Labour isn't working - Thread 22

[TheNuthatch]

A chat thread for those who don't like this Labour government. 💙

The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.

Previous thread
www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5448743-labour-isnt-working-thread-21?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

I've said for a long time Farage would never want to be hobbled to no 10.

@justasking111 I hope I'm right about this, but I also think he knows he's not capable of doing the job of Prime Minister.

Wouldn't be surprised if this lot bribed them with a free squirt of botox and a tattoo of their choice.

News
UK
Home News
Reform and Tories insist there is no plan for merger before next election
Prominent ex-Tory figures have flocked to Reform.
David Lynch
Tuesday 02 December 2025 22:44 GMT

open image in gallery
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire)

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world
Email*

SIGN UP
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice
Reform UK and the Tories have insisted they have no plans for an agreement or merger ahead of the next election.
Reform donors told the Financial Times that Nigel Farage expects his party to join with or make a deal with the Tories.
A deal would eliminate the rival party on the political right and boost Reform’s chances in the polls, the paper said.

One of those who spoke to the FT said Mr Farage had described such an agreement as “inevitable” but that it would take some time because he was wary over making a pact between the two.
But a Reform UK source insisted the report was not true, and pointed to Mr Farage’s own words in the FT.
RECOMMENDED

Trump calls Somali immigrants and Rep. Ilhan Omar ‘garbage’

Trump lashes out at opponents in bizarre late-night Truth Social binge

Sleep Apnea: The Main Cause And How To Avoid ItDerila Ergo|
Sponsored

These Jackets Are Turning Heads EverywhereHarry Loss|
Sponsored
Powered by Taboola
“Sometimes people hear what they want to. After next May the Conservatives will no longer be a national party,” Mr Farage said.
“I would never do a deal with a party that I do not trust. No deals, just a reverse takeover.”
A Conservative spokesman said: “Under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership the Conservatives will not be considering any deals or pacts. Reform want higher welfare spending and to cosy up to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin.
“Only the Conservatives have the team, the plan and the backbone to deliver.”
Mr Farage has sought to win over voters from the Conservatives, suggesting the party can no longer be trusted after 14 years in power.

Its funny how life changes, in the 1990's when the UK was relatively economically stable, it used to be said that the England Football Managers Job was the Impossible Job. That, mantle has now changed to being Prime Minister. Would you want the job of Prime Minister, when the United Kingdom will probably be in its worst position in terms of economy, global importance and defense capabilities in 1000 years. Who in their right mind would want to be the Prime Minister when the GDP per 'Capita' is likely to drop so far as to put the United Kingdom below the richest 50 countries in the world. The UK will in less than two years will become a relatively poor 'country' if not socially broken. The United Kingdom will still have nice postcards available for sale like (Greece) for those looking for quaint England memories that is all !

I do wonder therefore who is actually capable of being Prime Minister. Is it a Clown who Jumps over Fences, A Conman who pulls 'funny' faces who really is not a Hypnotist, but a middle class man called David from Stockport Grammar. Is it a Man who believes Hamas are is friends, who's associate quite frankly is a 'fruit cake' stuffed with Sultanas. A man who can't eat a Bacon Sandwich properly and asserts the United Kingdom will have cheap energy, while putting concrete in to wells to ensure Britain's can't drill for Texas Tea. Or potentially a '16' year old British Born immigrant who is 'solid', but only likely to muster around 50 seats at best.

When you consider all these things, it becomes apparent that whether posters on here think Nigel Farage is the 'Real Deal' or not is irreverent , he is the only choice.

I think I have manage to post a thread without a spelling or grammatical mistake !

Correction, top 30 Countries in terms of GDP Per Capita. Lesson don't post until sure. Good Headline shame about the facts.

The UK's GDP per capita is currently not expected to fall out of the top 30 globally. However, the country has faced challenges in recent years, including a slowdown in growth and a decline in living standards. The UK economy grew by 1.1% during the first half of 2024 but slowed to just 0.1% during the second half of the year. Despite this, the UK has avoided a technical recession and is on track to be the second-fastest growing economy among G7 countries in 2025. The government's budget aims to deliver on promises of change, including cutting the cost of living and implementing regulatory reforms to strengthen the economy.

My Backtracking...

Yes @Mantari that rings true re some tories will never back reform - a couple of family who are lifelong tories loathe Farage and trump style politics. We’re seeing a splintering of both right and left, very hard to tell yet what’ll happen at the next election - think it’s clear one party unlikely to win outright though.

the not working for anxiety etc is interesting - the young relative I have who is nudging 30, they’d like to work but they’re a huge gamble for any employer aren’t they with no work history, no education history since they were let down by school and college. It’s a big mountain.

I think the real tactical voting that prevails will be those who seek to keep Labour our of power, permanently.

Unless you think Starmer and Reeves are doing a stellar job?

Good morning 😁

I don't think we'll see a pact yet between the tories and Reform. Its too early imo. Both sides have strongly denied it. It will be interesting to see if both sides refrain from throwing buns at each other in the coming months. The left will be quaking in their boots if they do unite.

I'm very happy ro see that the narrative of this budget is that Labour taxed workers to pay welfare. That has stuck, whatever the macro economics of it are. Also that Reeves is without doubt an incompetent liar. Its a fitting end to the most chaotic and amateurish budget I've ever seen. Well done Labour.

I was sickened yesterday listening to Lammy in the commons. I found myself agreeing with Diane Abbott, who quoted Starmer himself talking about the importance of juries. This will go down in history for all the wrong reasons. Lammy confirmed that it would be a permanent change, confirming, in my view, that this has nothing to do with clearing the backlog. Shameful.

Labour faced a mini rebellion yesterday. They won the vote, but dozens of Labour MPs who found themselves representing rural communities abstained in the vote on further changes to farmers IHT. Good.

https://news.sky.com/story/rachel-reeves-hit-by-labour-rural-rebellion-over-inheritance-tax-on-farmers-13478529

The decision on the Chinese super embassy has been delayed again, now 10th January 26. There are also rumours that Starmer will visit China in the new year. 👀

And those of you with log burners, make the most of it as Labour are coming for them too.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/01/wood-burning-stoves-to-face-partial-ban-in-labours-updated-environment-plan

Great summary. I’m pleased Labour have taken a political hit on the mess of the budget. There was a pension guy saying it damaged people’s pensions as they drew them early due to Labour’s approach.

All up they totally ballsed it politically and now lower trust for them than anyone on the economy.

Yes, lots of behaviour change just from the kite flying. Private and commercial mitigation. Its so damaging, and it all came from Whitehall. They can't blame the press, they were briefing it out.

I've just looked at that polling from yesterday. Wow! Worse than Liz Truss after the mini budget.

Labour warned larger families now have ‘substantial’ incentive to claim sickness benefits in order to gain fully from change

https://www.ft.com/content/3ac91ba2-1f07-427d-a8b2-d6c8cd9228d6

The SNP already tried that, and had to back down. In rural areas subject to frequent power cuts you would literally freeze people to death.

Unless the 'Tories' who don't like Farage are Lib Dem Tories, there is not a cat in hell's chance that they would not vote Reform if by not doing so risks a Labour/Green and Liberal Democrat Coalition. I think what Nuthatch preferred (realistic) option would be about 70-80 Conservative' backed up by around 300 Reform seats which is highly achievable. The reason why I put up 'Nowcast' Election Maps is because you can calculate the 'Right' V Left' in Consistencies. The 'great' news in around '400' seats the right is over 53%from two parties against 45% from 3 or 4 parties who are far less 'voter' aligned than the average Conservative/Reform voter . Example: a Middle class retired Public Sector Worker in Surrey, does not align with Corbyn's lot. The right are far more adaptable, than the 'Left'.

The 2% or so is of course Independents..

Off topic but a great call by the WI.

The Women’s Institute has banned transgender women from being members.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes revealed on Wednesday it can no longer legally offer formal membership to transgender women from April next year in light of the Supreme Court judgment.

And the demand for larger council houses, read ‘mansions’, will increase….

And Girl Guides 😊

Agreed.
I just think its too early, although I don't doubt the FT story about donors putting pressure on. Some donors are giving equal amounts to the tories and Reform. Its wasted money if they spend their time fighting each other. But if there is some form of unity, it will evolve through donors pressure. Perhaps there will be a kind of test run in Wales next year. Let's see if the language changes over the next few months.

Yes, the thought of a left-wing coalition should focus minds amongst tories. The most recent polling of tories shows a majority do have an appetite for some kind of deal between the two.

Another benefit of the Nowcast model is the ability to question the assumptions that you would have the Conservatives on 27% and Reform on 26% in the same seat. You would imagine there has got to be some convergence in seats such as this. In reality meaning Reform or Conservatives would likely be polling around 40% . in 'reality' 40-42% will win 95% of all Constituencies. I have also said the nature of the National Emergency the Country will/is facing makes imperative that they work together in constructive ways from this moment on.

The problem with a 'merger' though being it would be offensive for people living in 'Easington' for instance who have in their minds good reason to hate the 'Tories' for generational historical reasons. Therefore, perhaps a way round this if Reform were 25- 30 seats short is a Confidence and Supply Agreement from the Conservatives could in theory work well. Thus, because i believe there must be some commonality in around 90% of policy platforms.

Good 👍