Thank you Paul for such an honest written piece. You’re a man with common sense, and whose values and principles are steadfast, which means that you do not fear Reform, that you would challenge and debate them where necessary, but still respect the democratic rights of others to back them if they choose to do so; goodness only knows I wish others were the same and didn’t have to resort to the lowly tactics you mention in your piece. Brilliant.
well done Paul for highlighting this - beyond absurd for normal people but equally of no surprise either.
Why do we keep using the term ‘progressive’ when actually these people are ‘regressive’ - they are not inclusive or respectful of people who have views that they do not agree with so they are the opposite of ‘inclusive and caring’ and profoundly anti-democratic as they clearly see themselves as cultural and societal dictators imposing their own narrow ideological views on the people they supposedly represent.
Yes. The term is self styled to portray that politics in a different, more favourable light, yet the media copy it without thinking. Another one that I’ve noticed is this term ‘soft left’. Like it’s some kind of teddy bear. It ain’t. Again, self awarded.
It’s interesting isn’t it that senior management in every public sector organisation has bought into the woke agenda. Of course we all know you have to answer the “ Diversity” question at some point during the interview. Reform being perceived as too far to the right is ridiculous ,when the reality is they are bang on the money as far as fair play, and no discrimination towards the indigenous white working class. I hope the people of of Ashton & Makerfield choose wisely.
Even more interesting is why the union push it and support it alongside them. IMO, its because DEI/identity politics was the only way the employer and union can pretend they are having any positive impact as they dress up this managed decline as “saving the tax payer money”. Except it doesn't. Or they can say. “Oh look were fighting racism/making positive edi reforms” which achieves nothing in reality because we can all see that all of our lives are getting worse. All Dei and identity politics does is to shift the oppressor/parasite label from the government and employer to their fellow workers, or community members. It benefits both employer and union as it keeps the focus off their failings and puts the blame on others. That way they can all keep cashing their over inflated pay cheques. Was it Upton Sinclair who said it best:
“The truth becomes offensive the minute it threatens someone's pay cheque “
These Fire Chiefs will be asking us who we vote for before they send firemen to burning homes next. This is outrageous and yet has hardly had a mention in the MSM or in Parliament. They have the brass neck to say they are inclusive when they clearly are very exclusive to 30%+ of the population.
Well said Paul always the voice of reason, unfortunately people in authority and falsehood assume that we the people are incapable of aligning ourselves with politics we truly believe in. I don’t understand how things have declined so much that “classes” of people think the working class are incapable of making choices heaven forbid vote for Reform. I haven’t in no way been pushed to support reform rather than I like what I hear. The tories lost credibility a long time ago the Labour Party has turned into power crazed, incompetent bunch of ego maniacs. When I look back at the old Labour (not Blair)I looked in ore what they had achieved, as for the rest of the parties Greens Lib Dem’s have been infiltrated and that’s not good. Politics has never been dirtier it’s not a good look and I really hope a good shake up and a few damaged egos will win the day. People crave for stability, feeling safe and trust the people that serve us it’s not a lot to ask
Thanks Paul for hightlighting the authroitarianism of this stasi style ideology which has served to drive a truck through our people and nation. The sheer front of these people who consider themselves democratic. Democratic only according to their rules and regulations. Anyone outside of that is a deplorable. Their nauseating stance on how inclusive and concerned they are for the safety of all. the whole 'safe ' stuff plays on peoples fears and no wonder we have a population of young people who squeal "I am not safe ' at the slightes upset. I am sure a fire fighter doesnt need those getting paid at the top telling them that they will make them feel safe. I mean seriously!
Superb, if alarming piece. Honestly don’t know where to start. So many issues. But the overwhelming thing that stands out to me is how democracy is massively under threat here in this country, the Former Great Britain. Despite warnings, this never changes, we seem to be sliding towards oblivion. The FBU are not alone, they simply mimic the establishment, who seek to use legal means to impose their political will and subdue a nation and any dissent. Jail sentences for deleted tweets, history being re-written, a government who frankly lied to get elected, and a PM we can’t remove. When are the citizens of what remains of this country going to wake up?
Excellent article Paul and thank you for drawing attention to this Orwellian action by the managers. Such tactics cannot win in the long term and only reflect badly on the Labour Party which has lost its way and seems incapable of listening to the concerns of those who used to support them.
It's an absolute joy to read your pieces. Honestly, so refreshing to hear such sense and it's a much needed voice on the left, whose leaders have mostly entered the twilight zone and dragged is all along. But Paul, and yes I am sounding like a broken record, how is it that you have no intention of voting Reform? I understand your opposition to Thatcherite policies (though Reform are much less Thatcherite than Thatcher's conservative government was) but isn't the most important part to get Labour out so they learn a lesson, regroup and come back in a better form? If we don't stop the juggernaut of Labour's destructive ways then we won't have a country left. The working class suffered under Thatcher, and they are equally suffering under Labour. I truly believe they will suffer less under Farage. Moreover, given he's the MP for Clacton, he couldn't afford to impose Thatcherite economic policies on the very people that voted him in. I can't think of any other explanation for your continued membership of Labour at this time than indoctrination ("I've voted Labour all my life, like my dad and grandad before me" etc etc). Why would you continue to vote for the party that has systematically assaulted the working class and shown utter disdain for them - Blair, Brown, Starmer (and the Tories, obviously). As mentioned, the working class will be no worse off under Farage in my opinion so I'd really be curious to know what keeps you with Labour in their current incarnation? You can still vote Reform and continue to lobby Labour for change.
You're right to politically characterise Reformists as part of the broader tory family, but there have always been plenty of tories in the Fire Brigade - it was a combination of tories and trots which 'won' the FBU Labour disaffiliation vote back in 2004 after all.
Should tories be discriminated against in the workplace? No of course not, but their presence in the workforce is nothing new.
However, with Andy Burnham leading us going forward, I reckon tories of all shades of blue will decline in support again and we'll win big at the next general election.
Thank you Paul for such an honest written piece. You’re a man with common sense, and whose values and principles are steadfast, which means that you do not fear Reform, that you would challenge and debate them where necessary, but still respect the democratic rights of others to back them if they choose to do so; goodness only knows I wish others were the same and didn’t have to resort to the lowly tactics you mention in your piece. Brilliant.
Many thanks, Hilary.
well done Paul for highlighting this - beyond absurd for normal people but equally of no surprise either.
Why do we keep using the term ‘progressive’ when actually these people are ‘regressive’ - they are not inclusive or respectful of people who have views that they do not agree with so they are the opposite of ‘inclusive and caring’ and profoundly anti-democratic as they clearly see themselves as cultural and societal dictators imposing their own narrow ideological views on the people they supposedly represent.
Yes. The term is self styled to portray that politics in a different, more favourable light, yet the media copy it without thinking. Another one that I’ve noticed is this term ‘soft left’. Like it’s some kind of teddy bear. It ain’t. Again, self awarded.
It’s interesting isn’t it that senior management in every public sector organisation has bought into the woke agenda. Of course we all know you have to answer the “ Diversity” question at some point during the interview. Reform being perceived as too far to the right is ridiculous ,when the reality is they are bang on the money as far as fair play, and no discrimination towards the indigenous white working class. I hope the people of of Ashton & Makerfield choose wisely.
Even more interesting is why the union push it and support it alongside them. IMO, its because DEI/identity politics was the only way the employer and union can pretend they are having any positive impact as they dress up this managed decline as “saving the tax payer money”. Except it doesn't. Or they can say. “Oh look were fighting racism/making positive edi reforms” which achieves nothing in reality because we can all see that all of our lives are getting worse. All Dei and identity politics does is to shift the oppressor/parasite label from the government and employer to their fellow workers, or community members. It benefits both employer and union as it keeps the focus off their failings and puts the blame on others. That way they can all keep cashing their over inflated pay cheques. Was it Upton Sinclair who said it best:
“The truth becomes offensive the minute it threatens someone's pay cheque “
These Fire Chiefs will be asking us who we vote for before they send firemen to burning homes next. This is outrageous and yet has hardly had a mention in the MSM or in Parliament. They have the brass neck to say they are inclusive when they clearly are very exclusive to 30%+ of the population.
Well said Paul always the voice of reason, unfortunately people in authority and falsehood assume that we the people are incapable of aligning ourselves with politics we truly believe in. I don’t understand how things have declined so much that “classes” of people think the working class are incapable of making choices heaven forbid vote for Reform. I haven’t in no way been pushed to support reform rather than I like what I hear. The tories lost credibility a long time ago the Labour Party has turned into power crazed, incompetent bunch of ego maniacs. When I look back at the old Labour (not Blair)I looked in ore what they had achieved, as for the rest of the parties Greens Lib Dem’s have been infiltrated and that’s not good. Politics has never been dirtier it’s not a good look and I really hope a good shake up and a few damaged egos will win the day. People crave for stability, feeling safe and trust the people that serve us it’s not a lot to ask
Hi Paul 👋
Wonderful piece 👏
I wouldn't be surprised if they sent those reform supporting firefighters to a re-education camp while those "offendend " will be offered therapy.
How this helps put out fires , cut people out of cars and rescue tiddles from the tree is beyond me ....
Have a lovely week Paul and other readers 😃
Thanks Paul for hightlighting the authroitarianism of this stasi style ideology which has served to drive a truck through our people and nation. The sheer front of these people who consider themselves democratic. Democratic only according to their rules and regulations. Anyone outside of that is a deplorable. Their nauseating stance on how inclusive and concerned they are for the safety of all. the whole 'safe ' stuff plays on peoples fears and no wonder we have a population of young people who squeal "I am not safe ' at the slightes upset. I am sure a fire fighter doesnt need those getting paid at the top telling them that they will make them feel safe. I mean seriously!
Superb, if alarming piece. Honestly don’t know where to start. So many issues. But the overwhelming thing that stands out to me is how democracy is massively under threat here in this country, the Former Great Britain. Despite warnings, this never changes, we seem to be sliding towards oblivion. The FBU are not alone, they simply mimic the establishment, who seek to use legal means to impose their political will and subdue a nation and any dissent. Jail sentences for deleted tweets, history being re-written, a government who frankly lied to get elected, and a PM we can’t remove. When are the citizens of what remains of this country going to wake up?
Excellent article Paul and thank you for drawing attention to this Orwellian action by the managers. Such tactics cannot win in the long term and only reflect badly on the Labour Party which has lost its way and seems incapable of listening to the concerns of those who used to support them.
‘protected from all perspectives and that our inclusive culture remains safe’….. one the most sinister warnings I’ve seen.
It's an absolute joy to read your pieces. Honestly, so refreshing to hear such sense and it's a much needed voice on the left, whose leaders have mostly entered the twilight zone and dragged is all along. But Paul, and yes I am sounding like a broken record, how is it that you have no intention of voting Reform? I understand your opposition to Thatcherite policies (though Reform are much less Thatcherite than Thatcher's conservative government was) but isn't the most important part to get Labour out so they learn a lesson, regroup and come back in a better form? If we don't stop the juggernaut of Labour's destructive ways then we won't have a country left. The working class suffered under Thatcher, and they are equally suffering under Labour. I truly believe they will suffer less under Farage. Moreover, given he's the MP for Clacton, he couldn't afford to impose Thatcherite economic policies on the very people that voted him in. I can't think of any other explanation for your continued membership of Labour at this time than indoctrination ("I've voted Labour all my life, like my dad and grandad before me" etc etc). Why would you continue to vote for the party that has systematically assaulted the working class and shown utter disdain for them - Blair, Brown, Starmer (and the Tories, obviously). As mentioned, the working class will be no worse off under Farage in my opinion so I'd really be curious to know what keeps you with Labour in their current incarnation? You can still vote Reform and continue to lobby Labour for change.
You're right to politically characterise Reformists as part of the broader tory family, but there have always been plenty of tories in the Fire Brigade - it was a combination of tories and trots which 'won' the FBU Labour disaffiliation vote back in 2004 after all.
Should tories be discriminated against in the workplace? No of course not, but their presence in the workforce is nothing new.
However, with Andy Burnham leading us going forward, I reckon tories of all shades of blue will decline in support again and we'll win big at the next general election.