could tear up the work we've done over the last 10-20 years to become a world leader in renewables.

 

A lot of their platform I'm kind of just resigned to and making plans to mitigate in my own life if they get power in 2029. But the climate change denial and their blatant backhanders from the oil and coal industries make me genuinely angry. It's going to cost this country A) tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of jobs, B) our place as a global leader on wind and now solar and C) undermine our energy security and double down on making us beholden to what happens in places like the Middle East and Russia.

 

I'd go as far as to call it traitorous.

You can also make crap loads of money from investing in renewables but I guess the oil companies have paid Farage off. Meanwhile these places across traditionally ‘working class’ areas will experience increased inequality, deprivation, disability as a result of these policies but nobody a) dare says it b) listens. 
 

If it is true that the vote is generally split between under and over 60’s, then Labour need to mobilise and transfer as much as they can from the later to the former (sorry for any liberal over 60’s on here). The over 60 right wing voter is truly one of the most selfish in existence, I know as I’m related to a lot of them that actively and proudly vote for policies that make their children and grandchildren worse off.

Edited 9 May by Lionator

[Foxdiamond]

5 minutes ago, Lionator said:

You can also make crap loads of money from investing in renewables but I guess the oil companies have paid Farage off. Meanwhile these places across traditionally ‘working class’ areas will experience increased inequality, deprivation, disability as a result of these policies but nobody a) dare says it b) listens. 
 

If it is true that the vote is generally split between under and over 60’s, then Labour need to mobilise and transfer as much as they can from the later to the former (sorry for any liberal over 60’s on here). The over 60 right wing voter is truly one of the most selfish in existence, I know as I’m related to a lot of them that actively and proudly vote for policies that make their children and grandchildren worse off.

I surely can't be in a minority as an over 65 that constantly is concerned about the future of my children and grandchildren and looks for policy that will help them. I would guess that the over 60 right wing voter was a selfish under 60 and under 50 etc voter back in the day

[Lionator]

10 minutes ago, Foxdiamond said:

I surely can't be in a minority as an over 65 that constantly is concerned about the future of my children and grandchildren and looks for policy that will help them. I would guess that the over 60 right wing voter was a selfish under 60 and under 50 etc voter back in the day

Yes I guess I am harsh but it comes from personal experience. It is truly the generation of the neoliberal/Thatcherism and the politicians manipulate the masses to meet the needs of the market. So while it is selfish from my experience, it also reflects the messages they’re being given. You’re obviously a compassionate person which is admirable in this system. 

[davieG]

16 minutes ago, Foxdiamond said:

I surely can't be in a minority as an over 65 that constantly is concerned about the future of my children and grandchildren and looks for policy that will help them. I would guess that the over 60 right wing voter was a selfish under 60 and under 50 etc voter back in the day

I'm with you.

 

 

[Steve_Guppy_Left_Foot]

So what’s the craic with this virus going about from that cruise ship? We heading for another lockdown etc? 

[Mike the Metal Ed]

20 minutes ago, Steve_Guppy_Left_Foot said:

So what’s the craic with this virus going about from that cruise ship? We heading for another lockdown etc? 

No.

[evil jack]

47 minutes ago, Steve_Guppy_Left_Foot said:

So what’s the craic with this virus going about from that cruise ship? We heading for another lockdown etc? 

No, but boy do the media want one.

[OntarioFox]

1 hour ago, Foxdiamond said:

I surely can't be in a minority as an over 65 that constantly is concerned about the future of my children and grandchildren and looks for policy that will help them. I would guess that the over 60 right wing voter was a selfish under 60 and under 50 etc voter back in the day

From personal experience, I'm afraid you are. Well, at least if you genuinely mean it, that is.

 

My parents have always claimed similar but their politics is absolutely rotten and their brains have been rotted ever since the days of Thatcher. Purely self-serving, and they've now progressed from Tory to Reform.

 

Somehow their idea of 'looking after the next generation' is to hoard all the housing stock, enable the selling off of all the publicly owned assets, oppose any and all development, kneecap the country's ability to be a global leader in modern technologies, then try to tell my generation it's the fault of immigrants that the country is on its knees while simultaneously trying to gaslight us into believing we've never had it so good and should just work harder.

 

Ten years from now, when they have huge private medical bills and social care has been dismantled, I'll be telling them where to go if they want me to help foot the bill. They can work it out for themselves since it's clearly what they support. Mum in particular, who now has five holidays a year and a paid-off mortgage while I'm still clawing around to get a deposit together in my mid-30s, can pay for it herself.

 

While I'm on my soapbox, does anyone know how to lock GBeebies on a Sky Box to stop it brainwashing family members? Asking for a friend.

 

 

Edited 9 May by OntarioFox

[Foxdiamond]

3 minutes ago, OntarioFox said:

From personal experience, I'm afraid you are. Well, at least if you genuinely mean it, that is.

 

My parents have always claimed similar but their politics is absolutely rotten and their brains have been rotted ever since the days of Thatcher. Purely self-serving, and they've now progressed from Tory to Reform.

 

Somehow their idea of 'looking after the next generation' is to hoard all the housing stock, enable the selling off of all the publicly owned assets, kneecap the country's ability to be a global leader in modern technologies, then try to tell my generation it's the fault of immigrants that the country is on its knees.

 

Ten years from now, when they have huge private medical bills and social care has been dismantled, I'll be telling them where to go if they want me to help foot the bill. They can work it out for themselves since it's clearly what they support.

I despised Thatcher's policies from day one of her winning the 1979 election. The writing was on the wall even back then. I remember when Labour scored an own goal by electing Michael Foot as leader instead of Denis Healey. My wife worked in social care so we know how under funded that is. That working class folk think that Reform is the answer is potty. 

[OntarioFox]

5 minutes ago, Foxdiamond said:

I despised Thatcher's policies from day one of her winning the 1979 election. The writing was on the wall even back then. I remember when Labour scored an own goal by electing Michael Foot as leader instead of Denis Healey. My wife worked in social care so we know how under funded that is. That working class folk think that Reform is the answer is potty. 

Labour have a remarkable history of backing the wrong horse, whether that was Foot, Corbyn, or the wrong Miliband brother.

 

And now they're doing it all over again by letting Starmer cling to power like a limpet on a ship, when it's bleeding obvious that Andy Burnham is the only figure who has even a small chance of reversing their fortunes before the next election. They had their chance with Gorton and Denton and instead decided to hand it to the Greens on a platter and show them to be a viable home for left-leaning Labour voters. Pure self-immolation from a position of power.

Edited 9 May by OntarioFox