Jedi2

That pesky IFS again: Here they are, speaking this time on June 22nd, about not being able to make projections beyond March 2025: We have already discussed the fact that the lack of department-by-department plans after this year means that we are uncertain about the path of spending on particular public services, and that we are unable to evaluate the 'cost' of committing to a given path of spending We do not know how total spending will be allocated between public services after next March, and, with a few exceptions, neither manifesto offered much light. https://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/AN_1719049537523141900/uk-party-manifestos-suggest-cuts-likely-in-next-government---ifs.aspx I know that an extra 2 minutes of the Radio Scotland interview was 'too long' for you to listen to, but still no acknowledgement, weeks later, of the IFS estimate of a decade of public sector cuts under the SNP's plans.

Can folk 'change' class though? ie grow up in a Council House, manual labourer, but 'come into money', and then go onto live in the 'best' parts of Edinburgh, shop at Harvey Nics and join the golf club sort of thing.

Thought it was all rounded off nicely, though a bit rushed in the last 10-15 minutes. Reckoned that Ruby's mum being 'just' an ordinary person worked, though appreciate the 'how did that fool a villain as powerful as Sutek?' was a challenge. Some really strong episodes in the Season, some not so much, but overall Ncuti and Millie have both grown into their roles as its progressed.

2500 'should' be enough. With prices of flights etc having gone up quite significantly, difficult to see more than that travelling. If the worst comes to the worst with a 30,000 capacity stadium, surely a good chance to get in somewhere

You need to keep up with the IFS old bean: From 20th June (bit of an update on 'April' and 25 mind into the Interview for the IFS spokesperson: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002080n Where he points out that 'potential' cuts to unprotected budgets 'could' be between £6 and £16 billion, not the £18 billion the SNP lied about. There is also an admission that these figures are based on a one year projection not the 5 year term. In other news..the economy is also growing more quickly than expected https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6p2r9xzde4o.amp Up by 0.7% in the first quarter according to the ONS, which will lead to both inflation remaining lower and the B of E being able to cut interest rates now, which in turn means the UK govt can borrow more than expected, and again in turn, that 'cuts' to unprotected budgets would be lower as a result. The IFS spokesperson in the Radio Scotland interview, (he was on for a whole 8 minutes) did also points out that the SNP's plans for Independence would lead to a decade of cuts to public services without significant tax hikes. So, Labour plans not 'just' reliant upon Windfall taxes on oil and gas, but, in a growing economy, more space now for borrowing (as well as VAT on private schools, taxes on property developers profits, increase in Capital Gains tax, and, with more people in employment (unemployment currently falling) more comes in from income tax and NI. 'None of the above'. It would be quite something for any party to spend 5 years implementing 'none' of their Manifesto.

There you go...you are miles ahead of me in the qualifications stakes already.. I couldn't even aspire to getting in the pool never mind get a certificate as I couldn't read the map to get me to the building.

Indeed. @lichtgilphead has already 'proved' that I left school at about 15 with 0 qualifications naturally.

Mention number 27 (by you). I thought you had already 'debunked' the said PhD some time ago with a series of graphs, charts and 39 citations

Austerity is of course deep cuts to public services pretty much across the board (kind of like the Growth Commission plan), not 'between £6 and £16 billlion) of unprotected budgets which miss out the 'big' areas of Health, Education, Benefits etc Let's imagine for a moment that the SNP's Manifesto was implemented so: Call for a Ceasefire in Gaza and recognise Palestine as a state (seems to be a 'top' priority at the moment going by their Social Media). But, they get their wish..presumably the Israeli govt shrugs and says 'so what' We are imagining that they have most seats, so ask for a Ref...UK govt says No. Spend £28 billion a year on Green Energy....as well as no cuts to public services. So public debt is pushed up significantly over 100% in order to borrow the money. Money markets are spooked, the pound plummets and inflation goes back up along with prices..or of course you can hike up taxes on those high earners on £28,000 again...they must have more disposable income by now. Devolve Broadcasting..fair enough..more time for BBC Alba Scrap Trident: Saves £3 billion a year (drop in the ocean for public services), but decommissioning costs...around £3 billion as well. Rejoin the EU: Should be a smooth enough process without another Referendum...or maybe not Scrap the Two Child Benefit Cap: Fair enough...suspect that will happen in the next 5 years anyway. Can see why a large cohort of SNP MPs will make a significant impact at Westminster over the next 5 years.

@lichtgilphead will be along with a full 5 page dossier with 17 citations 'proving' that an Independent Scotland wouldnt work with Le Pen

Whether in or out of the LEZ, a Right Said Fred Tribute Act maybe ain't the best look for the First Minister.

What are Labour going to change.. A more stable economy as they aren't chasing mad tax cuts as Truss did. This will gradually see public debt reduce, while keeping inflation (and therefore prices) lower. More likelihood of public sector pay rises, (no not 35% as currently demanded by Junior Doctors), but still increases more in line with a (lower) inflation. Poverty: There will be an uplift in Universal Credit. Despite being far too cautious on it so far I reckon the two child Benefit CAP will be scrapped in this Parliament. Better job creation. A proper Living Wage. Tackling Mental Health and Addictions more seriously. Genuine pursuit of Green Energy (again, with finances not allowing the 'initial' £28 billion) but still, A reduction in energy bills through better home insulation, less reliance on foreign energy and a switch to more domestically produced sources. An increase in job security and workers rights, with zero hours and hire and fire finally tackled, amd trade union legislation being strengthened. A more humane and sensible approach to Immigration A genuine reduction in NHS Waiting Lists (and a better funded service overall) A lot more people being able to buy their own home A better relationship with the EU which will incrementally in this Parliament make rejoining in the future (in some form) more of a possibility So, compared to the Tories, improvements in poverty rates, employment, health, housing, education, crime, immigration and energy. Might not set the pulse racing, and could be later into this Parliament (and a 2nd term needed) but there will be a much needed increase in public service funding to come. And...no mention of the SNP

Didn't disagree that the Sun was backing the SNP in Scotland in order the deflate the Labour vote and help the Tories UK wide..you are right about that. Both Salmond (by his own admission) and Sturgeon were still happy to cosy up to Murdoch though. Clearly print media is not the political influence it once was, compares to Social Media. Would imagine that a majority of folk aged between 18 and around 60 probably shape their political views from online sources nowadays.

And good to see him in a car that doesn't comply with the LEZ, while in...the LEZ.

Yep....Sun endorses SNP, Salmond and Sturgeon cosy up to Murdoch and the Spectator cheerleads their public sector cuts = Good Sun 'might' endorse Labour = Baaaadddd

That infamous front page from 2015 (at least). You are right they did 'support' Independence in the 90s as well: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/29/the-sun-backs-the-tories-for-election-but-scottish-edition-backs-the-snp Or indeed as Alex Salmond said of Rupert Murdoch: 'He is a remarkable man. What is wrong with this relationship? Why shouldn’t politicians engage with people in the media?' https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/alex-salmond-hails-remarkable-rupert-murdoch-1538266 And of course we have also had the Spectator celebrating Kate Forbes cuts to public services in 2022, crowning her the 'McMilton Friedman of Scottish Nationalism' https://tribunemag.co.uk/2022/06/snp-austerity-militarism-neoliberalism

The same 'Sun' which has endorsed the SNP for years, in their Scottish Edition?

Fair point.

All fair points, and well made. You are right that Socially it is still centre-left. On the issue of bringing in private finance to the likes of Energy and Health, as well as Housing: Public funding has taken such a bit hit over the past few years, with Covid costing around £400 billion. The one thing the Tories did get right was the furlough scheme, which in fairness saved a lot of jobs, but was very costly. The other major hit is of course Brexit. With debt at the highest level since the early 60s, any govt would in present circumstances have to lever in private finance. Its not a 'happy choice' and one I would much rather we weren't in a position to need, but to put money into public services and try to get Investment going in Green Energy, its where we are at. You can argue that that is more 'right-wing' economically, and in harsh terms, it is, but it is a hard choice to either hike taxes on ordinary folk or use some of the private money along the way. 'If' the economy can grow, obviously more taxes come in, with more available for the govt to spend (of public money). Yes, once the private finance is 'in the door', how do you become less reliant on it? It's a choice facing all administrations across the UK.

No mention of Vegans yet?

No.

You missed off three figures in your Social Housing stat: 6510 between 1997 and 2010: https://fullfact.org/economy/who-built-more-council-houses-margaret-thatcher-or-new-labour/ And you are buying the Tory trope that GB Energy won't actually 'produce any energy' Don't think the Tories are likely to slap VAT on Private Schools, tax oil and gas profits, nationalise rail, set up Breakfast clubs in every school, have a Workers Rights Charter, end hire and fire etc. As far as Private Provision in the NHS is concerned, as we know, the SNP shuffled £850 million into Private Healthcare provision recently, with Neil Gray wanting 'more'. Freezing Council Tax to appease the middle-class,and starve local govt of funding, Kate Forbes calling for more foreign 'investment' to buy up Scottish assets, and of course slashing public services to the bone for a decade with Independence...all very 'left-wing' right enough.

Given its a Forum with around 95% SNP support, I am hardly trying to 'persuade' people to vote for an alternative party...views are entrenched. I believe the Labour Party to be centre-left, both in the past, and today. Is it outrightly 'Socialist'? No, but it does still pursue policies and values which are compatible with Socialism, again in the past and also in the present eg Rail Nationalisation VAT on Private Schools Taxing Oil and Gas profits A Nationally Owned Energy Company Workers Rights (hire and fire, zero hours, enhancing Trade Union Rights and legislation) Tackling violence against women and girls Properly funding the NHS Massive house building programme Going after tax avoidance by non-doms and large corporations Taxing property developers profits Each and every one of these is on the 'left' of the spectrum. Not calling for a full scale renationialisation of all industries while 'disappointing' doesn't mean it had moved entirely to the 'right' or abandoned the general ethos of a left-wing party. No party is 'perfect', believe it or not (not even the SNP). You can only vote for who you think represents the best interests of the majority of people

'And here's Jedi repeating his list of previously debunked claims.' (Of SNP U-turns)

And where do I say that I am favour of the privatisation of all these areas? If you read what I did actually say...that the industrial landscape of the UK has changed from factories to a service sector, that public ownership of industry on a large scale is less realistic. That doesn't mean that railways, gas, electricity, water etc shouldn't be in public hands.