Election can’t come soon enough, says UNISON

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s decision to call a general election on July 4, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea @cmcanea 

“Election day can’t come soon enough. Working people and their families are crying out for a new government in Westminster. “One that values public services, can revitalise the economy and has a vision for the future. “Anyone who has struggled to make ends meet, tried to get an NHS appointment, seen council services savaged or wrangled with a social care sector that’s not fit for purpose will welcome this day. “It’s been clear for months that this government is out of ideas, out of touch and should be out of office.”

RISHI'S RAW DEAL -Pay £10 more tax and get £2 off

Poster campaign launched today in Wellingborough where Labour candidate, Gen Kitchen is campaigning to replace disgraced Tory MP, Peter Bone.

Hat tip Independent "From Saturday, the main rate of national insurance will be cut by two percentage points to 10%, as promised by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the autumn statement in November.

Ministers have previously said cutting the main rate for employees is a tax cut worth £450 for the average employee on £35,400 in 2024/25.

But Labour point out that income tax and national insurance thresholds, which have been frozen since 2021, mean that many families have been drawn into higher tax bands.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Under Rishi Sunak’s raw deal, for every extra £10 people are paying in tax they are only getting £2 back.

“Working people know that this month’s tax con is just a cynical giveaway from a weak and out-of-touch Tory government that is desperate to cling onto power, rather than a credible plan to fix our broken economy".

Moment PM Rishi Sunak gets stern telling off to 'try harder' over nurses...

"The arrogance of @RishiSunak, thinking he can pose for a nice video clip at Croydon Hospital, whilst simultaneously cutting NHS workers pay in real terms!! Well done to this patient for calling him out!" #NHSPay #CROYDON (hat tip Joel Bodmer UNISON Greater London Regional Officer supporting 3 front line Health branches)

No one voted for this.

Well said. Johnson withdrew probably because the economy is in such a mess and Truss is well gone but let no one forget that while Rishi is thankfully competent, he is a right wing rich posh boy. 

We need a General Election now but since Turkeys do not vote for Christmas then it seems very unlikely any time soon. But after recent political events who knows...

Chesham & Little Missenden walk & history

 

A fantastic collage from last Sunday's 9 miles walk with Gill around Chesham and Little Missenden in the Chilterns. 

I want to concentrate on this blog more on the history and politics of the places we visit, rather than the beautiful scenery, which I can post photos on Facebook. 

The highlight of the walk was stopping off for a Cream Tea at the 1000 year old Church of John the Baptist in Little Missenden. The vicar gave us a guided tour of the marvellous medieval wall paintings in the church which had been covered up by the puritans. 

There was also a fascinating plaque in the church, remembering money left by the wealthy in the 18th century, to pay for a loaf of bread every Sunday to the 6 oldest parishioners who attended that service. 

Hopefully, noone will tell Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak about this traditional tory approach to poverty or it will give them ideas...

Give Newham the dosh you promised us Chancellor!

Later today the Chancellor will announce the details of the Comprehensive Spending Review, which sets out the government’s departmental spending plans for the next financial year.

Let us not forget the financial impact COVID-19 has had on local government and Rishi Sunak’s broken promise to do ‘whatever it takes’ to support councils to get through this.

Covid has cost Newham £59.5 million so far. Newham needs the support it was promised. Hat tip to LGA

UPDATE after the announcement