The Rail Strike, Labour & Starmer.

[Omegstrat6]

David Blunkett has called this right and urged the RMT not to strike as to do so at this time will both lose them support in the court of public opinion and play right into the hands of the Tory Party. He said their unwillingness to take a more considered and reasonable view would lead them to walk into an "elephant trap" that would only further set back the cause of unions in general.

Starmer needs to stand up here and be prepared to p iss off the more radical left wing in order to better protect the interests of more moderate unions and Party members in order to fight for better equalities in this country at a time when they are most needed. Sitting on the fence on this will not cut it. Has he the will though? Sadly doubt it.

[mickd1961]

Why does it matter? Whether he supported them or not, nothing would have been any different.

Tories have been in power for 12 years and have an 80 seat majority. They don't care about these strikes, because its in their interest it goes ahead so they can do their usual and create division and blame everyone else.

The Daily Mail's front page headline yesterday saying Labour isn't working, when the Govt haven't lifted a finger to try and negotiate or prevent it. Not one meeting in the last week between RMT and the Government to try and resolve this strike.

But yeah... Starmer's fault.

Millions will read and believe it. As I've said many times - people aren't too bright in this country.

As usual you’re hiding from the question.

What is Labour and Starmer’s position on this?

I’ve watched various news outlets and I haven’t a clue!?

Is he willing to give the unions the rise they want ( if he were in power ) and does he agree with the strikes?

[WBA123]

As usual you’re hiding from the question.

What is Labour and Starmer’s position on this?

I’ve watched various news outlets and I haven’t a clue!?

Is he willing to give the unions the rise they want ( if he were in power ) and does he agree with the strikes?

As usual you've fallen into the Tory propaganda trap.

Its obvious why he's not giving a position, because he'll get pelters from both sides if he does. So its a no win situation. The sensible position is the one he's taken, which is to ask both sides to get around the table and negotiate.

Why is it important to you, when it won't make any difference to the situation or how you'll vote?

[9goals2hattricks3pen]

As usual you've fallen into the Tory propaganda trap.

Its obvious why he's not giving a position, because he'll get pelters from both sides if he does. So its a no win situation. The sensible position is the one he's taken, which is to ask both sides to get around the table and negotiate.

Why is it important to you, when it won't make any difference to the situation or how you'll vote?

I find this post quite staggering.

Do you truly believe it's OK for the Leader of The Opposition 'not to give a position' on such a crucial issue affecting the UK? You then contradict yourself by stating he does have an position 'to get round the table and negotiate.' No sh1t! That is exactly the same position as The Govt, the rail companies, the RMT and next door's dog.

Will it influence how I vote. Damn right it will. I have a massive fear that if Labour get in the unions will view it as their opportunity to take back control of how this country is run. Starmer's stance or lack of it reinforces that fear. And that is moderate Mr Starmer. What is sat behind him is truly scarey. Over the top? I've lived through it before in the 70's when Britain was known as 'The Sick Man of Europe'.

Propaganda trap! Give me strength!

[WBA123]

[/QUOTE]Do you truly believe it's OK for the Leader of The Opposition 'not to give a position' on such a crucial issue affecting the UK?
[/QUOTE]

When it serves no purpose to give a position then yes. He won't win whichever side he picks.

[/QUOTE]You then contradict yourself by stating he does have an position 'to get round the table and negotiate.' [/QUOTE]

Granted - I should have said pick a side, rather than a position originally.

[/QUOTE]No sh1t! That is exactly the same position as The Govt, the rail companies, the RMT and next door's dog. [/QUOTE]

I think you missed the point of my previous posts. That is not the intention of this Govt. If it was why haven't they even tried to sit down with RMT this week.

[/QUOTE]Will it influence how I vote. Damn right it will. I have a massive fear that if Labour get in the unions will view it as their opportunity to take back control of how this country is run[/QUOTE]

I thought you wanted us to 'take back control?'

[/QUOTE] I've lived through it before in the 70's when Britain was known as 'The Sick Man of Europe'.[/QUOTE]

Get used to it. We'll be the Sick Man of Europe again very shortly thanks the 'B' word

[9goals2hattricks3pen]

Do you truly believe it's OK for the Leader of The Opposition 'not to give a position' on such a crucial issue affecting the UK?
[/QUOTE]

When it serves no purpose to give a position then yes. He won't win whichever side he picks.

[/QUOTE]You then contradict yourself by stating he does have an position 'to get round the table and negotiate.' [/QUOTE]

Granted - I should have said pick a side, rather than a position originally.

[/QUOTE]No sh1t! That is exactly the same position as The Govt, the rail companies, the RMT and next door's dog. [/QUOTE]

I think you missed the point of my previous posts. That is not the intention of this Govt. If it was why haven't they even tried to sit down with RMT this week.

[/QUOTE]Will it influence how I vote. Damn right it will. I have a massive fear that if Labour get in the unions will view it as their opportunity to take back control of how this country is run[/QUOTE]

I thought you wanted us to 'take back control?'

[/QUOTE] I've lived through it before in the 70's when Britain was known as 'The Sick Man of Europe'.[/QUOTE]

Get used to it. We'll be the Sick Man of Europe again very shortly thanks the 'B' word[/QUOTE]

Your comments on Starmer's stance (or lack of) get more unbelievable by the post. He can't make clear his position because if he does he will be criticised! What sort of leader leads in such a manner? You couldn't make it up. Unless of course you have such a warped view you can support anything as long as it is anti Tory.

You seem to suggest by 'us' you mean the unions. The day the likes of Mick Lynch et al represent 'us' will be a sad day indeed.

The B word you refer to I take to be the bollox you are posting that do neither you or your beliefs any credit whatsoever.

[Albionic68]

I sincerely hope for Kier's sake that he's wearing reinforced underpants. I'm told sitting on fences can be uncomfortable enough as it is. Sitting on a picket fence sounds excruciating.....

[Omegstrat6]

Very good!

[Omegstrat6]

Of course the RMT are not to blame for the current economic crisis but I agree with Ketts that the actions of this union smacks of selfishness at this time (and I'm a union rep). As 123 says, Starmer is doing nothing wrong in pushing for more negotiations to try and resolve-something the Tories seem to have avoided doing-but, like Mick, I agree that he also needs to make his own position clear on this.

[baggieal]

I sincerely hope for Kier's sake that he's wearing reinforced underpants. I'm told sitting on fences can be uncomfortable enough as it is. Sitting on a picket fence sounds excruciating.....

Totally agree. Starmer is a genius at sitting on the fence and never comes out with any solutions. I would love his take on Ukraine and how he could improve things and of course on his ways to tackle inflation and the cost of living! But no he’s great at slamming the government and ramming home Partygate even though he had a few beers himself and was late in declaring hospitality freebies.

Top man at the CPS - no wonder it’s in a mess and still no change there!