Politics

[Peter Frost]

They are businesses. Not simply property…

Of course they are Nigel - but there are thousands of other businesses that have a similar asset/family basis that don’t enjoy the the benefits farmers continue to get.

[Melbourne Cobbler]

On this note regarding taxation there is some historical evidence that can demonstrate the risks. In the early 70s at the height of the compassionate movement, Labour pandered to the far left sentiment by introducing a policy of a 90% top level tax rate. They were swept to power in the assumption that all these rich bastards were going to get fleeced and fix the countries shortcomings regarding public services and the like. However it led to an exodus from Britain, where businesses people and even film and rock stars fcuked off to live in countries with a more favourable tax rate. The financial consequences were catastrophic and led to the highest level of child poverty since the 1800s amongst other things. So in summary those politicians involved shoe horned themselves into power by introducing a policy and promising the world to the most vulnerable. The net result was failing the very people they claimed they were trying to help, and still people keep banging on about taxing rich c***s. Not only does it not work, it can actually cause the polar opposite to what you claim you are trying to to achieve. But let’s not let that stop a grab for power off the back of an emotive illusion based around petty jealousy, designed to win votes and nothing more. It’s a simple mathematical and logical equation, 40% of something is more than 90% of nothing, and the UK is in competition for that something with everyone else. This is compounded by the fact that once you earn a certain level of income you can more often than not live where you like. Think about it.

[Melbourne Cobbler]

Of course they are Nigel - but there are thousands of other businesses that have a similar asset/family basis that don’t enjoy the the benefits farmers continue to get.

Thing is, if farms become financially unviable or even unattractive then they cease to operate and food production increasingly moves off shore as well, with all the financial and sustainability consequences that brings. The UK is already in the position where it can’t sustain itself with regards to food production. Will this be the last great industry where the majority of production is moved abroad? And remember, once it goes and the bulldozers move in, it ain’t never coming back. So is this a policy based on long term financial gain or short term political gain, I know what my money’s on.

[Peter Frost]

Thing is, if farms become financially unviable or even unattractive then they cease to operate and food production increasingly moves off shore as well, with all the financial and sustainability consequences that brings. The UK is already in the position where it can’t sustain itself with regards to food production. Will this be the last great industry where the majority of production is moved abroad? And remember, once it goes and the bulldozers move in, it ain’t never coming back. So is this a policy based on long term financial gain or short term political gain, I know what my money’s on.

You raise a reasonable point but that’s typically not the scenario in the UK - here when small farms become unviable (for a multitude of reasons and not because of IHT changes) it’s more likely they are bought by large farming conglomerates rather than moving off shore - itself not a great development in respect of choice or food quality. I‘m not sure where the short term political gain you mention comes from though.
Personally I think the far bigger problem smaller farmers face is greedy supermarkets and I guess us the consumer who wants unrealistically priced food.

For the record I think IHT is wrong I just don’t see farmers as the only special case

[Peter Frost]

Dale - good point on the taxation issues- the competitive nature you speak of works here in Switzerland- here we have wealth tax - which is anything between 0.5 and 2% of your total assets, typically non negotiable and hiding wealth attracts big penalties - however at a certain level of wealth you can negotiate with your commune where you live - offer a certain sum and if accepted stay in the commune or if refused simply move somewhere else who will accept it - perfectly illustrating your 40% of something is better than nothing - there are many people in Switzerland with assets in the 100‘s of millions who can reduce a wealth tax bill of millions to a perhaps less than a 100,000 simple because the competitive nature you mention.

So I guess the simple question here is for society is it right the likes of Grand Prix drivers pay 0.01% wealth tax whilst us mere mortals pay the full 2%

Modern taxation is and always be a balancing act and governments of all persuasions rarely keep everyone happy!

[Melbourne Cobbler]

You raise a reasonable point but that’s typically not the scenario in the UK - here when small farms become unviable (for a multitude of reasons and not because of IHT changes) it’s more likely they are bought by large farming conglomerates rather than moving off shore - itself not a great development in respect of choice or food quality. I‘m not sure where the short term political gain you mention comes from though.
Personally I think the far bigger problem smaller farmers face is greedy supermarkets and I guess us the consumer who wants unrealistically priced food.

For the record I think IHT is wrong I just don’t see farmers as the only special case

to clarify, when I say move off shore, I mean food is imported rather than home grown, and that will be the probable outcome IMO. Putative financial measures are not the answer. The creation of wealth has to be through increase in prosperity and that doesn’t come from sticking the boot in. The short term gains are all about a cross in the box on election day and little else.

[F30]

On a lighter note the price of Diesel has dropped slightly 

[Manwork04]

I see we have just over a weeks gas capacity left in UK storage, you can’t make this shît up, utter chaos.

[Peter Frost]

I see we have just over a weeks gas capacity left in UK storage, you can’t make this shît up, utter chaos.

Have another oyster and then it will all make sense…..

[Bugbrooke Boy]

Good to see Rachel Reeves in China drumming up trade. All helps to stick 2 fingers up to Trump/Musk bullies.

[Bugbrooke Boy]

And now a Reform MP is exposed as a convicted criminal who failed to notify his party or parliament. Thankfully a party of integrity is in charge.

[Tabasco Kid]

Thankfully a party of integrity is in charge.

I like you a lot. You're my new favourite.
#keepemcoming

[Bingers]

I like you a lot. You're my new favourite.
#keepemcoming

Looks like I must try harder.

[Tabasco Kid]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14274139/Ex-Labour-MP-arrested-paedo-sting-sexual-communication-child.html

[F30]

i don't click on daily mail or sun links....... Filthies!

[Tabasco Kid]

And the Welsh refugee council, use young girls to promote the benefits of migrants moving to Wales. Unbelievable.

[Manwork04]

And now a Reform MP is exposed as a convicted criminal who failed to notify his party or parliament. Thankfully a party of integrity is in charge.

[Peter Frost]

And the Welsh refugee council, use young girls to promote the benefits of migrants moving to Wales. Unbelievable.

....you know this was a school project and done specifically to welcome Ukrainian refugees don't you? - arguably not the best decision in current circumstances but an ideal opportunity for people to distort the truth

[Peter Frost]

Why do people on here politicise child sex offenders- only drawing attention to those from political sides they dislike or despise. It's pretty obvious these disturbed evil individuals come from all walks of life and should be equally condemned whatever ones political views

[Tabasco Kid]

Why do people on here politicise child sex offenders- only drawing attention to those from political sides they dislike or despise. It's pretty obvious these disturbed evil individuals come from all walks of life and should be equally condemned whatever ones political views

And you needed to edit that after posting? I prefer to check all is OK beforehand.