Forum Topic

Prime Minister Burnham leads the fight against doom-mongers.

Given the disinformation and outright lies spewed out by certain operatives, on this forum, our Prime Minister's announcement of plans for a new National Centre for Information Defence, is recognition and leadership, for us all, to begin the fight against their foul nonsense. https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/uk-russia-burnham-brexit-misinformation-b3054804.html"I will not cease from Mental Fight,Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand"

Roland Bolowski ● 8d25 Comments

At last, the truth and nothing but the truth - all verified by our government. What a great start to the day. Thank you, Roland, for recognising the importance of the proposed Centre, and for posting. You're clearly very intelligent..

Michael Brown ● 8d

And we get Jerusalem in our green and pleasant land?

James Roy ● 8d

Yes, but who's truth?

Chris Blackwell ● 6d

Question posted by Chris Blackwell:Yes, but who's truth?The simple answer is, no one's.Truth is a conformity to reality, a verifiable fact, or in a human experiential way, faithfulness, loyalty.These two stands of truth combine through agreement.Dissimulation only distracts from the truth, it cannot destroy it.

Roland Bolowski ● 6d

Burnham argues that privatization of economic power, centralized governance in London, and the dismantling of traditional industries set the UK on a path of long-term economic stagnation. He thinks if this had not happened we would be living in some perfect world.He ignores the fact that political power with appropriate funding was actually devolved to "the nations" during this period.Where people wanted it power was also devolved to Mayors even though many subsequently changed their minds in referenda.He ignores the fact that privatisation massively increased investment and productivity in previously bankrupt and useless state owned businesses. Economic growth was for many years at least as good as in previous years but there were serious economic headwindsthat that no UK government could control such as the 2008 collapse of the World financial system, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Covid,Icelandic Volcanic eruptions and the blowback from the 9/11 events etc etc.

Sam Hearn ● 2d

Sam Hearn, everyone has their own distorted view of recent history.Sometimes, a person's distorted views agree with other people's distorted views.  In UK governmental politics, that could get you voted into power.As a politician, as the leader of a political party , as the head of the government, as our Prime Minister, Andy Burnham's speech today, is his attempt to initiate change for the benefit of our country, or as he puts it  " set out how, over 10 years, we will make this country work for you again." Well, he has the majority in our parliament to execute change and people seem to want change.Few would argue that Rishi Sunak and his cadre of greedy idiots, was ever going to deliver improvement for our country.  They are gone, along with their own "distorted view of recent history".So, for now, we have brand 'Labour'  and until approx August 2029, to show that they can protect our people and improve the lives of our people.By 2029, there will be a whole new "distorted view of recent history" to discuss.That's politics for you 😂

Roland Bolowski ● 2d

Andy Burnham put passion and emotion into his long speech, and had his fellow socialists in tearful admiration.However, other than cutting VAT on electricity bills and capping bus fares nothing is going to change in the three years before the next GE.The welfare costs will go up, not down, and the boats will still keep out manoeuvering the Border Force.Burnham, obsessed with closer alignment with the EU, despite  wise owl Andrew Neil's assertion on QT that our measly economic growth rate had outperformed those of Germany, France and Italy. Why on earth would he want to rejoin a flagging cartel?Blaming brexit on every failure, barely a word said about the rising costs and cultural break up immigration is bringing.Growth in every postcode, Hope in every heart.Words but no substance Andy.

Denis I. Fox ● 2d

In 1995 Labour Party Members voted to abolish Clause 4. Everyone except extreme Marxists could see the failure of nationalisation as an industrial/economic policy. Everyone over the age of 40 can list these from first hand memory.If Andy Burnham wants to reverse this historic decision then should he not go to the country and seek a clear mandate? Kier Starmer promised "Change" and was careful to promise no tax rises or breaking of fiscal rules. Was this really a mandate for Burnham's  radical change. Rewriting history is always fraught with difficulties.Those that believe a "wrong turn" was made in the 1980s should take a long hard look at the economic, social and political chaos of the 1970s. Anyone believing "it all went wrong because of Thatcher" should ask themselves why she and her party were re-elected on three successive occasions.

Sam Hearn ● 2d

History teaches us nothing, mainly because it’s constantly rewritten to suit whichever chancer happens to occupy Downing Street.It’s very convenient to blame Thatcher as she was a huge hate figure for the left, but Burnham and co conveniently forget the 13 years of Labour government under Blair and Brown which did nothing to undo the supposed damage of the Thatcher years. But the UK has been in economic decline since way before Thatcher.There’s always been talk of renationalising industries but the costs are crippling, which is why many were flogged off in the first place. As you rightly state, there were huge problems in the 1960s and 70s with most state owned businesses, largely due to unions holding the country to ransom to demand ever better pay and conditions for members. Ultimately that money comes from taxpayers. Anyone needing a modern example need look no further than TfL, which is under the thumb of the RMT, whose members enjoy very comfortable pay grades and working conditions. Where do people think that money comes from?It’s always amusing to see the left demanding higher taxes on the wealthy when it’s often the employees of publicly owned organisations who are among the biggest earners. Have a look at the salary packages of senior council officers across the country. Ditto senior medical staff in the NHS and quite a large number of GPs. The pay inequalities aren’t all in the private sector.The recent watchwords from Labour have been Change and Hope. All very nebulous and unwary, or undereducated, voters need to be careful that they aren’t voting to jump from the frying pan into the fire.

Simon Hayes ● 2d

The state owning anything spells trouble as previous posts outline, let’s focus on fixing the NHS, it should not be a postcode lottery. State control care in the home will be a disaster, cost billions funded by even higher taxes, Mayors controlling their region will depend on the recruitment of commercial thinking people, that won’t happen. Burnham got lucky Manchester was already run well by the leadership and given huge grants before he became mayor. Someone needs to tell him we are broke Reeves took another 70 billion from taxes and still they are not funding defence, welfare out of control and growing, unemployment rising, debt growing, highest energy costs in Europe the list goes on. 5% VAT off electricity is a gimmick costs are still rising, £2 bus fare so what there is absolutely nothing about growing the economy and controlling spending. And of course Unions running the country from behind, terrifying scenario.

Jayne Thorburn ● 1d

"History teaches us nothing"..ouch 😂!I like the comment "unions holding the country to ransom " because it is patently a view strongly held by many and leads to the fear of "Unions running the country from behind, terrifying scenario"Andy Burnham has set out for his plan (ideas) to be considered over the next 10 years.  Thankfully, a general election in the next 3 years will allow the UK public to make a judgement then, rather than in 2036.  Every dog has his day, this is his.  Given the present 'dogs dinner' the country is in, thanks to Sunak,Truss & Johnson, a journey into government under Burnham, until approx August 2029 (if he survives that long !), feels less...taxing 🤣

Roland Bolowski ● 1d

Not sure I completely agree re dogs dinner under previous governments government interest rate is higher now than under Tories including Truss & highest in Europe. That’s the markets saying they don’t trust Labour to control spending. We already have the highest tax burden since WW2 with more coming mansion tax and let’s see JH budget will include even more. Labour at least can take the number 1 position for tax, interest on borrowing, energy nothing to be proud of…..property market is weak so less stamp duty being collected, Labour just don’t understand how to grow anything other than the state and we know the big result will be dreadful for everyone but mostly for those they claim to support ‘working people’ ha!

Jayne Thorburn ● 1d

Thank you for the amelioration in your words JT.Labour have a healthy majority in parliament, so they have a clear opportunity to do the right thing for the country.That may also include going to war.Amongst the present clutch of MP's & politicos, there seems no 'shining light' observable, to put Andy Burnham, unquestionably in the shade.  For that matter, I wish him well and hope he uses the power of his office, his clear majority and also the cooperation of Badenoch (she's offered) to throw out the rubbish that inhibits our country and clears the decks, for us all to progress and prosper.  He has two, whole, clear, years.Our country is ready, our people are able. Now, please H.M.  Government, just take action and get on with it.

Roland Bolowski ● 1d

The bank account is empty Labour have spent billions on what?????? Welfare not defence. They have increased funding to the NHS still the same old challenges postcode lottery. More civil servants no idea what they do. After 2 years there is little evidence they understand power for the whole country other than welfare. His speech didn’t address the how?when? Funding. The one thing Labour has always been good at is spending our money clearly not in the right places.

Jayne Thorburn ● 1d

UK GDP = (approx) £3.03 trillionUK Public Sector Net Debt = (approx)  £2.99 trillion.It was Rishi Sunak's profligate spending & austere policies that led to the UK's national debt exceeding its GDP, by 2023 !  Perhaps you are making a prediction, but it seems based upon fear.I agree though, that you are highlighting the perilous state of UK's finances and its present economic course.Change is needed, change has been promised.  You are not in a position to lead our country, the British public have presently given that job to the 'Labour' brand of politics.Their latest leader says they want to "restore hope".Sensibly, that's the least he could offer, so he is being realistic.We shall have to see what wonders he can now perform.

Roland Bolowski ● 1d

That’s unfair remember Covid…all western governments supported their society & businesses. Perhaps in hindsight it was too generous & too many people made fraudulent claims not enough checks. Every western country has overspent due to Covid so let’s have some honesty. So going on a spending spree is actually irresponsible if Andy wants to be ‘honest’ Labour in their first 2 years have taxed everything that moves 70 plus billion and yet we still have no money not smart economics Andy you can’t keep taxing people you will go down like Truss.

Jayne Thorburn ● 1d

Dear Jayne, you cannot have it both ways !You castigate (Labour) spending on public services and then you  excuse (Conservative ) public spending.The Conservative's public spending was reckless and in many cases needless, but devastatingly, also now proven to have been involved with fraud.You seem to want to pillory the present Prime Minister for the deeds of the previous, when the present (ut supra) wasn't even part of the Labour Government.Your valuable critical analysis will be needed to examine Andy Burnham's performance, but not after 11 days (number of days UK Parliament has actually been in session) since Burnham becoming Prime Minister (20th July).More haste, less speed.

Roland Bolowski ● 1d

A global pandemic a first in 100 plus years is slightly different to everyday spending. Totally agree that in hindsight the policies were too generous and not enough checks. Shame on people who deliberately took advantage of the tax payer during Covid. The same will apply to welfare! I am talking about Labour who have been in for 2 years the world in 2026 is a totally different place to 1970’s. Highest energy prices in western world, why? Net zero is great but not using our own resources rather than buying from others is mad…..the tax gained could be used to reduce costs. A simple policy yet EM was stubborn phasing out fossil fuels needs to be done much more strategically. We have the highest borrowing rates in Europe why? Markets don’t see Labour being responsible with public spending. Other countries also overspent during Covid and are struggling too but our government is not listening and just spending. The list goes on……there are much more creative ways to managing spending and achieving the desired result.

Jayne Thorburn ● 22h

"there are much more creative ways to managing spending and achieving the desired result"I agree.Instead of looking back, surely we must look forward and talk /write exactly as you say/wrote above.You omitted the aspect of corruption during COVID. There are many cases, but one is typical.  Former Conservative peer Baroness Michelle and her husband Doug Barrowman's company, have been ordered to pay £122m in damages to UK Government.  They have failed to repay anything. Also, the Conservative Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, was aiding and abetting Baroness Mone to secure those monies from the UK Government.  It is truly disgusting.We must all move on and work together toward, as you say "achieving the desired result"

Roland Bolowski ● 21h

I don’t doubt everyone was pulling on their network during the ‘panic’ stage of COVID but what Michelle & husband did was outrageous thankfully they have been caught. Covid was an extraordinary event hopefully not to be repeated any time soon. My issue is the lack of creative thinking from this government and just spend! I am not interested in 10 years plus time but today and the next few years. National care service sounds great but let’s look at the NHS, we can’t get this working efficiently so how on earth can we create another institution how is it staffed, funded etc. much better to say all care costs are tax deductible. Simple we have a system in place to handle that and it can be done in the next budget. Why ask elderly people to pay more tax, cover their own care costs for up to 10 years many will have died. There is no immediacy with Labour, they don’t seem to get people are suffering today on many levels. I am not interested in gimmick policies.

Jayne Thorburn ● 20h

yes, well I am sure we've all had enough of excuses.Are you trying to explain that you already know what is in the next budget ?  Or the one after that, for that matter ?When any politician 'announces plans' , it just the first stage of signalling their intentions. The Prime Minister is no different, however the ability (of the P.M.) to change an announcement into action is considerably different.As for "immediacy" , you've already highlighted the horrendous errors of the Conservative goons and their immediate reactions to COVID.The fact is that those who are corrupt and divisive, detest scrutiny. That all said, your prophecies/comments are becoming more and more doom-laden.  Perhaps Andy Burnham's "We stop doom-scrolling on posts running Britain down. And we put the country on a new path. Britain with belief again",  which totally goes against what you write, has caused you to react with yet more prophecies of doom.Well, its a free country, you can just ignore your Prime Minister in favour of...someone with more immediacy.Do you find all that M&S foods gimmicky ?

Roland Bolowski ● 16h

That’s just rude……the government of today is what matters. 2 years of Labour hasn’t been good for the country so let’s not talk 10 years plan. Let’s talk about today, so far all labour policies have achieved facts - highest borrowing so far since 1998, highest energy costs of G7 countries, employment NEETS rising, employment rising, business confidence at an all time low, weak housing market these are the facts and can’t wait 10 years. You clearly don’t look at today’s facts. This is hardly a proud record for change under Labour.

Jayne Thorburn ● 16h

Rude to point out the doom-laden content of your comments ?Also, why do you continually contradict yourself ?You say "today is what matters" and you opine for "immediacy" and then go harping on about  "since 1998", "Labour who have been in for 2 years" and "different place to 1970’s" .  Well, nagging at politicians is probably what they are told to expect in their job description. "My issue is the lack of creative thinking from this government".  Might you show some of that in what you write, rather than the confused contradictions & dazzling predictions you are prone to inflict on us.

Roland Bolowski ● 15h

Please I am talking facts about numbers, simple.Perhaps it is you who doesn’t understand basic facts. Any government in power for 2 years that does not have to deal with Covid I would expect to see policies that support economic growth. It’s only through economic growth so tax receipts that they should be spending. I totally understand in previous years (Covid) the government borrowed to support everyone. That’s then. This government’s policies are not supporting economic growth fact 2 years is long enough to know. So let’s see what happens in the budget, betting tax rises again.

Jayne Thorburn ● 15h

Yes, perhaps you are right.When you write "That’s then", does that also apply to Starmer's Premiership ?We now have a new Prime Minister...that's now, for the avoidance of doubt.You are betting on the budget, well that is your expression of hope, otherwise it wouldn't be gambling, would it.It is the most creative element you've added to this commentary.Lets see what events come.

Roland Bolowski ● 13h