Current Affairs 2017 General Election

[peteblue]

It is being reported that May has changed her mind about calling an election. Yet another u turn this year.

Theresa’s U-Turns: A Full List Of The Government's Reversals
15 March 2017, 12:01 LBC.

"As the Chancellor abandons his plan to increase National Insurance Contributions, here is a full list of Theresa May's U-turns during her time at 10 Downing Street.

National Insurance Increase
In the 2017 Budget, Philip Hammond announced he would be increasing National Insurance Contributions for self-employed
people, despite a promise in the Conservative manifesto not to do so.

The idea caused controversy, despite it costing no more than 60p per day. And a week on, the Chancellor did an about-turn and revealed that he would no longer be increasing NICS in this parliament.

Taking In Refugee Children
Ministers accepted the Dubs amendment last year, saying they will take in 3,000 unaccompanied children from the Jungle migrant camp in Calais. But after accepting just 350 children, the government changed their mind and decided not to accept any more.

Responding to the decision, Lord Dubs said: "During the Kindertransport, Sir Nicky Winton rescued 669 children from Nazi persecution virtually single-handedly. I was one of those lucky ones. It would be a terrible betrayal of his legacy if as a country we were unable to do more than this to help a new generation of child refugees."


Foreign Worker Quotas
Barely a week after Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced a controversial proposal to force companies to publish the amount of foreign workers they employ at the Tory party conference, the government was forced into a humiliating climbdown.

A cacophony of condemnation helped topple the policy, with commentators from across the political spectrum lining up to slate the policy. LBC’s very own James O’Brien’s take on the policy took the internet by storm.

Surprisingly even figures from UKIP condemned the proposal. Here is MEP Roger Helmer comparing the plans to ‘North Korea.’

The government now say the data will be collected, but not made public. It will be use it to identify skill shortages in key industries. However, Labour’s Harriet Harman pointed this data may still come to light under freedom of information laws.

Hinkley Point
Theresa May sparked widespread speculation that she was poised to can the controversial Hinkley point deal with French utility EDF, when she announced a pause in the process shortly after taking office. However, only months later the deal has been signed, on terms broadly similar to those agreed by David Cameron’s government.

Key concerns focus on the significant tax payer contribution to the project, with the general public guaranteeing EDF a price for the electricity it produces for decades at nearly double the price it can be bought in the wholesale market from other sources.

The role of China in the project has also raised eyebrows. However, with the PM signalling a more interventionist role for government in key industries at the Tory party, this deal may fit in well with her new vision for the state.

New London Airport
Theresa May's precarious position in the Commons may have been a key factor in her decision to kick the long awaited decision on new airport capacity for London into the legislative long grass.

The government is due to announce a proposal on whether to build a new runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick on Tuesday. Any vote on the plans, however, has been delayed for at least a year, staving off mutiny by Tory MPs until a later date.

May faces opposition from Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who has said he will 'lie down in front of the bulldozers' to stop Heathrow being built. Boris, along with other members of the cabinet, have been granted a 'derogation' allowing them to oppose a new runway, with some conditions attached".

And in other news, the so called anti Tory BBC Newsnight programme - 25 minutes to the Tories, 5 minutes to Labour and 20 minutes to the LibDems.

The thing is, most people don't give a crap. They just see a solid PM getting on with the job while a load of political pygmies run around trying to make noise........

 

[Jib in lad]

It is being reported that May has changed her mind about calling an election. Yet another u turn this year.

Theresa’s U-Turns: A Full List Of The Government's Reversals
15 March 2017, 12:01 LBC.

"As the Chancellor abandons his plan to increase National Insurance Contributions, here is a full list of Theresa May's U-turns during her time at 10 Downing Street.

National Insurance Increase
In the 2017 Budget, Philip Hammond announced he would be increasing National Insurance Contributions for self-employed
people, despite a promise in the Conservative manifesto not to do so.

The idea caused controversy, despite it costing no more than 60p per day. And a week on, the Chancellor did an about-turn and revealed that he would no longer be increasing NICS in this parliament.

Taking In Refugee Children
Ministers accepted the Dubs amendment last year, saying they will take in 3,000 unaccompanied children from the Jungle migrant camp in Calais. But after accepting just 350 children, the government changed their mind and decided not to accept any more.

Responding to the decision, Lord Dubs said: "During the Kindertransport, Sir Nicky Winton rescued 669 children from Nazi persecution virtually single-handedly. I was one of those lucky ones. It would be a terrible betrayal of his legacy if as a country we were unable to do more than this to help a new generation of child refugees."


Foreign Worker Quotas
Barely a week after Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced a controversial proposal to force companies to publish the amount of foreign workers they employ at the Tory party conference, the government was forced into a humiliating climbdown.

A cacophony of condemnation helped topple the policy, with commentators from across the political spectrum lining up to slate the policy. LBC’s very own James O’Brien’s take on the policy took the internet by storm.

Surprisingly even figures from UKIP condemned the proposal. Here is MEP Roger Helmer comparing the plans to ‘North Korea.’

The government now say the data will be collected, but not made public. It will be use it to identify skill shortages in key industries. However, Labour’s Harriet Harman pointed this data may still come to light under freedom of information laws.

Hinkley Point
Theresa May sparked widespread speculation that she was poised to can the controversial Hinkley point deal with French utility EDF, when she announced a pause in the process shortly after taking office. However, only months later the deal has been signed, on terms broadly similar to those agreed by David Cameron’s government.

Key concerns focus on the significant tax payer contribution to the project, with the general public guaranteeing EDF a price for the electricity it produces for decades at nearly double the price it can be bought in the wholesale market from other sources.

The role of China in the project has also raised eyebrows. However, with the PM signalling a more interventionist role for government in key industries at the Tory party, this deal may fit in well with her new vision for the state.

New London Airport
Theresa May's precarious position in the Commons may have been a key factor in her decision to kick the long awaited decision on new airport capacity for London into the legislative long grass.

The government is due to announce a proposal on whether to build a new runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick on Tuesday. Any vote on the plans, however, has been delayed for at least a year, staving off mutiny by Tory MPs until a later date.

May faces opposition from Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who has said he will 'lie down in front of the bulldozers' to stop Heathrow being built. Boris, along with other members of the cabinet, have been granted a 'derogation' allowing them to oppose a new runway, with some conditions attached".

And in other news, the so called anti Tory BBC Newsnight programme - 25 minutes to the Tories, 5 minutes to Labour and 20 minutes to the LibDems.

The 5 minutes they gave to Labour they ripped them ,blatant bias.

 

[Sarnia Kevin]

It is being reported that May has changed her mind about calling an election. Yet another u turn this year.

Theresa’s U-Turns: A Full List Of The Government's Reversals
15 March 2017, 12:01 LBC.

"As the Chancellor abandons his plan to increase National Insurance Contributions, here is a full list of Theresa May's U-turns during her time at 10 Downing Street.

National Insurance Increase
In the 2017 Budget, Philip Hammond announced he would be increasing National Insurance Contributions for self-employed
people, despite a promise in the Conservative manifesto not to do so.

The idea caused controversy, despite it costing no more than 60p per day. And a week on, the Chancellor did an about-turn and revealed that he would no longer be increasing NICS in this parliament.

Taking In Refugee Children
Ministers accepted the Dubs amendment last year, saying they will take in 3,000 unaccompanied children from the Jungle migrant camp in Calais. But after accepting just 350 children, the government changed their mind and decided not to accept any more.

Responding to the decision, Lord Dubs said: "During the Kindertransport, Sir Nicky Winton rescued 669 children from Nazi persecution virtually single-handedly. I was one of those lucky ones. It would be a terrible betrayal of his legacy if as a country we were unable to do more than this to help a new generation of child refugees."


Foreign Worker Quotas
Barely a week after Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced a controversial proposal to force companies to publish the amount of foreign workers they employ at the Tory party conference, the government was forced into a humiliating climbdown.

A cacophony of condemnation helped topple the policy, with commentators from across the political spectrum lining up to slate the policy. LBC’s very own James O’Brien’s take on the policy took the internet by storm.

Surprisingly even figures from UKIP condemned the proposal. Here is MEP Roger Helmer comparing the plans to ‘North Korea.’

The government now say the data will be collected, but not made public. It will be use it to identify skill shortages in key industries. However, Labour’s Harriet Harman pointed this data may still come to light under freedom of information laws.

Hinkley Point
Theresa May sparked widespread speculation that she was poised to can the controversial Hinkley point deal with French utility EDF, when she announced a pause in the process shortly after taking office. However, only months later the deal has been signed, on terms broadly similar to those agreed by David Cameron’s government.

Key concerns focus on the significant tax payer contribution to the project, with the general public guaranteeing EDF a price for the electricity it produces for decades at nearly double the price it can be bought in the wholesale market from other sources.

The role of China in the project has also raised eyebrows. However, with the PM signalling a more interventionist role for government in key industries at the Tory party, this deal may fit in well with her new vision for the state.

New London Airport
Theresa May's precarious position in the Commons may have been a key factor in her decision to kick the long awaited decision on new airport capacity for London into the legislative long grass.

The government is due to announce a proposal on whether to build a new runway at either Heathrow or Gatwick on Tuesday. Any vote on the plans, however, has been delayed for at least a year, staving off mutiny by Tory MPs until a later date.

May faces opposition from Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who has said he will 'lie down in front of the bulldozers' to stop Heathrow being built. Boris, along with other members of the cabinet, have been granted a 'derogation' allowing them to oppose a new runway, with some conditions attached".

And in other news, the so called anti Tory BBC Newsnight programme - 25 minutes to the Tories, 5 minutes to Labour and 20 minutes to the LibDems.

"Politician doesn't do what they promised" shocker. The whole world is amazed because this has never happened before! lollollol

 

[tsubaki]

No, I think she's played it to perfection. Had 9 months of economic boom to help convince or at least calm down many remainers, and seen how it's gone herself. Allowed the ginger one to nail her colours to a referendum, slapped it down then stitched her up with a GE...........

That is an interesting notion of a stitch up; if the SNP hold all their seats again they will have a massive mandate up there, will probably have a second referendum without the consent of Parliament, and will win it if May's victory is big enough.

Personally I think that has been the Tory intention since at least 2007, but it will be a disaster for all concerned.

 

[peteblue]

That is an interesting notion of a stitch up; if the SNP hold all their seats again they will have a massive mandate up there, will probably have a second referendum without the consent of Parliament, and will win it if May's victory is big enough.

Personally I think that has been the Tory intention since at least 2007, but it will be a disaster for all concerned.

I don't believe for one second that the SNP will retain or improve upon their previous support. They will still win the vast majority of Scottish seats, but reduced and that will nail the referendum.......

 

[tsubaki]

I don't believe for one second that the SNP will retain or improve upon their previous support. They will still win the vast majority of Scottish seats, but reduced and that will nail the referendum.......

Why? They will go into that election saying that Labour are finished. All of the papers and all of the English media will be repeating that mantra, as will the Tories, as will the Lib Dems. They will be the only plausible anti-Tory vote up there, where the anti-Tory vote is 85% of the electorate.

If they hold all their seats, they will call a second referendum irrespective of what May says. The mandate they would have would demand it.

 

[evilwebby]

Low earners pay more tax as a proportion of their income than high earners due to indirect tax such as VAT, taxation on cigarettes /alcohol/fuel etc.

I'd question the maths on that.. I suspect that a lot of "rich" have pretty high effective tax rate on their total income. Anyone between let's say 100k-300k/year is already paying 38-45% on income and then still paying the same marginal rate of VAT etc, so you are probably looking at over 50% and maybe even pushing 60% of all their income going back to the govt as tax in some form or another.

Is that more or less than the person on 25k-30k/year who only pays 25-30% marginal rate on his income but spends more of his income on fags/fuel etc? As I said, I dunno, but you could make a convincing case that its the high earner who pays more in total AND as a %age of income.

 

[tsubaki]

I'd question the maths on that.. I suspect that a lot of "rich" have pretty high effective tax rate on their total income. Anyone between let's say 100k-300k/year is already paying 38-45% on income and then still paying the same marginal rate of VAT etc, so you are probably looking at over 50% and maybe even pushing 60% of all their income going back to the govt as tax in some form or another.

Is that more or less than the person on 25k-30k/year who only pays 25-30% marginal rate on his income but spends more of his income on fags/fuel etc? As I said, I dunno, but you could make a convincing case that its the high earner who pays more in total AND as a %age of income.

TBH I think the whole question of who pays most tax (either in real terms or in terms of % of income) is a bit moot. There are going to be "rich" people who are massively overextended (ie: young homeowners down here) and there are going to be very secure "poor" people (ie: people coming to the end of their working lives who own their own homes back home).

What matters is that the state takes only a fair amount and doesn't waste it, something which I don't think could be said of any government since 1979 (at least).

 

[Huyton Layne]

 

[hullefc]

The thing is, most people don't give a crap. They just see a solid PM getting on with the job while a load of political pygmies run around trying to make noise........

Most people think she is a ditherer and waffler, who keeps changing her mind and is far from 'solid' but a political lightweight protected from scrutiny by a feeble media.

 

[rascal]

Oh for goodness sake - Theresa May now wants everybody to register their social media password with a national police database.

 

[Mrk]

Yes, they polls are frequently wrong, but when they change dramatically overnight following the TV debates and show a huge trend in favour of the Lib Dems, and the Lib Dems then go on to form part of the next Government for the first time in the party's history, there is clearly substantial evidence that the TV debates had a big impact on the election result.

You may "think more of the electorate" than to believe they would be swayed by debates, but 10 million people tuned in to watch - it's a big opportunity to swing some voters.

The media has always been, and always will be, an significant way of influencing public opinion. It's remarkable that so many people posting on here fail to see it.

I don't want to burst your bubble, but it's too tempting...

The last poll in 2010 before the first TV debate (the one where Clegg won hands down) had the Lib Dems on 27%. Come election day, they received 23.6%. It had no real impact on public opinion at all come election day.

If anything, it was the 'MSM' who were gripped by 'Cleggmania', not actual voters.

 

[The Cowboy]

TBH I think the whole question of who pays most tax (either in real terms or in terms of % of income) is a bit moot. There are going to be "rich" people who are massively overextended (ie: young homeowners down here) and there are going to be very secure "poor" people (ie: people coming to the end of their working lives who own their own homes back home).

What matters is that the state takes only a fair amount and doesn't waste it, something which I don't think could be said of any government since 1979 (at least).

Very well said. If there's one thing everyone can agree on, is that irrespective of who is in power, tax revenues are simply not spent well enough. So much wastage.

 

[The Cowboy]

"Politician doesn't do what they promised" shocker. The whole world is amazed because this has never happened before! lollollol

Surely Remainers should be voting Tory then. With such a flip-flopping leader, surely she's bound to do a U-turn on Brexit at some point?

 

[JonS]

Most people think she is a ditherer and waffler, who keeps changing her mind and is far from 'solid' but a political lightweight protected from scrutiny by a feeble media.

She seems to look quite good by rarely appearing in the media and rarely saying anything.

She seems quite difficult to read because of this (and yes even her opinions seem to change a lot - the only thing she seems really passionate about is grammar schools) almost like the style of acting where the actor does nothing or remains blank and everyone projects what they themselves think onto them.