Labour's pitch to the electorate was that, in contrast to the self-interested, mendacious, heartless and incompetent Tories, they would put the country first, deal honestly with the public, protect the under-privileged and manage the economy properly.Taking freebies and their attempts to conceal the nature of the gifts have undermined Labour's claim to selflessness and honesty. Removing the winter fuel allowance from millions of pensioners while awarding comparatively well paid doctors and train drivers inflationary setllements exposes their claim to govern for the many, not the few. As to efficient administration, each of the measures announced so far is likely to backfire:1) The much vaunted tax on non doms is unlikely to raise much cash since the rich are already moving to more generous tax jurisdictions like Italy. The original proposal is now apparently being softened.2) Imposing VAT on private schools discriminates against children with special and will put pressure on the state sector which will have to find the money to to pay for an influx of pupils whose parents cannot afford the fees. The bill is now apparently being delayed.3) The proposal to enhance workers' rights such as allowing claims for unfair dismissal from day one is likely to deter employers from taking on staff.4) The proposal to make flexible working a right rather will probably reduce productivity.5) The decision to scrap the Rwanda scheme has eliminated any deterrent to illegal migrants who continue to cross the Channel with tragic consequences.6) The proposal to enhance renters' rights is likely to reduce the number of properties available and increase rents.
Steven Rose ● 16d