Labour isn't Working - Thread 34

[Nuthatch26]

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
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5531300-labour-isnt-working-thread-33?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

It's complicated though. There must be some reformers who are rationalising that a win for Burnham could unravel this government and expedite the next general election. And some Starmer supporters, or just Labour supporters who don't think the bond markets can be ignored, might think a vote for Reform is the best route for the stability of the party.

This election should come with a tick box for if you are voting under duress so we can see what's happening.

Those who are looking to carry something for self-defence

You may be interested in this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/FARB-GEL-SPRAY/page/176C62EA-FFC2-4D55-A8D3-167A7143C314

This will have the advantage of leaving marks on attacker clothing but I realise that with everyone wearing black these days that might not be too helpful

I actually don't carry it, but I've reached stage where I'm generally very nervous of going out in the evening so... I try not to do it ...isn't that awful? I might just have to get over myself because statistically I realise the chances of anything happening are very low. But as part of a combination of things this is where I am at the moment.

Funnily enough thinking about things to carry was part of that process of decision-making

I do have a personal attack alarm and I don't actually carry the stuff I've linked to, so I don't know what it's like. I started with the personal attack on because I thought it would be helpful on the bus or the Tube. I realise if you're walking back from somewhere and it's deserted, then it's not helpful because it's just the sound of an alarm going off.

It's the cab home at night that worries me and I'm not sure a personal alarm would be helpful in that situation either.

I'm supposed to go out tomorrow night, but I probably won't

(It's not something where I'd be letting anybody down, I haven't even said I would go).

editing to add - I don't normally ask AI stuff but I was so puzzled by the lack of information about people having concerns being out, I did ask that question and it found loads of information saying that people were worried and that it's hitting hospitality quite hard

Strange that didn't really come up when I googled it, but I think a lot of of results are buried in the AI mode now.

@SapphireCasino Thanks for the link. That stuff looks really good.
It's really shit that you don't feel confident to go out. I feel OK on a night out, but I don't drink so that probably helps me feel less vulnerable. I don't need to use taxis as I'm always sober so usually drive. My problem is walking back to my car at night if I'm working late, and when I go running or dog walking somewhere remote.
My DD and her friends are very aware, which I'm glad about, but also makes me angry. Younger DD is more gung-ho, but she's not old enough to be out clubbing etc yet.

@Nuthatch26 I won't ask personal questions about anyone's situation but I think if you have someone who is checking on you, it makes a big difference

Nobody is going to know if I don't get home

Frustratingly, the few friends I have don't get it. I'm really disappointed that that's where we are now. Perhaps I'm just unlucky in that way. The friends who disappeared from the past did get it they would always check that I've got home alright but sadly I don't go out with anyone now who would check

I tried having a blunt conversation with the people I see the most often and explained what type of person we have driving the local cabs in the evening now. Perhaps I could've been more explicit. But I suspect I've just would've been met with accusations of racism, of whatever kind it's supposed to be, obviously being a woman of colour myself perhaps there's an assumption that I would be okay with it.

You mentioned that your older DD is very aware of it - I feel like I can see that cumulative effect of people not wanting to go out in the evening. I don't know why the old ways of people checking on each other on the journey home aren't still happening - I do tend to assume it's because I'm the only one who's not married or living with someone? But I still I'm really disappointed that people are not more considerate about it.

I suppose one of the thing I would get told in 2026 is that "you have to ask explicitly for what you need" but that just makes me feel like a burden

Last time I did go out, I came home at 9 pm and that does seem to make a difference to the quality of taxi driver you get. I have noticed that with coming back from the station if I've had to work in London, quite often and I will meet a friend there and then come back around that time

I'm not thrilled about public transport now there either

I don't drive for medical reasons, and unfortunately, I don't have a parking space where I live. If I did, then I would be trying to see if I could get over that medical situation and get back in the car because it would really help - obviously you could breakdown on your own though, but I tend to see that as being less likely

It's awful having to think so much about this stuff - that's why I just thought it ended up being so much easier just not to go out in evening.

I was also planning a little holiday for myself this year, but I now feel so unhappy about staying in a hotel on my own, I don't think it will happen. I've obviously done it before, but then you end up just spending every evening in your hotel room. On MN usually!

It's so childish and divisive. Why can't our MPs behave like adults fgs?

Ik. Ridiculous

I do find it odd when female friends say ‘let me know when you get home’ when I’m walking or cycling no more than a mile or so, and they think it’s odd that I think nothing of it… Just different perspectives.

I do find it odd when female friends say ‘let me know when you get home’ when I’m walking or cycling no more than a mile or so, and they think it’s odd that I think nothing of it… Just different perspectives.

Sorry Sunny know why b that v went twice?

What sort of time of day is that happening?

And don't you think it's a bit different when someone's actually said to you "I don't come out much because I'm worried about getting home at night, I would really like someone to check on me".

Gosh, I feel quite tearful now - I should stop posting about this

people are so uncaring now

I just feel exhausted and depressed. Seeing the photo of that poor man, Stephen Ogilvy, vulnerable and already with multiple health problems, now lying in a coma, blinded and with half of his neck hacked away.

Useless arsehole Starmer will do nothing, maybe a few platitudes about how while obviously what happened was bad, let's not judge all asylum seekers, and of course will be happy to say how unacceptable the protests and riots are. Long prison sentences for a few rioters, and most of the rest of the country left feeling like the situation is hopeless. Doesn't matter who we vote for- I don't even believe Reform will make a difference tbh. They will face the same activist judges and well funded pro-immigration pressure groups that bring legal challenge after legal challenge to any policy that might actually make a difference (see Rwanda).

Ik it feels hopeless but I do think it can change. Maybe because I’ve seen Australia do it. It does mean exiting the ECHR as it stands though which is a big political hurdle.

As for the rest totally agree. Bollard uses anything as cover for doing nothing.

@SapphireCasino I'm with you on this one, and I don't understand why anyone would refuse to be your check-in tbh. I've done it many times. DD's friends all do this when they need to. They send live locations etc.

Hear hear.
I think a lot of people feel exactly the same.

There’s absolutely no chance the migration issue will be resolved while we have an ex-human rights lawyer as our pm unfortunately. He’d probably label all of us ‘faaaarrrr right’ 🙄

Useless arsehole Starmer will do nothing, maybe a few platitudes about how while obviously what happened was bad, let's not judge all asylum seekers, and of course will be happy to say how unacceptable the protests and riots are. Long prison sentences for a few rioters, and most of the rest of the country left feeling like the situation is hopeless.

That’s exactly what will happen.

Quentin Letts - “These days Starmer’s only present in the HOC in the sense a corpse is present at its wake”

Excellent!!!!! 😂

Completely agree, and well said Noodle.But, where do we go from here ? It looks like it’s kicking off again tonight in Belfast. No one in their right mind can want any unrest again! The marching season is coming up soon. What happened with the Sudanese assailant was beyond despicable. He should be dealt with by a legal system without any kind of prejudice ( and NO positive discrimination ) But… I suspect various groups are using this for their own gains ( and I say this, even though I am NOT a Labour supporter ) I’m so depressed we have no one lead us on this

Labour is losing control

I think this lady has nailed it. He’s all about the process but no empathy, or even political nous

Brilliant!

I agree....I wish he would just fuck off

Brilliant. Thats exactly what PMQs felt like today.

I’m so sorry you feel that way.

I’ve never, until now, felt unsafe out and about, and I have been in some dodgy places, but recently there have been occasions where I’ve felt uncomfortable in cabs and on the Tube.

You mustn’t feel you will inconvenience your friends if you ask them to check on you, if that makes you feel
safer.

It feels these are some very bleak times.

Wishing you lots of strength!