Labour’s pitch to the electorate was that they would be more honest, more caring and more competent than the Conservatives. Millions of voters, including contributors to Putney Forum, accepted these claims. Each one has proved false:a) The freebies scandal and the broken pledges on tax and the WASPI women are evidence of dishonesty. b) The withdrawal of winter fuel allowance from millions of pensioners, the uncaring treatment of children who will be withdrawn from their independent schools when no suitable alternative is available because their parents can’t afford to pay the VAT on the fees and the punitive inheritance tax raid on family farms all demonstrate a vindictive attitude to people deemed as class enemies.c) The foolish decision to impose additional costs on employers through the increase in NI contributions as well as enhanced workers’ rights has already led to a downturn in the economy, which will eventually be reflected in lower tax receipts needed to pay for public services.Yet despite this dismal record Keir Starmer continues to say, ‘Je ne regrette rien’ and puts the blame on the ‘black hole’ left by the Tories.Why are Labour so awful? The answer in my opinion is a black hole, but it is one that lies at the centre of their ideology. They don’t actually believe in anything other than their own moral rectitude and a vague notion that state enterprise is more honourable than private enterprise.
Steven Rose ● 4d