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Labour isn't Working - Thread 33

847 replies

Nuthatch26 · 18/05/2026 10:16

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.

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Labour isn't Working - Thread 33
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Nuthatch26 · 19/05/2026 14:53

From The Times on today's urgent question:

David Davis, the former Brexit secretary, has said he will call for the government to be held in contempt of parliament if it does not provide “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” over Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US.
Parliament’s intelligence and security committee has accused ministers of withholding some key documents on spurious grounds, including details of the vetting process which the peer went through.
This is denied by ministers who argue that they cannot release personal information relating to Mandelson’s vetting because it could undermine the process in future.

But Davis warned ministers he would bring a motion of contempt against the government when the documents were published if they did not include full details of the process.
A similar tactic was used by Sir Keir Starmer in 2018 when he was shadow Brexit secretary over secret economic impact assessments of the cost of leaving the EU.

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MNLurker1345 · 19/05/2026 14:57

So, Derren Jones defends redactions and delay in releasing Mandleson documents due to security and privacy concerns, the vast number of documents and legality.

Alternatively, there could possibly be damaging information about who and what the government knew and whether warnings were ignored. Hopefully the opposition parties will challenge over redaction and push for timely release. Obviously not before the end of recess.

They go from one scandal to the next. Even the leadership of the party has become a crisis.

Also let’s not underestimate the Brexit bomb that hissy fit Streeting threw to damage Burnham. They actually self sabotage.

And on the economy, Rachel Reeves said: “The IMF upgrading its growth forecasts and backing our fiscal strategy is yet more proof that this Government has the right economic plan.”

What she didn’t say is the the IMF also warned her about political instability, debt interest costs, rising welfare and the need for tax and spending reform - City AM. She has selective hearing.

Nuthatch26 · 19/05/2026 15:05

Something stinks, but I never believed that they would fully comply with the humble address. Fuck the victims, save big dog.

Yes Reeves definitely has selective hearing. As does McFadden when he was challenged on the unemployment figures today. If Labour had the 'right economic plan', they wouldn't have had their arse handed to them in last week's elections.

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EasternStandard · 19/05/2026 15:09

Nuthatch26 · 19/05/2026 15:05

Something stinks, but I never believed that they would fully comply with the humble address. Fuck the victims, save big dog.

Yes Reeves definitely has selective hearing. As does McFadden when he was challenged on the unemployment figures today. If Labour had the 'right economic plan', they wouldn't have had their arse handed to them in last week's elections.

The only thing that makes it more bearable is how much the electorate punished them for this gaslighting.

justasking111 · 19/05/2026 15:59

Their corruption is unfettered now. The ship is leaking like a sieve and it's every man for himself, get what you can before it sinks.

Hillarystep · 19/05/2026 17:11

Another Labour government triumph. Akin to the former Soviet Union.

The UK Treasury is pushing large supermarkets to introduce voluntary price caps on key groceries in return for lifting some regulations, according to four people familiar with the situation.

Supermarkets have reacted furiously to the proposals, under which grocers would agree to identify and cap the prices of essential goods such as eggs, bread and milk.

SapphireCasino · 19/05/2026 18:47

justasking111 · 19/05/2026 15:59

Their corruption is unfettered now. The ship is leaking like a sieve and it's every man for himself, get what you can before it sinks.

For the umpteeth time, i find myself wondering if I should pack in the freelancing and get a public sector job

Honestly, I can't even make sense of their adverts. My best friend sister works in the public sector and she told me that I could easily get a job and I wouldn't have to do much.

Every time it happens and I think to myself "well how much longer can it go on?" And now I genuinely think this lot will be in until 2029. Whether or not I could actually cope with it is another matter.

SapphireCasino · 19/05/2026 18:48

Hillarystep · 19/05/2026 17:11

Another Labour government triumph. Akin to the former Soviet Union.

The UK Treasury is pushing large supermarkets to introduce voluntary price caps on key groceries in return for lifting some regulations, according to four people familiar with the situation.

Supermarkets have reacted furiously to the proposals, under which grocers would agree to identify and cap the prices of essential goods such as eggs, bread and milk.

Edited

I do wonder if the supermarkets are just profiteering now.

The way the price of my regular order goes up, I can't help but wonder.

Random thing from today

There was a fire in a neighbouring street to my mum. I've seen pictures and it looks pretty bad. Apparently, no one was hurt, which is good news. But the immediate neighbours said they made a complaint to the council last week because that house was having bonfires with rubbish heaped up in their garden. There's been a lot of talk in this area about fly tipping issues and it's definitely a problem round here, just saying because it's strange that happened right after I talked about it here

The fire brigade were fantastic - I've had that experience, in my previous block of flats, a dodgy landlord used an unregulated person to fix a boiler and it exploded that night. The fire brigade were amazing.

we had to have a big meeting with it being a block of flats and all but I don't know what you can do about the rogue landlord using a rogue engineer! His poor tenant. Absolute miracle no one was hurt in that one.

Hillarystep · 19/05/2026 18:53

SapphireCasino · 19/05/2026 18:48

I do wonder if the supermarkets are just profiteering now.

The way the price of my regular order goes up, I can't help but wonder.

Random thing from today

There was a fire in a neighbouring street to my mum. I've seen pictures and it looks pretty bad. Apparently, no one was hurt, which is good news. But the immediate neighbours said they made a complaint to the council last week because that house was having bonfires with rubbish heaped up in their garden. There's been a lot of talk in this area about fly tipping issues and it's definitely a problem round here, just saying because it's strange that happened right after I talked about it here

The fire brigade were fantastic - I've had that experience, in my previous block of flats, a dodgy landlord used an unregulated person to fix a boiler and it exploded that night. The fire brigade were amazing.

we had to have a big meeting with it being a block of flats and all but I don't know what you can do about the rogue landlord using a rogue engineer! His poor tenant. Absolute miracle no one was hurt in that one.

Edited

With respect - try almost any other European country, and then judge how price efficient UK supermarkets are, given the competitive sector.

Remember, suppliers to UK supermarkets have also suffered input inflation - including energy and fertilisers etc. And that’s before we get to this government’s insane policies.

BIossomtoes · 19/05/2026 18:55

Hillarystep · 19/05/2026 18:53

With respect - try almost any other European country, and then judge how price efficient UK supermarkets are, given the competitive sector.

Remember, suppliers to UK supermarkets have also suffered input inflation - including energy and fertilisers etc. And that’s before we get to this government’s insane policies.

The price of fertiliser and energy have risen because Trump invaded Iran. Nothing to do with government policy.

SapphireCasino · 19/05/2026 18:58

@Hillarystep yes that's why I was wondering as opposed to outright saying

I am not sure what the situation is in general, if they have to charge these prices to keep the business going or if they are perhaps taking an opportunity. I genuinely don't know.

I have no idea about prices in European countries either. Not having a go at the supermarkets - just wondering.

Hillarystep · 19/05/2026 18:59

BIossomtoes · 19/05/2026 18:55

The price of fertiliser and energy have risen because Trump invaded Iran. Nothing to do with government policy.

Edited

You would do well to focus on the issues you have at home.

NoWordForFluffy · 19/05/2026 19:20

SapphireCasino · 19/05/2026 18:47

For the umpteeth time, i find myself wondering if I should pack in the freelancing and get a public sector job

Honestly, I can't even make sense of their adverts. My best friend sister works in the public sector and she told me that I could easily get a job and I wouldn't have to do much.

Every time it happens and I think to myself "well how much longer can it go on?" And now I genuinely think this lot will be in until 2029. Whether or not I could actually cope with it is another matter.

Ha! I'm glad I'm not the only one who reads civil service job ads and goes 🫤 at what they're actually saying the job is.

SapphireCasino · 19/05/2026 19:43

@NoWordForFluffy yes it's like a whole other language

they probably pay a bunch of civil servants a fortune to teach it.

I keep meaning to look at this more broadly - it really feels like there are a lot of people who have worked out how to make money out of this brave New World, and I want to work it out too.

Nuthatch26 · 19/05/2026 20:08

Hillarystep · 19/05/2026 17:11

Another Labour government triumph. Akin to the former Soviet Union.

The UK Treasury is pushing large supermarkets to introduce voluntary price caps on key groceries in return for lifting some regulations, according to four people familiar with the situation.

Supermarkets have reacted furiously to the proposals, under which grocers would agree to identify and cap the prices of essential goods such as eggs, bread and milk.

Edited

This is batshit.
Perhaps if Reeves hadn't caused such a rise in food inflation, we'd be better insulated against global shocks! It was 5% just before xmas, way before Iran.
Now she wants to pass the responsibility onto retailers so they can take the blame. When petrol and diesel went up, they tried the same trick with the retailers then too.

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justasking111 · 19/05/2026 20:33

SapphireCasino · 19/05/2026 19:43

@NoWordForFluffy yes it's like a whole other language

they probably pay a bunch of civil servants a fortune to teach it.

I keep meaning to look at this more broadly - it really feels like there are a lot of people who have worked out how to make money out of this brave New World, and I want to work it out too.

I had a job application like this. Sat down with a friend who had a PhD in gobbledegook filled it in and got the job. There's a lot of ex law students in HR these days.

Another friend gets an agency to tweak her CV. She's had success that way.

Unrivalled · 19/05/2026 20:38

it's absolutely hideous that the govt has no better strategy than taking to the media to exhort retailers to cap prices..and @LupaMoonhowl that private vs public job situation is what so many of us are feeling on the ground. Logged onto Linkedin last night to see a friend in a related firm to what I do in given the push after 20 years, if he's announced sure they've done company wide reductions. Lots of people looking for work, far fewer recruiters chasing for candidates and jobs...

got 1.7 percent rise last year, my firm is probably doing layoffs about Dec time but concerned the economy means they'll pull that forward...

Nuthatch26 · 19/05/2026 20:44

Is your job safe @Unrivalled? I hope so.
My industry is a mess now, I've had to go freelance as nobody can keep on enough permanent staff. So many good businesses going bump. Fingers crossed for you.

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Nuthatch26 · 19/05/2026 20:59

It doesn't matter to me what party Burnham represents. He should not be PM because he does not fulfil his promises. He happily takes the credit for other people's battles, but he lacks the steel to keep fighting when the stakes get high. Maggie Oliver.

https://www.dailymail.com/debate/article-15825933/MAGGIE-OLIVER-Burnham-chance-voice-grooming-gang-victims-wasted-it.html

Burnham wasted the chance to give a voice to grooming gang victims

Over the next month, we're going to hear a lot from Andy Burnham about his role in rooting out the Asian grooming gangs and getting justice for the countless children who were their victims.

https://www.dailymail.com/debate/article-15825933/MAGGIE-OLIVER-Burnham-chance-voice-grooming-gang-victims-wasted-it.html

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SapphireCasino · 19/05/2026 21:01

@Nuthatch26 oh you too?

I went freelance for personal reasons but perhaps it's worked out better.

yes, I noticed supermarket prices rising before Christmas, but I never thought it was anything to do with Iran. It might be now though. I genuinely don't know.

I had a rare conversation about politics with a former coworker today. She was saying to me that the question "is Britain ungovernable" Is a hot topic now. I genuinely didn't know that. (sorry it seems I don't know anything today) I had a quick look online and it seems she is right.

My first feeling was that it might mean in terms of -
People having disengaged and not wanting to work
Levels of corruption
That kind of thing

She was saying it's being framed a lot as people having completely opposing things that they want for the country. And she gave the example of Brexit, saying there is support for reversing it.

Regardless, it's quite alarming to think that we are ungovernable. I thought it was more that we were desperate for decent leadership.

Unrivalled · 19/05/2026 21:12

it's safe for now but think in general the market for what I do is declining, I've been looking for something new but nothing so far!

Nuthatch26 · 19/05/2026 21:14

@SapphireCasino Yes the company I went working for also got into trouble soon after I started. I didn't intend to go freelance, but here we are. I'm earning more, but obv no holiday pay etc. I sometimes have very long commutes though which is a problem as I'm still needed at home and dh works away now. It is what it is.

I think having some talented politicians who are genuinely fit to lead would help with the ungovernable thing. Everything is about grievance with the other side now. There's no positivity. Kemi is better in this area. Also think covid instilled an awful lot of entitlement and foot stamping.

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NoWordForFluffy · 19/05/2026 22:23

Nuthatch26 · 19/05/2026 21:14

@SapphireCasino Yes the company I went working for also got into trouble soon after I started. I didn't intend to go freelance, but here we are. I'm earning more, but obv no holiday pay etc. I sometimes have very long commutes though which is a problem as I'm still needed at home and dh works away now. It is what it is.

I think having some talented politicians who are genuinely fit to lead would help with the ungovernable thing. Everything is about grievance with the other side now. There's no positivity. Kemi is better in this area. Also think covid instilled an awful lot of entitlement and foot stamping.

I agree. It's not that we're ungovernable, it's that the masses are frustrated with the government being exceptionally incompetent at governing. U turns and backbenchers forcing backtracking mean that the electorate gets jittery. Control the backbenchers, be assertive, and the electorate will have more respect.

DancingFerret · 19/05/2026 23:22

People aren't ungovernable, just frustrated at being ruled by uneducated donkeys - and the mood is getting darker almost daily.

SionnachRuadh · 20/05/2026 01:06

Speaking of which, I'm really enjoying the Led By Donkeys viral ad campaign about the current government chaos.