AIBU to think this government is taking the fucking piss?

[AmericanTie]

Low waged workers who have worked throughout the pandemic are taking an absolute hammering via UC cuts, council tax rises, the energy crisis and food shortages. What the fuck are these dickheads playing at? Fannying around with Joe Biden who couldn't give a rat's ass what's going on here (and is senile anyway) and passing laws about dognapping while distribution of essential goods grinds to a fucking halt. What are they even doing in that building while everything turns to shit outside of it?

I agree that public attitude is a problem but I don't think it's apathy. People in Britain know when they're getting fucked but their default mode is sulking and surliness which wastes time.

@TartanJumper

Agree. A competent leader of the opposition would wipe the floor with BoJo and co.

I honestly don’t think so. The British public are generally selfish.

@Ilikewinter

Do you think Labour will announce any big polices from their conference this weekend? We desperately need a strong opposition party to vote for

No. Starmer is playing the long game, he's sorting out internal issues in the Labour Party at the moment. There isn't going to be an election for another three years, what's the point in announcing any policies when the Tories just take them and pass them off as their own and those that lack critical thinking skills lap it up. I'm more hopeful that Labour will back PR at this conference so they can enter into electoral pacts with other parties and we might get a better representative democracy.

Most people in this country are progressive. The Tories won 80 seats with 40% of the vote. Until people start voting tactically we're stuck with them.

Look at the Cleadon by-election last week - 33% voted Green and 33% voted Labour yet they ended with a Tory councillor who won with 35% of the vote. First Past the Post isn't fit for purpose in this day and age.

Remember the poll tax riots in 1990? That day will be coming soon. Just a worry that Labour are too busy navel gazing to put together an alternative offer. It wouldn’t even need to be that good the bar is so low.

Think I’m more angry with the state of the Labour Party right now and their inability to speak for working people.

I think the problem is that we have a very, very poor crop of politicians in this country, and Boris Johnson is very popular with twats.
There’s no real talent in any of the parties at present.

Biden had done what Trump couldn't, made Trump look capable.

Agree, no opposition and the relentless punishing of the poor.

I'm angry with all of them I agree. Labour aren't doing fuck all. It's supposed to be about the money, not about middle class dudes aligning themselves. All those fucking bearded blokes, as if they understand fuck all about having no money.

@TartanJumper

Agree. A competent leader of the opposition would wipe the floor with BoJo and co.

I don't think you could acuse Starmer of not being competent, whether you agree or disagree with politics or think he's a charisma void. He is boringly competent (which would be a nice change from the current government).

I think Starmer is trying to position himself as a corrective to the division in political and public life - the only adult in the room - but clearly it is not working, and will not work, because the public doesn't have the appetite for it. We want glamour, violence and bluster, and we're poorer for it.

If you protest or make a fuss though then you get cast as being an irritant and a moaner. See the lack of support for insulate Britain for example.

There’s a huge vacuum in British politics. My concern would be a populist breaks through and takes control. A bit like Macron but more divisive.

@BrendaBubbles

If you protest or make a fuss though then you get cast as being an irritant and a moaner. See the lack of support for insulate Britain for example.

There’s a world of difference between being a credible government or opposition, and a bunch of cosplaying irritants making working people’s lives harder.

@hayley037 yes but competence doesn’t make a good leader

@hayley037 With all due respect, that's complete bollocks. The Tories are corrupt, have appointed the old boys' network to the Cabinet who are ALL universally shite, and Keir does and says nothing. Because he's weak, has nobody of substance on his own side and because he sold out to the Islington luvvies a long time ago. Labour is fractured beyond repair, it's pulling in at least three different directions and is going nowhere.

New leader urgently needed. Northener, non-establishment, down to earth. Or Labour might as well go home.

I love the way "competence" on here equates to "not being a buffoon".

Starmer's wasted chance after chance to put the boot in, and can't/won't.

So who would you have leading Labour? @ChurchofLatterDayPaints

That's a genuine question by the way. I'm at a loss.

Yes they are shit. So many opportunities for Labour to absolutely shine against these useless plebs, but they are just infighting too much to take advantage.

We need a centre-left party in this country as I think that is the only way to get rid of a Tory government. Keir is trying I think, but it feels like everyone has their own agenda in Labour and they are not united when they should be. I also have no idea what the Lib Dems are even doing. Very depressing. We need some decent, competent leadership. Where is it? Any suggestions anyone?

@Notonthestairs

So who would you have leading Labour? *@ChurchofLatterDayPaints*

One of those halfwits from the SCG no doubt. RLB?

I agree @Thecurliestwurly I don't think there is a strong central candidate for Labour let alone the country.

@Notonthestairs

That's a genuine question by the way. I'm at a loss.

Excellent question. Andy Burnham is the only one that springs to mind.

Seriously, I think they should give up and go home, or split in 2, or just stop pretending. The real Labour died with New Labour and Tony Blair.

The 'UC cut' is just restoring it to what it was before what was made clear was a temporary boost for during corona when there were less jobs around.

I do hope they eventually up benefits a bit to cover any major increase in fuel prices, though.

Meanwhile costs for everything increase...

@ChurchofLatterDayPaints I'd be interested in what the split looked like. I think we are on different sides of the same coin.

@ConsulTremas

Just imagine how you’re going to feel when they get returned at the next election with another healthy majority.

Truly dismal.

Current polls see no majority, which is at least mildly encouraging