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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to point out that the most important duty of the UK government is to maintain the defence of the country?

133 replies

KateSixer · 11/06/2026 12:52

The shameful, cowardly and extremely short sighted decision of Starmer and Reeves not to properly fund the defence budget has led to the resignation of the Secretary of State for Defence.

Honestly it's traitorous.

OP posts:
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caringcarer · 12/06/2026 13:38

If we got rid of Netflix Zero there would be more money for other things.

caringcarer · 12/06/2026 13:37

There was no justification for giving benefit claimants an above inflation rise except a blatant bribe for the unemployment to vote for labour.

caringcarer · 12/06/2026 13:35

InveterateWineDrinker · 11/06/2026 13:22

Let's hope Burnham will make a better job of standing up to his back benchers.

Burnham is a shapeshifting creep who'll promise anything to the audience in front of him without the slightest idea how to deliver it (or pay for it). He's had to row back again this morning, this time on compensating WASPI women.

Burnham is also a net zero zealot. He is working hand in glove with Mad Ed.

DeftGoldHedgehog · 12/06/2026 12:45

MyLimeGuide · 12/06/2026 08:13

I know. It sucks the NHS just needs to get rid of everyone at the top and not replace them! And tell the lazy doctors to just do their flipping jobs!

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Oh yeah, it's as simple as that.

Donald Trump level reasoning.

MyLimeGuide · 12/06/2026 08:13

LuckyHazelFox · 12/06/2026 07:23

Raise the subject of benefits and feel the wrath of the people. Can't believe pp advocated throwing more billions into the NHS - that's one big black hole, which in its current state is unfixable.

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I know. It sucks the NHS just needs to get rid of everyone at the top and not replace them! And tell the lazy doctors to just do their flipping jobs!

EasternStandard · 12/06/2026 07:57

DeftGoldHedgehog · 12/06/2026 07:32

The Tories were still blaming the previous Labour government right up to when they left office. But Labour aren't given even two years to arrest terminal decline? I see.

It's not bickering, it's about the serious fucking reality and the history of why we find ourselves here and why it will take years to untangle. There is no magic money tree for defence, nor anything else.

Labour are shrinking what’s available.

Original poster
KateSixer · 12/06/2026 07:42

LeedsLoiner · 12/06/2026 07:38

Great idea - how about starting with the triple lock pension and the winter fuel allowance?

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I agree triple lock is indefensible. Once you appreciate this you begin to realise that a lot (not quite all) of benefits policy is seen politically not as altruism but through the lens of a bribe to sections of the electorate that they think might support them.

OP posts:
LeedsLoiner · 12/06/2026 07:38

MyLimeGuide · 11/06/2026 14:44

Yep you said it! The benefits need to be slashed its unbelievably bloody obvious!!

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Great idea - how about starting with the triple lock pension and the winter fuel allowance?

DeftGoldHedgehog · 12/06/2026 07:32

The Tories were still blaming the previous Labour government right up to when they left office. But Labour aren't given even two years to arrest terminal decline? I see.

It's not bickering, it's about the serious fucking reality and the history of why we find ourselves here and why it will take years to untangle. There is no magic money tree for defence, nor anything else.

LuckyHazelFox · 12/06/2026 07:31

EasternStandard · 12/06/2026 07:29

The concerning part is Labour do the same. Deflect and deny.

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Starmer - I won't be taking lessons from the Tories - certainly does.

Original poster
KateSixer · 12/06/2026 07:31

But, and we can't get away from this, there is only so much money available.

Ultimately ensuring national defence (and internal safety and security for people and their belongings) are the first and second most important obligations of govt.

If the benefits bill needs to be cut to ensure these priorities are properly met then I am afraid it must be cut.

The ability to provide benefits to less fortunate people is a consequence of the foresight and hard work of others in creating a rich and secure state.

If you don't have an economically successful and secure state you can't have benefits!

OP posts:
EasternStandard · 12/06/2026 07:29

LuckyHazelFox · 12/06/2026 07:28

Two major resignations and Sir Richard Knighton's private concerns to starmer but let's rake over the Tories previous terms instead. Frighteningly naive or just deluded.

The concerning part is Labour do the same. Deflect and deny.

LuckyHazelFox · 12/06/2026 07:28

Two major resignations and Sir Richard Knighton's private concerns to starmer but let's rake over the Tories previous terms instead. Frighteningly naive or just deluded.

Original poster
KateSixer · 12/06/2026 07:24

DeftGoldHedgehog · 12/06/2026 00:18

Oh you think the Tories did a good job? Yes it is a good job other people didn't think so.

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Look at the serious issues this thread is about. I never suggested that previous govts did a good job either.

Petty bickering while the national interest is at risk is not helping.

OP posts:
DeftGoldHedgehog · 12/06/2026 07:23

LuckyHazelFox · 12/06/2026 07:19

So suddenly you think this country's worth defending now Labour are in? Pity the PM doesn't put our money where his mouth is.

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No I don't. I think it takes more than two years to sort out, particularly with the orange toddler causing global economic strife.

LuckyHazelFox · 12/06/2026 07:23

MyLimeGuide · 12/06/2026 07:17

Yep. And stops people from working or trying to better themselves. = shit mental health escalating in to generation after generation 😫

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Raise the subject of benefits and feel the wrath of the people. Can't believe pp advocated throwing more billions into the NHS - that's one big black hole, which in its current state is unfixable.

Walkyrie · 12/06/2026 07:20

Who cares who did what or what happened in the past, it’s all irrelevant now. What are Labour going to do now about our defence? Very little from the look of it, because of course benefits 🙄

LuckyHazelFox · 12/06/2026 07:19

DeftGoldHedgehog · 12/06/2026 00:18

Oh you think the Tories did a good job? Yes it is a good job other people didn't think so.

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So suddenly you think this country's worth defending now Labour are in? Pity the PM doesn't put our money where his mouth is.

MyLimeGuide · 12/06/2026 07:17

Walkyrie · 11/06/2026 21:12

They won’t be though will they? Benefits have never been so generous yet our NEET problem has never been so out of control. All benefits do is raise kids to think work is optional.

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Yep. And stops people from working or trying to better themselves. = shit mental health escalating in to generation after generation 😫

EasternStandard · 12/06/2026 06:38

DeftGoldHedgehog · 12/06/2026 00:18

Oh you think the Tories did a good job? Yes it is a good job other people didn't think so.

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Then you’re in the minority now for Labour. Good job that’s the case.

DeftGoldHedgehog · 12/06/2026 00:18

LuckyHazelFox · 11/06/2026 15:36

Good job we don't all think the same when our children and grandchildren live here.

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Oh you think the Tories did a good job? Yes it is a good job other people didn't think so.

Walkyrie · 11/06/2026 21:12

Persephonia1966 · 11/06/2026 20:21

But who will fight the wars if we are attacked in 20 years time? For that matter who will work in high paying jobs to pay for the pensioners of 20 years from now retirement, or for that matter work in lower paid but important jobs in care etc?
I don't think everyone should be popping out children. But we do want babies to be born. And we want the babies that are born to grow up healthy and well fed. Not just for their own sake but because they will be the productive adults of tomorrow.

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They won’t be though will they? Benefits have never been so generous yet our NEET problem has never been so out of control. All benefits do is raise kids to think work is optional.

Nanda66 · 11/06/2026 21:07

Persephonia1966 · 11/06/2026 20:21

But who will fight the wars if we are attacked in 20 years time? For that matter who will work in high paying jobs to pay for the pensioners of 20 years from now retirement, or for that matter work in lower paid but important jobs in care etc?
I don't think everyone should be popping out children. But we do want babies to be born. And we want the babies that are born to grow up healthy and well fed. Not just for their own sake but because they will be the productive adults of tomorrow.

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I want babies to be born that the parents take responsibility for looking after them financially and ensuring that they are well fed. I’m not against some sort of support. But it should be limited to 2 children. My children who work, and their partners work, can’t afford to have more than 2 children. If people want to have more then they need to provide for them.

Persephonia1966 · 11/06/2026 20:21

Nanda66 · 11/06/2026 17:18

I’m seriously considering not paying my tax bill next month and I’ve been a taxpayer, paying willingly and on time, for over 40 years. I’m so sick of this government spending money on the wrong things. They need to stop chasing votes and cut the benefits bill. The lifting of the 2 child cap was a disgrace.

But who will fight the wars if we are attacked in 20 years time? For that matter who will work in high paying jobs to pay for the pensioners of 20 years from now retirement, or for that matter work in lower paid but important jobs in care etc?
I don't think everyone should be popping out children. But we do want babies to be born. And we want the babies that are born to grow up healthy and well fed. Not just for their own sake but because they will be the productive adults of tomorrow.

Papyrophile · 11/06/2026 20:20

Our submarines DO get the maintenance needed, by people who understand and take the risks very seriously. But the maintenance intervals are stretched out by the politicians who want to be seen to be making a difference. For them, maintenance is an after thought.