tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732407426313451205.post1383270816702867307..comments2024-03-08T15:43:20.236+00:00Comments on Keynesian Liberal: Shock horror: dog wags tail!Peter Wrigleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16481117156930677255noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4732407426313451205.post-16752819869699847482011-03-15T09:50:27.083+00:002011-03-15T09:50:27.083+00:00I suppose it's fairly natural that there would...I suppose it's fairly natural that there would be much weeping and gnashing of teeth on both sides; that said, I'm certainly not one to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Much like yourself, I suppose I see the areas where there are "Conservative victories" as us managing to push forward what's right for Britain and limiting 'the damage' that might otherwise be done by a more left-wing government. However, I'm also extremely proud of the areas in which both of our interests have been jointly served, where we have made progress that seems to suit both parties that was never taken by Labour. Consider:<br /><br />- Raising the personal allowance tax threshold so that people officially classed as being in poverty are not paying tax;<br />- Scrapping of ID cards and a rollback of intrusive state powers;<br />- Discussions to devolve more planning permission, budget choices and control and participation of public services to a local level;<br />- The opening up of government data on expenses, police results, health data amongst others - the empowerment of the British people made possible by the state's (formerly hidden or obfuscated);<br />- The establishment of an Office for Budget Responsibility (which has already both backed and criticised the Chancellor when appropriate) to provide independent official economic forecasts, rather than the laughable politicised forecasts made during Labour's tenure;<br />- The start of a sensible, balanced and mature discussion on the question of immigration - both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister have raised the issue and whilst their angle may differ, it seems finally an issue we can talk about after 13 years of stifling debate by hollering 'racist!' every time it's raised;<br />- A free national financial advice line funded by a social responsibility levy on the banks;<br />- A crackdown on *both* tax evasion and benefit fraud to hit those at both ends of the ladder who are cheating society and their fellow citizens;<br />- Provision of tax credits for hi-tech companies and start-ups, a reduction in the steps taken to start up a new business, a removal of the ban on social housing tenants setting up from their homes...<br /><br />...I could go on much longer, but I think there is a huge list of achievements and planned achievements which both parties can sign up to; and which I feel is infinitely more progressive than the sort of society which Labour was fostering.Chris Waleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16024405242142893470noreply@blogger.com