Labour's Glorious Record

[Gromit]

"We have revolutionised the lives and expectations of millions of our citizens, combining social justice with prosperity in a way which is unprecedented in the history of our country."

From Tom Watson Labour MP's resignation letter.

Is this true? funny? or self deluding?

[jake-the-peg]

I'd say they've played a hand of triumph and disater and called those two imposters just the same (a triumph)

Minimum wage, reform of the house of lords (some would count hunting)

and then there's Iraq

There's a curate's egg for you

[jake-the-peg]

Well on top of what I've mentioned there's

lowest inflation in 30 years
lowest mortgage rates in 40 years
2 million more working than in 1997
Peace in Northern Ireland (Major takes some credit too there)

I won't forgive Blair for Iraq though. Afghanistan yes but not Iraq

[Gromit]

jake-the-peg - Reform of the House of Lords a triumph??

Haven't they just replaced one undemocratic system with another equally undemocratic one?

Don't think Lord Blair would get my vote (if I had one).

[sp1814]

I know that many won't agree with me - but the Labour Govt promised civil partnerships...and delivered.

For this, Tony, for me, will always be a blinking hero.

...erm...as for Iraq...oh dear.

[Siamsal]

Inflation on the way up.
Interest rates on the way up.
Unemployment going up.

Ah, the 70s all over again.

[sp1814]

Don't worry - as long as Dr John takes the helm we'll be okay. Worst case scenario is the Tories getting in with their mistresses or should we say, 'parliamentary advisors'.

God only help the country if Cameron and the Loons ever take control again. It'll be 1992 all over again.

[Loosehead]

So sp1814, civil partnerships are all it takes to offset all the disasters then!

[Catso]

Ask John Prescott.

[matt66]

What is civil partnership in the nface of a 100,000 dead.....nothing at all....he even did not give them full marriage rights.

When lebanon was burning he was diving in Barbados

The hinduja and eccleston affairs

John kellys death

85 stealth taxes

earned 30 billion from selling off of the mobile phone licences. waste in the NHS. reform for the sake of it

and to cap it all pre natal ASBOS.

GO Tony Go Go Go....you are vile Tony...and vile liar.

[matt66]

What takes the biscuit is that he wants to leave as a leader with the crowds wanting an encore......

what another 100,000 dead Iranians......no thank you Blair now shove off.

[sp1814]

Matt66

Sorry mate - you're wrong. The most important points about the civil partnership act is that gay couples now have the same rights in terms of inheritance and tax rights as straight couples.

They said they were going to do it. They did it...and I'm proud of them for that.

The war is Iraq however was something foisted on them. It's not like they said during the last election that they were going to declare war on terror.

By the way, what do you think the Tories would've done?

[jake-the-peg]

They started house of Lords reform.

There's still a way to go.

If you waited for the Tories to bring about reform we'd not even have a Parliament act and still be touching our forelocks!

But does anybody seriously want Cameron? - the man seems to make up policies on the fly as he goes.

He'll probably go to the bathroom tonight and come out with a new one!

What was the last one - We'll abolish Inheritance TAX but we can't tell you how we'll fund it?

I can do that too

Vote Jake I'll abolish all taxes - but I can't tell you how I'll fund it!

Strictly amateur hour so far!

[jake-the-peg]

I wish I could believe you SP that the Iraq was foisted on them

Do you believe we'd have gone if Robin Cook had been PM.

Tony Blair was just too weak to say No

[sp1814]

Someone (a few months back) posted a list of Labours 50 greatest achievements in office.

Even I, as a Labour voter was shocked to read some of them...I only wish I could reproduce them now.

We, as a nation, are so hell bent on slagging off everything about ourselves (our way or life, our immigrants, our government, our taxes, our public workers, our tube system, our television) that we forget...that this is one of the most fantastic countries in the world.

I myself WILL NEVER go down the route of the right wingers (or right whingers) in slating the UK.

I think we've got it flipping good...anyone who disagrees needs to spend a few weeks working in a Reebok factory in Northern China.

D'ya see where I'm coming from?

[sp1814]

Ah...but what about Reagan's assault on Grenada during Thatcher's premiership?

This was soveriegn territory, and the US completely blanked us...they did not even bother consulting us, or advising the British diplomatic service until after the invasion began (I'm quoting from the excellent Thatcher biography, 'One Of Us' by Hugh Young - brilliant read by the way).

[jno]

some of you youngsters don't even remember the 20% inflation in the early 1980s (imagine trying to save for a house with that), the delights of the poll tax, the abolition of London's government as an act of political spite (because Maggie couldn't stand Ken), selling off the railways to line the pockets of fatcats, the economic disaster of Britain entering the European exchange rate mechanism... so you'll be condemned to repeat it, I guess.

Anyway, Labour pros include civil unions, devolution, and a long period of prosperity. Cons are Iraq, Iraq and Iraq; but the Tories backed that too.

[kempie]

I'm shocked by (New) Labour's 50 greatest achievements also, but not for the same reasons as sp1814

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question22 8649.html

Of the many claims made with which I take issue, here are but a few...

6. Record levels of literacy and numeracy in schools
... is this why many universities offer remedial classes for new students?

33. Record rises in the state pension
... record depletion of private pension funds.

35. Introduced child tax credit giving more money to parents
... of course the list is from Feb 2005 so nobody knew that the Govt. had overpaid �2.2bn 2003/4 and �1.8bn 2004/5.

36. Banned handguns
... removed them from law abiding owners but not the criminals.

etc., etc., etc.