Fine, but only if there's agreement that loss-making, non-essential service providing industries are definitely to be privatised either by being sold off or mutualised.
Speaking of, I'm genuinely shocked you haven't spoken more about cooperatives and workplace democracy, that is an area where we can definitely reach a good compromise.
I don't think that any social democratic party worthy of the description can endorse definite privatisation of any industry. Just as Heath and Thatcher supported the nationalisation of Rolls-Royce in the seventies and bailed out Leyland in the 1980's, there are some circumstances where the Labour Party would have to commit itself to denationalisation. We cannot however agree to a generalisation which is in violation of the fourth clause of our party's constitution. That would be an affront to our members.
In other words, we can commit to consultation, consultations whereby if there is an agreement that a loss-making industry not performing a critical service like public transport or health should be privatised, then we shall act according to that ruling. I feel however that the Labour Party cannot however actually say that "that loss-making, non-essential service providing industries are
definitely to be privatised" - again, such things should be decided on a case by case basis.
In that case we should seek entry and, if entry is possible, then we should hold a referendum on whether we should join.
I feel that a popular mandate from the British people would greatly aid our chances of acceptance and that therefore it should precede any attempts to seek entry. Joining first only to leave as soon as the referendum is held (if that is the result) would be a diplomatic embarrassment to our country and not a policy which should be considered by any serious party of government.
Yes. Income tax cuts will help workers struggling with the cost of living due to wage restraint and price inflation. Furthermore, some form of Land Value Tax has to be implemented as it's a key Liberal policy - that's why I proposed using it to replace business rates. If you don't like that form of it then come up with an alternative.
I am afraid that we may need to keep taxes as is to pay for some of our important spending policies, such as improving infrastructure and the welfare state. In fair weather this is something we may consider, but in the depths of a social crisis we simply cannot talk about tax cuts at the present time if it would mean less money for health, education and modernising our ageing infrastructure - the policies we also need to enact to ensure greater social mobility in the long term.
Odd then that I have consistently argued for it while Labour has said nothing
FWIW I've often agreed with you to a degree in regards to cooperatives as well, I just tend to only say something when I
disagree with you.
The further decentralisation of power is a crucial Liberal policy. You can't expect us to go into coalition without concessions of some sort.
I will throw Clause IV back in your face if you insist on negotiating in that tone. I feel that Labour have offered to make considerable concessions just as the Liberals have, and that this should be adequately recognised and respected by our potential Liberal partners.
