General Election Is On

[AndyClaret]

Interesting that you reference the IFS. I take it you have confidence in them. Have you seen their views on Brexit? This what they say:

A ‘no-deal’ Brexit would be economically considerably worse, even under a relatively benign scenario. We assume this would happen under a Conservative-led government, which would implement further fiscal loosening totalling 2% of GDP. Interest rates are cut to zero alongside £50 billion of quantitative easing. Private consumption and investment growth falls while net trade is also a drag on growth. Overall, the economy does not grow over the next two years, and grows by just 1.1% in 2022, leaving it 2½% smaller in that year than under our base case.

Revoking Brexit would lead to the best economic outcome. We assume this would require a Labour-led government which, as well as revoking Brexit, would also implement significant tax and spending increases, an overall fiscal loosening and some tightening of labour market regulations. Interest rates would also rise more quickly. This might result in growth of 2% a year. Crucially, this scenario involves a Labour-led coalition rather than a majority Labour government.


https://www.ifs.org.uk/publications/14421" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Why do you quote a "no deal" brexit ?

[Lowbankclaret]

Do you believe that our current tax levels are perfect? That by a happy coincidence we are at the level where the most efficient level of taxes is in place to get the maximum tax take from HNW individuals and corporations?

Who knows to be fair.
Will corporation tax rises from 19% to 26% drive away companies, yes it will. Will it close local high street shops, yes it will.

Will that reduce Labours tax revenue, of course it will and people like me will be taxed to get it back assuming I am still in a job which I would think is unlikely with the increase in Corp tax and my company wanting to move jobs to India.

[Lowbankclaret]

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire- ... ssion=true" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anyone watched this, this is what I am seeing door knocking.

Labour vote has collapsed.

Undecided is winning.

Brexit party running higher than Tory.

The undecided people are going to make this an interesting day on the 13th.

[Lowbankclaret]

What would you like it spent on?

The people that need it the most.
People sleeping on our streets is a disgrace, no party has that in the manifesto.
I support the NHS but it’s being ripped off, a friend of mine missus went for job at NHS lancs, she is a pharmacist, she calculated if you bought 3 drugs from Asda, paracetamol, ibuprofen, cannot remember the other. They would save 2.2 million a year. She didn’t get the job. There are massive cost reduction opportunities in the NHS that don’t affect care, but it’s corrupt.

Schools need it but under PFI, new schools are being ripped off. My daughters college Thomas Whittam will be closed due to costs of simply paying for the building. A Labour initiative I believe.

Pensioners need an increase , I would support that too.

Prison sentences need to be doubled, I would help pay for that.

[Steve1956]

BBC now,the next two hrs should be fun,which one is going to drop the biggest bollock?

[Spijed]

https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire- ... ssion=true

Anyone watched this, this is what I am seeing door knocking.

Labour vote has collapsed.

Undecided is winning.

Brexit party running higher than Tory.

The undecided people are going to make this an interesting day on the 13th.

The bottom line is basically how much Labour can squeeze the Lib Dem vote from here on in. It's telling that Boris Johnson is seen as the most unpopular Prime Minister in history but he could get a decent majority simply because the remain vote is still split.

[FactualFrank]

BBC now,the next two hrs should be fun,which one is going to drop the biggest bollock?

Popcorn at the ready.

[AndyClaret]

Quiet on here today so I thought I'd start a sing song

' Andy, Andy, Give us a poll
Give us a poll
Give us a poll

Andy Andy , Give us a poll
Give us a poll
Give us a poll '

Since you asked so nicely.

[aggi]

Who knows to be fair.
Will corporation tax rises from 19% to 26% drive away companies, yes it will. Will it close local high street shops, yes it will.

Will that reduce Labours tax revenue, of course it will and people like me will be taxed to get it back assuming I am still in a job which I would think is unlikely with the increase in Corp tax and my company wanting to move jobs to India.

I find it strange that you're so against measures that could potentially drive companies away but you're so pro-Brexit, even though many companies have said that may drive them away.

To be honest I wouldn't be against an increase in corporate tax but not as high as 26%.

The UK does have some of the lowest corporate tax rates for a developed country, we could afford to push it a bit more.

I was just surprised by your fatalistic tone. There's nothing we can do to make HNW individuals and corporations to pay more tax so we may as well not bother and be grateful for what they deign to give us.

[jrgbfc]

BBC now,the next two hrs should be fun,which one is going to drop the biggest bollock?

Hopefully Fiona Bruce is tough with Boris when he tries to answer "get Brexit done" to every single question. Could be a long 30 minutes for him.

[Lowbankclaret]

I find it strange that you're so against measures that could potentially drive companies away but you're so pro-Brexit, even though many companies have said that may drive them away.

To be honest I wouldn't be against an increase in corporate tax but not as high as 26%.

The UK does have some of the lowest corporate tax rates for a developed country, we could afford to push it a bit more.

I was just surprised by your fatalistic tone. There's nothing we can do to make HNW individuals and corporations to pay more tax so we may as well not bother and be grateful for what they deign to give us.

If you drive business away your tax revenue reduces.
LBC had a 3 hour program of people concerned about corporation tax. If you close companies down that reduces your tax you bring in.

My company is massive and it pays no corporation tax.
But it’s workers pay a massive amount and 4000 are being made redundant.
That’s gunna hit the tax of the country.

[Cryssys]

Why do you quote a "no deal" brexit ?

It's called politics. You know, selecting evidence that suits your case. If it makes you feel better I've now removed the quote about no deal.

"Revoking Brexit would lead to the best economic outcome. We assume this would require a Labour-led government which, as well as revoking Brexit, would also implement significant tax and spending increases, an overall fiscal loosening and some tightening of labour market regulations. Interest rates would also rise more quickly. This might result in growth of 2% a year. Crucially, this scenario involves a Labour-led coalition rather than a majority Labour government."

https://www.ifs.org.uk/publications/14421" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[martin_p]

If you drive business away your tax revenue reduces.
LBC had a 3 hour program of people concerned about corporation tax. If you close companies down that reduces your tax you bring in.

My company is massive and it pays no corporation tax.
But it’s workers pay a massive amount and 4000 are being made redundant.
That’s gunna hit the tax of the country.

I don’t think citing a company that doesn’t pay corporation tax when arguing against an increase in corporation tax works really.

[Lowbankclaret]

I don’t think citing a company that doesn’t pay corporation tax when arguing against an increase in corporation tax works really.

Don’t agree with it, but many large businesses don’t pay it.
My point is it will hit small businesses not large ones.

Again not the 5% being hit.

[Lowbankclaret]

Interesting Sturgeon wants Scotland to be independent no matter on Brexit.

Just build a massive **** off big wall and leave them to it.

[Rick_Muller]

Sturgeon is coming across as someone who knows if she supports a minority Labour government the result may well be bigger investment in Scotland which would harm her wish to break free from the UK and as such remove her power from Scotland. It really is a massive power game isn’t it...

[AndrewJB]

Anyone can say people should pay higher taxes in order to fund public services and help those who are less well off in society, the issue comes when policies are put in place that might affect them that people start moaning. The pensioner who is happy to pay more tax will naturally be more than willing to lose his winter fuel allowance or if he is over 75 his TV licence or free bus travel.

On a personal note even though it affect me I would not be bothered if the Tories did more fiscal drag and froze the higher rate threshold at £50k as long as they raised the personal allowance and NI thresholds for the lowest earners in society (the working poor).

I just hope that after the election which currently looking at the polls is looking like a Tory govt. the Labour Party move towards the centre because for me I would then support them.

Which of Labour’s policies do you like, and not like?

[Rick_Muller]

I’ve been pleasantly surprised so far, both Corbyn and Sturgeon have answered questions well without blathering and bluster.

[Rick_Muller]

Jo Swinson is demonstrating why the is a vacuum in the middle ground. She is politicking and doing it badly. It is a shame, with a stronger leader (I’m thinking even Clegg, damn that coalition killed him and the Lib Dem’s) the Lib Dem’s would quite possibly have walked this election. I’m gutted because all my adult life I have aligned with Lib Dem policies more than other parties.

[Granny WeatherWax]

Corbyn was excellent there, dignified, eloquent, precise, clear and measured.

Sturgeon also very good.

Swinson is a mess. Her parties policy of cancelling Brexit is doing her no favours.

[Cirrus_Minor]

Swindon having a car crash on tv

[Rick_Muller]

Swindon having a car crash on tv

Don’t dis my home town

[Lowbankclaret]

Sturgeon is coming across as someone who knows if she supports a minority Labour government the result may well be bigger investment in Scotland which would harm her wish to break free from the UK and as such remove her power from Scotland. It really is a massive power game isn’t it...

Half the team I work with are in Scotland, they think that Scotland would vote to leave the UK now.
I think we give £1600 per person to Scotland and we should spend that on a bloody big wall if they vote for independence.

[Rick_Muller]

Half the team I work with are in Scotland, they think that Scotland would vote to leave the UK now.
I think we give £1600 per person to Scotland and we should spend that on a bloody big wall if they vote for independence.

I wouldn’t blame them - as an Englishman who wants to remain in the EU and protect our NHS I have had serious discussions with my good lady about “emigrating” to Scotland... my mother is Scottish, so hopefully they’ll let me in

[Rick_Muller]

It’s showtime everyone...

“Let’s get Brexit done” how many times will he mention that phrase..?

[tiger76]

Corbyn was excellent there, dignified, eloquent, precise, clear and measured.

Sturgeon also very good.

Swinson is a mess. Her parties policy of cancelling Brexit is doing her no favours.

I'm not watching but following the BBC text updates Swinson is getting a hard time from the audience,her brexit policy is not going down well.

She's also still having to justify her role in the cabinet during the austerity years,and she's floundering badly.

The first 2 were strong and on message for the most part,but given their vast experience that shouldn't be a surprise.

[Granny WeatherWax]

I'm not watching but following the BBC text updates Swinson is getting a hard time from the audience,her brexit policy is not going down well.

She's also still having to justify her role in the cabinet during the austerity years,and she's floundering badly.

The first 2 were strong and on message for the most part,but given their vast experience that shouldn't be a surprise.

No surprise. Her parties position is utterly arrogant. I’m not Brexit supporter but just cancelling it is ridiculous.

The name Liberals and democratic has never been as ironic.

[Spijed]

You'd think Labour could claw back a few Lib Dem votes after that performance

[Granny WeatherWax]

Johnson has dodged more questions in 2 mins than all the other 3 put together.

[Rick_Muller]

Boris is flapping and not even attempting to answer questions at all. The Russian dossier scandal is going to haunt him

[AndyClaret]

Swinson car crash, Sturgeon, steady but boring, Corbyn, tough start but good finish.

[Rick_Muller]

Oooh Fiona losing control...

[jrgbfc]

No surprise. Her parties position is utterly arrogant. I’m not Brexit supporter but just cancelling it is ridiculous.

The name Liberals and democratic has never been as ironic.

They've even cost themselves Remain votes with that policy. My Dads a remainer and says he would have voted Lib Dem but he doesn't agree with just overturning the referendum result.

[Rick_Muller]

They've even cost themselves Remain votes with that policy. My Dads a remainer and says he would have voted Lib Dem but he doesn't agree with just overturning the referendum result.

I feel the same way as your dad, and it’s a fair comment

[AndyClaret]

Is Boris going to get any underarm bowling like Corbyn got ?

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

Boris getting very flustered. Odd as he’s really good at telling lies.

[FactualFrank]

Fiona Bruce doesn't seem to know much about what the parties have already said.

[Granny WeatherWax]

Called out on his lies again on the NHS new hospitals and still can’t tell the truth about them.

[AndyClaret]

Opinion on Twitter is that Momentum have flooded the audience.

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

Opinion on Twitter is that Momentum have flooded the audience.

Or just everyday people who happen work in the services the Tories have cut?

[Rick_Muller]

Opinion on Twitter is that Momentum have flooded the audience.

Clutching at straws there...

[Devils_Advocate]

Opinion on Twitter is that Momentum have flooded the audience.

[Granny WeatherWax]

Opinion on Twitter is that Momentum have flooded the audience.

Is that you Boris?

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

Bloody communist doctors telling the truth on what it’s like to work on the front line.

[Dy1geo]

Which of Labour’s policies do you like, and not like?

I quite like the idea of a green investment bank, their policies on council house building, trying to abolish the needs for food banks and trying to rid our streets of the homeless. Believe in Nationalising the railway’s.

Against privatisation of the utilities, Royal Mail as I feel they will become inefficient and not turn out to be the income producers that Labour are budgeting for. I am against raising the dividend tax rate from 7.5% to 20% as I feel it will affect small businesses. I am against raising Corporation tax rates as in the highly mobile business environment there is a danger companies will change domicility and we could end up losing Revenue.

Whilst I admire the policy of freezing the state pension at 66 I am realistic to know that given that the ratio of working people to pensioners is lowering each year it is not sustainable.

On a general note given the scale of borrowing needed the fear is that if the market’s went against us our debt interest payments could rise to such a level that cuts would have to be made that would affect the poorest in society.

[Devils_Advocate]

Its ok Andy, Guido and the Mail will have some Corbyn memes for you to comfort yourself with and stop the tears

[jrgbfc]

Opinion on Twitter is that Momentum have flooded the audience.

Even the Tories are getting a bit worried after Boris's dire performance there.

[Granny WeatherWax]

Yeah I’m slightly biased but Johnson was horrendous there.

[tiger76]

I liked Boris's answer to this

Johnson on Waspi women
The questioner on trust was actually coming from the perspective of one of the Waspi women - a group deeply upset about pension age changes.

They want those changes reversed and compensation offered.

"I do sympathise deeply with the Waspi women... but it is very expensive to come up with the solution you want," Boris Johnson replies.

"I cannot promise I can magic up that money for you - it is not possible to satisfy all the demands of the Waspi women."

For once he addressed the head on and admitted that there isn't an easy solution,that was good at least he didn't make false promises,however the bad was the Russian report,the more the government appear to delay it's release,the more the public will wonder what bombshells it contains,and he mentioned brexit too much,and again wasn't challenged on the timescale,and the biggie is the issue of trust,once again the audience howled when this subject was raised.And racism and his previous writings coming back to haunt him,similar to Corbyn and anti-semitism he needs to address the Islamphobia issue.

[AndyClaret]

Or just everyday people who happen work in the services the Tories have cut?

How many dollies dig Corbyn get ?