John Healy has resigned as Defence Secretary

Silvershadow

I don’t think they’ve said that, have they? I’ve certainly not read that anywhere.

Don't you? Are you expecting to vote for a right-wing party?

David49

nanna8

State pensions should only go to the financially stressed. No one else. As with most countries. Use the money saved to build up defence.

Agree with that, my sister in Brisbane manages fine without

Australia's experience is actually that it evolved through a series of reforms over roughly 75 years, with major changes in 1960, 1969, 1976, and 1985, rather than through one long scheduled phase-in.

One thing that often surprises people when comparing pension systems internationally is that Australia is unusual among developed countries in relying heavily on a means-tested public pension, while also encouraging private retirement savings through the compulsory superannuation system. That combination evolved over decades rather than being introduced all at once. So Australia don't have a magic wand any more than any other country.

I don’t think they’ve said that, have they? I’ve certainly not read that anywhere.

I thought I had posted on the wrong thread! It's far too simplistic to suggest we take money from pensioners and use it to fund another aspect of government.

But then, those saying these things, the Farages, Trumps and Badenochs of this world, often don't expect to work any harder than to express easily repeated mantra with no requirement for facts.

I don’t think AB will win. (Yes, may well look like a twit in a week 😁)

If he does, he’s going to need to up his game, not been at all impressed by his interviews during the campaign. Will be torn to shreds at the despatch box if he fails to do so.

MaizieD wholeheartedly agree with your posts @ 9.33 and 9.37 👏👏👏

Boz

An awful lot is expected from Burnham who will sour with the public when he will need to raise taxes and cut welfare.
Will the triple lock go?

Burnham will face exactly the same problems and the buck will stop with him he won't be able to blame anyone else, I hope he unites the Labour MPs, if he doesn't he won't last long.

Mmm I think I need a little more time to pass and a bit more background information before concluding anything because of this resignation. But i do think it is an important moment.

nanna8

State pensions should only go to the financially stressed. No one else. As with most countries. Use the money saved to build up defence.

Agree with that, my sister in Brisbane manages fine without

MaizieD

^Why should she when the state will fund her lifestyle.^

The state funds the lifestyles of the wealthy, with tax concessions and exemptions and does it to a far greater extent than it hands out anything to the poor. But who complains about that?

And the biggest beneficiaries by far are pensioner home owners

nanna8

State pensions should only go to the financially stressed. No one else. As with most countries. Use the money saved to build up defence.

That’s a fair point of view too, nanna8. With suitable notice so that people can plan accordingly.

State pensions should only go to the financially stressed. No one else. As with most countries. Use the money saved to build up defence.

Sorry MauzieD, can’t quote for some reason.
People living solely on their state pension will qualify for pension credits?

Absolutely agree, we should all pay our share, as should multinationals. If we/they did, we wouldn’t be in this mess.

Why should she when the state will fund her lifestyle.

The state funds the lifestyles of the wealthy, with tax concessions and exemptions and does it to a far greater extent than it hands out anything to the poor. But who complains about that?

The huge mistake Starmer has made is increasing Welfare spending . Th- day the two child cap was removed Sophie H. from the North-East said, when prompted, it was good but doesn't go far enough. I've got to pay for my eldest's dinner now he is going into Year 3. Her partner worked,she worked, part -time but didn't see why she should take on extra hours. Why should she when the state will fund her lifestyle.

Basgetti

The triple lock has to end.

I'm sure that pensioners who are living solely on their state pension will be in total agreement with you. As they were so delighted by the initial decision to stop the WFP...

How about not punishing people who are living at the bottom end of the income scales?

How about some progressive taxation which equalises taxation on earned and unearned income and claws back the excessive wealth that is taken out of our economy?

Luckygirl3

He should have stayed in place and continued to argue his position internally as all Secs of State have to.

He knows this is a dreadful time to be rocking the boat and creating a bad impression externally.

I am very disappointed in him.

Healey was given a take it or leave it choice by Starmer and Reeves. No further internal discussion was likely to lift the defence budget. They counted on his absolute loyalty: their mistake.

The UK has one of the least generous State pensions in Europe I seem to remember .

I don't believe they resigned on principles. I think they are leaving a sinking ship in the hopes of securing a position in the new court.

The triple lock has to end.

The message of any leader, of any government will be unpalatable to many when major changes which impact people’s pockets is the only way forward to repair decades of poor decision making Boz. That is unfortunately where we are and will be for many years to come.

I would gladly give up the triple lock and pay more taxes than see my children and grandchildren in a war.
It may need to be spelled out to people what scrimping on defence could mean for the future of our country.

An awful lot is expected from Burnham who will sour with the public when he will need to raise taxes and cut welfare.
Will the triple lock go?

I, too, hope Burnham wins next week. We need a change. I know he can't work miracles if he ever becomes PM but things are spiralling out of control with Starmer.

Shinamae

Al Carns being interviewed on GB News….

He was also on Good Morning Britain ITV