Starmer's vision quest

[icowden]

As well as any legal issues, the political optics as @Bromptonaut mentioned were awful.

I think they started out well but as usual Labour started punching themselves repeatedly in the face. On the surface of it it seemed like a good idea - why go to the expense of elections when you are going to have to do them again in less than 6 months. Then it became "well it might be a year or even 18 month"

Then Fagman started kicking off because he wants his incompetent and racist Reform councillors in place etc...

Lo and behold, the Labour Knee Jerked, the optics went to shoot and a u-turn was started...

 

[Bromptonaut]

Apparently so. Even more embarrassing is that the Senior Barrister leading the country didn't seem able to spot that there were any legal issues with postponing the elections.

To be fair it's not the job of the PM, a barrister who specialised in human rights stuff, to second guess the legal advice given to his Ministers.

There's a power to postpone elections when circumstances dictate. I think it was used in 2020 during lockdown but use requires tests around exceptionality to be met.

My guess is that when lawyers who were on this stuff looked at it they sucked their teeth like car mechanic and said one the one hand you could win but it's not certain and you'll have an awful lot of egg on your face if goes to the Supreme Court and you lose.

Better to take a decision now.

 

[Psamathe]

As well as any legal issues, the political optics as @Bromptonaut mentioned were awful.
I despair of politicians ( of all persuasions) at times who can't seem to understand how bad their decisions will make them look on some issues

And this example, they take the terrible optics of "postponing" a load of elections (likely to be disastrous for them) and then take the bad optics of yet another U-turn. They manage to lose twice instead of not losing atall.

What does that say about their capabilities and how they think through consequences.

 

[TailWindHome]

Politics is class

The wise lawyers advising on the elections are the same fools who advised on Chagos

&

Reform's whole shtick is getting things done by ignoring lawyers and judges trying to thwart the government

 

[spen666]

Politics is class

The wise lawyers advising on the elections are the same fools who advised on Chagos

&

Reform's whole shtick is getting things done by ignoring lawyers and judges trying to thwart the government

Yes, those pesky Judges upholding the law of the land and preventing abuse

Although in this case, Labour chose to reverse its position without any ruling by any judge

 

[TailWindHome]

Yes, those pesky Judges upholding the law of the land and preventing abuse

Upstanding today, traitorous tomorrow

 

[CXRAndy]

Imagine if it had got into the courtroom. The embarrassment would be 100 times worse

 

[Dorset Boy]

And this example, they take the terrible optics of "postponing" a load of elections (likely to be disastrous for them) and then take the bad optics of yet another U-turn. They manage to lose twice instead of not losing atall.

What does that say about their capabilities and how they think through consequences.

That's been this administration since day one - they simply don't think things through properly and it is hugely damaging to them and the country.

 

[BoldonLad]

My impression was that Starmer had committed to increasing Defence expenditure? BBC saying "considering" https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpqwl10lvr2o

Perhaps Rachel is "considering" how to fund it? Tax increases anyone?

Increasing by 1% of GDP, approximately £500 per person per year, according to IFS.

 

[Bromptonaut]

My impression was that Starmer had committed to increasing Defence expenditure? BBC saying "considering" https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpqwl10lvr2o

Perhaps Rachel is "considering" how to fund it? Tax increases anyone?

Increasing by 1% of GDP, approximately £500 per person per year, according to IFS.

Is it necessary to do this?

 

[Pblakeney]

Is it necessary to do this?

If you want to defend your sovereignty now that Donnie is dismantling NATO then, yes.

 

[CXRAndy]

Hes not dismantling Nato, he wants each member to beef up their defensive/offensive capabilities.