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For a laugh, here is a list of 10 things that I think are quite easy to do, which would help the UK rebuild itself after the twin impacts of Covid and Brexit. (PLEASE NOTE: reversing Brexit is not on this list, because it's not easy. Doesn't mean I don't want it.)
Here goes. /1
Here goes. /1
1) Increase SSP to cover people's entire wages, up to a cap of ÂŁ300/week. This will significantly reduce presenteeism, leading to better overall health. Objectors will say it promotes people abusing the system, but the safeguards on this are pretty strong. /2
2) Introduce a levy on companies that benefitted from the conditions during the Covid pandemic. Specifically companies like Amazon, or the large supermarket chains, as they've been given a structural advantage by govt. This is externality correction, one purpose of tax policy. /3
3) If writing off Covid debt isn't an option, then the majority of this burden should be borne by the wealthy. That part of British society has not suffered financially during Covid, indeed they've prospered, so they have a duty to those they've benefitted from. /4
4) It was ridiculed before, but we need to ensure every home in the country has access to high-speed broadband, available for free on a means-tested basis. By which I mean an automated means-tested basis, not a form-filling nightmare. /5
5) Grants/loans/incentives to new startup businesses should only be available if the company in question can demonstrate that their plan/activities are in line with an objective to reduce carbon emissions faster than the current target. We can't forget the environment. /6
6) We need to drop the combative policy towards the EU, and start treating them as genuine friends. Deal with the ridiculous visa situations some sectors are facing. Sort out exports/imports. And, frankly, lets start considering SM/CU rejoin immediately. Stronger together. /7
7) Immediate reform of UK governance section. First, laws need to be in place that any politician proven to have lied to the British people during an election is disqualified for life. When a campaigner for office lies, it is fraud against everyone in the electorate. /8
8) An independent enquiry into Government procurement and contracting practices. It's clear right now that it is far too easy for Governments to simply hand over millions to their friends/relatives with no oversight whatsoever. This has to stop. Now. /9
9) Commons rules need to be changed. If an MP lies, then that needs to be able to be called out, in the House. At the moment, there's no ability for anyone to respond when someone like Johnson is lying, it's banned by the rules. /10
10) Ok, I lied. This one isn't easy.
Change the system from FPTP to PR. I will never accept a Government that has an absolute majority when receiving 40% of the vote as a legitimate authority, because it's not. /11
Change the system from FPTP to PR. I will never accept a Government that has an absolute majority when receiving 40% of the vote as a legitimate authority, because it's not. /11
11) Wait, what, I lied twice in one thread!? Bad Steve.
We need a genuine, impartial and full, analysis of the relative benefits of Brexit and rejoining, to take place either before the 2024 or 2028 elections. Now that we have facts, we deserve a chance to revisit the question./
We need a genuine, impartial and full, analysis of the relative benefits of Brexit and rejoining, to take place either before the 2024 or 2028 elections. Now that we have facts, we deserve a chance to revisit the question./
