Stuart Sharpe is annoyed.
Now, he's not the sort to rant. I am. I rant a lot. I get annoyed with what Labour do. Not as annoyed as some people, who get quite furious, but still really rather annoyed. But not Stuart. So when he gets annoyed, it's time to sit up and take notice.
He's annoyed because Labour want to incarcerate single mums and enact an openly racist immigration policy. And he has a point. Go and read his post, if you haven't already. The single mums' workhouses proposal by Labour is, quite simply, possibly the most illiberal announcement that they have made to date - and that is saying an awful lot. Brown seemed to assume that it would be voluntary, to "help" them in the way that only The State can, but Balls confirmed that it would be mandatory. You will accept The State's help, whether you want to or not.
I hadn't commented on these announcements. I think I dismissed them as so obviously incredibly utterly stupidly wrong both in principle and in practice, so they just left my conciousness without leaving a mark. But Stuart is right; that Labour could even consider announcing these is simply appalling.
They must go. They really must go.
Thanks. Just thanks. :-)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately this "workhouse" is a direct consequence of the socialism we have endured for sixty years. The DNA thing is just plain mad, bad and offensive.
ReplyDeleteThe proposed DNA testing of Somali people vs. Kenyans goes beyond the pale; the short end of a short wedge. It is so appalling that perhaps it is just scare tactics....No, not under this Government. Immigration policy is not easy at the best of times but this Government fails to appreciate that there is no substitute for talking to individuals and coming to a fair decisions. It is a consequence of the introduction of country reports which were meant to simplify the process and restrict numbers, leaving less room for appeals. It does introduce a biological racist discrimination immigration policy which is not fit for purpose. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteThe teenage mums proposal is more problematic and it is an issue that needed tackling. I am in favour of the withdrawal of significant state support, so these girls have to rely more on their families and charities. It would make them think twice and save us money. Labour cannot be seen to be so ruthless, so a halfway house (pun intended) is suggested. Apparently it will be voluntary; the term 'gulags for slags' is not appropriate. No compulsion should be involved, but let's just hope it doesn't cost another heap of money.
"The single mums' workhouses proposal by Labour is, quite simply, possibly the most illiberal announcement that they have made to date - and that is saying an awful lot."
ReplyDeleteOf course, they know full well that they aren't going to get to enact this, or other, policies in future...