General Election

Meg24

I think the first priority has to be to get the Tories out, for many reasons, not just social security. We really don't know what Starmer will do in office, election promises are only there to get votes and we know that there are so many floating voters that anyone who strays too far from the centre right is doomed. I live in hope that once the deed is done, that his socialist roots will be able to show more. He can't be seen to be too left wing atm because Farage will be all over it. Too many protest votes will see the Toriea get back in and heaven help uz all if that happens.

mrsBB

Thanks folks, this topic is helping me a little to understand also a little 😁about politics etc.

I know where my vote will have to go as to do any other would surely have generations of my long gone family raising from their resting places to give me a right telling off 😂. I know my vote is a personal right and its my choice alone who I vote for, there might be a million reasons I should vote differently but my heart and conscience would just not allow me to vote for any other party that at the age of 18 I was told to vote for. My dad was stood with me in the queue and said ''your cross goes next to Labour ''.

Looking back at old newspaper clippings I have, my Great Grandfather with a few other men formed the first Labour council in my area and the article reads, it was probably the first Labour council to be elected in the country ever ( 1913)

I mention this as it gives some background as to why I have to do what I have to do but then I find myself thinking what if the boot was on the other foot 😯 this makes me think maybe even at my age I should make an effort to understand politics more. I think it really is only because this vote is so very important to the most vulnerable in our society that it made me sit back and think what if we still end up with that awful man as our leader perish the thought.

Anyway, forgive me, I have gone way off topic now lol as I often do in my senior years hehe but I am still worried about Sunak remaining in power either alone or as part of a coalition, ugh shivers at the thought x

MW123

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/871298#Comment_871298

@mrsBB What an interesting read! Your great grandfather was a remarkable individual. It's completely understandable why you vote the way you do.

On a separate note, in our constituency, the Conservative Party has enjoyed an unchallenged reign for as long as memory serves. As much as I wish for their defeat this time around, I know that it's an impossible task. Here, supporting the Conservative Party feels almost like a religious devotion, even a donkey adorned with a blue rosette would be treated as the chosen one.

apple85

a lot of posts I want to respond to on this thread and the ‘Labour response to email’ thread

its going to take some time so bear with me (I’d rather individual posts then one mega posts)

I know my viewpoints are a minority however I do heavily research and my goal isn’t necessarily to change votes (everyone vote is their decision, no one else but the get others seeing another point of view (that there is more than one voting option in this general election)

MW123

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/871604#Comment_871604

Encouraging employment among those capable of working is crucial for both individual well-being and economic health. However, it's essential to approach this goal with an understanding of the complexities involved. Blanket statements can overlook the nuanced reasons why people might not be working, potentially leading to policies that are ineffective or even harmful.

For instance, I have chronic cancer, heart failure, and spinal stenosis, yet I work 30 hours a week in a profession I enjoy. However, I would find it extremely difficult to accept any job that merely fits a government perspective of "suitability." Despite my conditions, I'm able to work in a role that accommodates my needs. Being forced into an arbitrarily defined "suitable" job could seriously undermine my health and quality of life.

Policies aimed at increasing employment must account for the profound variability in people's circumstances and strive to create pathways that harmonise workforce participation with individual realities. A rigid, one-size-fits-all approach ignores the nuances of why someone may not be working and risks causing more harm than good.