2010 Election Survey: Business & The Economy
At the time of writing more than 37,459 people have taken our survey on the 2010 election and the impact on business and the economy.
As we outlined in our original press release the key general themes are:
- In the wake of bigotgate it appears Labour’s support is waning with only 11% of respondents intending to vote for them.
- In what will be one of tonight’s key talking points the majority of people want to see a cut in public debt now.
- Tories might have support of big business but small businesses are not bothered about NI rise of 1% with 51% of them saying it won’t affect hiring.
- Lib dem deputy leader Vince Cable chosen as the best man to run our finances with 35% of the vote.
- Tories winning the hearts but not yet minds – 43.1% of people say they best represent their views or have the best policies for ther business, but only 35.8% are prepared to vote for them.
Our full results can be found here and if you would like to take the survey please go here.
Brown, Cameron and Clegg have had their say in the final leaders’ debate. We are now keen to hear your views so please comment below.
About the Author - Tim Fouracre
I've always been interested in computers and finance. I started out as a PHP developer and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG.
Programming and accounting came together when I co-founded Clear Books online accounting software back in July 2008.
Showing 300 Comments
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Pretty much a third of business owners each think that this year we will experience a double dip recession, that we won’t or that they are unsure.
So in other words there is no strong conviction as to where the economy is heading in 2010.
2 years ago
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How many people taking this survey are aware that every Government since 1945, after the WW2 coalition one ended, has ignored their International Obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948?
If we won a War with a coalition Government twice, why are people so afraid of one now, such as the Tories? Every Government since then is/was guilty of corruption, as the recent exposure of MPs expenses scandal is just the tip of the iceberg.
Those Human Rights included Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which we have all been denied, such as the right to adequate pay, health, housing and services which even the UN has repeatedly told all our Governments that they should be legally enforceable, not just at the whim of the current Government to either grant or deny, which is all they ever have done.
Why do none these matters seem to be featured in any of the questions being asked in any of these ‘Prime Ministerial’ debates?
2 years ago
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I have been in business all my life since school. Still got a link to business through my daughter. Things are very very tight in the market place ,but we have to be careful not to spread fear which in itself could pull us back into recession. Where has PRUDENCE gone, she flew away a very long time ago………………….. Lets get the debt down in the country, privately we have had to do it. Lets face reality, the national spending has been out of control for many years.
2 years ago
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BOTH MYSELF & MY WIFE WILL BE VOTING UKIP, AS WE DO NOT WANT TO BE PART OF EUROPE AND WE WANT TO SEE THE BORDERS CLOSED TO ALL THE IMMIGRANTS,AS WE ARE OVER RUN WITH THEM. ALSO BAN THE BURKA .
2 years ago
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The results are intresting, i find it hard to think of any worker ever voting conservative, as for a worker voting conservative makes about as much sense as a turkey looking forward to christmas.Speaking for myself i will not be voting for any of the main parties as i am only intrested in voting for a party who will get us out of Europe.
2 years ago
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I agree with Nick
2 years ago
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Tonight will be a complete waste of time if the three “leaders” (particularly Gordon Brown who caused it) don’t honestly tell us how they intend to lower our massive burden of debt in the short term.
2 years ago
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We won the war with a coalition because there was a clear common purpose unlike today.
As to Human Rights, well I ask you, how much more money. health services and housing do you want. There’s a finite limit on how much the rest of us working are prepared to cough up.2 years ago
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Well if the fickle voting public are swayed by such trivialities as an overheard private comment which could in fact be what many others were thinking it’s a sad thing. Politics is about major concepts not single small incidents.Of the three I feel Nick Clegg is the most honest with Brown second and the Conservative candidate a long long way behind.I’m good at spotting duplicity.
2 years ago
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The last question is the most significant — it seems a very high percentage of the ‘voters’ are retired — and have nothing better to do than respond to surveys !!!
2 years ago
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The Liberals haven’t actually had a go in recent history – so they may say what they like -the other two main parties always say what they think the voters want to hear and criticise the other party – but strangely they never ever change the things they have criticised.
The really should all pull together – they must be bright people why cannot they work for the good of the country instead of constantly bickering.
And what happened to the expenses scandal evryone seems to have forgotten that they were all ripping us the workers and taxpayers off – they seem to have got away with it and it is all brushed under the carpet.
They earn loads more than most ordinary folk and they should learn to balance their books just the same as we do. They all always hit the lowest and poorest workers and the poorer retired people – because they are the ones who don’t have avoice and cannot fight back.
I feel sorry for the poor folk who exist on less than the MPs spend on one cosy dinner. And we that rely on the NHS because we cannot afford PRIVATE health care.
2 years ago
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Will vote conservative this time only because I would vote for anyone who offers a credible alternative to this current rotten lot.
Brown already looks like a beaten man. I can’t believe the nerve of the man trying to claim credit for getting us out of the mess he has helped to create.
If I set my house on fire with everyone in and run out with the kids under each arm, I wouldn’t be claiming credit for rescuing the kids, I’d be arrested for arson.
Lib Dems? They strike me as a single issue party (electoral reform) which in my view makes them as worthwhile a national government as UKIP, BNP or the Greens.2 years ago
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VOTE UKIP, SHUT THE BORDERS AND GET THE HELL OUT OF EUROPE, AND STOP IMMIGRATION. LABOUR WON’T BECAUSE THEY DEPEND ON THERE VOTES
2 years ago
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I think the observation that the 1% increase in NI will hit big business hiring more than smaller businesses is not surprising. Small businesses include people like me who are incorporated one-man bands as well as sole-proprietors who cannot downsize. It may affect my spending power and have an effect on the wider economy but not on my Company
2 years ago
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Hard to take this seriuosly when George Osbornes’s name is incorrectly spelled.But however it is spelled he would be an unmitigated disaster!
If the Tories win we are all doomed….Thatcher destroyed our industrial base…Cameron will destroy the rest. Just wait and see!
2 years ago
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My personal quandary is I don’t think any of them are any good or have the right answers and I don’t feel much like endorsing any of them with my precious vote. Am I alone in this?
2 years ago
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RE: Arthur A lawyer friend told me that his senior partner told him on joining the firm. Dont take on clients who write letters to newspapers. “They have too much time on their hands” One should not confuse social conscience with wasteful spending, but smaller government is needed. Unfortuneately the Tories are the only people to offer this.
2 years ago
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People of this country have very short memory. Under the conservatives we saw huge increase in repossessions as interest rates rose. A lot of people still haven’t recovered. The conservatives will support the banks and interest rates on mortgages will go up regardless of the Bank of England base rate. Be warned vote conservatives and lose your home. AS for immigration, well we are just lazy, comfortable,proud and unwilling to explore other territories. Europe borders is open for every european.
2 years ago
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I find it hard to believe that people whether business owners, employees, unemployed, sick etc would consider voting conservatives, not that I’m saying labour or the liberal democrats would be any better because they wouldn’t, but the best, if one can define it as that, of the 3 evils would be labour.
It’s just a pity people can’t see beyond the 3 main parties and look towards others, such as UKIP, BNP etc, not that I particularly condone the latter, but at least they are prepared to stand up and be willing to do something regarding immigration, EU and other policies which they do list as do UKIP on their respective websites – Also petrol prices are a huge issue which could be reduced by any government should they choose to if they took the huge rate of tax off the price we pay at the pump!
I hope that when people do consider their vote they do look to other parties and vote accordingly for British interests, not a government that’s not interested in what the British public have to say, a government that not only listens, but that will actually do something to help put the Great back into Britain – Perhaps we should take a leaf out of France’s book and stand together to protest more and say enough is enough …………… THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO WITH YOUR VOTE!
2 years ago
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UKIP is the only party that represenst all that I believe in and would like to see implement.
The EU is bleeding us dry and the sooner we come out the better. We could wipe out our debt in just a few years of not paying more and more money to others.2 years ago
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These leaders think they have the answers but they are the ones that caused the problems. They should wake up to the fact that the public in general no longer trust westminster, especially North of the Watford Gap!
We are no longer a British nation and they don’t ‘rule’ us, Europe does and we don’t want it. It will only line the pockets of those who already have money and make those who have none poorer.
The games the politicians play are already out in the open and we don’t want a part of it.
They sold off and shut down businesses left right and centre. Gave our assets away, reduced the safety of our nation by reducing the armed forces (thats why they say we have enough..rubbish) and refuse to listen to anyone who speaks out.
No, these parties will not get quite a few folks vote any longer and they can boast, brag, argue the toss all they want in this americanised style debate rubbish. Their empty promises no longer wash with folks who are hungry, cold and living in poor housing and jobless areas where manufacturing has been sold off.
Has the folks not smelled the coffee yet? They are turning this nation over to the communist style. Thats why the Ruskies are blatantly flying over our airspace like a day trip out!2 years ago
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Anyone voting Labour wants to have their head examined when you look at their famous achievements…..
1. Devasted the pension sector with their tax grabs just to be able to spend money we
dpn’t earn.
2. Ruined the basic fabric of our society with their immigration policy ie let anyone in.
3. Sold off our gold reserves at rock bottom price just to grab more money for their
irresponsible spending and Brown still wants to spend even more.
4. Made up sp many quangoes to spy on us costing even more millions,just wasted
money.The list is endless with their irresponsible spending and what with Cleggs views on Europe and defence etc you would want your head examined to vote for him.
So the only real alternative is to vote Conservative, yes they may have their faults like all of us have but I think they have the best intentions out of all of them.
Having a coalition in times of war was ok as everyones mind was focused on common causes but to have a coalition now I think would be disastrous in the current situation.
You would only have long drawn out arguments when you want swift action on many fronts.
Whether they will be right or wrong only time will tell but now is not the time to gamble.2 years ago
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I suspect very few of the people who took part in this survey remember the 16 years of Tory misrule. My children were always home from school because of teachers strikes, interest rates of 16% on my mortage, tens of thousands of people lost their homes, Our coal mining industry decimated because of Thatchers political dogma, crime was awful. Lamont, the idiot thought he could beat the money markets and cost us BILLIONS of pounds. And the hospitals, people on trollies for days unable to get a bed, I had to wait 8 years for a operation!!!!.
If this is what you want, this is what you will get if you vote Tory.
Since Labour came to to power they have transformed to the good, people need to be reminded of what the Tories will do.
Does anybody remember what Boy George Osborne answer was when the banks failed us, this was his Northern Rock comment…. Do nothing let them sink. Yes and bring down the whole banking system!!!!!!
If thats what you want, thats what your get with him, he will ruin us all ( except his rich bitch friends in the club)
I cannot believe that people will be so stupid as to put them back in power.I
2 years ago
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I can’t believe George Osborne was voted better than Alistair Darling who has steered this country through one of the gravest times in modern history. Have people forgotten the reign of Thatcher and what it entailed. Short memories.
2 years ago
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There is no doubt that before Gordon Brown became PM the economy was doing very well. As Prime Minister Brown has faced some difficult issues, particularly the banks and their greed; which has been the root cause of the recession. Therefore, leaving aside the usual election banter, the real question is how would the Tories/Lib Dems have handled the financial issue? Brown led and the world followed (because he was right), except for the Tories and Lib Dems !!! Sure there is a lot that Labour could have done better and it is easy to put them down with the benifit of hindsight, but that is true of all Goverment no matter what their colour. As to the 1% National Insurance rise; only big business is affected because their bonus will be affected (remember the banks attitude). The survey clearly shows that small business are ok with it and that says a lot more.
2 years ago
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I’m with Murray I am not going to vote. I am fed up with politicians as I never can find out what they want to do. You read their manifestos and there is no detail, they either think the public are stupid or they are too spineless to tell us what they actually stand for.
I can think of better leaders emerging from a nursery class.
2 years ago
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you must start to get the debt down from day one
if not the interest will only mount up and increase our debt even more
you can guarantee something will come along that no one has seen
to prolong the pay back time , like now with Germany delaying helping out Greece
how much has this delay cost us in share drop value to our struggling companies
just now2 years ago
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Found the results too depressing seeing conservative ahead of all others. Not being able to work and living on a daily diet of morphine the conservative government won’t be helping me out. They will just tell us all to get back to work! If only I could!!
Living on benefits its not fun and limits your spending completely. I would love a holiday and some spending power to have the things I want, but it just aint going to happen as the petrol is going up and heating fuel is to. That means the basics will as well. I suffered this year from no heating and I expect I shall have to go on doing the same from now on as things are beyong my pocket now. Thats why I don’t want cons in, I shall suffer even more
Its amazing really how there has been a two horse race and why isn’t everyone fed up with both parties, isn’t it time for a complete change anyway. The cons mucked it up and then the Labs did the same.2 years ago
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I intend to vote LibDem. It will be the first time in my 40 years of voting that there could be a real possibility of reform to have a democratic, fair government.
Germany is the most successful European countries post war – PR government.
Netherlands is very successful, stable economy post war – with a PR government.
France has an excellent health and education system with a PR government.
The PR system does away with the elected dictatorship we have had every election so far. Would there have been a war in Iraq if Blair had not acted in such a dictatorial manner? I suspect not. What the British people actually want has more of a chance of happening.
2 years ago
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Arthur, you are being silly….
2 years ago
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In my opinion the most disappointing thing to come from this survey is that there are still some who would prefer not to vote. I hope that the undecided fraction decide to vote no matter who it is for.
2 years ago
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I do not understand why people are so taken in by spin. Just because one guy speaks and looks better than the others, doesn’t mean that he is best for the job. Historically, Labour governments have always been expensive and Conservative governments work hard at keeping the economy in good shape. When The Conservatives lost power, the deficit was a very low £6 bn. Last time I heard, the Labour party were on track for nearly £190 bn. Surely it’s a none-brainer? In business, jobs are given to the best candidate, why are we sliding uncontrolably down a slope towards Lib Dem that will be putting virgin MPs with no experience whatsoever into positions of power? Gordon Brown deregulated the banks as soon as he became chancellor and look what happened! Wake up Britain and think hard about what you are doing. The business that is the UK is going bust. Hard times.
2 years ago
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Mike – what 16 years of Tory MISrule are you talking about? Born in the 50′s I well remember the tears of Tory rule and all the excellent things they did, including decimation of union power. What is more apparent is that so many people are suffering from 13 years of labour misrule. Who has lost us the billions now, who sold our gold reserves for a song, who robbed our pension funds, who has let national debt spiral out of control, who has ripped the great out of Great Britain, so hardly any surprise that labour are so far down
2 years ago
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VOTE UKIP
2 years ago
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As the news reports always remind us, this is the worst economic downturn in over 70 years and yet are economy is only in the same state it was in 1993 – under the Tories. Yes, it’s as bad as when the Tories were last in, when there wasn’t a massive world recession and they were forced to get us out of the ERM. Yes, after all the problems we have, the jobless figures etc are the worst since the Tories were last in, and yet people still want to give them a try.
It’s still not as bad as the 1980′s when, once again guess what the Tories were in – when there were 1 million more unemployed than there are now, and there are now more workers to be unemployed in the poplulation than in the 1980′s, and, if the Tory voters and the Daily Mail are to be believed, there are more illegal immigrants taking our work. So would you trust the Tories with the economy ?
Yes the 1980′s, when most of British manufacturing was destroyed, and an orgy of selling off off our national industries to private speculators and financial speculation in the City was allowed to run riot, so much so that we had a two crashes in the stock exchange within a space of two years. Even a fellow Tory MP got up in parliament to point out to Ken Clarke last year that the Howe austerity budget of 1981, which he was advocating to solve our problems today, caused so much hardship in his constituency in the West Midlands that it still hasn’t recovered nearly 30 years later!
Yes, the Conservatives spent 18 years destroying our manufacturing base, so now one of our options to solve the problem, selling unique UK goods to foreign markets, cannot be used.
Under Labour we had boom and bust for 10 years, under the Conservative Party for 18 years we had nothing but bust and bust.
Nick Clegg is only popular because he speaks the truth, but only because he can because he knows he can promise anything, as he knows he won’t have to deliver it , as he’s got as much chance of being elected as PM as I have !
I don’t think Labour have all the answers, but I think in the current economic situation, and with the Tories past economic incompetence, voting Tory is like being a cancer patient who, when surgery and radiotherapy appears to have failed, immediately resorts to the advice of a witchdoctor who recommends using leeches on the leg to cure it because it’s a “change” !
2 years ago
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I am neither retired or a worker, however my husband works fulltime, and I look after my grandchildren 4 days a week to allow my daughter to work so they can afford to keep their house and pay their bills as the cost of living has risen so much and child minders / nursery care is totally unaffordable for many people like them.
Previously I had worked since I was 16 (only stopped 4 years ago) so have contributed to the government for a long time via tax and NI – I have never claimed benefits or tax credits but have always paid my way even if it meant more than one job.
I have worked overseas for s short time where you have to adapt to the environment you live in i.e. you cannot live in the country unless you have a job or a sponsor, you have to abide by their laws and religion (they don’t change them to fit your needs). I am shocked at the number of people who feel it is their right to come to the UK and expect to be given benefits and a place to live without feeling they have to give anything back to the country they are living in – all paid for by the working people.
It worries me greatly that we are struggling in our own country but we still keep sending millions of pounds abroad in the name of ‘relief’ the expression charity begins at home is a good one.
Of all the parties who have been campaigning none of them give me much faith which is a sorry state of affairs.
2 years ago
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Until the over population of this country is addressed,welfare and benefits reduced, the laws of the land are enforced and applied to all without exemption on religious grounds, our country will continue on the spiral of decline.
Not one of the parties seem willing to address these issues.2 years ago
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Let’s not use the phrase ‘hung parliament’. That term implies that such a government cannot achieve because it is already dead. I prefer the term ‘coalition government’.
This country has achieved great things when a coalition was in power, as have many other countries (Germany, to name but one, has become one of the strongest nations on successive coalition governments).
It is time to realise that we are part of a global economy, a global market and as such part of a global society within which we want to establish and maintain a position of respect and power. Inter-party squabbles will only weaken us. A coalition government forces the parties involved to work for the common aim and to the common good of its country.
Regarding the significant financial crisis we are in: Let’s hope that one of our potential leaders will tonight show sufficient integrity and respect to us, the voting public, to give a truthful account of our country’s actual debt, the measures required to repay that debt and how this may be achieved.
2 years ago
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VOTE UKIP AND LETS START MAKING GOODS RATHER THAN IMPORTING EVERYTHING
2 years ago
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Woman died so as we could have the vote I say evryone should vote if you want to spoil the ballot paper thats ok too, as least the politicians will know and wonder why.
Please do not let the country to go back to Thatcherism
2 years ago
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@GRAHAM BURTON
Your wife just tells you she is voting UKIP, she has actually been voting Green.2 years ago
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The result of 51% of Small Business’s will not be affected by the 1% increase in N.I. payments is misleading as they do NOT sort out the PAYE for employees etc.
Experience of my own and businesses I deal with typically with 10 or less employees often ‘contract’ their staff not EMPLOY them due to all the legislation and the fact that once they employ them, they will have to pay HMRC 12.8% of Gross Salary as their Employers NI
2 years ago
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HERE HERE JOHN
WHY HAVE THEY NOT REALISED IT YET2 years ago
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Two words should remind the people of Scotland of the long term damage inflicted on us and we have been suffering ever since. It could only get worse if boy wonder Cameron and his old Etonians get back into power. Remember this was the party that decimated Scottish industry and put three million people out of work including myself. The party that tried to destroy the National Health Service.
I had to go abroad, leave my country of birth, to get work.
I am now retired and thanks to Labour my wife and I are existing quite comfortably, and knowing we will suffer again under a Tory government.
By the way the two words are :
MARGARET THATCHER2 years ago
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When will a politition tell it how it is!!!
Firstly we have more people working in the public sector than in the private sector, if this continues then we are all doomed. The public sector does not make this country any money it costs it a fortune!
We need to sack all the people in the public sector that actually aren’t needed and let me tell you there are millions. Then get these people to work in the private sector, yes it will be a shock for lots of them as they will have to WORK for their salary. Then we will go back to getting more income for our lovely country to get us out of this terrible mess the Labour Government has caused.
Ask yourself one question?
Am I a TAKER or am I a GIVER?
I think you will understand where I am coming from!2 years ago
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I whole heartedly agree with Nick
2 years ago
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For those of you who seem to hate the Tories, remember Margaret Thatcher put Britain back into the black for the first time since WW1.
As usual, Labour have spent all the money & created an even bigger debt for the next government to sort out.
Is it any wonder that Conservatives have a bad press, when they have to sort out the mess they are left with – I remember the 70′s when we were labelled as the sick man of Europe & then the 80′s when we were admired by the world & foriegn business flocked to our shores!2 years ago
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I will be voting for the GREEN PARTY but if UKIP was standing in my area, then I’d be voting UKIP, as they want to stand up for Britain’s rights, whuch will help British business and help British people get British jobs. I think however that VINCE CABLE from the LibDems is someone who should be asked to move into No. 11 Downing Street, as he has real answers to help our country.
2 years ago
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i still think labour is the one for me but they need to address a number of issue the main one for is immigration and the price of fuel how long will it be before people start singing on because they can’t afford to get too work because it nearly happened to me and as a family man i rely on tax credits and to my knowledge the other parties are going to cut them.
2 years ago
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Sorry should have said I agree with Robert
2 years ago
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I do not understand how the TV presenters and others keep referring to Gordon Brown being strong on the economy when he has the worst possible record as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Anyone thinking of voting labour should read “Gordon is a Moron” by Dr Vernon Coleman before 6th May!
2 years ago
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People have very short memory’s !! All three of the main part’s have proved themselves to be LYING, THIEVING SCUM !! If anyone else had done what they did they would be in prison by now !! I AM VOTING UKIP !! The others are not worthy of my vote !!!
2 years ago
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Many people when asked why they vote Labour time after time reply ‘Because they are the party of the working man’. Would that be the same working man that Gordon Brown fleeced so cruelly back in 97 with his tax raid on pension funds? Effectively stealing the hard earned money that the ‘Working Man’ had worked for to secure his retirement?
The same ‘Working Man’ who now has to work many more years and pay more money to secure that retirement? The same ‘Working Man’ who is now paying more tax than ever but is receiving less in return? The same ‘Working Man’ whos increased tax payments are being used to pay benefits to those who refuse to work or get wasted on ensuring that top Managers in the public sector can enjoy huge salaries for doing very little? Labour is most certainly NOT the party of the working man. Labour despises the working man. Labour is the party of financial irresponsibility. It has been proven over and over. Whenever there has been a Labour Government, sure as eggs is eggs they have messed up the Economy. The Conservatives have then had to pick up the pieces and repair the damage, sometimes very painfully. Labour then manage to con enough people into believeing they have changed and the whole cycle starts again. Britain… its time to wake up!!! Vote for anyone… abstain if you have to… but for the good of our Country keep your cross out of the Labour box on that form!2 years ago
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Important that we get a strong government! Most of know including the Politicians that we are in dire straights, however both the electorate and the politicians rather like the “toothfairy” expect to wake up and find the money we need under the pillow! Sorry it won’t work like that !To regain respect we need a radical overhaul of our politics, all the people involved in the expenses row should have been disbarred from standing again whoever they were!We need an elected House of Lords, and in both houses we tpay all MP’s basic pay & pension and need a local constituency committee appointed by the Jury service to monitor if they met the needs of their electorate and if so pay earning related full pension& pay! All who do not vote ( can have none of the abovelike Aus) fined £100 on council tax.. More work less talk from all of our MP’s.. as the rest of the electorate! Serve the people!
2 years ago
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To all those that claim the last tory government ruined this country, may I remind you of the following.
1. Cutback were required as the previous Labour Goverment bankrupted the country and went to the IMF to bail us out.
2. The Tories sold off the FAILING NATIONALISED Industries because they were costing the taxpayers billions, never made a profit and we run into the ground by the Unions.
3. Every Industry where Unions had too much power are now gone from our shores, Coal, Steel, Cars, Docks, Ship Building etc, instead of working with the Management to ensure job security, their only interest was MONEY – Mrs. T. soon saw to those!
4. No Labour Government in the last 100yrs have EVER created a stable ecomony, like Gordon Brown they spent billions on creating nothing at the cost to the WORKING CLASSES whilst claiming to be on ‘our side’.
Anyone voting Labour at this election wants their head examined and voting for anyone else but Conservative will be pointless… Nick Clegg and other can say what they like to be popular because they KNOW they will never have to deliver on those promises.
If you DON’T vote then stop whinging and moaning, hand back all your tax free allowances, benefits, family tax credits etc, because if you cant be bothered to vote, you insult the memory of every person of every nation that has given their lives to give us the freedoms we enjoy today and I don’t see why I should pay my taxes just so you can be too lazy to make a decision for once in your life, get off your backside and VOTE.
2 years ago
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I’m right now still undecided as to who to vote for. I just don’t trust Brown, he’s been at the helm along with that lying Blair since 1997 and of course he’s never had the decency to come clean about Irak for exemple. His ambition far outweigh his honesty, if he has any, if bigotgate is anything to go by. Cameron? City boy par excellence-he’ll look after his ertswhile bankers, financiers etc.. Was it no he the adviser of a certain Lamont who got us kick out of the European Monetary System in 1988 and within hours my mortgage rate went from 7% to 16% or even 17%? As for Cleg, well, what can he do? The system is staked against him-Labour have had plenty of time to tinker with the electoral system so that even in third place they’ll still have more seats. All very depressing really.I am more than ever convinced that our politicians will do their utmost not to tell us the truth and sadly, once again, they will sell us a dummy. Democracy? Please tell me if ever you see it.
2 years ago
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It’s a pity John as above isn’t standing I would vote for him. I think that our Politicians do not live in the real world. Gordon Browns reaction to Mrs Duffy proved that. How could a man confronted with a lifetime supporter like Mrs Duffy insult her like he did. I am the same age as her and have also voted Labour all my life I am ashamed to say but never never again. If need be I am voting for a party that has no chance of getting into power but knows well how Europe is run and the fraud that goes on with the MEPs (like Nick Clegg was) our expenses scandal is a spit in the ocean compared to the claims in Europe. The people that were so disgusted with our MPs are ignoring these MEPs. It costs us Billions a year to be in the EU and as a country we are so distanced from it. God help us if Nick Clegg gets his way and we join the Euro. I think that all the countries in the Euro would prefer to return to their original currencies and probably they may have to if Greece and Spain go Bankrupt. We are probably on the road to Bankruptcy the way Gordon Brown has been running our Economy he seems to think that we can help the world with the 19billion aid for China and India I don’t remember the British people being asked if they agreed.Power is a terrible thing when it is so misused. He allowed the Banks to do exactly as they liked and when it went belly up he dodged the blame. He ignores the amount paid by british taxpayers to Scotland and Wales under the Barnet formula. even though Barnett himself agreed it is now unfair they are allowed over £2,250per person more then us in England. Immigration is out of control we are being swamped and do not have the infrastructure to sustain it we are a tiny country compared to the size of the countries many of these immigrannts are coming from. Not all are Europeans. Pensioners have been ignored when 12 years ago it was promised to put pensions back on the same footing as Margaret Thatcher changed linking pensions to the cost of living. I like many other people are very angry at how this country as gone especially under a Labour Government.
2 years ago
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I whole heartedly agree with Nick
Sorry should have said I agree with Robert
WendyF are you really G Brown
sorry I should have said !!!!2 years ago
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In 1997 our children then in their mid – late teens, thought Labour might be a good alternative to the Conservatives – who had been in power most of their lives. We said – “last time Labour were in, the country went to ratshit.”.. they can now remember what we said, and can now see that their elders knew better !!
2 years ago
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I cannot think why any sane person would vote Tory maybe I am Bias but I remember the last time they were in and there arguments are still the same cut cut and cut the result is you get a lot of unemployment because half the private sector operates on funds supplied by the public sector I am sure like last time income tax will be cut for those eaning in excess of 40K a year on those on less will pay more Can anyone remember the NHS when GB first took over my mother waited 2 years for a cataract operartion I have just had mine done in 8 weeks schools in our area we have 2 new ones and the other one revamped and the amazing thing is I juat about pay the same % of tax Tax on jobs is a laugh do you employ somebody because you can afford too or because you cannot operate without them it will not make one little bit of difference to the job market but it will make a difference to the gross profit which will be reflected in the shares dividend it seems quite sensible to delay paying the debt off until next year if it means less people will loose there jobs
2 years ago
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This is one of the most important elections for decades, the country is just coming out of recession and we need a leader that recognises the importance of maintaining the current spending levels for at least another year and to nurse the country back to prosperity. Of the three candidates, only G Brown intends to follow this route.
That said, the Labour party, in raising taxation whereby the high earners and entrepreneurs will be paying HALF of their income in tax is surely unfair and detrimental to the country’s long term well being.
I am still undecided !!!2 years ago
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Just imagine what would happen if we ran our businesses like they’ve run the country…we bailed the Banks out with a huge gift of cash, yet it seems incredibly hard for a small, steady, sensibly run family business to obtain trading capital…unless we invest in British business, we’ll never make real progress here or on the world stage. It appears the Banks are merely sitting on it – TAKE IT BACK and pay off some public debt NOW.
This is common* sense folks…not policital psuedo business voodoo magic. *Disappointingly uncommon I find!
On another matter, I have a friend in the Army, I was horrified by how they are supposed to do a life and death job with insufficient resources; and we’re talking not having enough guns, bullets and protective clothing, etc. to go round and riding around personnel carriers that aren’t mine/IED proof! It appears the threats to our security and way of life have been vastly underestimated in general. Ask anyone who business has been attacked recently by religious activitists fuelled by fraudulently obtained gains.
Europe seems to be offering nothing but rediculous levels of bureaucracy and money- sucking bailouts for badly-run countries. Why are strong nations propping up weak ones when we owe money ourselves…surely charity begins at home?
I’ve invested what time I can in investigating our political system…it’s odd to say the least and bears no obvious relationship to logic or fairness. I’ve read some manifestos and many seem to be lacking any obvious real perception…as business plans they are vague and sweeping and wouldn’t attract sound investment…and running our Country efficiently and effectively is crucial to tens of millions of people!
Happy voting.
2 years ago
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the thatcher years iniatally a war of strife with ‘old style’ unions living in the clouds.
Internationally the UK became a respected country for its rebuilding of the economyin came blair and brown and began the age old labour weakness – building huge budget deficits and creating the foundation for the pension meltdown facing the nation.
thatcher had a war with argentina right or wrong but it was legal
blair and iraq – enough said
brown is not fit to continue his crusade against the british people return him at your peril!
retirement at 70+ with an unsure pension, a house stolen to pay for care and a destroyed economy ( unless you are a banker).my grandfather was involved with the Jarrow marchers – he would be ashamed of this rabble who profess to be socialists.
john2 years ago
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Let us be honest. However wins the election, it will not make the slightest difference to us or the economy. They will produce policies produced on popularity poles and spin-manager manipulation.
In order to achieve a turn around for UK plc we need to get the indigenous manufacturing sector producing and selling goods into the home market. Since Thatcher times, the monetarists have driven the country down the road to disaster where money makes money from money. This house of cards has collapsed and we need to adopt policies more akin the Keynesian ideology, where an economy survives and succeeds by producing products. Get away from the pseudo global economy and let’s get our own house in order2 years ago
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I too believe in UKIP’s policies regarding Europe and immigration. However, I will be voting Conservative because I do not agree with either Gordon Brown or the King Maker Mr Clegg who want to leave taking steps to repay our debt until next year and will let hundred’s of thousands more immigrants into this tiny country.
One other point I am working class having worked every day of my life since leaving school so I can assure you that a working person can vote other than labour – Keith 6.01pm.2 years ago
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It seems to me that we are faced with three main parties that havn’t a clue about how they are going to rescue our bankrupt country. When the party leaders are interviewed they demonstrate a stubborn refusal to answer straight questions.
What is it about us as a nation? Every time we have a general election we fall for the same collection of lies, half-truths and false promises therefore perhaps we only have ourselves to blame! Every time we get the government we deserve and then we spend the next five years complaining about it. In spite of all this I’m going to vote because I think its my duty to do so but I shall vote for the candidate who is most likely to care for the people of this constituency and particularly the disadvantaged and neglected.
2 years ago
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The Tories left the economy in a strong position in1997. If Ken Clarke had spent a bit and had make people feel good labour would have not had the victory they had. Gordon Brown wasted all that money. In my book he has been the worst Chancellor. Canada did nor suffer the global downturn as their government had money put by for a rainy day. We would have been in a better position if the Tories were in power. Gordon even sold the family silver(gold).
2 years ago
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My main gripe with the present administration is the terrific increase in control they have exerted over the population. Central Government now know more about us than we know about ourselves. They will sell to anybody information about individuals if they can make a few pence. Why should DVLA sell address details to dodgy car-park operators ? If ID cards are introduced our personal safety will be compromised. No matter how advanced the technology, there will always be someone within the organisation which develops it who will sell out if the price is high enough. Terror organisations are not short of cash !
If you will be able to get your ID card at a supermarket as has been suggested, just think how easy it would be for someone else to become YOU !
I shall vote for the party who promise to scrap ID cards.2 years ago
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This is an excellent survey, but conducted too early.
Please do it again next week, after tonight’s ‘Clash of the Titans’ and more of the undecideds may have made up their minds.
Quite honestly though, anyone who didn’t know which way to vote, even before this campaign started, (apart from 1st time voters and those under 30 yrs. old) must have had their heads in the sand for the past 20 years.2 years ago
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Nice idea to fine non-voters, Rob, but how would you fine all the millions who do not pay council tax?
2 years ago
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Although I let several houses you’d expect me to vote Conservative as i would probably be better off. Overall i have to think of the country and not just me. I personally can never forget about the legacy of the last Conservative government, which in Wales meant the total destruction of the heavy industries that communities relied upon. I don’t appreciate David Cameron stating “broken Britain”! Britain is not broken, communities have survived despite his party and I’m not prepared for the return of high unemployment, coded through the use of public sector efficiencies, high interest rates and an increasingly fractious GB where the South East of England benefits at the expense of the rest of the country. When i look at David Cameron all I see is a character from Harry Enfield – Tory Boy.
Hard choices are going to have to be made. Good luck to the poor bugger who has to make them. Unfortunately the world recession has affected us all.
2 years ago
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Do not reduce our defence budget. Do not take away our means of defence. Impose realistic restrictions on immigration. Stop the UK being the world leaders in handouts. Provide aid to our manufacturing sector – encourage real engineering apprenticeships. Re-evaluate the tax system for pensioners. have the three Rs taught in school properly. Reintroduce discipline in the classroom. Don’t be afraid to say NO. Stop coming down to the lowest common denomintor and raise standards! And come out of the EU.
That will be the party that gets my vote – giving full justification of how they will bring this about.
2 years ago
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I am spending my dotage motorhoming around the country, and I speak to many people I meet on the way about what is happening to our country.
Almost without exception they tell me, with vehemence, that they intend to vote BNP. Yet the BNP doesn’t even feature in the polls.
Something strange is going on here.
Could it be that the media campaign to demonise the BNP has made people diffident about telling the polsters of what they intend to do in the privacy of the polling booth?
Or is it just bravado, and they really intend to vote for one of the “traditional” parties?
Answers on the back of a postage stamp please.
2 years ago
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If you add all of the off-balance sheet debt such as PFI, Network Rail, London underground etc. – all of which is governmnet borrowing – then we are not only running a similar budget deficit to Greece, but our total borrowing is not far behind – worse than Spain or Portugal.
So if we do not cut our spending FAST not just to reduce our annual deficit, but to start paying off our debt, then not only will interest rates jump, but also the pound will fall. So it is no good ooking to the party who will appear to benefit your by a small credit, or tax difference if they do not sut the deficit fast enough, as everything else will cost more and will wipe out any benefit you think you might have had. SO LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE and not at your personal short term advantage.
For example think about fule at £1.20 /l. Over the past 2 years when it was last near this level 7p is tax rises and 14p is sterling’s fall. So, for example, energy prices could go skyhigh along with food and all of those imported cheap goods (clothing, white goods, electronics…) And those with index linked pay and pensions will cause our taxes to rocket. So the BIG danger is that Sterling falls because a new Government can not or will not cut the deficit fast enough
The Lib Dems intend to fund a fair bit of their give aways through scrapping higher rate tax relief on pensions. I am not a higher rate taxpayer, but think about this : Someone without a company pension fund puts 25% of their pay into a private pension fund, so they have to pay 20-30% tax on this. Someone else pays 5% into a comapny fund and the company pays the rest. So they effectively pay 80% less tax – unless employer’s contributions are taxed too. But then that means taxing contributions made by the taxpayer to unfunded schemes too. And how can we calculate such contributions as a % of salary each year for defined benefit schemes?. If you know anything about pension funding then you will see that this is impracticable. So it looks as though eithet the Lib Dems have not thought it through, or they are following Gordon Brown and are going to tax personal pensions AGAIN whilst they suffer little or nothing.
Some people think Clegg is a fresh face and the most honest as he keeps telling us that. But look behind at the policies and realise that they lack depth, are deliberately popularist but lack substance. But he will attract many uninformed voters who just do not “like” the other lot – not a good reason to endorse anyone !!
2 years ago
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I’m quite sick and tired of people not considering smaller parties like UKIP. All too often i’m hearing “it’s a wasted vote, because there not one of the big 3″ well that’s because you wont give them a chance and vote for them. It’s been proved that “the big 3″ are all the same and their policies are far from what the British people really want. If people make a stand and vote for a smaller party, it will tell the main 3 parties what were thinking, that we wont stand for it any longer. For real change you need to think outside the box, over time the smaller parties will grow bigger and politics will be fairer. Gaining seats is a success.
What i’ve heard people are worried about at the moment is the out of control immigration and our economy. None of the 3 big parties will do anything to change either of those issues as were run by the EU and that’s how the 3 big parties want it to stay!2 years ago
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It was Thatcher and Regan that took the leash of our banks and let them run a mock with our pensions etc. They also cut the taxes on the rich allowing them to make obscene amounts of money while the working man lost more and more of his hard earned crust. No matter whom you vote for the government will still get in. Not one political party has formally sacked any MP for the expenses scandal, instead letting them slip away quietly with a golden hand shake. In answer to the blog above, our fore fathers did not lay down their lives for the type of government we see to day, Greed, self interest, corruption and dishonesty from ALL parties. Now that’s is an Insult to their memory.
2 years ago
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Where has all the Gold Reserve Gone? Sold! at a price far below what it is now. We will cut taxes, oh no he hasn’t! There are over a hundred more and even more contemplated…
As a Chancellor he undid all that was good foundation the Tories left! He is given the job of Prime Minister (The Queen should have refused to accept him) Given this job, unelected, he qualifies for a big fat pension and a personal guard for ever…… more than any working man he claims to be his equal!!!
And now he is still cheating us by selling all fuels at a price in excess of their actual cost and worth…. The man is apparently deludedWhenever, in my long memory the Labour Government is voted out of power it takes ten years to get the economy into a state of recovery…. Please do not waste your vote on a minority party, Conservatives may not be your first choice but they should be your priority to try to stem this tide of spend it all for nought policy!!!
2 years ago
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Re: Rob’s point, yes why not have a ‘none of the above’ option?
How about more Parties represented in debates, not the same three stooges? I’d like to know more about and hear from the likes of UKIP, etc.
2 years ago
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What depressing blogs! Like Math I believe we do have to think outside our own boxes: and I am looking for which party will strive hardest to bring justice and create an inclusive society. I am proud to live in a country which is learning to be truly multi-cultural – but I am not proud of the fact that there are still too many children in this country and throughout the world living in poverty. I am rather shocked at how “holier than thou” so many commentators- in the media and on this website – have been about Brown’s gaffe – of course he shouldn’t have said it, but can you put your hand on your heart and say you have never, ever said something behind someone’s back which you didn’t dare say to their face? Jesus saying that those without sin could throw the first stone comes to mind!!
2 years ago
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In answer to Math………. do you not remember 5 million unemployed before Margaret Thatchers Era? I do! Do you not realise that the pressure your industries were under was to force the issue?? Don’t think that you are told the truth about who got the back handers it was not the workers it was the Union Bosses, where is Scargill now…. Better off than you or I I’ll warrant…
Your resilience is to be admired but let you not think it was just you in Wales that suffered Devolution should be a two way street!
2 years ago
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On the matter of petrol prices….dig out your books from 7 years ago (before your archive them for ever) and take a look at the fuel costs compared to today…even after RPI linking they’ve gone ballistic…
2 years ago
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I, like millions of people in this country are sick to death of politicians, the national debt, the expenses scandal,the meaningless waffle, day after day on how they will tackle crime and immigration, how they will protect the NHS and other front line services, how they will sort out greedy bankers, surely this country deserves better, I honestly cannot think of a politician in any of the main political parties that stands out from the crowd. I will vote simply because I feel it is my duty, but it will be with a heavy heart, rest assured of that.
David J Stevenson
2 years ago
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In presenting the summarised findings it is incorrect to link the PM’s comments from last night (‘bigotgate’ as you horribly put it) to waning support (as you put it). How do you know that the two are linked?
And anyway, why are so many people putting so much importance on what was a minor comment? The press jumped on it as if it were something important. The PM is entitled to express his views; he doesn’t have to like everyone he meets. Think about it: have you never said or done something inappropriate? The media is like a pack of hyenas, jumping on something really small, instead of focusing on what really matters.
And I should qualify my comments by saying that I am NOT a Labour supporter, just that I don’t like to see things blown out of proportion.
2 years ago
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The sad fact is, whoever we vote into power will be picking up a poisoned challis. We are about to appoint the people who will make us all poorer at every turn and in every way until the fiscal deficit created by the poorly regulated and still grossly rich financiers is put right. It’s really just a question of who you would rather be whipped by and how hard! Someone you like, someone you hate, or the stranger on the big white horse ?
The Conservative Party and to some extent Labour, have been manipulating an unfair electoral system as if it were a game, for generations. Sometimes, if you want to see real change, you just have to throw the dice in the air and trust your luck.
2 years ago
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I will be voting Labour because over the last 13 years my life and my family’s life has improved immeasurably. I remember my mother waiting 2 years in agony for a knee operation which would now be seen in a matter of weeks. I have a five year old daughter who has benefited from sure start and nursery provision that wasn’t there before. The increase in maternity leave and the the introduction of paternity leave helped us through some tough times when she was born. In 1997 I had a pay rise because of the minimum wage. My wife has trained as a nurse and is now working in an A&E ward. It was because of the additional training places that she was able to do this. I am working in a school newly built that replaced one that was falling apart. In the three main ares of law and order, health and education the country has moved forward miles. On the environment, Labour has set higher targets than anyone believed possible.
I will be voting Labour, not just for me but my daughter’s future. I remember the 1980′s and government that didn’t care.2 years ago
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I call upon all thinking people to remove this happless clot and his cronies from office. Its not that I think that any of the others are much better, its just that they all need to be kicked out from time to time, its the only thing they understand. None of them have the faintest idea how angry and helpless we all feel, rampant waste in the public sector (and I’ve worked in local government for 25 years so dont tell me it doesnt happen), the constant cowtowing to Brussels – isnt anyone prepared to stand up for Britain anymore? who on earth thought it was a good idea to dismantle our country’s borders?, 80% tax on petrol and rising – if you put up the price of fuel the price of everything else increases because its all transported by road, stupid! MP’s expenses, when I had to submit a claim for every mile I did in my own car on my employers behalf, only to have it scrutinised by a dragon in the finance department and sent back for the slightest error, then finally to be taxed on what was actually a re-imbursement of my own money – and if I’m not mistaken it was a Tory goverment that was responsible for that one! I could go on and on, you can all come up with your own examples. The real trouble is we can do nothing at all about it…
2 years ago
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Reply to Rob above.
Fining people for not voting is impractical. Have you not considered why people don’t vote? I know several people who don’t understand politics. Anyway, adding £100 to these people’s council tax would make no difference as they get council tax benefit.
2 years ago
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The West is on a downward path. As the downtrodden masses of the east finally get a chance to stick their snouts in the trough the proportion of the cake left for us in the ‘developed’ west will get smaller and smaller. That’s the real issue here. What you think is mismanagement on the part of Brown and the Labour party is far to narrow an interpretation of what is really happening. Industry is moving out East. We cannot re-train our work force fast enough or well enough to take up the sort of job/skills Thatcher decided we should embrace when she destroyed British industry.
We don’t make anything any more. When we did it was nothing other than conflict and strife. Look at our old car industry, a disaster. When foreign car makers set up in the UK in the 90’s why did they manage to make a success of it? What changed? The workers were the same but managements, management style and finance were different. The car industry is one of our biggest exports. British workers, foreign management. What does that tell you about the UK? Look at the crooks that managed to pocket millions from Rover. Typical British management.
What we are staring in the face is something fundamental. We are seeing a paradigm shift. Capital moves to maximise profit, no loyalty no nationality, no decency. Maximum profit, that’s the clarion call. If you think the Tories will arrest that then bigger fool you.
2 years ago
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The only way that Gordon Brown is the right man to get us out of the financial mess is based on the premise that “he got us there, maybe he knows the way home”.
For my sins, SNP voter for over three decades……we needed change then and oh how much we need it now.2 years ago
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I cannot believe all the stick that GB and the Government are getting over the state of the country. What exactly did that evil woman Thatcher do, lets examine it. The only really good thing she did was take away power from the Unions and that definitely needed doing, next she destroyed the coal, steel, ship building and machine tool (Herberts went to the wall due to lack of support from government) industries.She privatised the gas, electricity (at the time one of the most efficient companies in the world) and water companies and who owns them now all foreign owned where they can and do charge what the hell they like, water should never ever be in private hands. John Major`s government presided over the most disastrous privatisation of all, the Railways (even tory MP`s admit the folly of that). Then we come to health, Thatcher deliberately starved the N. H. Service of funds in the hope of forcing people to take out private insurance so consequently to bring it up to the state it is in today billions had to be poured in. Finally because that detestable woman realised there was no manufacturing industry left so to speak after she had finished, she in cahoots with her friend Ronald Regan decided to relax virtually all controls and regulations on the Banks and Financial Institutions hence the tremendous risks taken by these people to make money, we have become extremely reliant on the City (admittedly G Brown did not make much attempt to institute the controls that were required) As George Soros stated about 18 months ago because of these misdeeds by the totally morally corrupt Bankers and the very poor manufacturing base that we have in this country we are in a much worse state than most other European countries. So all in all a lot of the cock up that has occurred in this country is down to previous Tory Governments. I will make one final comment the Tories have and always will stand for Privilege, Class and Wealth not really ordinary working people and just remember one thing the best government this country has ever had was the Atlee government after the war and we were actually bankrupt then.
2 years ago
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Just a quick reply to Demon :-
Points 1 -3 . Instead of having to go to the IMF in the 1980′s Margaret Thatcher made way for a society that became broken because the country became a speculator’s paradise, where gambling away profits made by the privatisation of the heart of British Industry, whether failing or not, on the stock exchange has led to the problems we have got now. Is that better than going to the IMF ?
Can Demon honestly argue that the failing Nationalised Industries are better under privatisation – would you like British Gas PLC to install your boiler ?- the company which has been consistently voted the worst performer by consumer groups for a number of years !
Furthermore, the privatisation of the railways led (as even the Tories had to admit after various coroner’s inquests) to money that should have been spent on safety in the 1990′s being diverted to shareholders, leading directly to around 80 deaths and hundreds of serious injuries in 2 major train accidents in the 2000′s. These figures on their own surpass all figures for deaths and injuries for the whole decade before when the rail industry wasn’t privatised. Is that the litmus paper for the success of an industry under privatisation.
If that’s the world you want from tamed trade unions and privatisation of “failed” industries you can keep it !
The Tories instituted a mantra that profit is to be achieved in any industry or service at all costs. Well following this form of logic- the cure for the supposed failing NHS is obvious. Privatise it ! Make sure anyone who is aged over 50 and is ill or has an accident isn’t treated ,and just allowed to comfortably die, because treating them has become economically unviable. Then the cost to the taxpayer would diminish massively, as soon, this age group who will comprise 50% of the population will starting dying off prematurely. This would also ease the employment situation and if you extend this lack of care to immigrants and people who can’t afford to pay for private heath – bingo ! – unemployment and the financial burden of the National Health would be cured within 5- 10 years !
It’s a question as to whether you want that world or not !
4. No Labour Government in the last 100yrs have EVER created a stable ecomony, like Gordon Brown they spent billions on creating nothing at the cost to the WORKING CLASSES whilst claiming to be on ‘our side’.
Yes -because the Conservatives created a stable failing economy, which slid in the late 1980′s and beyond into the situation we now have where our savings are being used to gamble on futures and derivatives on an unregulated market by the high street banks – a practice started and encouraged in the 1980′s by the Tory Government.
Let’s face it – the system the Tories have been running doesn’t really work – and Labour has unltimately failed because it copied too many of their bad ideas… maybe it’s time to keep a coalition government going until someone twigs the problem and begins changing it and we can vote for them !
2 years ago
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Sorry to say it, but if you want rid of Gordon Brown, there is no room in this election for a protest vote for the Lib dems, UKIP, BNP, Greens, etc. It has to be for Cameron.
A hung parliament would be disasterous for this country, especially in the likely event that Brown came third, thus remaining in a position of very considerable power. The Lib Dems would side with any opponent in exchange for bargaining their own particular agenda, mainly P.R.
2 years ago
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I don’t trust the Conservatives at all. David Cameron has had such a privileged up bringing he hasn’t a clue about the working class. He talks a lot of rubbish, how he dares to talk about how the health service is in ruins, well the bit that is in ruins is the parts that were privatised by the conservatives starting with cleaners and what do we have now MRSA. But I must say waiting lists have come down, I started with pain in my hip last January and in August I had a hip replacement. There is room for lots of improvement in the health service but it was the Conservatives that initiated the decline. Also I am certainly not on my own in saying who can you trust with the economy, well Gordon Brown isn’t perfect by any means but I trust him more than anyone to get the economy on track. He appears to have the right idea to have goals over 4 years where Cameron who knows nothing about the economy wants to reduce it quicker by stinging our pockets deeper, but of course it won’t affect him he wont have to watch his pennies. And finally G Browns comments about Mrs Duffy was wrong but it does show he is human and not perfect as the other two think they are, how many times has Prince Philip put his foot in it with his comments, yes he is human too.
2 years ago
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Well Robert, bust and bust under the Tories eh? You are trying to re-write history! I lived through these times and you are quite frankly wrong. The most hard up that any of us has been is under the present regime. Their majority was so huge that they passed all sorts of ridiculous laws, without being prudent, because they could. There wasn’t an opposition to stop them. They must have destroyed several forests in their rush to make a mark on this country… and what a mark. However, the present discussion is about the economy. Why aren’t we all scandalised by the street cleaners in Birmingham earning more money than many hugely qualified people in offices and industry? Surely this is wrong. The man keeps streets tidy, what is the measure used to calculate such an excessive bonus on top of salary? (This is according to the BBC.) The percentage bonus is far greater than for any banker I know, and you know how down everyone is on them! People in businesses, industry, banking etc are trying to create wealth that the rest of the country benefits from in the form of taxes paid and job creation as businesses expand. Many of their employees earn less than the street cleaner, yes even the bank clerks. Why aren’t we all up in arms about this? What is really bad is that councils are agents of government and they are not following their own rules on equal pay, but who has been paid the wrong wage? I think I can detect an area where savings can be made! Let’s strip out all the uneccessary layers of government committees, quangos etc and control MPs’ spending on their own interests. Let’s stop councils from ripping us off. Why is it that while we are either accepting no pay rises or even reduced pay packets, Government employees and councils seem to do very nicely thank you. They spend our money freely and ask for more… and more. Greed has brought us to this sorry state and every single one of us is responsible.
2 years ago
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If you are old enough, think back to the last recessions, the ones the Tories were in power during. If you think what we are going through now is anywhere near as bad as it was then, then the only thing I can say is you weren’t there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_1fefRytoQ&feature=channel
This is a global down turn, brought upon us, the ordinary people, by wreckless banks and irresponsible lending. The financial institutions insisted government had no place interfering in the markets. Light touch regulation they pleaded, the markets can take care of themselves, they will self regulate they argued. What happened? Government gave them what they asked for and they in turn indulged in an unprecedented orgy of greed. You point the finger at Government, in reality we are all to blame, we borrowed that which we couldn’t afford and its now all coming home to roost.
All, of course, in my very humble opinion, for what its worth.
2 years ago
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I have a question not a comment-
Why -who ever gets power control the first thing they do is increase M.Ps pay. then fleece the workers.2 years ago
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In view of all the proposed cuts in spending, the Congress in USA has 525 members to administer for 300,000,000 citizens. Why not cut the number of Westminster M.P.s by 75%.
This would reduce obscene expenses claims, reduced significantly the cost of aministration and make way for more honest,and closer scrutinised Honourable Members of Parliment.The same should be done for Europe or withdraw from the coruption it has created.
THE CUTS SHOULD START WHERE THEY WERE CAUSED
2 years ago
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A reply to Sue S
All I can say about bust bust during the Tory era is that I bought the house I now live in in 1988 and I haven’t changed my 25 year mortgage at all. I looked at my bank account statements from that time , and my mortgage was 1988 was 4 times greater than it is now. Remember in the “good times”, during the heyday of the Tories, inflation was at 11% and interest rates were at 14% !
Would we all like that situation to return now ?
I bet David Cameron would, as he’s due to inherit millions and claims £20,000 a year from your taxes for his second home ,and the interest he’d get his inheritance at 14% would be staggering.
Greedy councils ! What about the most privileged and wealthy shadow cabinet since the days of MacmIllan in the 1960′s, who mainly survive on inherited wealth and not on money they’ve worked for (or work they’ve got from family connections)- who rely on bleeding us of the taxes we contribute from working for much less to top up their wealth !
2 years ago
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I was surprised that the public was seemingly swayed by the first debate’s ‘Clegg effect’. Yes it was a good stand up ‘performance’but the whole debate was very weak on anything approaching hard facts on what the parties would actually do concerning serious issues.
This survey’s results were interesting and its quite a big sample, if not representative of mix. But I cant see the actual results following that of the survey. I think the Tories will win and especially think the Labour will take many more seats then the Lib Dems.
2 years ago
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I think this time round it is imperrative that EVERYONE votes, and uses their vote wisely; a vote for the liberals is a vote for Labour in effect, as this will either return a Labour government (god forbid yet another term of Brown) OR a HUNG parliment… neither of which I am in favour of
The ONLY way to oust this incompetent government is to vote CONSERVATIVE this is the ONLY choice!
Unless you want to see Brown re-elected, or a wishy washy undecisive coalition government, VOTE CONSERVATIVE!!! and get this country back on track
2 years ago
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Anyone who wants to live in a country with a fairly honest government that helps provide a good standard of living should vote with their feet. They should emigrate to Australia… Many friends of mine have done so, and none want to come back to this place…
2 years ago
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The ONLY way to oust this incompetent government is to vote LIBERAL DEMOCRATS this is the ONLY choice!
Unless you want to see Brown re-elected, or a wishy washy undecisive coalition government, VOTE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS !!! and get this country back on track
2 years ago
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the government has sold out to foriegh businesseswe have an un elected priminister . who has done nothing to preventhugh bonuses to already overpaid bankers.
The liberal demacrats want us to adopt the euro which in my view taking us into europe was only good for europe, and completely destroyed our industries, with as we now see they are taking job to where it is cheapest putting thousands out of work with no industry to turn to. so that only leaves the Conserative who in my view are our only choice, the smaller parties will not be a vote to stop Labour uselessness, the best thing this priminister has done was to leave his microphone on and let the people know what he realy thinks of us.2 years ago
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Whatever you do, don’t vote for the conservatives.
If you can remember what Margaret Thatcher did to this country, selling off everything we owned, so that now you have higher bills then you will vote for another party. Higher electric and gas bills doesn’t affect the rich, just the poor. Vote for change. Paul got one thing right, it is imperative that everyone votes this time, but let them know how much you trust them and vote for anyone but Labour or Conservatives, if just to show them that they are not trusted at all by anyone. I’ve always voted Labour and would NEVER vote conservative because i remember the last time they were in and will never forget it. This time i’m voting for a change. A hung parliament would be a good thing. Why do you think they have been trying to tell you differently?2 years ago
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Paul,
Try not to be such a complete James Blunt for the rest of your life, do yourself and the rest of us a favour and go play in the traffic.2 years ago
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Every Part apart from 2 are not recognising that most of Britain wan’t to know what there intention is about Immigration, getting out of Europe, No interferance from the EU re our Laws, Stopping all payments to the EU & Aid foreign countries to buy weapons & fatten up those in Power who should be called Dictators yet they play on our Governments who are frightened to take on the do gooders & Think Tanks that are paid enormous amounts of Money in salaries, The should also look at the Council management teams who also recieve 3 times the salary of most MP’s or the Top Heavy Management Teams of all Hospitals on the pretence if you only pay peanuts all you get is Monkeys which is an insult to Monkeys, also the use of Outside Advisors & Agency workers eg Nurses & so on at double the cost of a full time employee. There is too many Jobs for the Boys or Girls just to be PC, & even refused to stop employing Family members partime at a cost that would be a good salary for someone else.
Lastly all Bonuses should be taxed as unearned income which alone would help the National Debt.
I would be interested if any truly honest person disagrees with my thoughts.2 years ago
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Oh here we go with the old ‘remember Maggie she took my free school milk away and closed my dad’s pit down blah blah blah..’
You want more Labour???
2 years ago
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I want to change one of my answers. I didn’t think we would be back in recession this year but if that many people vote tory it’s a cert.
2 years ago
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the problem is like America Britain is run by corporations and big money who manipulate the politicians who are a facarade for us to watch while big business makes the most of upswings and when the economy cant go any higher they position them selves to win on the down turn proven meetings take place between the absolute rich to plan out the next big world moves i here Africa is to be civilised and infastructure improved so the hierarchy can move in and extract minerals Governments are just the puppets for the money who want absolute control this is done through divide and conquer techniques these are political correctness , multiculturism , deception via media ,the bbc just being pr front for the government obviously,no ones mentioned surveillance cameras during the debates just think 3.4 million cameras if there is there is 1 person watching 34 tv cameras that means there is100 thousand people watching us just think of the expense and did you know that political correctness and big business coordination is done through a company called common purpose, a left wing organisation look on utube.This government has also attacked religion which although I am an athiest is a good organisation which does good so why is the media aka as the government attacking religion a sure sign of a attribute of a dictatorship by matter of fact,Stalin Hitler they they are all affraid of powerfull organisations ,and fancy putting a muslim in charge of relgious programs on the bbc labours having a laugh the only only true upstanding party that wants to get ride of political correctness and give a correct amount of power back to the people is ukip and they will cut business out of pollotics but like ron paul of america the media hate Nigel Farage, by the way if you do nothing else in your life go on utube look up ron paul of america also enter political correctness in britian, democracy in britian and police state britian and be prepared to be gobsmacked
2 years ago
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I agree with Dave, vote UKIP, and let’s get out of Europe. £45m goes to the EU every day, jobs are going to foreign workers, too many young folk are out of work.
2 years ago
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What difference will it make who gets in , the politicians once in power look after themselves first . As an ex serviceman with 15 years in the RAF my experience was that Labour have been trying their damndest to get rid of the armed forces . They have sent troops out with inadequate arms , armour , ammunition and money . The tories were good to the forces but at a price that no one liked , GET AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AND HOLD ON TO IT seems to be the Blessed Maggie and friends motto. The other parties dont really count . P.R. is what we need in Parliament , then the voters will get a fair share of the 600 odd seats .
2 years ago
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Watching leaders’ debate – Clegg clearly waxes his eyebrows…
2 years ago
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I too am in the quandary who do I vote for? It is my duty I think to vote as how else can we affect change to how things are being run.
The 2 big parties are spending all their time slagging each other off and trying to score points, Lib Dem are saying good things but we all know they won’t get enough votes to get in so they can say what they want, I agree with what the BNP say about the quangoes, Europe & Immigration – what do the quangoes achieve other than costing millions of pounds of money, we pay millions to be part of europe but is it worth it I don’t think so it’s time we took a leaf out of the french’s book and stood up for our business i.e. the british fishing industry, we are drowning from people coming here and not contributing to the economy.
All I’m asking is that the politicians be honest and open for a change and level with the people of Britain and think of the best for Britain NOT their parties.
2 years ago
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We have to remember that Gordon Brown is in by default. I last voted labour because of Tony Blairs style, carisma, motivation and when he spoke about policies and home issues, I found him passionate (my personal opinion remember). In this day and age the parties are no longer defined in their beliefs as they were 20 years ago. Nothing seperates them these days and there to much bickering between the parties. They are also untrustworthy, say one thing (to get votes) and do another. Look at the expenses scandal. The women from Rochdale (Mrs “Bigot”) are the real people who they should be listen too.
How can we trust people who we can not trust. It’ll be an interesting one. My vote ….. I think Nick Clegg will get my vote, he reminds me of Tony Blair and wont get drawn into party bickering. Whilst Im here, lets stop us motorists getting consistantly ripped-off!
2 years ago
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Louise, your views about Mrs Biggot……….. Why are we getting so drawn into it you ask? Its because it really really proves what Gordon Brown is like behind closed doors. He simply is not interested in our thoughts or opinions. Anyway, hes out this time thats for sure and if you believe otherwise you need to take a look at yourself and your beliefs.
2 years ago
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When will people understand NO ONE PERSON or PARTY has all the answers. The commons is supposed to be a debating chamber so that at the end of the debate hopefully the correct course of action can be made for the benefit of the whole nation. With two dominant parties this cannot happen as they tow the party lines and don’t think of the common good. Next Thursday I hope we will have a parliament representative of all the country.
2 years ago
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as usal the english are voting for the torrys again they cant se in front of there faces. it was not Gordon brown that sank the banks it waas all the torry bankers have we forgot before labour came to power how much of then had jobs in the city in some cases 5- 6- 10 directorships. it time this countr became wise to the torrys they want us all to work for as low a wage so they can make large profets for thenselves not the normal working man or woman.
2 years ago
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The comments I have read before submitting my own make me feel very sad.
There are several from people who are ‘dyed in the wool’ supporters of each major party whose voting intention would not change even if it were possible to demonstrate that their chosen party would create worsening social and economic situations.
Then there are those who concentrate on a single issue, which happens to be close to their hearts.
Moreover it is clear that self-interest is put above the interest of the nation as a whole.
Equally disturbing are the many comments which are based on unsupported beliefs rather than on accurate figures. I concede that such facts are probably not available to we small people, but judging from the comments perhaps it would be of little consequence anyway.
Perhaps a hung Parliament would encourage more thoughtful politics, more open government and more consideration of public opinion.
Perhaps a hung Parliament would lead to Government giving reasons for any actions taken,
Perhaps there will be a pig or two flying past my home tomorrow!!
2 years ago
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How can so many people be fooled by the Conservatives. Increase VAT and up the petrol price, but save a few people lots of money on inheritance and wow we all want it, even if we have nothing! We will all come to regret voting for Cameron in twelve months when the cuts hit home, the construction industry grinds to a halt and dive back to recession!!
2 years ago
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Vote Lib dem and get paid in Euros!!! Vote labour and get robbed….Vote for change…Vote Conservative…
2 years ago
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This country has to cut down on the public sector jobs and there never ending pensions paid for from the public purse. All the useless pen pushers and clipboard holders with their pathetic committes and quangos dragging this country into a black hole of debt and producing absolutly nothing. Destroying forests to print out their forms and letters that no-one reads nor understands, unless you are an expert at fiddling social security forms to claim everything under the sun. The rael working people of this country have had enough of snouts in troughs and being bullied and intimidated by tiers of goverment departments and a barrage of european legislation thrust upon us by un-elected parasites with the ‘do as I say’ attitude and then rip us all of and do exactly as they please and are accountable to no one.
Apparently, from the survey I should vote UKIP but I really don’t beleive even that is radical enough so my advice is vote for anybody except labour and SNP2 years ago
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And there we have it. David Cameron said on the TV debate tonight (29th April) that the Banks, and in particular Fred the Shred was responsible for the economic mess and cause of British recession. Therefore all the bleating about Labour mismanagement of the economy is a load of rubbish. I work in financial services and know who I would trust and The conservatives will wreck the fragile recovery in months if elected.
A tax cut if fine if you have a job and pay tax. No job means no tax cuts only misery. Be warned2 years ago
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The Prime Minister didn’t tell us how much the National Debt is, and how much we are having to pay in interest before we can begin to actually reduce it.
I will be voting Conservative because I think they are best able to govern the finances of this country and to control immigration.2 years ago
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I worked for 46 years, paid all my taxes and have now retired. Why do I have to pay tax on my pension? This has not been discussed by any party leader. My pension is not large but enough to get by on, to be taxed is an outrage! All parties should be aware the ‘Grey’ pound is a large part of the economy. My savings attract a miserly rate of interest.
2 years ago
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Clegg has repeated the same mantra at each of the 3 debates. He’s little to say other than lumping the other 2 parties together in combined criticism. Surely I’m not the only one to have sussed him out!!? He’s as guilty as the others of not answering the stated question, he’s no spontaneous answers of his own. Vince Cable would have been a much more credible debater I think.
Gordon Brown leaves me speechless………..our elected Prime Minister ??……I think not!!!
That only leaves the Conservatives……….hooray, they get my vote now!!2 years ago
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Everyone’s forgotten the mess the Conservatives under Thatcher left us with. North Sea Oil profits were squandered on warmongering while in Shetland, they were used to benefit everyone. She hated railways and so they were nationalised – and look where that’s gotten us, our public transport is shamefully bad compared with other European countries. Meanwhile she boosted the road lobby and so our roads are clogged with lorries carrying goods that would be far better carried by train and it costs us all a fortune to repair them due to the relentless heavy traffic. She made greed acceptable, and accentuated the divide between rich and poor, creating an underclass which it will take generations to eradicate, and a super-rich tier the like of which has not been seen since King John and the Barons 800 years ago. Now even MPs snouts are firmly in the trough and whatever Cameron says, that’s not going to change under a Tory government. I’m voting Lib Dem because they aren’t Conservative, and I can’t bring myself to vote for this tired, discredited Labour government.
2 years ago
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Lets take this opportunity to really grab the horns by the bull, vote for real change and deal with the issues facing our fabulous nation absolutely head on. Lets take this opportunity, this offer of honesty and fairness, to change the tax system and give back to the hard working men and women of this great nation who have paid so disproportionately under successive labour/conservative governments. Lets take this opportunity and vote Liberal Democrat on May 6th. Plans, not promises. I agree with Nick.
2 years ago
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I think the debates have put a different slant on precedings this time round but overall with the expenses scandals and various other issues which have overshadowed the election it is unsurprising to see just how many people are undecided. The conservatives perhaps offer a better deal for business, but then they normally do. Whether that would filtrate down to small business I’m not sure. There is a part of me says stick with the devil we know. Clegg is a new kid on the block but they just don’t have the backing to have a majority and a hung parliment could be a major issue. Having said that I live in Scotland and we have had a minority government for the last few years and it seems to have worked out not bad. Perhaps it might be a good thing and create better debate and stop one party from just pushing through legislation which isn’t always in the best interest of the general public. One thing I do think should stop is the central government making decisions about spending money in other countries both the EU and the rest of the world such as £25Million for Haiti! We should be looking after our own first. Tragic as the situation is in Haiti and other areas around the world, that last time I checked the IMF and UN are there to deal with such issues and have funding to do so. Plus we should scrap trident and save a fortune and pull our boys out of Iraq and Afghanistan saving multiple millions and then perhaps we could concentrate on the UK issues and make things a bit better for all of us. The banks should also be pressured to lend and stimulate growth and if they don’t nationalise them or take back our money and create a new people’s bank and leave them to get on with it!
Cheers
John
Phoenix24-7 24hr UK based Live Telephone Answering Services2 years ago
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I cannot belive the opinion polls have conservative cameron out in front.
Gordon brown is correct he knows the economy and is the only one with sensible and realistic solutions. Clegg seems to think that every immigrant in the uk is conected to a criminal gang. The man has no realistic soloutions either. Cameron wantsvto cut everything and wants to pass the buck to the public. What he means is that we, joe public will be left to do things ourself. You want your streets clean, safe etc. They will say it’s up to you so go and do it. I fear if clegg or cameron gain power we are doomed. We will hit a recession again and follow Greece down the river. People needvto support brown and labour as they will secure an economic recovery. It’s simple, wevown the banks, so when they make money it is the public that gets the profit. We will male cash on the banks when a recovery has been secured.2 years ago
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VOTE LABOUR. Or RISK Loosing Your JOB!!!!!!
2 years ago
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If Gordon Brown was such a great chancellor of the exchequer why was he and still is so far behind the game line?
As Prime minister Gordon Brown has clearly reached the level of his incompetenceand should simply resign.
I suspect Tony Blair saw this coming and left on a high.
Afghanistan,Iraq,Baking.! how many more major blunders do we have to accept form a government who only polled 30% of the electorate .
We would have been better off if ,when the banking crisis arose,Government had simply said ” we will pay half off of all Mortgages”
Job done crisis over and the tax payers,not the banks, would have been the beneficiaries.
politicians are however only Temp staff appointed for 4 years and like temp staff at almost any job have no interest in the “company” only their own pockets.
A space on the ballot paper saying “Non of the above” is long overdue.2 years ago
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A change is undoubtedly needed – Labour have yet again got this country into a terrible mess. The ‘global economic’ excuse does not wash – even Brown himself admits he should have been tougher on the FSA.
Immigration has been a total calamity – introducing a points system now is an outstanding case of shutting the stable door…….. We now have cities which have massive ghettoes, and many schools where English is not the main language. There is an enormous strain on county and local services.
The nation is losing its identity and culture.Although Labour are to blame for most of the problems we are now encountering, when it comes to casting my vote, I have a problem. For the above reasons, I want to vote Conservative. However, my problem is that we have in my constituency a marvellous Labour MP, Michael Foster. He has shown over the past few years that he is the best man for the job in our Worcester constituency. I feel that I must vote for him.
If only we could cast one vote for our local MP, and another for the party we want to have main control of the country.
2 years ago
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Immigrants should not get benefit if they haven’t contributed into the system. where are the human right for the brits? Labour has sold this country down the river and well not only be a third world country but a forth.
2 years ago
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Nobody has all the right answers and you can’t clear debts without cutting back – we do the same ourselves when things are tight. I don’t know if a hung parliament would be better but it might mean more justification – I would like a leader to say the whole truth for a change with all the pros and cons for their proposals backed up with common sense reasons why they still believe each proposal to be the right choice. Maybe online surveys like this can be to a larger public on high profile issues and contribute towards the decision / vote on the issue.
Ps. Does anyone think Lee Taylor is Nick Clegg in disguise? Certainly ‘sounds’ like him!2 years ago
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Vote Conservative, it is the only way. We need to get this government out but not get a hung parliament. If you vote Lib Dem you will be in for a stack of useless Happy Slappy Clappy slightly Lefty stuff. Guess what, it is going to cost and no one will be responsible for themselves anymore. We are nearly there now with Gordon at the helm.
We need to get some common sense back into this country and stop the rot. Vote Conservative now.
2 years ago
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Fred Collier
Let’s vote Conservative ! Hah !
Let’s follow the Conservative lead and be like David Cameron and just live off our inheritance from our Dad the millionaire stockbrocker, and claim expenses of £20,000 a year for our second homes from those people who work for a living and pay their taxes.
Let’s go about depriving other people from work by being a failed aide (obtained only by rich family connections) to Tory Chancellors who have to take the UK out of the ERM and plunged Britiain into interest rates of 14% and inflation rates of 11% and the worst financial chaos until today when there wasn’t a world recession on and when unsuccessful, join Carlton TV depriving someone else more qualified out of another job.
Then wait for another Conservative, Tony Blair, to mess up the Labour Party by adopting all the bad Tory policies that got Britain into the mess created by Margaret Thatcher – obsessive privatisation and de reglulation of City fianancial speculation leading to two spectacular stock market crashes in the late 1980′s.
Let’s charge some of the hedge fund speculators who caused the latest crash £50,000 (donated to Tory funds of course and not to Dave personally) to attend dinner parties at David Cameron’s house- a practice now halted after the crash.
Let’s lie about the tax status of someone a previous leader gave a peerage to if he sunk a few million quid into Tory funds in some marginals…when the cost of his tax evesion to everyone who works for a living is hundreds of millions !
Let’s vote against bailing out the banks I have helped to flounder by supporting financial speculators in the market knowing that the Labour government will be blamed when cash machines run out of money and the nation is plunged into chaos.
Yeh this lot’ll help those of us who earn under £60,000 a year no doubts !
2 years ago
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I notice two things about the contributions so far, viz: only two women have apparently contributed and some strongly felt pieces are near unreadable because unpunctuated. The full stop still has its uses.
I get the impression that quite a few contributors are involved with small businesses in which fuel plays a big part. i suggest that pinning their hopes on the Tories may be a mistake. Only big businesses will be advantaged. The rest of us have to keep a car on the road out of low taxed incomes or inadequate pensions with no hope of claiming anything back on fuel.
All politicians are in thrall to global businesses and banks. It is unfair to blame the predent administration for the finacial disaster which has befallen the Western World, but certainly they did not see it coming and must bear some responsibility for not doing so or taking steps to regulate crazy money men.
What we need is a hung parliament because if Clegg is sincere, then Brown would have to step down. He has been a disappointment to me almost as much as Tony Blair. Despite his sincerity, he is tainted by the Blair years.
Labour, for which I have voted all my life, must review its policies and leadership, booting out the New Labour hard liners and moving back to its leftist roots. The Tories must demonstrate, that their conversion to “fairness” is genuine, for I suspect it is not. I too, lived through the Thatcher years and they were not very pretty. I still detest this woman with fear and loathing.
I suggest you vote tactically, depending on where you live, to keep out the Tories at all costs and possibly bring about a “balanced” result which will force all the pretty youths ( excepting poor Gordon ) who now vie for power to have a rethink .
2 years ago
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I feel the population is being too quick to forget what a brilliant chancellor Gordon Brown has been. I am voting for Labour and Gordon Brown.
2 years ago
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In reply to Robert
So you are perfectly happy to pay a low mortgae interest rate whilst the prudent suffer to see their savings eroded by inflation, and their paltry income taxed? You are living on other people’s moneyMeanwhile you bought your house in 1968 and I bet it is worth a few bob more now despite recent house price falls. Your un-earned gain is someone else’s loss. Meanwhile you use your irk against the theoretical “rich” who will always avoid taxes no matter what happens to determine your vote which will affect millions of ordinary British people.
Under Gordon public spending has risen form 40% to 52% of GDP. This is madness, Anyone supporting Labour must be MAD.
2 years ago
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I notice two things about the contributions so far, viz: only two women have apparently contributed and some strongly felt pieces are near unreadable because unpunctuated. The full stop still has its uses.
I get the impression that quite a few contributors are involved with small businesses in which fuel plays a big part. i suggest that pinning their hopes on the Tories may be a mistake. Only big businesses will be advantaged. The rest of us have to keep a car on the road out of low taxed incomes or inadequate pensions with no hope of claiming anything back on fuel.
All politicians are in thrall to global businesses and banks. It is unfair to blame the present administration for the financial disaster which has befallen the Western World, but certainly they did not see it coming and must bear some responsibility for not doing so or taking steps to regulate crazy money men in time.
What we need is a hung parliament because if Clegg is sincere, then Brown would have to step down. He has been a disappointment to me almost as much as Tony Blair. Despite his sincerity, he is tainted by the Blair years.
Labour, for which I have voted all my life, must review its policies and leadership, booting out the New Labour hard liners and moving back to its leftist roots. The Tories must demonstrate, that their conversion to “fairness” is genuine, for I suspect it is not. I too, lived through the Thatcher years and they were not very pretty. I still detest this woman with fear and loathing.
I suggest you vote tactically, depending on where you live, to keep out the Tories at all costs and possibly bring about a “balanced” result which will force all the pretty youths ( excepting poor Gordon ) who now vie for power to have a rethink .
2 years ago
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Corrupt Parliament:
Most current Tory MPs are in traditionally ‘safe’ seats. They were selected by the old-school-tie network to toe the party line, turn up to vote occasionally, and generally have a jolly fine time at tax-payers’ expense.
Before the Labour supporters start thinking about feeling smug; nearly half of their current MPs are enjoying a similar lifestyle at our expense. Very few are active in government: which explains why so little positive governing has taken place recently.
Only one party, is promising proper reform: for the benefit of all citizens, not just rich paymasters.Economics:
Tory and Labour governments both deregulated the banks and building societies, (remember them?), following USA’s example; and leaving the economic collapse waiting to happen. Thatcher squeezed the unions and Labour, until New Labour was invented as a clone of Tory party.Defence:
Blair sent UK troops into Iraqi desert ILLEGALLY; because he wanted Bush as a friend.
We cannot afford to replace Trident now; after cross-party review, we should order weapons to suit today’s requirements: not just update old cold-war nukes.Fair taxes:
Cons, cons and loopholes for multi-millionnaires: are offered by Cameron. Brown says Labour are going to do this; they are going to do that… next year. But next year, like tomorrow, never comes. Nick Clegg has promised tax cuts for lower-income groups, and higher taxes for the very rich. Very fair.I am sure, like he says, it won’t happen in an instant. But at least, at long last, we would be moving forward: instead of the left-right zig-zag of the past ninety years.
Only one way forward.2 years ago
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I cannot understand how anybody can be in favour of being a member of the EU – a body which is unaccountable and has been unable to balance its books for some years – in fact it is reported that its auditors have given up trying! If a private firm had been in this position, it would have been in deep trouble and would have had to cease trading. In all the political debates no one seems to address this huge problem. I personally resent the petty rules and regulations which they regularly churn out to justify their existence along with all the billions of pounds they gain from us to fund the lavish lifestyles of their members. It must put the expenses of our politicians in the shade. I would like to see a list of the benefits the UK receives in return. UKIP seem to be the only party which would help get us out of this expensive commitment and put the Great back into Britain, giving us back our identity. It is just unfortunate they are not one of the mainstream parties.
2 years ago
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To Mr Coller I say, “Rubbish”. The Tory policies would kick the economy while it is down. Then guess who would benefit the most from the resulting cheap opportunities that arise ?. Sounds like a certain investment bank tactic.
I’d rather pick my neighbour up than seize on his misfortune. I’d prefer that kind of society. Both responsible for myself and looking out for my less fortunate neighbour.
Only by treating the economy with care can fairness be achieved.
I have a tree which suffered during the winter of 98. I didn’t cut it down or chop its branches and roots off !. I wanted it to give it a fair chance so I nurtured it until it regained its strength and then, when the time was right, I pruned it back with care to ensure it had a longer and healthier life.
If that is Happy, Slappy, Clappy,….count me in. Better than Greedy, Seedy, Tweedy same old opportunistic, short term thinking we get from the Tory yahs.
.
2 years ago
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Dear Jon
As with most Tory sympathisers you’ve missed my point and not read what I’ve said.
I bought my house in 1988 not 1968, at the height of Tory power and was paying four times as much as I am now and my house is not worth loads more than it was then – as I missed the falsely created Tory boom fuelled by market speculation, which created wealth for those who bought their house in the 1960′s and 1970′s just before the chaos caused in the early nineties, by Tory mismanagement of the economy plunged those who’d prudently saved into a quagmire of wildly fluctuating savings interest rates and high inflation which for most ate away at their gains and helped a stock market crash or three to ruin the finances of those who’s followed the Tory advice to invest in shares in newly privatised companies that we the tax payer used to own.
What was prudent about a Tory inflation rate of 11% in 1988 compared to 3% now and an interest rate of 3% compared to 14% then ?
2 years ago
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Is Henry HaroldWilson resurrected like his tree>
The pound in your pocket? Yes the pound has taken a hammering as we are like Greece so instead of causing a Euro problem we just have to pay more for energy, fuel, food, clothes and anything else we do not make anymore
Supporting Labour simply means that you MIGHT get a bigger piece from a much smaller cake.
We are in a real mess with (including off-balance sheet debt) in a situation worse than anyone in the EEC.
So forget the tax bribes, forget the Lib Dem unworkable “honest” manifesto calculatoions and just go for the party which will bring the debt under control the fastest.
Do not pretend that there is a painless option.Grip the bull by the horns. Face up to facts, Do not let your own personal greed tempt you to vote in those who will decimate your “gain” by failure in Sterling and inflation.
And do noy blame the doctor when he prescribes many years of austerity. If you deny this then the UK will be dead !!!2 years ago
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In reply to Robert
Judging by the dates you still made a packet on you house unless you bought a wreck. The problems you quote were the direct result of us paying for the previous Labour spending spree.
And you are now still paying a subsidised mortgage base on depriving the prudent from a fair rate of net interest sufficient to safeguard their hard earned savings.
Just look at Sterling to understand the BIG picture away from yours and my views. The GDP has fallen 6% net over the past 2 years. Sterling has fallen 25%. So from a WORLD view our economy is now worth only 69% of what is was.You might like to live in Zambia where you can have lots and lots of paper in your pocket and feel rich. I prefer the real world
2 years ago
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They’re all full of ****.
Brown raped our pensions, gave our gold away, AND lied about the EU referendum so count him out. Clegg wants an amnesty for all illegal immigrants and MORE EU integration so he’s out. Cameron gets my vote not because he’ll do anything for me but because the other two are even worse.2 years ago
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Wouldn’t it be nice when we go to vote to have, as a final option, under the names of all the candidates a small tick box with “None of the above.” printed alongside. Maybe more people would want to register their views and vote.
2 years ago
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Jon
Maybe we’re arguing the same point.
One point you make “Meanwhile you use your irk against the theoretical “rich” who will always avoid taxes no matter what happens to determine your vote which will affect millions of ordinary British people.”
I would contend I am using my irk against a Tory party who would support the real rich- ie those who have 1- 2 million in hard cash available in a bank account, and own property worth 5-10 million, mainly from inherited wealth as with David Cameron and George Osbourne, who have not worked for it, as opposed to those who are rich because they have worked for it whose house may be now worth £1 million because they bought it in London for the going rate of around £25,000 in the mid1970′s and sat on it for nearly 40 years, a price which was not unattainable for people who earned a normal wage in the 1970′s then if they’d worked hard for the previous15 or so years.
The GDP figures you quote for today have been just as bad as the 6% you quote as being applicable now in the mid 1980′s when the Tories were in power – and I quote from Wikipedia…
“A new period of neo-liberal economics began with the advent of the government of Margaret Thatcher who was elected in 1979. Most state-owned enterprises in the industrial and service sectors, which since the 1940s had been nationalised, were privatised. As a result, the British Government owned very few industries or businesses by the mid 1980s. GDP fell 5.9% ”
As for sterling…and i quote Wikipedia…
“The Conservatives arrived in power in 1979, on a programme of fiscal austerity. The pound rocketed, moving above the $2.40 level, as interest rates rose in response to the monetarist policy of targeting money supply. The high exchange rate was widely blamed for the deep recession of 1981. Sterling fell sharply after 1980 At its lowest, the pound stood at just $1.03 in March 1985″
$1.03 to the pound has never been achieved under a Labour Government since the 1980′s Tory rule – Jon. should I remind you the exchange rate is now $1.53 to the pound during the worst recession since the 1920′s.
So maybe the steward of the economy Gordon Brown has done something right in ensuring the same GDP drop as Margaret Thatcher during a recession at least he didn’t create and is suppoed to be many times worse , whilst keeping Sterling up 25% on Mrs Thatcher’s tally …or maybe we should all move to Zimbabwe where the truth under Mugabe is as distorted as you see it !
2 years ago
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Debate tonight for me was the best yet.
Even though two of the leaders Cameron and Brown tend to go down the line of having a go at each other.
Urging all women to vote, remember your history and Mrs Pankhurst and associates what they went through to earn us the right to vote, women in the past went through a lot to get us the vote please use it. If you don’t vote you can’t really moan about the government if you haven’t got up and voted whether because you don’t care or can’t be bothered. BE BOTHERED, CARE USE YOUR VOTE.
Brown/Labour they know how bad the recession really is. Brown was always good with money on becoming PM it all went pear shaped as he had to hand over control of the finances to other regulatory committees and involved with loads of issues as PM took his finger of the pulse here. Only they know how bad it really is and believe they have the powers to really put it right. May not prove popular with the rest of the country and may not win the next election in 4 years time as the actions to start us on the road to recovery may not be popular with many of us. BUT ACTION IS NEEDED NOW AND THEY KNOW HOW BAD IT REALLY IS.
Tories seem to be taking into account the lesser paid but also seem to be adearing to the well off.
Lib Dems, Nick speaks well but he has a young green team can they pull it off????? ONE MILLION ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN THE COUNTRY THEY ARE GOING TO LET THEM STAY WHAT MESSAGE IS THAT SENDING OUT TO THE OTHERS WAITING TO COME OVER. This country wouldn’t be what it is without our foreign workers but times like these we ought to close our borders for a time and concentrate on those of us already here.
The sky survey is very interesting to do if you are honest with your answers they tell which party you could or should vote for as they cater for your needs and wants. Especially if undecided who to vote for.
Goldman Sachs Independant Bank if they are making money so are a lot of other people, companies, etc. They bring in a lot of money to cities and countries due to attending or holding meetings and using local hotels, restaurants and various services. They never took any money from Governments during the recession although I believe the USA forced them to take some of theres. A bit of the green eyed monster here and at this time it makes for a different headline besides election forecasts and news.2 years ago
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I intend to vote conservative in the hope that we get a con/lib alliance. They should then bring in a Proportional Representation system for the next two parliments. At a date then fixed in stone, say in 2020, we should have a mandatory Referendum to keep the system or revert to the current ‘first past the post’. Or is this too simple?
2 years ago
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Having lived in Australia for ten years I hated the systum of voting there, Your vote would go to some one you did not agree with at all, because they had decided to carve it up this way, It is not a fair way of voting, First past the post should be the way, as it is now, change it and you could be voting for any one.Normally some one who would be the last person you would want to be in goverment… Leave thing alone.
2 years ago
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Gordon Brown claims that he is the man to sort out the economy.
But remember he is the man who ;-
a) ruined many private pensions.
b) sold the gold at a rock bottom price.
c) introduced weak tripartite bank regulation.
d) increased the national debt by excessive borrowing.2 years ago
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The Conservative Party must have a clear mandate to Govern. A hung parliament or Labour win will only damage this Country further.
Great Britain is Finacially and morally Bankrupt and the next few years are going to be very hard on all of us, because Mr Brown has hung us out to dry. So yet again, like in 1979 we NEED a strong Conservative Government to get us out of this mess.
2 years ago
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I believe that the basic tax allowance should be raised as suggested by the Liberals it should be possible to live pay your basic living costs before paying tax. but when your income is very high you could afford to pay 90p in the pound the Beatles payed 95% rate and are still rich.When the Conservatives reduced tax to low levels they promoted greed.The captains of industry and bankers knew that by increasing their pay they could hang on to it.even Maggie Thatcher did not expect them to be that greedy.A million pounds a year is totally unfair I am retired living on 5000 pa. Between 1960 and 2005 I guess I was paid £300 000 in 45 years (3 months bonus for a banker). The poorest tend to spend most of their money so give them more and they will buy stuff boosting businesses but we do not make stuff any more. thanks to the Conservatives we are a service economy.I thank Labour for Pension Credit so I can live. DON’T VOTE CONSERVATIVE I feel better now Andy
2 years ago
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I intend to vote Lib/Dem. I nearly always do. Yet always I feel my vote is totally wasted, because I live in a safe Conservative seat. People vote Conservative because they so detest Labour, and want to be sure they keep them out! There must be hundreds of other seats where the same thing happens, sometimes favouring Conservative, sometimes Labour. If people were given a really free hand to vote for what they truly believe, what they think would be of real benefit to them and the country, I think we’d all be amazed at the support for Lib/Dem. The real picture will only ever be achieved when everyone’s vote actually counts. When the overall votes across the country are tallied up and places in Parliament awarded according to the real views of the people!
2 years ago
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I will be voting Conservative, not just because of the act of complete stupidity by Gordon Brown this week in Rochdale, but because of 13 years of acts of complete stupidity.
Debt has spiralled out of control, taxes have gone up, youth employment has gone up, pensions have been destroyed, and now we are left with a desolate country slipping into hopeless despair.
National debt, now almost 1 trillion pounds. You’ve seen what has happened in Greece. Do we want that here? That’s what we’ll get if Labour win the election, or even if there is a hung parliament. I would almost go as far to say that a vote for Lib Dems is a vote for Labour because a lot of the seats Lib Dem could take are Conservative marginals.
My vote is not a protest vote, but a vote for common sense and better management of the country as a whole.2 years ago
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All parties are already coalitions so the tory & labour scare tactics are just that. Vote for change to get rid of the sleaze or some of it. I’ve got a postal vote so I voted for Vince Cables sensibilty some time ago.
Brown has caused most of the nations financial woes and must be stopped.
Likewise Cameron & the boy George are just offering the same again and will soon be back on the gravy train.2 years ago
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Not much said about OAP’s and Transport! An immediate increase in the Pension and a reduction in Fuel Tax would help stimulate the economy. In Thailand they protested when petrol reached 40pence a litre, here we remain silent when the tax reaches 40 pence a litre! Over here and Over Taxed no longer a Great Britain!.
2 years ago
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Unless you are rich do not vote conservative because if they gain power with a workable majority they will ruin the present fragile economic recovery and bring financial ruin and hardship for many present middle class and all ordinary people. Just look back in history at their track record – it was a Tory – Margaret Thatcher – who destroyed the manufacturing base of this country in her quest to annilate trade unionism in this country – she also sold off most of our North Sea oil assets and put 3.5 million people out of work. We also had the highest interest rates ever recorded. Having no sound manufacturing base in our country is the main reason why our economy today cannot take advantage of the low value of the pound and export our way out of this financial mess – the Midlands and the North being the most badly affected. China on the other hand does have a strong manufacturing base and now has one of the strongest economys in the world. Cameron has no experience of government and niether does the vast majority of his shadow cabinet – they also have no concept or experience of life as an ordinary person because they are all rich and have been all their lives. If you want a coallition government vote Lib Dem or Labour as this will stop the Tories gaining a workable majority. If they do get a workable majority – god help us all.
2 years ago
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What this country needs and what it has never had, is a government that will do what is right and best for the country as a whole and not just what big business and financial institutions tell it to do. I see no real change ahead no matter who gets in. Thats why I have chosen not to vote this time or possibly ever again. I am totally disillusioned with the whole damn lot of them.
And since, if according to the ‘experts’, the future of the entire world is in serious jeopardy, is it all a storm in a broken tea cup anyway.?2 years ago
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It’s exactly as we all know. Gordon Brown says what he thinks we want to hear and says exactly the opposite in “Private”
2 years ago
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How can we still use the archaic First Past the Post system when it puts into power a Government which does not have the most votes? Britain has moved with the times in most areas, but not Government. I hope to see a hung Parliament with Lib/Dem support being tied to PR being brought in ASAP. A report I saw the other day showed that with LibDems having 30% of the vote they would get 119 seats, but Labour on 28% would get 220. How can this be a fair representation of what the British Voting Public want?
2 years ago
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I am not voting Tory or Labour as both parties have said they support the unfair and biased system of medical assessment used by the present Goivernment to force disabled people off sickness benefits and back into work. This does not meet the needs of the disabled in fact it is an abuse if thier Human Rights as the assessment is biased and seriously flawed. It does not meet the needs of employers as there are among many other things i.e. serious Health & Safety issues, attendance and company performance in what is already a tight market place. The use of a privatye company i.e. ATOS Origin, who employ “Doctors” who are retired, struck off, resigned or sacked from thier last post is deplorable, they are simply doing what all private companies do when given a target, they are working to achieve it as quickly as possible to reap the maximum profit. Please support the Disabled community by refusing to vote Tory or Labour at the next Local and General Election.
2 years ago
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All I can say to those who say they will note vote is do not complain when the Government who is appointed makes changes you do not like. Vote for who you think will put the country back on its feet. All those wasted votes could make such a difference. I have listened to all three debates and David Cameron and the Conservative Government, I believe, have the right idea.
2 years ago
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This is too true to be funny.
The next time you hear a politician use the
word ‘billion’ in a casual manner, think about
whether you want the ‘politicians’ spending
YOUR tax money.A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,
but one advertising agency did a good job of
putting that figure into some perspective in
one of its releases.A.
A billion seconds ago it was 1959.B.
A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.C.
A billion hours ago our ancestors were
living in the Stone Age.D.
A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.E.
A billion Pounds ago was only
13 hours and 12 minutes,
at the rate our government
is spending it.Stamp Duty
Tobacco Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Income Tax
Council Tax
Unemployment Tax
Fishing License Tax
Petrol/Diesel Tax
Inheritance Tax
(tax on top of tax)
Alcohol Tax
V.A.T.
Marriage License Tax
Property Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Workers Compensation TaxSTILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago…
and our nation was one of the most prosperous in the world.We had absolutely no national debt…
we had the largest middle class in the world…
and Mum stayed home to raise the kids.What happened?
2 years ago
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The problem is not so much the “First past the post” system, so much as the ability to call an election soon afterwards. If there was a minimum 3 year period of office, say, then a government without an overall majority would have to compromise with lesser parties and by doing so, ensure the majority of the governed were represented in the eventual policies that emerge from such a concensus. At present a ‘hung’ parliament results in only a temporary respite while the leading party concentrates on consolidating its position with the next election.
2 years ago
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Gordon Brown says his strengths are in economics, but the Labour Government inherited a very strong UK Balance Sheet when they took power in ’97, ever since then, he has either been Chancellor, or Prime Minister. Are we now in a better or worse position? Many Labour supporters are trying to blame the Thatcher Government for years of de-regulation, but Labour have had years & years to reverse anything they didn’t agree with! Nick Clegg said he would like to scrap Trident, but suggested there may have to be ‘something cheaper’ to replace it, the MOD rarely finds anything ‘cheaper. The Lib-Dems have the ‘populist’ policies because, I’m sure, that when they were drawn up over the last few months, the possibility of forming or even being involved in a Government was something of a pipe-dream. A 95% tax rate was mentioned for the very rich, I think the Beatles & other very rich people went and lived abroad for a while to protect their income & assets, until that was reduced. Would we rather have 40 or 50% of something or 95% of nothing?
2 years ago
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Look at the last 90 years of UK history: Every time the Labour Party has been in power they leave office with a decimated economy and bloated spending in excess of that which can be sustained. The Conservatives are forced to make cuts to ensure we live within our means and they are accused of ‘being nasty’ because they are clearing up the mess they have been left. Despite working in the Public Services I will be voting Consewrvative because we need to cut debt and cut it now! If we don’t we will be following Greece and the rest of the ‘PIIGS’ into the financial abyss.
2 years ago
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I think that all the parties have some good,reliable and hardworking people in them. Why can’t we get rid of the parties and employ the people who know what they are doing to ensure the future of our country. No-one would ever be allowed to run a company like the government runs the country – they would be in serious trouble!!
Until that happens (if ever!), I feel that we all just have to look at the policies and decide what is best, not just for us personally but for thecountry as a whole – this is our childrens future we are playing with as well as ours. Also, we need a strong leader so that needs serious consideration and be prepared to back him when things are hard.
After all, he will inherit a total mess and that has to be cleaned up before we can improve.
Beryl2 years ago
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I cannot believe those who have commented on here about the tories only favouring the rich and big business. Who do they think it is that has the wherewithall to get businesses going, provide jobs, make profits, keep jobs going, invest their money in their own or other firms, provide more jobs, etc, etc etc. All that Labour are interested in doing is incresing the size of the Public Sector and the Welfare State so that they can rely upon their votes! Who do you think it is that pays for all of these Public Sector jobs – you and me out of our taxes! Private Sector Jobs are the only jobs that actually help the economy to grow, some Public Sector jobs are very necessary whilst some are totally unnecessary and are just leeching on the rest of us. Get the Tories in and get the size of the Public Sector and get more jobs that are actually contributing to the economy , rather than draining the life out if it. Thanks for listening – rant over!
2 years ago
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The LibDems have a mixed-age team, most of which to my knowledge, has been fighting for fairness in government for the last thirty years. Admittedly, they do not have hundreds of safe-seat MPs who have done nothing but rake in our money for nothing much more than occasionally voting! A complete reform of government is needed. Only the LibDems have set out a plan to do this properly: the Tories want to hang on to their cosy jobs for the boys, with expenses!
Vince Cable’s ability in economics is unrivalled; whilst Tory policy is apparently driven by Ken Clarke, a pre-Thatcher Dinosaur with no grasp of the modern world. We cannot afford to throw HUNDREDS of BILLIONS into a pit of nuclear weapons and nuclear power. We should review whether Trident should be replaced AFTER the present economic crisis has been sorted.
The choice is clear: change back to the old self-serving tories; or move Britain forward to fair government, where Parliament is made to work for ALL the people.
And which party proposes the separation of investment banks from high street banks, to safeguard the financial future for each and every one of us? That is a part of Vince Cable’s strategy: the Tories offer an unworkable fudge, if the rest of the world does it too!
The CONS only ever look after themselves and their ultra-rich paymaster banks and rich folk. It is time for a REAL change. Or will you chicken out because of scaremongering against the possibility of a balanced parliament which Cameron doesn’t like: because he doesn’t want to share ‘his’ toys.2 years ago
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After more than 30 years of conservative government, the Tories want us to ‘vote for change’ – LOL.
I will vote Lib Dem as I live in a seat where they require a 2% swing to win. The Tory MP was one of the worst exploiters of the ‘expenses’ scandal. Tactical voting is the only way to bring a modicum of change to the make up of the Commons.
I have not voted for the last two elections because I was so disgusted with Blair, but will vote now in the hope that it will have an effect longer term. We need a massive change to our present political system if we are to reduce the influence business, prevent the rising poverty and inequality and ensure an accessible supply of affordable housing for our young people. The fact that you have to be approaching 40 now before you can achieve your first mortgage is an indicator of how we have lost touch with the needs of the general population and the essentials of life.2 years ago
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prior to 1979 briton was self sufficient . from trains to spoons. THEN THE TORIES STRUCK. within weeks vat doubled.and we all no what.happend then.5. million out work .18 miserable years under tories. when labour took over in 97.what was we left with.NOTHING. don,t be fooled by tories empty promises.
2 years ago
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No party who will realistically get elected seems to be in the slightest bit interested in where our money is spent. Billions in benefits to people who do not even live in this country. Billions to Europe, Millions in foreign aid to countries who on the face of it have more money than we do. It is about time we stopped thinking of ourselves as a world power distributing money to others that we have had to borrow, and get out the begging bowl to see if we can recoup some of our wealth. Much of our money is spent supplying benefits to foreign nationals who come to this country with nothing to offer us and because of European laws we have to keep them. Stop this now and get this country back to where it was in the past. EUROPELESS. Look at the countries who are thriving without Europe. I am sure we would do a lot better if we ceased our membership.
2 years ago
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I find it interesting that the majority want a Conservative Government and yet only 36% will vote for them. Living in Scotland where we have proportional representation, means that the parties have to work together. Alex Salmond talks about 1000 extra police on the beat, well it was the Conservatives that forced him into that or the budget would not have been passed.
To Dave who seems to want to blame Maggie for everything, I say labour have had thirteen and a half years to get our economy going, and where are we. GB said no more Boom and Bust. Rubbish.When labour came to power the economy was on the up, unemployment was falling. Today there are more unemployed than when they came to power, and it’s under labour that manufacturing has all but disappeared to be replaced by supermarkets and Call Centres, and some of those are going to India!2 years ago
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My main worry is that we may get another ‘Thatcherite’ Conservative government. Her policies completely destroyed manufacturing industry and put 4 million workers on the scrap heap.It also opened the way for her cronies,the super rich,to build their manufacturing bases in the far east where slave labour was rife in their factories,who would have thought that the Marks and Spencer and other quality brands would be produced abroad.
Interest rates hit a staggering 14% with Thatcher’s mis-handling of the economy and hundreds of thousands lost their homes because they were unable to keep up with their mortgage payments.Family allowance was frozen and the link between pensions and wages was axed leading to widespread poverty in this country of ours.Crime rose dramatically and car break-ins,which were previously unheard of, escalated to a staggering height to make a little money to feed the bellies of the less well off.It also led to the continuing and willful car damage that we still witness today.
The Thatcher government sold off the countries assets of gas,electric,water companies etc.etc. to pay for the Giros of the mass unemployment she created, The profits from those companies had previously been directed to hospitals,schools,police etc.etc.,but now those companies are in the hands of the super rich who continually increase their prices to squeeze every penny they can get out of the electorate.
Thatcher created a situation which opened the flood gates of mass immigration into this country of ours which she welcomed with open arms to provide cheap labour for her super rich cronies to become even more richer while our own people couldn’t find employment and it was continually reported that many resorted to taking their own life because of the never ending debt they were in with no apparent future to look forward to.
THAT WAS THE LEGACY OF THE LAST CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT.
PLEASE,PLEASE, Don’t give allow another Conservative government the chance to do the same again.
2 years ago
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I read k parr’s rant about the Tories destroying manufacturing in this country post 1979 with a mix of hilarity and despair at his/her short memory. In 1979 we made a lot of things, but much of it was made at a loss and subsidised by us the taxpayer. It was sort of Soviet-lite and completely unsustainable. British Airways was state owned, Rolls Royce was state owned, British Leyland was state owned. BT was state owned!!!! All making losses and all paid for by us. We are today happy to criticise RBS and Lloyds because they are loss making and owned by us. You forget that all these others are only now profitable because the Tories set them free of state control. Do you really want to nationalise Vodaphone, Jaguar Land Rover, Corus and BA? Do you think that is the way forward?
2 years ago
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Both LibDems and Labour want power to rule Britain but then insanely want to cede control to unaccountable and unelected people in Brussels. Clegg wants an amnesty for illegals and Brown wants more immigrants to boost the Labour vote. Neither have a valid plan as to how these extra millions will be housed, how the already overloaded fabric of society will cope and where will they find work. Britain gives £45,000,000 daily to the EU in return for nothing except ever increasing legislation and virtually zero support in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of the major parties only the Tories can be trusted to stand up for Britain’s interests.
2 years ago
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Is it only me who remembers Black Wedensday and Interest rates of 15% advuised by David Cameron!
Is it only me who remembers 3 million unemployed as a “price well worth paying?”
Is it only me who sees onim Hood policy of tax cuts to millioaires, and bonuses to bankers who wrecked the ecomomy, while public services and the public are to pay?
If not we’ll not have the Tories back then!!!2 years ago
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The fact that the party with the most votes does not win the election is not due to the lack of Proportional Representation, it is the result of biased electoral boundaries. If the move were from Conservative to Labour, they would still need fewer votes to win. We have a concentration of Labour support in small urban/town constituencies and concentration of Conservative support in large rural constituencies. Ergo for the same number of votes, Labour get more seats. We need this inequitable situation to be corrected.
I cannot condone proportional representation – you have to vote for a non-local representative and you do not know whom you are going to get. You get a greater likelihood of coalition government; this isn’t a wonderful opportunity for parties to work together, it is a cause of horse-trading and compromise of ideals on both sides. You only have to look at Germany first, a “good” example of perpetual coalition, to see how policies are derailed when the parties cannot agree, and then move on to places like Italy where, frankly, their ability to run a country without everything falling apart and precipitating another election at the drop of a hat is legendary.
Throw out the party that has ruined the country over 13 years. Don’t bring in a coalition government, with the Lib Dems having the whip hand with their “vote for us because we’re not the other guys, but we aren’t prepared to give any proper detail about what we’ll do except to say that it will be different somehow”, and vote for the genuine opposition that actually expresses a desire to make some changes.
I thought it was laughable last night, that Nick Clegg was ridiculing David Cameron for being powerless to stop the European immigrants, when his is the party of greater integration with Europe which will open the floodgates even wider.
2 years ago
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The issue with the price of petrol hasn’t been raised in any of the Parliamentary Debates. Shell has declared their extortional profits and admit that it has come from their increases in fuel prices at the pumps. They seem to be glotting that they are robbing “the man in the street”. I’m not a lover of the French, though I like their wines, but they do stand up and be counted. A couple of years ago the hauliers demonstrated when diesel reached an all time high of £1:20 per litre. Something was done and the prices were brought down. Diesel is over that, £1:24.9p at BP on the A34 north of Oxford. Nothing is done. The price of fuel affects everything we buy yet it is allowed to increase 3 times in a week. The cost of attending work, as there are no buses, has increased dramatically but salaries have in fact gone down. My wage has been frozen for 2 years whilst unemployment benefits and the like have increased. I have no children in the household so cannot claim Family Credits. I find it appalling that people with 1 or 2 children, earning 4 times my salary can get help. As Nick Clegg was given the floor whilst the other 2 parties “threw their toys out of the pram”, I heard what the Lid Dem leader had to say and I feel Vince Cable is more in touch with the finances but would say that they will need at least 2 Parliaments to acheive their aims.
2 years ago
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I agree with Jenny Griffen, i have voted Liberal and Liberal Democrat for several general elections knowing i was wasting my vote as i live in a strong Labour area. I’m hoping this time it will be different and having spoken to several people who have been staunchly labour i now have high hopes as they are swaying towards Lib/Dems.
2 years ago
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I think people have forgotten what it was like under the previous tory government and what I would say is hell mend people who vote them. They sold off all our national assets, hospital waiting lists two years long, high interest rates etc. etc. etc. I am glad I live in Scotland with our own parliament now and this should protect us from the tories.
2 years ago
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I will be voting Conservative. How can anyone vote for Gordon Brown who, first as Chancellor and then as Prime Minister, got us into such an appalling economic mess. As for Nick Clegg, he comes across to some as plausible but it is very easy to come up with sound bites; there is no substance behind what he says. Also last night he denied two of the main issues he has campaigned on as he knows they would be a complete disaster and yet they are in his manifesto; firstly, he would adopt the Euro and secondly his amnesty for illegal immigrants. He also plays at being “a man of the people” when he is extremely rich and went to one of the top public schools in the country followed by Cambridge. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but trying to hide the fact is shameful.
2 years ago
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Having read a lot of the posts, cogitated the merits of three main parties on offer, each with thir good and bad points, I thought to myself… What the heck I’ll throw my vote to the party whose policies and people have impressed me most – forget about tactical voting – forget about wether my vote would be wasted locally, by swimming against the tide of the expected/usual/traditionl/historical results – forget about hung parliament problems… I’m going to vote for who I believe to be the best party for the job. If everyone voted with their heart instead of considering all the ‘tactics’ first I think we could end up with something new and better. And what the heck, if we don’t like them or they don’t live up to the hype, we can get rid of them in just 4 short years. I’ll be voting Lib Dem.
2 years ago
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The sell off of natural fuels and utilities started the down fall of the country and we all know who did that don’t we.
Then over the last few years mistakes have been made, bad judements and misleading the public has lead to more monetry problems, leaving the the tax paying public to pick the tab for government mistakes.People appreciate honesty, tell them the truth and stop hiding away the facts.
The general public are fools if they think that this country is going to be turned around in a couple of years. We are going to be taxed to the hilt for quite a while yet, paying for the governments bad strategies for the last 20 years. We are living in a society where criminals get more rights than you do. Where our government hands money over at the drop of a hat to member states, but they cannot help the aged or the terminally ill because the medicines are too expensive.
Standards need to be raised, lets hope whoever gets in remembers that our opinions do matter and with out our input in to society they would not in a position of power!!!!!
2 years ago
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I have watched all the debates and, not one person has mentioned the increasing price of fuel. It’s as if we have all accepted it.
2 years ago
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I will not be voting for any of the main parties – they are all as bad as one another !!
I think it is perhaps time to give one of the smaller parties a fighting chance in this whole debarcle – after all they can’t do much worse can they??
What the younger generation of today don’t remember is the 15% interest rate on mortgages in the mid 80′s & early 90′s along with the massive sale of right to buy rented homes policy which was one of the worst things we have ever done as a country instigated by the conservative party, then the massive increase in fuel duty by labour during their current reign along with other poor decisions which have caused a severe issue with income from private pensions earning almost zero interest from any savings anyone can or has actually been able to save, failure to address the problem of the increasing number of unemployed claiming benefits – the answer to this one is really simple – stop paying them and people will soon get off their backsides and go back to work if they want money. There are plenty of temp jobs out there in every sector – you just need to want to look for them and more importantly actually want to work. Before anyone gets on their high horse, I too will very soon be unemployed therefore my first port of call has been the job agencies – okay I might not get all the benefits or higher salary that I get now but at least I will be working and bringing something into the house.
As for the stupid idea of getting rid of nuclear weapons – get real – we are a small island who would not be able to defend itself if we did not have such a deterent at hand – whils this can perhaps not be proven to the full, the fact that we have not yet had to use them and we have not been over run by other countries looking to take us over certainly must count for something.
We need to stop now – take a step back and look at things properly before making the right decisions to take this country forward at a new and intently focussed angle of positivity without being forced into a “us and them” squabbling situation which is what is already going on here.
2 years ago
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Vote BNP that will wake the lot of them up, I think your going to see another low turn out, everybody is fed up with all 3 of them, lets have some radicals in to shake up the system.
You will only get an honest politician, when its too late!
Proliferation of credit has been supported by all 3 parties, because the population love spending money, especially money they dont own. The fancy accounting is coming to an end, and the population will eventually suffer!
All the tops skills and wealth, will be leaving the sinking ship shortly!
2 years ago
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The Tories are a party for the rich. If they get in only the rich will benefit while the rest of us will be left with no police, worse hospitals and worse schools. It’s OK for Dave and all his mates who can afford to live in nice areas, BUPA and private education. I can’t believe the public have fallen for this con. You’ll all only have yourselves to blame. I’m moving to Poland…
2 years ago
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Having just read the results of this survey, I find it interesting that the survey reveals that most people said the strongest chancellor would be Vince Cable over George Osbourne by almost 4 thousand but when asked who’ll they vote for the Conservatives got the majority of the vote.
But the undecided of which I’m one, if all those voted LibDem they would win the election by 1,700 votes, over the Conservatives.
And having read all the parties manefesto’s on line yesterday, I have to say the Lib Dems will almost certainly get my vote, because they seem to offer the motorist the best deal in my eyes, Ok yes the immigration thing worries me a little giving illegals a free pass after 10 years but there here theres not a lot we can do to make them leave if we can’t find them.
I guess time will tell if they get in and they either prove me right or wrong
2 years ago
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I can’t believe how many people say they will be voting conservative! I can only conclude they were too young last time to be affected by the awful Tory economic policies. I lived in the south of England then and am still paying the price of negative equity. If you can’t remember 15% interest rates, don’t worry – with a Tory government it won’t be long in coming back. Labour’s prudent policies are the only ones that will get us out of the current recession, which is global, and can’t be blamed on one country, or one party! And as an aside, how could anyone vote Conservative – we’d have to see David Cameron’s smug “posh boy” face on the news every day – I couldn’t afford to renew my TV every time I felt like smashing it! It’s bad enough living in Scotland and having to fight the urge to smash it when Mr Smug Salmond is on!
2 years ago
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A country was once judged by the strength of its currency. The policies of the Labour government have been to drive down the pound on the grounds that it helps exports, despite the fact the Britain is a net importing country. At the current time, wherever one goes in the world, one hears the expression, ‘Poor British, you are doing badly’. Isn’t it time to try to put the ‘Great’ back into Britain.
2 years ago
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A few people have said they don’t support proportional representation because you can’t vote for “a local representative” and that you “could be voting for anyone”. I think you must have the list system of PR in mind, which is the system that is currently used for the elections to the European Parliament. The thing is, this isn’t the only system of PR, and it isn’t the system preferred by most people who want PR. The Single Transferable Vote system, for example, still works on the basis of having local constituencies and local MPs, and far from “voting for anyone” you actually have more control than under the current system as you can indicate which candidates you prefer from within the same party, as well as choosing between the parties.
The alternative is the current system which is quite possibly going to leave us in a situation where Labour come third in terms of the popular vote but still end up with more MPs than anyone else, and where the votes of anyone who isn’t a floating voter in a marginal constituency simply don’t count for anything. How anyone can think that’s a fair system is beyond me.
2 years ago
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Having already voted in this election the so called media event which is their election coverage, does not interest me.
I actually find it sad that this type of scrutiny of the political classes is limited to a three week media scrum every five years or so.
Their actions effect us each and every day of out life and we should be watching over them always, not just when they choose.
I had actually made my decision on who I would vote for by last christmas, nothing I have seen or heard this month has suggested to me that I should have reconsidered that decision.A Prime Minister is not just for an election, they are or life, you should judge them in the same timespan
2 years ago
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One of Tony Blair’s advisors stated in 1997 that no incoming government had ever inherited an economy in such a good condition. Now we have the worst sructural deficit of any major economy, worse per capita than Greece ,Ireland or Portugal . For Gordon Brown to deflect the arguement onto the banks is spin. The bail out of the banks only accounts for about 10% of the deficit. The rest is his responsibility. Since 1997 government spending as a percentage of GDP has increased from 36.8% to 48%. Of this 11 percentage point increase only 2 percentage points have been spent on real investment, the remainder has been spent on pay increases and new jobs in the public sector. So in relative terms the real economy which has to pay for Brown’s largesse is shrinking. That is why he has to borrow £1 in every £4 he spends. Unfortunately the Focus Groups indicate that the British people do not like to be told the unpalatable truth and think there is an easy way out with Clegg. A hung Parliament will lead to a run on the pound and total devastation to the economy. Therefore in intellectual rather than emotional terms there is no alternative than to vote Conservative.
2 years ago
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Dave, you should then vote liberal if you want that coilition because the conservitives already have a larger proportion of seats!!!
2 years ago
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Reading other comments I wonder if these people who are blaming Gordon Brown for the economic mess have bought a house at an over inflated price £200,000 upwards or even £100,000 upwards – I would suggest that these people look a lot closer to home to find out what or who caused the economic crisis. Greed. greed, greed – people who sold and bought houses, and were quite happy to do so at over inflated prices, in the boom times and are now struggling – they have no one to blame but themselves, all because of THEIR OWN GREED.
2 years ago
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Whoever gets in will have to make big cuts in spending, stop unnecessary wastage and increase taxes to get us out of this mess. Anyone who thinks otherwise is in cloud cuckoo land. It’s Labour that got us here so who can get us on the road to recovery? For me it’s between Tories or Lib/Dems but neither has the full package. Lib/Dems saying they will scrap trident and let more imigrants live here taking our jobs and draining services and Tories not really showing the Thatcher leadship that we need and sitting on the fence too much. Just very worried where our great country is going and unsure what to do for the best! Lets hope Rooney and England give us all something to cheer about in the summer! We need some “Hope and Glory”, this is England!!
2 years ago
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Looking at the results of the survey it is interesting to note that the majority would like Vince Cable as Chancellor but the majority agree with the conservative position of cutting debt immediately. This seems rather incongruous!
2 years ago
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The government is currently adding £500 million A DAY to its debt. In 1997 government debt was £350 Billion. It’s now £800 Billion. This isnt down to bankers. It’s down to Brown spending, on average, £35 Billion a year more than income every single year he was chancellor. By 2014, according to Alistair Darling’s own figures based on optimistic growth, it will be £1.4 TRILLION. As a result our interest bill is £100 BILLION a year which is more than we spend on the NHS!
These are all facts released by Labour, not made up. Why didnt Cameron or Clegg mention this?
It’s because no-one has the guts to say public sector job cuts AND tax increases are the only solution. We need to be running a budget surplus not a deficit.Brown saying he wants to half the deficit in 4 years means in 4 years he will still be spending £100 Billion more than tax income!
Oh, and dont forget the unfunded £1 TRILLION public sector pensions liability!
2 years ago
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Lets remember what all 3 parties are representing here. if they stick to thier manifesto when they get into power they will all say that the whole country voted for that policy.Therefore i can’t vote for David Cameron as he runs a party that will make the millionaires richer and of course all the directors of large companies dont want national insurance to increase because they can’t set this off against corpation tax ,unlike pension contributions, so they will have to give something back into the system.This is not a fairer britain.Less police on the street won’t affect his mates but it will lead to more crime for ordanary working class people.Gordon Brown has had 13 years to do something about immigration and has only now started to do something.Although to be fair he has had a few other problems to contend with like the melt down of the banking system and the MP’s expenses scandal but he should of done something about final salary schemes in the public sector as they are leaking money at a time when we need to be penny pinching.Nick Cleggs policy on Trident is frightening but his veiws on fairness for all stack up and he has the best Chancellor in waiting.The banks need breaking up and he would stop the loopholes that allow the very rich to not pay tax and give it back to the most needy in society.So a hung parliament could perhaps extract the best ideas from all parties and produce the one thing everybody wants; a country where all decisions drive in the same direction, a better more prosperous Britain.
2 years ago
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If a significant chunk of our debt is caused by the money invested in selected banks to ensure they did not fail, if these same banks are now beginning to show signs of recovery with share prices rising and therefore becoming competitive again; why does the treasury not start selling those shares and plan to pay back the National Debt using these resources. I have not heard any politician refer to these funds at all. As a tax payer whose money has been used in this way, I have fully expected that this money would be realised by judicious selling of shares etc and at a profit, which would help balance the debt.
2 years ago
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When a nation is in economic turmoil and unclear as to its identity it has three choices: 1. Vote Labour and take our nation down further i.e pretend all is well with our national services and global competitiveness and prepare to be the paupers of the EU and ultimately the world. 2. Vote LibDem and take a very watered down and longer term view on the solutions or 3. Vote Tory and force a renaissance in our economic status and personal identity and pride in being British.
Under the socialists we have an economic meltdown, total loss of our Christain and British identity. Simply ask yourself why the cream of our Universities head overseas to USA etc and you will see that Great Britain no longer offers them the future they crave and deserve. We have a huge underclass that has grown under Brown and the Labour government. We should be ashamed of the dependancy culture they have bred. Public expenditure is highly wasteful and I am amazed at the number of pensioners and younger folk who frequently cite the provision of unnecessary social services! Crime is rampant and showing no signs of being properly tackled in the home, the courts and the institutions. The Great British working people know what is best for Britain and I am sure they will show it when they vote.2 years ago
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Hi
I never usually post on blogs like this but I feel I must express my disgust and amazement at the lack of understanding far too many people are showing concerning recent British history.
Far too many people seem to blame Mrs Thatchers prime ministership for our woes.
In not one entry so far has the criminal (high treason?) activities of the Wilson Stalinist government been mentioned.
We entered 1964 with the worlds most advanced facilities and technologies in Shipbuilding, Mining, Railway rolling stock manufacture,Aircraft industry(both military AND civil),electronics,computers. Our companies of that time were world beaters,Harland&Wolfe,Pyre,GRW,English Electric,De Haviland,Elliot Automation and ICL(Imperial Computers Limited)just to name 1 world leading manufacturer in each segment. This is excluding consumer products like cars, washing machines, TV’s etc where everyone can name at least 3 British manufacturers who were at the top of the tree.
Wilson in 3 months, shipbuilding wrecked, mines closing,aircraft industry destroyed,railway infrastructure devastated (this was planned/started by a Tory idiot) devastating cuts to funding for research, forced integration of the automotive, aircraft and electronic industries (to make the useless conglomerates BAC,BL,GEC all now either bankrupt or tiny shadows of what should have been)end of British white goods.
You then have a run of totally incompetent governments both Conservative and Labour.
At least Wilson had his target of sabotage and was successful with his plans,nobody can say anything good about Heath,Callaghan or Foot.
Then came probably the most capable PM since Gladstone.
You don’t need to be like able to do a good job.
We needed someone hard and ruthless to get us out of the mire, she did it, painfully for us all but she got the Great back into Britain.
Now we have had labour again,under a very clever, passionate “old school” socialist Brown.
Have no illusions he has the country exactly where he and his masters want it, bankrupt,broken,militarily mired in 2 unwinnable backwater wars, crime ridden and swamped by mostly labour voting immigrants.
I don’t care what we vote, BNP,Monster Raving Loony, even the “fence sitting” Liberals as long as we get Labour out of power.
I don’t think we will recover this time as all the candidates are political and moral pygmies when we need a Peel,or Gladstone,Pitt or Thatcher.
We wont get it, more like more Heath and Thorpe.
Bottom line GOD HELP Great Britain because our politicians are just going to #@$# it up.2 years ago
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We were supposed to get a controlled debate.
Instead we got Clegg interrupting the other 2 almost constantly.
This prevented David Cameron in particular from completing a lot of his sentences.
Did Clegg that was “cool”, I thought that these constant interruptions indicated a paucity of policies in the Lib Dems.
Gordon’s Gaff and his statements (to paraphrase) “Those two are just like my two children squabling in the bath” Does he really think that was a telling remark. I thought it was childish and unhelpful to the discussion.
I was a member of my College debating sociey back in 1950′s. If I had behaved like Brown and Clegg I would have been thrown out of the Debate and possibly the Society.Brown has murdered one of the best educational systems in the world and turned it into a system designed to achieve mediocrity.
There is no doubt in mind that the Conservatives should be the next governement with the highest possible majority.
2 years ago
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Yes everyone is cynical and depressed about politics and the economy and the scandals, the slease, the spin and they all have their snouts in the trough.
Despite all of this and the negative drama show put out by the media 24/7 we should look at some of the big picture real positives of progress over the last 13 years.
1. The vast majority of people have a much higher standard of living in every respect.
2. The investment in the health service has transformed it from a service that used to give us appointments and operations in months and years to one where we now get them in days and weeks. The sheer determination of the government in blood sweat and tears to acheive this together with stuffing the Doctors mouths with money cannot be under-estimated.—–Are people willing to risk this with their vote—–would the tories have invested in this way.
3.The investment in Education has been so phenominal that almost every crumbling school in the country has been re-built, re-placed and re-equipped with high tech’ facilities to ensure the next generation can compete and earn for us in the future. —–Are people willing to risk this with their vote—would the tories have done this.
4. The economy has been transformed from a failing manufacturing economy based on old large scale industry to a sucessful hi-tech, computer based financial and service ecomomy almost seamlessly without large scale mas unemployment. This is a miracle in itself.
5.People are now supported by a minimum wage, maternity and paternity leave which the Tories said would ruin the economy. It didn’t and it Hasn’t. It has brought a little bit of decency in to the work /life balance.
6.The government in partnership with the private and voluntary sector has invested massively in every local area to provide decent end of life care homes transforming the service from almost workhouse conditions to hotel conditions trying to ensure that the service is good enough for you and me in the future should we need it
7. And yes Gordon might not have the glittery media image that everyone has been programmed to want—– but he clearly has a good head and the heart and soul of a lion
He decisively saved the economy from collapse following the banking scandal and keeping it going with our money is the only way to keep things stable until we can steer out of debt gradually…. WE ARE IN GOOD HANDS—–LOOK AT THE GOOD THINGS WE HAVE—-YES I WILL BE VOTING LABOUR.2 years ago
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As an redundant ex-employee of one of the banks in question, the last thing the government should do is sell off at this point. The shares are being continually diluted and offer poor value. The banks need time to recover and the people who complain the banks aren’t lending are the same people who complained that they took to many risks before. The fact is that in the current climate the banks have to take a far harder look at the potential of existing bank customers to limit the risk to the money that has been invested in them otherwise they will be vulnerable to increasing bad debt liabilities. You cant have it both ways! Cameron has the answers but obviously he hasn’t got the complete picture of the poor state of the countries finances that Labour leaves them in. We shouldn’t be discussing a hung parliament (not something to be desired) until it happens otherwise it will be a self fulfilling prophesy.
2 years ago
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As a pensioner and ex-serviceman I am disappointed that not enough is currently being done, positively, to secure my future. This year my Tax Code has changed (why?) and there has been no ris ein my Service Pension, ergo I now pay more tax!
2 years ago
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I’m not sure how any party, other than the sitting government, can have a detailed plan to get us out of this mess, as they simply do not have detailed figures as to the truth of the deficit. In no other election have they had access, and this one in no different. Brown destroyed the private sector pension system overnight, whilst improving public sector pensions, and sold our gold reserves at the bottom of the market – just showing how bad his tenure in office (either) has been. He has never supported private business, which we badly need now to start the recovery, and lets get real (that’s a Brownism!) and start cutting all the non-jobs in the public sector that don’t affect front line services. He has battered the private sector so hard over the past 13 years, and now he, and his cronies, must be driven out quickly.
2 years ago
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Why does Gordon Brown insist that cuts cannot be made sooner rather than later? Because he is not prepared to face up to the serious adjustments that must be made to public expenditure – pensions etc. He fears that his voting base will be serioisly affected.
Cameron on the other hand is prepared to face that problem immediately despite the suggestion from Mervyn King of the Bank of England that whoever faces up to the necessary cuts may possible stay out of office for a generation.
The public, except the public sector, are prepared to deal with the essential treatment required and any hung, or balanced, Parliament will bring chaos. A hung Parliament will mean a another Election within 12 months.2 years ago
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It’s UKIP for my wife and I! — Why? —
Fact 1. Our small island can reasonably sustain a population of between 50/55 million.
Fact 2. We are heading for a figure of 70 million in a few years time.
Unless we face these facts, possibly not in my lifetime (I’m 76)but certainly in the life of my grand, and great grandchildren, we will have a country in serious poverty, with shortages and civil unrest.
We do not have, and cannot find the infracture, nor the energy resources to meet the demand. Our water,gas,electricity and petrol supplies will not be be enough to meet the demand of 70 million people – whatever their nationality.
As the supply decreases so the costs increase (note the current petrol prices). This will mean that the rich, and those on state benefits will carry on as normal, but those who work on a low wage, and pensioners will suffer – result – civil unrest!
There is one thing we can do to try to reverse this problem -
Stop unlimited immigration. this cannot be achieved without leaving the EU. (One of the many reason why we should get out of Europe, and why we are both voting for UKIP).
There is of course another major reason why the 70 million figure draws nearer, and that is fault of the irresponsible religious leaders who do not support any method of birth control. They have a lot to answer for!
Unfortunately we have no method of voting them out!2 years ago
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Re. previous blog – re. public sector pensions I would be interested to know how Gordon Brown has improved on these!!! My husband has worked in the public sector for 35 years now and has paid into a pension all that time, at times when we could ill afford it, in the last few years the goalposts re. these pensions have been changed so much that it is now unrecognisible to what he signed up to. Do you know how much the average public sector pension is?????? I suggest you do your homework. My husband works in a department that pays for itself, ie it brings in fees to cover the salaries and costs etc. yet 20 have just been made redundant from his department with more to follow. When all the work is put out to the private (greedy) sector then tax payers will have something to shout about then – the costs will rocket sky high, resulting in higher taxes. Perhaps you should be looking at the pensions of the civil servants and MPs come to that matter. My husband works 35 hours per week paid and 20 + hours unpaid in the week. I work for a private company and the greed is unbelievable, for themselves, not their employees.
2 years ago
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How can White, Middle class, Middle aged Men possibly represent all the rest of us? I feel totall disenchanted with all this!
2 years ago
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In September 2008 the UK & others were on the edge of a disaster. RBS & Halifax were 12 hours away from going under. The UK government, like the US & many other countries, pumped in billions to prop up the banks and avoid a catastrophe. The Tories opposed these measures. EITHER every finance minister of every one of the G20 countries was wrong, OR Cameron & Osborne were wrong. After next Thursday these guys will be running our economy. God help us.
2 years ago
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What on earth is happening about fuel? Its inflating everything! People like me live in the country depend on our cars to get around – result – reduced money in pockets. Businesses’ overheads increased – can they charge more? Not always.
Why is it so quiet? We had fuel wars once instigated by much less than these hikes.
No organisation is mentioning it, its not in the media, the parties are not mentioning it … Cannot understand the silence. What’s going on?
2 years ago
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These results are worrying. Countries always have debt and clearing it will not help the services that need investment like education, policing and NHS. instead our tax burden will increase. I was a working and out of work teenager, alternating with the economy during the last Tory rule and it was hell – no jobs, high taxes, high interest, no hope. I never want to see that again.
To any one thinking of voting conservative – unless you are already rich you will not beneft – they only help themselves, not the majority of the country. labour or liberal is you best hope. look at Labours track record- oaps heating etc (this will go under con), low interest rates for house buyers(astronomically high under the last con government), sure start and tax allowances for parents (will be cut by cons).
Then look closely at the first three letters of thier name CON – says it all.2 years ago
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After falling asleep during the ‘great debate’ yesterday evening whilst they interwove their similar solutions to problems that are a poison challice for whoever gets in next week, I have come to the conclusion that it is going to be TAX TAX TAX with prices rising for everything because of the cost of fuel, more people unemployed, higher Government costs (benefits), more strikes, power cuts, riots and unprecidented interference from Europe. What a happy chappie I am!!
2 years ago
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Hi, I am of Irish Roman Catholic parents, married to an English Aithiest – we should come out of the EU as we pay more in than we get, we don’t want the Euro, look at what happened when we went from pounds shillings and pence to decimal – overnight inflation rose! Far too long the Government have allowed manufacturing to decline, Rover for one. The Phoenix Four seem to be ok but what about the ones at the bottom of the ladder? Raise the upper limit of National Insurance, Raise the tax threshold to £10,000 before you start to pay. Don’t pay any benefit to anyone who a) cannot speak our language because if they can’t, they have absolutely no way of supporting themselves, b) anyone who has not worked and contributed for three years c) allow anyone into our country who does not have a skill we need d) anyone who preaches hatred for whatever reason. Reduce the amount of overseas aid – my Mother is 88 and can remember her teacher telling her to bring in pennies on the Monday for the black babies – what has been done with the billions already sent? Treat our Pensioners fairly, the MP’s got £1000 a year, our Pensioners £2.40 a week!! Asylum Seekers manage to get through many countries to reach our shores – one wonders if we are too generous. Our prisons are overloaded with foreign criminals – reduce their sentences and send them home. Anyone committing a crime should be sent home. Protect our NHS and now allow people to abuse it, people coming from abroad to be treated because its too expensive in their own country. Re-check people on disabiltiy as there are some who are not genuine and have slipped through the net. Link all the databases up, Tax, NI, Benefits and that should throw up cheats!
2 years ago
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Many of the issues which have been discussed by party leaders are mere trivia compared with the problem of debt repayment. A 1% increase in NHI will be totally insufficient to raise funds for the National Health and have little or no effect on employment. It is simply a way of distracting voters from the real issue of national bankruptcy. It is not Britain which is broken but the benefits system which we as a nation can no longer afford. Child benefit payments, family tax credits, single parent enhanced rates must all go – the whole lot completely; why should the state pay for the upkeep of children, that surely is the duty of the parents and the extended family. Similarly, sick benefits are not a state responsibility. People should be encouraged to save for the possibility that they may be sick and unable to work in the future with tax breaks and insurance. Job seekers allowance should be limited to three months and if a job is refused then the benefit ceases. However, fundementally if a claimant is not born here or has not paid into or contributed to the UK tax and NHI contribution system they should not be able to claim. There are too many people claiming and the payments of these benefits has become an industry in itself. It has too stop.
2 years ago
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Barbara’s comment (30th April 2010 at 10:02am) has hit the nail well and truly on the head. Everybody wants a “free lunch”, or at least as cheaply and easily as possible. If there are people or organisations out there who are prepared to offer these facilities, it is only human nature for us to go for them. The main driver as she points out, is GREED. Both personal, corporate and governmental. So lets all stop moaning about who is to blame, we all now have to pay for it. The bubble has burst, so lets bite the bullet and get on with it and stop jabbing fingers at everyone else saying it was “their” fault.
2 years ago
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Interesting reading. It looks like the Tories are well ahead – but that not what the media polls suggest. I think this might a bit more accurate!
I’ll be voting either Tory OR Lib Dem, maybe UKIP. Deffo need to remove Labour! They got us into this huge debt & yes I can understand the reasons behind it. BUT, they seem to want to add to it buy not cutting spending? – or are they lying?
IF Labour had not let our manufacturing industry practically shut then we would not have been in such a mess. We’ve all enjoyed the holiday benefits of a strong pound – but it made our exports too expensive & less competitive! ” Buy British” – remember that slogan? The Japanese government warned Tony Blair many years ago about the strong pound & would look at pulling out of Britain as it was then not viable to stay. Now look many Japanese companies have either left or cut their manufacturing base in Britain.
How much is the “illegal” war costing us? Why can’t many people get doctors appointments when they need them – today not in 2 days time! Why can’t many people get NHS dentists in their area? Why can’t many people walk down the street if safety? Why do we in Britain pay more tax per litre of fuel than the rest of Europe? – answer is Labour messed it up!
I remember Tony Blair saying “Vote Labour & I’ll end Tory Sleaze” – ?? good one – now Labour can have their own sleaze. (again)
To pick up on a few points mentioned before – Yes we need a Thatcher style leader, she was the last one who cared for this country.
Bring back corporal punishment, let the schools & parents discipline unruly children sensibly.
We MUST Curb Immigration – Gordon say there is 1 million immigrants in the UK OK may be there is – how many Illegal ones? – don’t know is the answer. We should look at Australia’s control. Gordon also says that 1 million Brits are in Europe so going by his sums this country’s population should be evenly balanced at 55/60 million. Some one mentioned earlier that we are nearer 70 million? So he cant get that sum right!! Also, according to the media, there are thousands of Brits heading back to Britan. God help us if they stay in power!
That’s it! I let some one else have a say now2 years ago
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Bad government is a symptom – the people are the problem. High time we apologised to each other for being weak and put things right again. No more Labour… No more Tories… vote for REAL change this May 6th
2 years ago
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Yes John and Barbara,100% correct, but a lot of the population wont accept that, because up until now it has all been a soft option.
2 years ago
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To give just two examples, how can we possibly return a Labour government that firstly ‘raided’ personal pension plans – which belong to everyday people – to the tune of millions of pounds shortly after coming to power, and more recently virtually gave away our gold reserves for next to nothing. This was done by a political party whose leader tells us ‘I am the ONLY one who knows how to deal with our economy to lead us to greater things’ Either he’s dreaming or he;s a blatant liar
As for Nick Clegg and David Cameron, I feel for them in a way, because which ever one does get in to power, they will be forced into making very tough decisions due to the incompetance of the last 10-plus years of inept Labour wrongdoings, lies and incompetance
As is the norm, it will be the general public who suffer for this, but this time we will suffer a lot more
There are an awful lot of ‘Truely British’ people sick and tired of waffle and garbage on imigration as well. For once, will who ever wins the election DO SOMTHING ABOUT IT BEFORE WE ALL EN UP IN REBELLION.
Because we are British, we now expect to pay through the nose for everything we want, but please, get rid of some of the stupid and idiotic ‘New Labour’ taxes that have been introduced and let the true hard working people of this once great country choose how they want to spend their very hard earned money. If the government want to raise cash, increase ALL tax on earnings but ensure fairness across the board
Why does all the money raised have to go in to one big pot? Car tax should fund the road. National Insurance should fund the NHS. Income tax IS enough to run this country
We are only in a mess because of politicians personal greed and incompetance in running the country. Learn to be sensible when spending ‘our’ money, and when paying for a job to be done, check it, and if its not right make the person(s) who did the job do it again in THEIR time and at THEIR expence
I, like tens of thousands of other UK citizens could go on for a very long time on this and similar topics. But the time has come for who ever gets in to power to deliver for the sake and good of the every day British person NOT other nations who want help.
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME – and should stay there as well2 years ago
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Dee,
I think you are wrong – some of the things you say that the Tories will cut was a leaflet spread by someone in the name of Labour – allegedly but Gordon Brown would not & does not want to say those leaflets are false – another side step by him.
Fact is, ALL parties will tax us more “stealth or direct” so you won’t get richer under any of them. Don’t forget they introduced STAMP DUTY! – instant housing market killer. They also took family allowance off us & gave us Child Tax Credit. Which I’m worse off as I only have 1 child. They stopped MIRAS – this was cut drastically by the Tories but killed by “New Labour”2 years ago
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I left my job voluntary so cant get jobseekers allowance, & because I have saved most of my life & have over the limit for savings I cant claim any benefits,
I Have payed National insurance & Tax all my working life.
I’m angry at the Corrupt Politicians who got off with the expenses scandal, not one has been fined or jailed,
I’m angry the the Greedy Bankers who were bailed out with Tax payers money,
I’m angry that people from outside the UK who have contributed nothing to this country can come here, claim benefits,
I’m even more angry at the Politicians who allow these things to happen & do nothing about it.
The three political leaders talk about a fair society I wish they would explain what fair is….2 years ago
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I feel very sad to see that a percentage of people have stated that they will not be voting. I believe we should go down the Australian route on voting and make it compulsory as I believe that as everyone has the right to vote we all have a responsibility to make our views known.
2 years ago
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The Baby-Boomers are still having a field day. When will people realise that the current attitude of
” Want it All – Want it Now – because I deserve It! and to Hell with the rest of you”
is destroying this country?2 years ago
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I passionately want three things from the next government:
1) Leave the EU. It’s bureaucratic, corrupt and power-hungry with federal ambitions. It’s far too big, hopelessly overstaffed by people on bloated salaries. And just look at the obscene cost of MEPs (with their grossly excessive salaries and expenses). The EU needs replacing by a drastically slimmer set-up. In theory we could seek to achieve this (and there is evidence that many of our European Partners would support this aim). However, it would take too long. Therefore in the short to medium term it would be in our best interests to leave the EU forthwith.
2) To preserve our culture and way of life,virtually stop immigration immediately, both from within the EU and outside it. The prospect of a 70 million population is horrifying. There’s no time to hang around on this one.
3) We need swingeing cuts in public expenditure immediately (and none of this postponing cuts until a later time!). These cuts must apply to the highest echelons of government, through the NHS and down to local authorities, police and the fire services. We must have draconian cuts in quangos, and abolish regional development agencies. And, yes, let’s repeal the human righsts legislation. And how about winding-up sex equality posts (people earning huge salaries in non-jobs) throughout local authorities and so-called “Councils for Volutary Services”. Indeed, we should wind-up the latter costly “jobsworth” organisations completely as part of the public sector cuts.
2 years ago
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Hi,,, all we knows that conservative will help rich people and labour or liberal democrat middle class and poor people and included some rich people, but in fact no one involved with public on daily basis to understand them, there are million illegal issues in the country, which they are not only people come from outside UK, but even rich people become rich because they employ those people and pay them less than national minimum wages, and some not pay tax or do other tricky things not spend money out.
Also in a lot of government department I seen staffs are sitting in office not do anything’s such as Police, City Council and Home Office and they know illegal worker or benefit fraud but they not report.
All this my experience and if anyone not agree with me, let contact me to show them the fact more than this.
I am not agree with some people saying outside immigrant not to come to UK, because if UK &USA government and their supporter entered other country unfairly and start civil war in country and people had enemy, which should UK take them, BUT,,, SHOULD BE THERE IS RULE, IF THEY NOT OBAY THE RULE IN UK OTHERWISE SEND BACK.we all living in UK have responsible to do some thing about it to take this country forward, a lot of people thinking about he/her family and relatives to became rich and even if illegal, which is wrong….
Last night debate I notice three party or had good and bad 50/50, so why all parties are seat together and talk to improve life in UK rather then to think about power?
I am not sure vote for whom? But I believe to vote for the smaller party if not vote for some one give better life for all UK citizens.
2 years ago
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My view is that unless the Tories get in, with a working majority, the markets will close us down and interest rates and inflation will spiral. In any event there is about 1 Trillion of actual debt and the unfunded public sector pension liability is only just over another 1 Trillion. Of course we havn’t factored in the ‘off balance sheet’ debt tied up in the PPP projects but even if that is added in we are still well below
3 Trillion pounds of debt and liabilities. At present that works out to be a whopping 40,000 pounds of debt and liabilities for every man woman and child in the country, (not forgetting we are also borrowing a further 15billion every month).I can’t believe Brown got away with it in the debates. Off the cuff, the following come to mind;-
1. Failed to discourage and warn individuals and authorities against insecure investments abroad and afforded protection to those foolhardy investors at taxpayer’s expense.
2. Sold half of the country’s gold reserves as a rock bottom price.
3. Allowed personal debt to escalate to record and unsustainable levels.
4. Failed to address the known position of overcrowded prisons and the consequent breakdown of law and order.
5. Entered wars with no realistic provisions for withdrawal or reparation.
6. Failed to maintain the roads infrastructure. In terms of record investment have failed to provide local government with central funding to finance the same or, indeed, to promote the same – solution, particularly in an economic downturn, to invest in the road repair and improvement.
7. Allowed immigration at unsustainable levels and maintained a policy of open immigration for political reasons.
Nobody talks about the “economic quality” of the people leaving the country as opposed to the majority coming in.8. Failed to address illegal immigration again for political reasons.
9. Allowed the destruction of NHS dentistry by imposing unacceptable conditions and failing to address Dentist’s rebellion; Potential solution, reintroduce acceptable conditions and impose a condition that all registered dentists must carry out a required percentage of NHS work to maintain registration/licensing
Touch wood I will be in a position to leave you all to it when i retire but, thinking again, probably not!!
2 years ago
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The huge national debt needs to be reduced, before it is too late. Prevarication just means the debt mountain grows daily and will eventually become impossible to lower. If I operated my household expenses like the Labour Government I would already be bankrupt and living on the street. As a nation, we need to stop spending more than we earn. Over the last 30 odd years all governments have trashed our manufacturing base without any thought. We need people apprenticed in manufacturing and engineering, so that stuff can be produced and exported around the world. Our Government MUST start balancing the books. The Conservatives haven’t got a clue and neither have NuLabour, otherwise we wouldn’t be in this mess. The UKIP is the only party that wants us to leave the EU, so that our own costs can be cut drammatically. It would be a start, but sadly they lack experience in running the affairs of the nation. They will get my vote simply because the other have proved they can’t do the job and also because the EU is a millstone around our necks.
What hope is there for the UK, as the politicians who seem to have run things for the last 30 years for their own benefit and pet schemes and have demolished most that was good. When we eventually find out the full extent of UK’s debt, the election will be over. It appears the politicians don’t trust the public with the full picture. Personally, if you haven’t already, make every effort to get out of debt quickly (as the UK should), because it is going to be a very rocky ride over the next few years for everyone. May God help us!
2 years ago
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I have just received notification of my new NHS pension increase. I have £2:34 increase BUT I have £2:20 extra tax to pay on it. When I finally got through to HMR&C I was told that because my state pension had increased I had to pay more tax.
Why bother to increase the State Pension when they know they will get it back with a bit extra!
WORDS just fail me. Will there be any difference whoever gets into power. POWER being the operatvive word!
I argee with B Hoban please explain to the people.
I am too furious to comment further.2 years ago
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Everybody says that the increase in National Insurance is 1% as it is 1p but as National Insurance is already about 10% then a 1p increase is actually a 10% increase on the current rate in practice. No wonder businesses resent this. How can anyone afford a 10% increase these days.
2 years ago
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I suspect that there are very few of us who are 100% convinced with the candidate and/or party that they’ll vote for. Which begs the question: Why hasn’t a new, credible political party emerged in my lifetime? After all, there’s plenty of money to be made in politics.
2 years ago
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We need action on fuel prices, now as inflation has crept up un-noticed during this campagne, any other time there would he been a media up-roar, funny how volcanoes, Haiti earth quakes in China, Swine flu, Terrorists have all slipped of the face of the Earth.
Come on all this election hype is media driven not by politicians.
2 years ago
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Well, I’ve just cast my postal vote (I’m outta the UK for polling day) and I must admit it has been the hardest split decision I’ve had to make in all my years of voting. I’ve had to pick 4 main headline topics and base my decision on that, because if I scratch beneath the surface then there are some pretty significant points in each of the 3 main parties manifestos that I cannot align with.
It’ll be a pretty close call I think … and so I’ll be tracking from a distance in Barcelona whilst getting ready to go to the F1 race at the weekend.JJ
2 years ago
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I was disappointed that none of the leaders answered the ‘what will you do to reduce tax’ question.
Am I naive surely it is simple as this:
Tax goes on 4 things
1. Government (MPs and things)
2. Support of Government Parliamnetary secretaries Civil Service etc)
3.Services the Governmment has a duty or ‘wil’l to provide termed Front line services (Teachers, Police, Nurses etc)
4. Support for services (IT systems HR Marketing and the like)
Surely over the past years it is 4 above (and possibly 2 above) that have grown too large – hence last year the cost of nurses (new nurses and pay rises for existing nurses) went up by around 8% but the cost of NHS Managers (HR Marketing etc) went up 25%+
That’s where the cuts can be made and if Gordon Brown doesnt realise this and accuses the Tories of wanting to cut police and Teachers then he is either being mischievous or worse after 13 years as Chancellor and PM he really doesnt understand the workings of Government.2 years ago
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Why is everyone so upset and angry?
These are politicians and this is politics. All politicians lie on the hustings; they will say exactly what voters want to hear; they will promise the moon and stars and conveniently forget all about said promises once in power.
C’mon voters of the UK – wake up and smell the coffee from Starbucks and the grease from McDonalds. Nothing is going to change, no matter who wins.
That’s life. That’s politics in 21st century UK.
2 years ago
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The idea that a hung , or correctly, a Balanced Parliament would lead to stockmarket meltdown is PURE FICTION, invented by the power-hungry Tories’ spin machine.
Scotland’s Balanced Parliament is being run very effectively by a Lib-Dem & Scot-Nat coalition. The Welsh Assembly has a similarly well-run coalition.Some of the most effective governments in Europe are coalitions. Many of those countries have made much better progress, since World War 2, on green issues, education, welfare, health, transport (etc. etc.) than has happened here in the UK.
We’ve been dragged left-right-left-wrong, while others moved forward!Our country’s progress has been held back by the greedy self-serving Conservative and Labour politicians: more interested in their own fortunes, than the people of Britain. Nations that stood in awe of Britain a century ago, now look down on us as backward.
There were no big financial problems in those coalition-governed countries before the advent of the Euro: then they had individual currencies which did not catastrophically nose-dive while a newly elected administration deliberated its programme of government.The fact is that the UK Pound was much stronger in recent weeks, when it looked likely that a coalition government was likely, than it was last year, when a Tory dictatorship looked likely. Most stock-market analysts, and other financial experts are broadly in favour of the LibDem proposals; and expect a slight strengthening of the pound, if political parties have to work together.
Having said that, an outright LibDem majority government would be the very best outcome of the election. Then Vince Cable, who predicted the probabiity of the economic crisis whilst others scoffed, would be empowered to get the economy working right again. Then we would have a fairer tax system, for everyone: with the super-rich contributing a fairer proportion of their income, and crafty tax dodgers brought to book.
The UK would not be quite heaven; but a big step closer to it!And for the people who think our nuclear ‘deterrent’ is a necessity: Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Japan have no nuclear deterrent.
They don’t spend gargantuan amount of tax-payers’ money on nuclear weapons that will never be used; so, their economies are all more healthy for the things that matter.
Does that mean they are more vulnerable to attack than the UK? No.If some nutter in a foreign land attacked us with any ‘dirty’ bomb, even killing thousands of civilians, how could we morally justify retaliating in kind? The blame could not be attached to the civilians of that foreign land; although some would disagree!
NOBODY can use a ‘nuclear strike’ without it slaughtering and maiming thousands of innocents! We do need to discuss this, across party divides, with the object of developing weapons which are much less indiscriminate in their destructive power.Both the Tories and Labourites would not allow any discussion: they are committed to spending SCORES OF BILLIONS of our tax-money, ANNUALLY, WITHOUT ANY REVIEW. UK Defence Chiefs are agreed that there MUST be a review of all MoD expenditure, INCLUDING the EuroFighter, theTrident system, and its replacement.
Cleggy is NOT out of step with our military chiefs, who want to see money for better conventional equipment: body-armour, armoured patrol vehicles, helicopters, etc.
It is the tired OLD Parties which are still living in the ColdWar era. Get real, dinosaurs!
Everyone is entitled to an opinion; but please check the facts before accepting what Brown and Cameron say. The Tories supported Labour’s ILLEGAL Iraq invasion, which happened with shortages of proper equipment; and still the shortages continue in Afghanistan, even now! And yet we have been spending huge amounts on a couple of submarines wandering around the planet, carrying super-destructive IMMORAL weapons that can never be used!Arguably, even during the Cold War, the weapons were unusable; but that’s in the past. The LibDems are proposing to keep the Tridents maintained as they are, for the next several years. After proper strategic cross-party talks, we should decide which nuclear weapons to hold into the future, if any.
Don’t let the dinosaurs drag you back to the paranoia of the Cold War!Have a great Bank Holiday, everyone.
2 years ago
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Thank God that worthless liar Brown and his sleasy crew will be history in a few days. It will be for the best.
I cannot remember a labour government that has not left the country in a huge mess for the tories to sort out, regardless of any fiscal problem.
David Cameron and his great team will hopefully get it sorted and —————Stop all immigration and remove the people who do not have permits and cannot speak English
Jobs for the British before any other people
Check out all people on benefits and those who can work be given a set period to accept a job.
Any who cannot find work be given the opportunity to work on public works projects ie building roads etc.
Those who refuse, cut their benefits until they see the error of their ways
Cut the prolific waste in the national health. The greatest instituation in Britian
Quit pussyfooting around. There is far too much political correctness these days, and we have become a mummy state.
If we don’t change we will be a third world country shortly. As far as our roads are concerned, we are almost there alreadyHeavens, don’t get me started but good luck to you David – the country will be behind you
2 years ago
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Come on, folks admit it. There isn’t a real leader among them.
And yet they have the brass neck to each say that they are the man to get Britain out of the
financial hole. And one of them, Gordon Brown, is directly responsible for saddling Britain with enormous debts, by borrowing more and more, without any plan for paying the money back. Their policies are filled with nonsense, such as ring-fencing the billions of Pounds in aid Britain pays to other countries – including China. A country we are borrowing from, to repay our debt, on money owed to them from previous borowings. Does that sound like financial sense to you? Shouldn’t they be giving us aid?
None of the prospective Prime Ministers has the courage to address the immigration problems. All shied away from answering the, quite simple, immigration question, put to them in the Great Hall of Birmingham University.
And none of them will tell us the truth about how much their grandiose plans for Britain’s financial recovery will cost. Is it that they don’t know, or that they don’t trust us? I suspect they fear that if they tell us how bad things will have to be, the voters will run for the hills.
The three of them are a sad bunch. Nick Clegg is a shallow, boyish, Cliff Richard look-alike, Gordon Brown looks like a shop steward, from the Boilermaker’s Union, in the Govan shipyards, and I can never look at David Cameron without imagining him a top hat, and being called Lord Snooty. For a man of his age, he does not have a line of experience etched into his face. But then, why should he. He’s never had any experience of leading anything. Let alone a country. There is an old saying: Come the hour, come the man. Well, the hour is surely here, but I can’t see any sign of the man.2 years ago
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Get out of the EU, that is my recommendation. We are in the EU, yet we’re not in the EU and it’s costing us millions per day! It’s about time someone who calls themselves a so-called leader gets a pair of ‘wedding tackle’ between his legs, sticks his neck out and LEADS.
One thing that hasn’t been spoken about during the debates is the terrible crimes and murders that are happening, more or less on a daily basis. Bring back the death penalty, I say, you might not have to put many people down but it would certainly make a lot of people think about committing such vile crimes in the knowledge that they’ll be looked after and all their responsibilities will be taken away for a few years.
We’ve got in this mess because of the people, if they were more responsible when they borrowed, borrowed, borrowed we wouldn’t be in this mess. Now, they are saying ‘Come on get us out of this debt, it’s not our fault’. It’s no wonder the rest of the world treat us as a joke. We’ve got no backbone, no substance, no pride and nothing to look forward too. This is just the tip of the iceberg too, just wait until after polling day for the fun to really start.
As for myself, I started preparing for this years ago as I saw it coming. It’ll be each man for themselves, only because the human race have forgotten what it means to work together. Shame really.2 years ago
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I read this survey and wonder can anybody remember what the torys did for us. 15% interest rate, selling of all the public services like electric, gas, oil, railways, postal services and guess what they goverment are now having trouble getting money to pay for everything. If all these services where still under goverment control they would be cheaper for the consumer (that mean’s us on the street) .This mean’s the goverment would have more money to pay for thing’s like nhs service’s, schools and copper’s which we need. Please people remember what the tory’s did to this country and all us voters. They lost me my house as I could not afford to pay the 15% morgage payments yet this time round I not only kept my house but with a little bit of frugal spending I have even managed to still go abroad for my hols so sorry because of what they did for me last time the torys couldn’t get me vote even if could give me my dearest wish. please I beg people don’t give the rest of the country away by voting for the tory’s
2 years ago
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We are ALL responsible for this mess because so many have been duped into thinking that we can ‘Have now and pay later’. I am 65 and have watched over the last 20 years under Tories and Labour how MONEY has become our GOD.
It’s a false God. When i was young we were taught to put something away for a rainy day! Well the ‘rainy’ day has come. Too many were on a bender. Unfortunately it’s the poorest who get the hangover. I pity those who have to sort this out. Anarchy (see Greece) and anger will make things worse. Now we will see what we are really made of. This is just as important as any war and we need co-operation – NOT slagging each other off. Everbody is an expert in everything today, or thinks they are and RESPECT has gone out of the window. Many good people need to stand up and be counted.2 years ago
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When are people going to wake up to fact that if you vote Lib Dem you could be voting for a clone of Tony Blair as Prime Minister and we all know what a disaster he was, the similarities are uncanny the mannerisms and hand language make me shudder, talk about peas of a pod.- although Clegg could well be even more slimey – God help us.
2 years ago
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Linda, you are right about the excesses of the eighties and nineties: stockmarkets boomed, as de-regulated banks allowed their greedy investment speculators to go wild. They created the ‘virtual’ boomtime which Vince Cable, and very few others, warned about over fifteen years or so.
With all the ‘virtual’ profits seemingly made, the nation was duped into borrowing huge amounts for mortgages on over-priced properties.
The American banks were the first and worst at this decption; but the UK banks soon followed, encouraged by Tory AND Labour governments.
If only Britain had Vince Cable as Chancellor back when the UK banks were first unmuzzled by John Major; or when they later begged Brown for more deregulation.
Both Chancellors let the banks looser from the safeguards and restraints, which had been set up after the 30s depression. Both men went on to be Prime Plonkers at Number Ten, hanging on to the tail-end of failing administrations.
Politicians should be forced to take proper advice; and to discuss proposed laws across all parties to achieve a consensus wherever possible.Overall majorities allow bigoted party leaders to act like dictators: remember Thatcher’s Poll Tax, Blair’s Iraq invasion?!
It is much better to make a good Law after lengthy discussion; than to pass unfair dogmatic Laws that create civil unrest; and then need lengthy expensive revision or even repeal!If Cameron doesn’t want to be part of a discussive coalition, we should all vote for the man who does: the man who sees Britain’s needs ahead of his own hunger for power.
2 years ago
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The greatest area of growth in the last 13 years is in employment in the public sector where wealth creation is severely restricted. Put Labour back in and nothing changes. There will be no margin created to reduce the deficit, rather the opposite, I think.
2 years ago
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John says above that we should embark on State controlfor everything and that it was a serious mistake to have altered things. Surely all State enterprises were subsidised by increased taxation?
2 years ago
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I, like Allan Dowie April 30, 2010 at 10:26 am on here,have too say agree with him on what he says.
Can anyone say to me “what is made in England” anymore ? I get fed up hearing that china or germany etc etc has bought another thing from us.
All i have seen,and heard is, is the 80′s, Maggie did this and Maggie did that etc etc.
The one thing that no one is asking is, WHY did she do what she did ?
Fact; 1976 to 1980 we were on our knees in this country and now we are on our bellies,all thanks to labour !
It seems that people whom are to young or do not care about our past history seem to think that everything is the tories fault for everything and new labour is the best thing since sliced bread !
As an ex serviceman whom is disabled i think i was lucky because my mates and i use to think; “it does not matter who gets in, we are still going to be sh*t on”, so we never voted.
And, i never will until the day these politicians stick to, or adhere to the military covenant which has been broken by every party (tories & labour) for decades !
Can i claim expenses for writing this on here please ?2 years ago
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Cameron is a self-important would-be tyrant: he wants absolute, albeit only for five years, power! He wants to maintain the zig-zag left-right counter-productive politics of the last hundred years and more.
The system as it is almost guarantees power for the Tories for half of the time; whether or not they have ANY policies of worth.
Of course ToryBoy’s frightened of changing the electoral system. With any type of proportional representation, his type of despot would never again be in power!
Just imagine: no more Thatcher’s Poll Tax; no more Major blunders; no more Blair’s Iraqi invasions; no more unelected Browns. How would we manage?Cameron’s emotive rhetoric in conclusion of the Leaders’ debate, was devoid of policy that offers any real change. The tories believe they have a God-given right to absolute power: all they have to do is sound and look smooth. Thatcher promised reform of MPs pay and expenses; and she made the system more abusable. Blair promised the same; and indeed left it just the same.
Economically, the Tories’ would-be chancellor has been helped by the dinosauric Ken Clarke: who is so in touch with the modern world, he has not noticed the LibDems are close to matching the Cons in the polls.
In fact he thinks the third party is still the Liberals of yore!
Apparently Clarke advised Cameron (and his innumerate side-kick, whose name escapes me,) to oppose the bail-out of any failing UK bank in September 2008.
That was while Vince Cable repeatedly said,”We have to nationalise now!”; and Brown dithered for days on end.
Heaven help us if the gormless Tory shadow gets into Number 11.I am still waiting for the final swing in the polls: when people realise that the LibDems might well win outright!
That could save Cameron having to talk politics with anyone who will not do as he says, and toe his party line!
Let the Fair begin!2 years ago
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It is very easy to imagine playing football from the “safety” of the stand, I haven’t ever missed a tackle or a shot from there! It is on the pitch that it gets difficult. Compo and Clegg are an amusing double act but can anyone imagine what they would be like on the real pitch? Just look where the Lib-Dems have had control to see the mess they make and the reality of their cuts (Kent, Swansea). They are the ‘Young Fogies’ of politics, wet behind the ears.
Who in their right minds would let Dave Flashman and his fag Osborne ‘Minor’ take charge of the ‘Tuck Shop’ let alone the economy. It won’t be ‘elites’ that suffer if they get in. It will be the vulnerable, remember Thatcher?
Brown may not be popular but he is fair, Pensioners like us are so much better cared for by Labour.2 years ago
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We all know the economy is atotal mess and the parties all avoid admitting this, however the cause was not the politicians it was the BANKS WHOOSE GREED AND CARELESSNESS HAVE CAUSED THIS, why then should the banks not have to pay off this debt?
As shareholders in some of the banks due to loans they have been given are we the public going to get dividends?
Finally as there is going to be increased taxes in some form income, vat ,duty NI, whatever, will the govt promise to reduce these taxes once the debt is paid off?2 years ago
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the one thing I do think should happen is Cleggs suggestion that the Chancellors of all the parties – together with the Bank of England & the FSA – should get together & sort out this astronomical debt. Otherwise whichever party gets in (please NOT Labour) will be blamed for the hardships we will all have to suffer to sort out this mess. Don’t forget, in 1997, Labour inherited the best financial balance sheet this country had had in years! Gordon Brown, since then, has taxed us to the hilt (70p in the £ on petrol is just 1 example), sold off our gold when at its lowest price etc.
2 years ago
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Sorry, Tribune, but pensions have been increased by less than wages under Major and Brown; both as Chancellors and PMs.
Labour had no plans to reconnect pensions to the retail price index: even when they stood a chance of regaining power! The tories avoid answering: so theywon’t be doing pensioners any favours either.
The LibDems promise pensioners a better deal, getting back to the reality of living costs. We know the tories and labour break their promises EVERY time: when they get an overall majority, they just do what they like!
Why not give the LDs a chance: they cannot possibly be more disappointing than the old parties!And for TSD:
I am sure Klarke-Osborne or Brown-Darling would find a way to let the banks avoid paying anything back to the tax-paying shareholders. Tory and Labour Chancellors are responsible for the DEREGULATION of the UK banks, copying the madness in the United States, just because the banks asked to have less safety rules!
The LibDems, notably Vince Cable, warned against this deregulation; as it might lead to instability and possibly collapse of parts of the financial system: a number of banks might go under. And guess what happened!
Yes, the banks got it all wrong; but both governments must also be to blame! Advice from experts was ignored, by both red and blue chancellors. Please do not vote for them to get into number 11 again!2 years ago
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This survey demonstrates a clear lack of understanding of macro finance – common among the general populace and the political class.
While money is created out of thin air by profiteering banks as interest bearing debts we will remain slaves while the personal and public debt burden grows.
The only sensible solution is a publicly managed money supply and the elimination of all public debt and as well as abolishing the need for income tax. While all the main parties remain entranced and enslaved to the private debt system and there is little hope for a prosperous future.
This election will bring no real and needed change – which ever main party wins.
2 years ago
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jason, wrexham
surely if a party as been in as long as labour then all it’s manafesto is is a series of things it’s failed to do otherwise why aren’t they already done. surely this alone rules them out for anybodies vote. also, if your working, then wouldn’t you be better off with a conservative goverment because isn’t it the case that your union would fight harder for you against a blue goverment than a red one protecting your rights more. just look recently at the courts denying certain organisations the right to strike.2 years ago
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Thatcher got us into the mess we are in today. She got rid of manufacturing and engineering, prefering service industries such as BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ETC. They are the cause of all our problems today. Need I say more?
2 years ago
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Nice to see things getting animated.
Because we live in a material world, everything revolves around MONEY, as this is the type of society we live in. Who does everyone turn to when they want so called expert financial advice? ACCOUNTANTS!
Can anyone see where I am going with this one?2 years ago
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New Labour & Bush administrations are responsible for the current economic climate of this country as well as the world. Monetary institutions irresponsibly allowed debt to increase. Mostly they lend money without checking the means of recovery while estates agents sold same house over and over in a higher price, which was supported by the banks with increased levels of debt.
This is a gross negligence by banking wiskids and western governments. Gordon Brown admitted that he should have look into this before current problems came into existence. This is too late and we cannot Trust him for running the economy of this country. NHS is failing, GPs are not attending to patients in time, education is a mess & classroom discipline is diminishing (too many cooks), crimes are rising government figures cannot be trusted because those figures do not reflect current situation and this country’s national identity has been sold for selfish & cheap political gains.
BNP & UKIP arguments are right. This is how I feel.
2 years ago
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All the major parties promise us the earth until they get to parliament, and when they do, forget who they are supposed to represent. Instead they are looking for what they can drain from the expenses account.
Why may you ask I am so angry ? Well I have just received my pension notification from a government department indicating a ZERO increase for 2010/11 The figures are based on circumstances last September, yet state pension was increased by a paltry £2.40 the figure probably calculated around the same time.
So despite the increases in Energy, Council Tax and the everlasting spiral of fuel costs, not to mention food etc, the powers that be happily live on expenses blissfully unaware how price increases affect pensioners and others.
My belt cannot be tightened any further other than to strangulation point.2 years ago
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I have no faith in Darling or in Osborne to get us out of this mess. Darling seems to just take orders from Brown (who got us into this mess) and Osborne seems to an amateur who only got the job because he’s a ‘chum’ of Cameron’s. Vince Cable on the other hand seems to me to speak nothing but sense (I’m a bit of a Newsnight addict and have seen Cable warning about all this on Newsnight for years). It’s sad that the only party that seems to have a plan to sort out the banks (so that this doesn’t happen again) is the one party who can’t win because they’ve been stiched up by the electoral system.
So I’ll be voting LibDem purely on economic grounds in the hope of a hung parliament where they can force Cable into Number 11 as part of a coalition deal. Unfortunately I live in the safest of safe Labour seats so with the current system there’s just no point in me voting at all.
2 years ago
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Whilst the debates featuring the 3 leaders have generated interest, I think we should all bear in mind that this is not a presidential election. We should vote for a party that can do best for the country, not for one whose leader is a polished presenter. All of them have stumbled at some point but in a time of crisis, there’s no substitute for experience. There is no doubt that Brown is highly regarded by other countries and his ideas on how to overcome the financial difficulties most countries face have been applauded by them. I fear for our future if either of the other 2 parties get in AT THIS TIME because their solutions to our problems look like getting us deeper in trouble. If you are more concerned for YOURSELF rather than the country and especially if you are one of the super-rich of our society, then by all means vote Tory and as the rest of us sink, you can float away to a tax haven somewhere. I think for the time being, I’ll stick with Labour – warts and all – in the belief that they are the only party likely to rescue us from the financial hell we face.
2 years ago
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I don’t think it matters who wins the election their all as bad as one another, their liars , theifs, don’t really care about our country. How is it fair to the people who live in england who have to pay for prescriptions when people in wales and scotland get them free, how is that fair we all supposedly live in the uk. We are paying more and more tax wont be worth going to work soon because most people are sick of living on a shoe string budget. paying more and more into government coffers, at least in the olden days we had robin hood to give some back to us.
The minimum wage is a joke, i admit it is a step in the right direction but its too low, how your expected to bring a family up and support them is beyond belief, bout time people were paid a living wage,so they didnt have to rely on tax credits, also they won’t sit on the dole because in some cases they get more being on the dole than they get going to work, that can’t be right, and why don’t we make people do say 16 hours commmunity work a week for their dole money, got to be better than just sitting at home day in day out, and 16 hrs of work will still give them plenty of time to job hunt.Plus gets you in the work ethic as well.
This country is a farce our manufacturing base has all but gone, instead of the government giving 2000 scrappage for all cars, why dont they give it only on cars built in this country keeping our people in jobs and not some country like slovakia in work.
The amount of cars sold in this country surly the government can put pressure on the manufacturers to build some of the cars in this country. If they value the sales they will.
What have our kids got to look forward too, no job most of them and if their lucky enough to get a job its usually through a recruitment firm and only short term with no rights really, all this rubbish the government spout about retraining the youth if theyve been on the dole more than 6months is rubbish, doesn’t happen, lets get people back in work. I’m no racist or as Mr Brown called that old lady a bigot, lets stop the immigrants coming into this country and give british people a job, with good working conditions, and give people a future of hope and prosperity not a future of doom and gloom, lets stop the city fat cats milking the system with massive bonuses, and give some of that money to the old lady who cant afford her heating on, the person dying of cancer because they can’t afford the drugs to cure them, its about time the politicians came out their ivory towers and sat down with normal people herad their views and what they want,and work for us, instead of creaming the money of the gravey train which is called the houses of parliament and the eeu.2 years ago
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I am swaying towards Conservative, however, after watching The Politics Chow today, I am concerned that the Conservatives, will still continue to allow European’s into the Country in a big way. I personally believe that we need to take a step back in this country and get back on our feet, which means shutting the doors to people arriving in Britian, we need to start business’s again (I think the Steel Works, should be re-opened). We need to have a brand new start and think about us English people who are still proud to say “We are from Britian”. I am not a BNP supporter, but we need to deal with the massive debt now, stop the Banks from ruining our country, whilst they line there pockets and the MP’s need to realise they serve “us”, not he other way round.
2 years ago
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I find it frightening just how many people are still prepared to vote Labour. Only a turkey votes once for Christmas, yet the Labour turkeys wetre suckered into voting Blair in again and again and are STILL prepared to give Brown the Clown another chance. Why? He has been responsible for turning a healthy surplus into a massive deficit. His first Budget crippled our pension system (how many people remember or even understand how his stealth tax impacted all our pension funds) and he sold our Gold reserves at the lowest valuation … having announced what he was about to do so it drove down the price even further! If he’s “Prudence” then I’m the Governor of the Bank of England … and I can assure you that I’m most definitely NOT! This man should be held criminally responsible for “Maladminstration in Public Office”. Put him in the Dock, not Number 10.
To add insult to injury, we’ve had a former ship’s steward as Deputy PM, an ex-postman in charge of the Home Office and a succession of non-motorists in charge of Transport. Perhaps that’s why we were the laughing stock of the Western World when we ended up with a bus lane on the M4 motorway! I dispaired at how poorly qualified these people were to hold key roles in public office. Just look at the result. Meanwhile, taxes went up and up as the bloated public sector required increasing levels of funding. More Quangos were born and ever more LGA Chief Executives were awarded huge salaries (£150+k) and bonuses and retired on massive pensions. The average GP salary went far north of £100k and their workload and responsibilities were reduced. Regional Development Agencies sucked in yet more of OUR cash and delivered no real value-add. We had all forms of training/skills Quangos, all staffed by CEOs on packages worth anything up to £500k or more! This was the reality under Labour.
As far as Clegg is concerned, his style has suckered far too many people. Look behind the gloss and what we see are the samel old sandal-wearing Liberal policies – the majority of which are barking mad. Before YOU vote, think how we would all fare under a Liberal regime where our roads degenerate even more to Third World status (as spending is shifted to subsidise private rail operators), illegal immigrants are granted the same status as honest citizens rather than being rounded up and thrown out and we are unable to defend ourselves due to the axe he’d take to the Defence Budget. For good measure, we’d face road tolling and hefty increases in APD that would cripple the airline and holiday industries as many families would be unable to afford their annual overseas break. Is this what you really want? Think very, very carefully before you vote.
Whilst the Tories many have some members who are far less photogenic than Clegg, they ofefr the most credible policies and the clearest commitrment to sorting out the mess we’re in. The ramifications of a Hung Parliament should not be taken lightly, either – a possible run on the £ as international investors take fright at the likely cross-partyy infighting and compromises that will result, down-grading of our AAA status, increases in interest rates and devaluation of the £ (which may have to happen anyway, given the state we’re in). The IMF may well need to intervene and it won’t be a pretty sight. National Debt (including Labour’s ‘investment’ in all the PFIs) is running in excess of 100% of GDP. Greece’s debt is only around 115%, so we are not so far away from calamity.
For me, there is only one outcome that makes sense. Like it or not, we MUST all vote Cameron into Number 10 with a clear majority. Either that, or pack up and leave the UK before it’s too late. You have been warned!
2 years ago
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We need a government that will do as the voters want and not one that promises everything and delivers nothing. The law should be changed so that we, the public, would have the right to a referendum on all important decisions. The vote should be taken when we want it, not when the time is right for the politicians to get their way. If we had that right the majority would vote us out of the EU. We would then have control of our borders and could allow immigrants in when needed. Big business say that, the EU creates jobs. This may be true but the great majority are minimum pay jobs. The real benefit goes to the banks and big companies that do not care about the general population.
2 years ago
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I read with interest the comments here and agree with most.
Just a couple of comments to keep the pot boiling:First do not forget that money is a resource just like oil/coal/gold etc. and banks are the miners and they have made UK a major resource centre that earns us loads of dosh. They should be better regulated.
Remember also that the £1000000 that the boss gets paid – his family spend and pay the wages of 45 people for a year at standard wage (gardeners, plumbers, butchers etc.).Second – our manufacturing is down the tubes with a dramatic loss of jobs over many years
– various governments have tried (successfully?) to “invent” new jobs and have resulted in two very distinct areas :
1) A bloated civil service required to
a) Create silly laws (lots more administrators=LMA) that need
b) Administration (LMA) that need
c) Teachers to teach LMA
d) An Administration structure to manage/advise/plan etc. (senior LMA)
e) An interface with our European “partners” to manage/advise/plan(senior senior LMA)
you can figure the rest out…
2) A charity culture
“If we (government) raise taxes to do all the things we should be doing we will never get elected” OK so?
Well what if we offload a few things (I leave it to you to make your own list of charities)?
Create a lottery – people are happy to give loads of dosh to win a million.
We then use the dosh to give grant to the charities / create LMA to run such (see 1 above) and show our absolute support!!
We can even let people get tax relief on what they give to charity and make us really good guys (gift aid).
AND it gets better the things that we should have employeed people to do will be paid by charities a double wammy!OK so that’s great but the one hole in this argument is these two areas provide no exports and thus no income.
ie this is like mum and dad giving jimmy £10 to go out and play but Mum and dad need to get that £10 from outside the house.
GOM2 years ago
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“SCOOP” is so right. It is most unfortunate that our current piecemeal and narrowed educational system – and I speak as a teacher – (with its minimal teaching of 18th, 19th and 20th century home and foreign economics; its lack of a political/historical and factual but disinterested approach to government; its shedding of foreign languages within the overall syllabus; its biased approach to literature; its frequent rejection of logical debating; its absence of culture, etc etc – and its near-total lack of disciplined learning in any subject) is the primary reason why we have now produced a sizeable, blinkered electorate that is, sadly, unable to make the rational political judgements needed to elect those who have motives which are directed, primarily, to pulling our country out of its current economic disaster.
From 7 May onwards we need a government which must take decisions that are in the best interests of the country as a whole, and one which should seek as much as possible to act within the mindset of “We’re All in this Together”, rather than aiming to court popularity by appearing to appease the various segments of the population. In the longer run this approach will bring benefits to us all, and we must constantly keep this ideal to the forefront of our thinking as we live through the period of self-denial that lies ahead.
Remember: “As the dog returns to its vomit, and the pig returns to its mire, so the burnt fool’s bandaged finger goes wobbling back to the fire”. It is said that there are some people who never learn – do not be one of them! Consider whether or not you are sickened by the thought of us all being led ” … wobbling back to the fire” for the life of yet one more misguided and spendthrift Labour government – and then vote for this great opportunity of Conservative change.
2 years ago
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3 REASONS TO VOTE LIB DEMs:
1. OVERHAUL OF ARCHAIC ELECTORAL SYSTEM – Proportional representation is the only FAIR way forward for a better society. Long overdue!
2. SEPARATION OF RETAIL AND INVESTMENT BANKS: gotta be done to prevent this sort of stupidity again in the future along with Clegg’s ideas of instituting longer term incentives for these banks.
3. VINCE CABLE !
2 years ago
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i agree with cameron that people should be made to work,there are jobs out there not to everyones choice,but it is work.people rely to much on handouts.
2 years ago
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Whoever gets in power will have to cut spending/jobs, raise taxes, initially reduce the Budget deficit and eventually start to repay some of the accumulated debt.
The secret will be to do this slowly and progressively as the economy recovers, so as not to kill off Economic growth which is even more important to resolving the problem than the Tax rises and spending cuts.
It would take a 40% increase in the rate of VAT to 57.5% to balance the budget, ASSUMING THE VOLUME OF SALES REMAINED CONSTANT!!!
Making a Million Public sector employees redundant with generous severance packages and enhanced index linked pensions would not help the Governments finances much.Cutting or scaling back existing plans for Capital expenditure is horrifically wasteful,a lot of money already committed is lost without any gain to the Public at all.
The problems are as much Psychological as Financial. The Government has to be seen to be taking the first steps on the long road towards Financial “Prudence” (does anyone remember her?)
What is required is a change in attitude in Government, similar to that when Margaret Thatcher came into power. The assumption should be that it is better to let people keep their own money rather than the Government spending it for them.New plans for Capital Investment should be scaled back or cancelled, Public sector recruitment severely curtailed and the problem of Public Sector pensions addressed.
However, these actions will take some time to bear fruit.
The immediate response has to be a Tax rise, probably VAT as it appears the most painless, and “efficiency savings”(Death by a thousand cuts).Government must make a big effort to recreate the Bussiness Friendly Environment that existed before Labour took Office, in order to retain existing bussinesses here and attract new ones, so that the Tax burden per Capita can be lightened.
2 years ago
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BIG PETE: Disagree completely that a VAT increase would be the most painless. People on low incomes, as with pensioners, would bear a disproportionate increase. Income tax and/or N.I would be far fairer, with higher earners paying a much fairer proportion.
Your VAT suggestion + the inane comment about Thatcher, suggests you clearly believe in the rich get richer creed.
Perfect Cameron fodder.2 years ago
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Please can we have a HUNG PARLIAMENT then we can start all over again?
2 years ago
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So it’s time for a change !
To effect that change let’s vote for a party where :
All the shadow cabinet are multi millionaires (most of them having inherited their wealth and never having worked for it like we have to) so they have no idea what it’s like for the rest of us.
The leader was born into riches and is married to the daughter of a baronet.
The party’s campaign is financed by someone who lied even to the party about his citizenship and thus has avoided paying British tax in a time when the country is starved of tax due to the recession – and the party rewarded him for his lies by giving him a peerage.
The shadow chancellor (heir to a multimilllion pound fortune) who got where he is because he’s a mate of the leader from Oxford University, and, on recent evidence, cannot seem to even master simple mathematics and is even derided by financiers in the City.
So this lot will understand the problems of the general population during the worst recession in 70 years and look after our interests ?
What planet are you living on ?
2 years ago
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None of the parties have addressed the issues that concern what people are talking about:-
A immediate stop on all immigration – the country is full. It is wanton destruction to our country to have schools were pupils speak say 20 languages.
A withraw from the EU – all the politicians are crooks, as the accounts have not been signed off. We pay 40 million pound per day – for what?
A return to the Death Penalty – there is no deterrant.
A Withdrawal from Afganistan – why are we there?
None of the parties have addressed these issues.
2 years ago
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I’m just fed up with this nanny state- when can we get back to people taking responsibility for themselves? Every week we see articles in the news – family of 6 earn £29K + on benefits why should the state have to pay? if you can’t afford to have a and keep a LARGE family don’t have one! Why should every new born child recieve £500 when they reach 18? Why can’t their families save up after all they do have over 18 YEARS? This is a rediculous drain on our economy and I do agree we need to end poverty but this needs to be done in a responsible way making families act responsibly not just living on handouts. If the governments need to Nanny us why not outlaw smoking altogether that would save many unemployed and employed alike a great deal of money given the cost of a packet of 20 cigerettes! This would also cut down on health related illnesses, would free up many hospital beds and resources. This would not cost as much to enforce as giving each child £500! You could be giving them and their parents extended lives instead- is this not a far benefit?
There are no incentives for unemployed to find work its far too easy to put your hand out!! Community servce may make make a difference if it was mandatory. We hear a great deal about helping the young back into work but the reality is there are equally as many over 50′s made redundant in recent years but little is done to help them back into work if they have basic company or other pensions from long years of working. The job centres are not interested in helping as they do not affect their targets or unemployment figures – my question here is what is the REAL unemployment figures if people in these situations do not count as they cannot claim jobseekers or any other benefits?
We need a government who can give the unemployed and families back their self respect and pride to stand on their own feet instead of constantly taking from the state.
Sadly I do not see any one partly prepared to stand up and take on this role fully. I don’t think I will be voting!!2 years ago
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I cannot honestly believe that there is still anyone out there that genuinely believes that another five years of Gordon Brown as Prime Minister would be best for this country. He is the worst (elected or unelected) Prime Minister that this country has ever had and, like previous Labour Governments, has brought our country to its knees. He never replies directly to a question that he is asked; he believes that he knows better than the vast majority of the top business leaders in the country; he belittles people behind their backs (viz. Mrs. Duffey and the “Bigotgate” scandal); he breaks promises made by his Party such as a Referendum on our membership of the EU – how many of the promises that he is making now would he reneg on should he be given another term in office?. He is utterly unreliable and is surrounded by his courtege of “Yes” Ministers and unelected aids!
As long ago as 1931, Dr. Adrian Rogers wrote “You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.”
How true this comment is! We need a government that is strong enough to get the “spongers” on the State to get off their backsides and work for a living. We need entrepeneurs in business and should reward them accordingly – although I would admit that there certainly needs to be a firm control on the banking industry who have been found wanting and could bring the country to its knees again if it is not properly controlled.
What has happened to our country? We were all so proud of being British once upon a time but we are fast becoming a joke of a Nation. Indeed, it seems that it will soon be banned to call ourselves English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish if the trend carries on. I am exceptionally proud to be British and hope that my fellow countrymen and women wish to continue to be so. Let us not have any more years of this dreadfully inefficient government spending our money irresponsibly (and feathering their owns nests at the same time!) We need to ensure that we have an effective, honest and transparent Government who will make the right decisions to put our country back on its feet again. The only way to do this is to ensure that every like minded person takes this opportunity and makes sure that their vote counts this Thursday by voting Conservative. Don’t leave it to other people, make your vote count – please!2 years ago
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JDC
Yes I agree spongers should get off their backside and work for a living !
I agree no one should be able to claim £20,000 a year from the taxpayers for a second home when they are a millionaire.
I agree no one should lie about their tax status and deprive the country of millions in tax to fund a party elected into goernment.
I also don’t believe a party full of lying tax avoiders and greedy aristocrats living off taxpayers handouts are going to help get rid of scroungers when they are bigger ones themselves.
2 years ago
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Vince Cable has been neither prescient nor consistent. In June 2006, addressing Foreign Banks in a Mansion House speech, he urged lighter regulation. “There is a need for
balance between free trade and protectionism in the current clamour for regulation of
financial products,” Cable said. He warned that there was a danger in the UK having excessive regulation. The authorities should be careful to retain the City’s openness. A “lighter touch” would be the best way forward.2 years ago
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Martin has expressed exactly what I think! May 2 5.51
2 years ago
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Not sure of the present shadow chancellor would like to see the old bruiser Ken Clark in the position if the Conservatives win the Election.
Apart from leaving the EU & ,Afganistan, The immigration has caused great strain on all of our services, and I do not agree with giving the illegals leave to remain.
2 years ago
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I say we should reform the voting system. Let’s vote out the current outdated format that politics has become, get rid of the royal family and have a president instead. However, I still don’t have a clue as to who would be good enough to govern.
2 years ago
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YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.
Tories will win an overall comfortable majority.
Labour will suffer a catastrophic defeat, the worst in modern times for a governing party.
The Dark Lord (or better still ‘Hopeless Hattie’) will take over as leader.
The Reason? Immigration. This ghastly lot have fundamentally changed the makeup of this country, they hate successful white Anglo Saxon people and without any mandate, sought to rub our noses in diversity and population change something for which they will pay dearly for
2 years ago
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JDC
Is it Gordon Brown and the labour party who has brought the country to its knees or is it the banking industry? You can’t have it both ways and it’s unlikely that these rich bankers were all voting labour.
2 years ago
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The education system where Baldeagle (May 3, 2010 at 12:40pm) lives is obviously doing an excellent job and Ed Balls is to be congratulated. Schools were (sic) pupils speak 20 languages is, by any measure, a fantastic achievement. Well done those pupils I say.
2 years ago
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DJ
Gordon Brown allowed the Banking Industry to regulate itself and should have taken action to ensure that there would be no “Boom and Bust”. All he was interested in was the “Boom” and he irresponsibly ignored the inevitable “Bust”. He was Chancellor and has had thirteen years of financial control in this country. He would have been fired long ago had he been employed in the Private Sector!!!
But just think some of the other matters that have happened due to the Labour Government – Iraq and Afghanistan where hundreds of our brave countrymen and women have been killed; we now have devolved Parliaments where the Scots, Welsh and Irish now have different (and seemingly fairer) laws; Immigration – well!!!!
Since starting to write this blog, I have just heard the morning news and all that I can say is that Manish Sood, Labour Candidate for North West Norfolk, has said it all!!!
I rest my case!
2 years ago
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after years of thatcherism i thought like most people under balir & brown we would have a more forward thinking goverment the new labour they will solve our problems once they have sorted out the tory mess
but no we have went from one darkness to a greater darkness pensioners ruined all there savings for a better life after retirement have been taken away in a flash by the greed of the labour party
small buisnesses closed & ruined with no hope of ever starting up again people laid off and the job market at its worst since we lost the tories because the hidden agenda does not show the true market figures of unemployment & what about the people who are about to retire :i.e myself who was looking forward to spending in my later years with my wife doing what we always wanted to do was travel
but now i will have to work on as my pension will not help me & our nest egg has been ripped apart by the labour banking society who dont have the pensioners problems
i wonder if the queen has been down to lidl or aldis yet
so much for working all your days and doing your bit as they say i would have been better treated if i had been a layabout and raking in money from the working society
(badly disgruntled ) could be my new name2 years ago
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JDC
I’m sorry, but I can’t accept the argument, which is the same one put forward by the banks, that “Gordon Brown should have stopped us by bringing in regulation sooner”. There are far too many people who just want to blame the government, whichever party is in power, when things go wrong.
We all know that if the labour government (let’s get away from blaming individuals) had introduced regulation they would have been blamed for being a “Nanny” or Big Brother state. Hindsight is a precise science.
As for Mr. Sood, well he wants to pack his bags and move to another party.
2 years ago
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I have worked in Education all my life and the Labour party mantra of Education, education, education has been a myth! All money coming into schools is tied to specific initiatives and projects – mostly to support immigrant and disaffected families. The Curriculum has removed vital historical knowledge so children will develop into ignorant adults about their own country. Job centres are bursting at the seems with people claiming taxpayers money who have hardly done a days work in their lives – some not even living here for most of it. The EU intends to allow 53 MILLION Africans into Europe and they will suppress even further the wages bill – so more profits for some. Lets not forget Tony Blair has ‘earned’ £millions giving lectures since resignation – if only we could all do that! I will never vote Labour again and the Liberals who support Europe will not protect real British people
2 years ago
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I dont trust any of the parties and there’s no way in hell I’ll ever vote conservative. Thatcher ruined my life and I’ll never forgive the conservatives for putting her in No.10.
It doesn’t matter who will win the election. The fat cats will get fatter and richer and the average joe public will suffer in poverty. Why are we allowing it to happen?
2 years ago
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Lee
Can’t agree with you more – except if you vote in the Conservatives – they are the fat cats we all complain about ! It must be the British capacity to fawn to aristocrats and aristocratic criminals and criminal politicians who get away with fianancial crime because they’re rich and have connections in the bodies which investigate them so that they don’t get convicted.
How in hell’s name did Mark Thatcher, now a convicted racketeer, get to be a millionaire ?
2 years ago
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The two party state should now be abandoned, I do not think that uncle Vince has all the answers and Cleggie has the whiff of a double glazing salesman about him, but lets face it they can do little worse than the present shabby pair of Labour and Conservative. If you shorten Conservative it becomes con and i think thats what they are trying to do to us and look after their rich mates.We were conned twice by “Champagne Tony and his wife “Blair Witch” and as a consequence we now live in a society which is under constant surviellance and everyone is unable to use their common sense ,from policemen to teachers.I think Brown did everyone an immense favour with his unguarded comment of “bigot” It was a rare glimpse of the real life distain and arrogance that some politicians of all partys have for the Electorate.” Socialist” John Prescott to go to the Lords ,you could not make it up.On tv Brown is offering all sorts of goodies in order to remain in power,my answer to this is that he has had thirteen years to implement reforms, like an elected House of Lords etc, and has not done so,I hope he will find the horse has bolted.Any Prime minister foisted unelected on the the people should in my opinion be forced to go to the country after six months in office
2 years ago
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I can see plenty of comments on the Lib-Dems and how they’re a lot of people’s preferred option. What I don’t see is who would form their cabinet if they were elected? Clegg & Cable are but two men. The rest are the same bunch of muppets who were deemed un-electable under Clarke’s leadership. So what’s changed? Nothing from where I sit. They still want to tax private cars off the road, tax air travel to the point of eliminating it as a practical means of transport and so on. So unless you live in a city with excellent public transport and you never need to travel (holiday or business) they remain un-electable.
Labour?? Where to start. They inherited the best set of public finances in decades back in 1997 and still managed to comprehensively ruin that situation. Just the same as they did in the 70′s.
So if you really want change, and it seems most do, the only realistic option is Conservative. Yes, they have faults and I personally don’t like Cameron one bit but which of the options is any better? If you want things to change you have to vote for change; it is unreasonable to keep doing the same things and at the same time expect to get a different result. The Conservatives are a long way from perfection but they would appear to be the best available option, assuming you aren’t a dole scrounger of course.
Many comments above refer to Lady Thatcher. Why? She’s long gone. If memories are that strong how come nobody seems to remember the 70′s lot who brought the country to its knees? Start looking forwards and vote for what YOU want going forward.
Personally I could not stomach another 5 years of Brown the clown and I simply don’t believe that the Lib-Dems are any different than they were last time around so for me, there’s only one option really. Sure I don’t agree with some of the Tories’ policies but overall they are the most agreeable set on the whole from what I can see.
That’s the point. Utopia doesn’t exist, so vote for the next best thing as you see it. If you like massive taxes and high fuel prices then vote Labour. If you don’t ever need to travel or try to go about your business as normal then vote Lib-Dem. If however, like me, you work for a living, want at least the prospect of a better future and are sick of government trying to engineer everything against ordinary, decent working folk then you really only have one option left. Perfect? No. The best available option? Definitely. Half a loaf is better than none, especially when you’re hungry.
2 years ago
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Dont waste your vote.
Vote for the monster raving loony party.http://www.loonyparty.com/index.php?page=manifestoproposals-1
Beats the other corrupt sods eh lol
2 years ago
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On my last post I mentioned that anybody would be better than Labour, I was wrong, I had forgotten the Liberals.
Remember Jeremy and his Mandellson like behaviour?
At least in those days it correctly destroyed his career instead of making it like Mandellson.
Remember Peter Hain (in his Liberal guise) vandelising sporting activities?
Remember Steel,that other David and the other refugees from Labour, typical Liberals, go with whatever policy sounds good at the time, to hell with whether it is good for Britain.No, at least Labour has its principals, Screw Britain and keep the Red flag flying (even though it is now white and blue)over Moscow. I may not like them but at least they stick to them and seldom try to hide it.
2 years ago
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John D
Sadly, Mark Thatcher is not yet a “convicted” racketeer. However, we can live in hope.
Maybe you’re thinking of Michael Powell, Alan Burkitt, Roger Talboys, Michael Howden, Kenneth Leadbeater, Abdul Quadus, Jonathan Aitkin, Richard Stirling-Gibb, Jeffrey Archer, Dame Shirley Porter … I could go on.
2 years ago
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DJ
Sorry – you’re right – his “possible racketeering conviction” was settled “out of court ” in Texas in 2004 . I don’t know whether this is the reason he can’t go back to the USA, but he joins, as you say, the other innocent people with lots of inherited money who for some strange reason “settled out of court” – which was my original point – that they were rich enough to do so – and they all tended to be linked to the Tory Party as you point out.
Not saying that they were all originally guilty of course – every man or woman should be presumed innocent and allowed to pay lots of money to various people if they’ve got it into an “out of court settlement”, to prevent their good reputation from being sullied.
This option will obviously be open to us all regardless of our income and standing after Dave Cameron is elected.
It obviously worked for Mark Thatcher, as we all know his reputation is now so pure I’m sure he’ll get a cabinet post in Dave Cameron’s new unblemished Conservative cabinet – who all also have absolutely nothing to hide !
2 years ago
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