What could Andy Burnham do as PM to improve daily life?

[Seasidecatlady]

There are some negative threads about Andy Burnham this morning so I wanted to have something a bit more positive and look at what he could do, if he becomes PM, to help improve our daily lives.

For me it would be:

• re-nationalise water and utility companies and trains
• reverse the national insurance hike for businesses so they can start hiring again and do more to support small businesses in general
• a one off wealth tax to add funding to the defence budget
• reform the student loans system, improve access to apprenticeship and also do more to help job seekers over 50.

Stop Net Zero, it’s madness and bankrupting an already bankrupt nation. Sack Milliband day one.

Rent controls. Help for workers, help for young people to get an affordable home.

Tax capital not income more.

Universal Basic Income for everyone. Kensyian. The extra income then helps economy grow as first time in decades we will all have £s to spend.

Means test state pension. Anyone with pension of £75k+ not eligible.

Reform public sector pensions. Align with private and third sector.

Policies are choices and these would’ve been far better than HS2.

+Start drilling the North Sea again.

Maybe PP says this precisely because she (?) does follow politics? Labour didn't have massive majority of vote, at all. They have massive majority because of our system.
Andy hasn't been elected by British voters to be a PM. Yes, our system allows him to become PM. But I do think that Starmer should call GE before resigning.

Depending on amount, no. >£75k pa definitely not. >£50k pa, perhaps tapered etc

Public sector pensions are heavily subsidised by the general taxpayer. Whatever you have paid returns be way more than comparable stakeholder.

He really shouldn't. Our system doesn't require it and it's not necessary.

I assume you want a different party in power but the time will come soon enough.

No one got an election in 76, or 90, or 07.

(The point about minority vote producing HoC majority is separate)

My problem with him is his strong anti-London/anti SE direction.
Let's don't forget that London and SE are the only UK regions that generate more in tax revenues than they receive in public spending, they feed the rest of the country.
Andy wants to take even more, he's famous for being "anti London elites".
Andy is know for his charm, but not for his intellect. His "let's borrow outside of fiscal rules" sent interest on our government debt several pp up, Truss never managed to reach the same level. How stupid one can be?

Yes it will be interesting to see, assuming he does become PM, how he deals with the SE given the northern focus has been a key plank (for obvious reasons) up to now.

again, our system does not require this, unfortunately. But he should call GE instead of manipulating elected PM out of job.

And yes, I do want different party in power, and no, this time won't come soon enough, it's another three years of this disaster. I'd much prefer a hung parliament than this shit show. And no, I will never vote for Reform. I just do believe that the more we move to the left (and Andy will push this heavily), the sharper correction to the right we'll see in 2029. And I'm terrified of Reform.

I want child benefit capped at 2 and child benefit for all, including higher earners.

I don't accept there's any moral requirement to hold a GE, whether I like the change or not.

You get an election no later than five years. Everyone gets stuck with changes they don't like at some time - plenty of people were gutted when Thatcher went, while others were pleased. Same with every handover.

Appreciate your view.
Let's agree to disagree.

Our system means we vote for our own MPs only. We choose them based on manifesto pledges that best appeal to us. It doesn't mean we always agree with all decisions, but as a constituents, you have the right to give your MP your viewpoint. You then have the choice at the next election (or by-election) to reconsider your choice.

If they want to fuck about changing leaders, that's on them, but next time my MP wants my vote, then they had best have a damn good explanation.

Yes of course!

I shall take an interest in whatever happens anyway, and who knows where the polls will be now vs. 2029 so watch this space.

I bloody hope he isn't going to make it harder for hard working people who pay enormous taxes in the South East so that others get more befits e.g. child benefit for 3 for more children while those that finance it get nothing. And do not bloody tell me oh we don't need child benefit because one partner earns over the threshold. £70k household income does not get you far in or around London FFS. It should be a universal benefit, for all families and capped at 2. Most of not all European countries pay mcl more generous child benefit to all families.

If you have a high earning partner, what is to say they are not financially restrictive or indeed abusive. Child benefit has always been mothers' small cushion. I find it despicable that we work and contribute when so many other sit on their arses and reap the benefits, so in essence I pay towards families getting child benefit for 3, 4 or whoever many children when we get NOTHING. Absolutely despicable. Increasing taxes for people who work and contribute at this very moment in time with col is a very bad idea.