Starmer Increases Defense Spending: Cuts Overseas Aid to Pay For It

[Harrisfan]

16 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

I have my bias - we all do - but I don't see how you could deduce that from my previous post? It's also ironic that having accused me of bias, you prove my point regarding your own anti-Labour/ anti Starmer bias by openly displaying it so plainly in the very next sentence!

 

You clearly object to UK Overseas Aid: Given that, surely the only valid criticism which you could make of Starmer's announcement would be that the cuts don't go far enough?

 

Of course Starmer didn't want to do this  and I agree, his hand has been forced by Trump (Reform are irrelevant in this regard). The situation has changed and Starmer has adjusted his stance. To misquote Keynes and do so out of context, "If the facts change then I may change my position". Or as the blessed Nigel said very recently, "I'm allowed to change my mind". What is so wrong with that? 

 

I don't understand what is the relevance of the removal of the winter fuel allowance to this discussion? Labour (Starmer) made a policy decision to get rid of it. You think that it was the wrong decision. Fine.

 

It's valid to criticise Starmer's character/ attributes as being unsuitable for the role of PM, however, the idea that any UK PM - whatever their political persuasion - would possess "natural instincts to make the UK poorer" is so ridiculous that it doesn't merit a response.

 

As for the next election. 4.5 years is a long time in politics in normal circumstances. Given the pace with which events are moving, imo it would be foolish to predict what will happen next month let alone in 2029.

You defend Keir but insult Trump. Let's give them 12 months each and see.

[RayC]

9 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

You defend Keir but insult Trump. Let's give them 12 months each and see.

 

Where have I insulted Trump? Where have I criticised him for stating that Europe should increase its' defence spending?

 

Answer to both questions: I haven't. In fact, I think that he is correct regarding Europe's defence spending.

 

Might be best to get your facts straight before commenting.

[Harrisfan]

1 minute ago, RayC said:

 

Where have I insulted Trump? Where have I criticised him for stating that Europe should increase its' defence spending?

 

Answer to both questions: I haven't. In fact, I think that he is correct regarding Europe's defence spending.

 

Might be best to get your facts straight before commenting.

You must be the only socialist ever to not insult Trump. 

[BangkokReady]

I guess Trump really is having a global influence...  🤔

[James105]

31 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Economist Richard Murphy has some smart ideas on how to pay for defense spending.

 

Non involve cutting any spending.

 

 

 

Give the option for those who want the war to drag on so Ukraine can "defeat Russia" an option to pay double their normal tax or receive half their benefits if not working to support the war effort?   

[RayC]

19 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

You must be the only socialist ever to not insult Trump. 

 

Is there any point to this comment?

[RayC]

17 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

I guess Trump really is having a global influence...  🤔

 

He was always going to. Any US President can have influence (some) worldwide events although Trump has certainly made a large impact in quick time.

[Harrisfan]

2 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Is there any point to this comment?

I will watch your posts and see.

[RayC]

44 minutes ago, James105 said:

 

Every single decision made so far (apart from this one which he was forced into) has made the UK weaker or poorer.  From net zero insanity through to burdening businesses with ever higher taxes, to providing ever more incentives for the cultural enrichers to illegally enter the country, to demanding Apple provide a back door which forced them to lower security for the UK.  The list goes on and on.  

 

So yes, his natural inclination is to make the UK weaker and/or poorer.   This is either through stupidity or something more sinister.  The first reasonable action he has taken to cut overseas aid he would never have considered if not for Trump or the threat closer to home from Reform. 

 

Alternative viewpoints (not all of which I agree with):

 

* Net zero: Necessary if the life on earth is to continue

* Higher (business) taxes: Necessary if public service provision is to be maintained 

* (Further) Incentives for illegal immigrants: ??? None that I can see

* Apple demand: Made under the Investigatory Powers Act in order to enhance the protection of UK citizens

 

So what we have is option. In your opinion, Starmer's policies have a negative effect, others have a different perspective.

 

Starmer may be stupid in your opinion, but to accuse him of having more sinister motives requires a lot more evidence than just your opinion.

[Chomper Higgot]

15 minutes ago, James105 said:

 

Give the option for those who want the war to drag on so Ukraine can "defeat Russia" an option to pay double their normal tax or receive half their benefits if not working to support the war effort?   

That’s not how any government spending works.

 

 

[Harrisfan]

2 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Alternative viewpoints (not all of which I agree with):

 

* Net zero: Necessary if the life on earth is to continue

* Higher (business) taxes: Necessary if public service provision is to be maintained 

* (Further) Incentives for illegal immigrants: ??? None that I can see

* Apple demand: Made under the Investigatory Powers Act in order to enhance the protection of UK citizens

 

So what we have is option. In your opinion, Starmer's policies have a negative effect, others have a different perspective.

 

Starmer may be stupid in your opinion, but to accuse him of having more sinister motives requires a lot more evidence than just your opinion.

Net zero is dumb. Higher taxes is dumb. Cutting aid is smart.

[RayC]

5 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

I will watch your posts and see.

 

Oh dear, I'm under surveillance.

 

I thought that was the preserve of the socialist lefties?

[Harrisfan]

1 minute ago, RayC said:

 

Oh dear, I'm under surveillance.

 

I thought that was the preserve of the socialist lefties?

Why are you living in Thailand?

[Eric Loh]

32 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

I guess Trump really is having a global influence...  🤔

Profound influence demonstrated in the halls of the General Assemble and at the UN Security Council, when USA stood with Russia and North Korea and not with its closest allies. 

[Harrisfan]

Just now, Eric Loh said:

Profound influence demonstrated in the halls of the General Assemble and at the UN Security Council, when USA stand with Russia and North Korea and not with its closest allies. 

Russia was an ally in the two world wars. 

[Eric Loh]

1 minute ago, Harrisfan said:

Russia was an ally in the two world wars. 

You meant Soviet Union.You need to brush up on your history.

[Harrisfan]

Just now, Eric Loh said:

You meant Soviet Union.You need to brush up on your history.

Grow up

[RayC]

2 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Why are you living in Thailand?

 

3 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Why are you living in Thailand?

 

I have no idea of the relevance of this question but the answer is because we don't like British/ European winters, and we are in the fortunate position to be able to winter in Thailand. We will return to the UK next month.

 

I hope that has sated your curiosity about my domestic arrangements?

[Eric Loh]

Just now, Harrisfan said:

Grow up

Triggered by your own stupidity 

[RubenRemus]

6 hours ago, Hanaguma said:

Exactly. Also, if their programmes are so vital, surely it would be easy to raise funds from the public through charitable donations rather than relying on the government...

 

Amazing to see "The Trump Effect" working even on a squish like Starmer. The dread prospect of not relying on Uncle Sugar to keep him safe has motivated him nicely.

Charitable donation programmes and "charities" have little to do with most development aid, although it's true that humanitarian work is often funded through it. Rather, development agreements are usually done as partnership between governments, not NGOs. That's why it's done in conjuction with foreign missions and departments of state. 

[Harrisfan]

Just now, RayC said:

 

 

I have no idea of the relevance of this question but the answer is because we don't like British/ European winters, and we are in the fortunate position to be able to winter in Thailand. We will return to the UK next month.

 

I hope that has sated your curiosity about my domestic arrangements?

Surrounded by far right Thais.

[Harrisfan]

Just now, Eric Loh said:

Triggered by your own stupidity 

How old are you?

[RayC]

7 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Surrounded by far right Thais.

 

Just think of me as a latter day Buddah bringing enlightenment.

[Harrisfan]

7 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Just think of me as a latter day Buddah bringing enlightenment.

Buddha

[James105]

28 minutes ago, RayC said:

Net zero: Necessary if the life on earth is to continue

 

You do realize that if the UK disappeared overnight and consumed not a jot of energy ever again this would make net zero difference to climate change?  Thinking that just UK citizens paying extra for energy, putting up a few bird killing wind farms, spaffing £23 billion on unproven carbon capture is going to make any difference other than destroying the UK economy is just delusional.  

30 minutes ago, RayC said:

Higher (business) taxes: Necessary if public service provision is to be maintained 

 

DOGE UK would have achieved significantly more.  

 

33 minutes ago, RayC said:

Apple demand: Made under the Investigatory Powers Act in order to enhance the protection of UK citizens

 

"We are doing this for your safety" said every authoritarian tyrant who ever lived.  The fact that this is where passwords, passkeys are stored and should a hacker get access to the unencrypted data would be a treasure trove for them.   

[James105]

36 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

That’s not how any government spending works.

 

So how else do you increase defence spending without increasing taxes or making cuts which was your claim.   Let me guess. Borrowing more from the MMT?  

[Chomper Higgot]

19 minutes ago, James105 said:

 

So how else do you increase defence spending without increasing taxes or making cuts which was your claim.   Let me guess. Borrowing more from the MMT?  

I don’t recall saying taxes shouldn’t be increased.