ELECTION SPECIAL: The Labour manifesto explained

We discuss the Labour manifesto launched on Thursday and give our reaction to the policies and pledges within it.
Find out more: www.ifs.org.uk

[@andyevans8585]

I'm someone now 2 years sick with a treatable condition, I have a job waiting for me (my employer hasn't fired me) and have been waiting over a year to speak to the specialist that can prescribe me the medication I need. Because I'm not a minor, nor elderly, nor is my condition life threatening, I'm in a limbo situation of waiting while everyone else is put before me. How many others are in similar situations? No one knows or seems to even care.

[@novacaine_]

Hope you get the care you need truly. Its truly a shame you've been left in limbo. I

[@andyevans8585]

@novacaine_ Thanks

[@yeyeoyeye6039]

Labour plan to cut the NHS waiting lists as a priority. They have said that one of the benefits of this will be that folks like yourself can get back to work. Too many people are unable to work because of health issues and because they can’t get the treatment they need. I hope you get the care you need very soon.

[@andyevans8585]

@yeyeoyeye6039 Aye that's my hope. Sadly my situation is because of how the NHS prioritise people and while I understand the reasons for it they should also take into account how much time the illness will take to fix. I need a prescription from a specialist. That's it. I'm already diagnosed so we're talking a 5 minute conversation at the most. Imagine how our economy would be performing if all the people like me were able to get back into the workforce. Labours plans, while positive long term, aren't going to improve this unless they are willing to make this simple change.

[@Rhino11111111]

Can you not go private?

[@yeyeoyeye6039]

You said ‘…we haven’t heard much from Labour about … the rapidly rising benefits costs from those in ill health and what it wants to do about that …’ It’s actually a clearly stated priority for Labour to cut the NHS waiting lists. They’ve pointed out, as you have, that many people can’t work because of I’ll health. They’ve said that getting treatment will enable many people to get working again which will help the economy and they will be contributing taxes again. Streeting and Starmer have talked about this very often. Clearly this will also help reduce the benefits bill.

[@advocate1563]

Exactly why we offshored ourselves and our business. Wishing everyone well.

[@boothie15]

Good chats! How does the current CGT regime discourage investment?

[@petearmstrong2778]

Where do the parties sit with regards to payment made to victims of scandals - Greenfell, PO, Blood, WASPI etc? I assume these are special payments yet must still impact the countries books.

[@vvwalker7261]

Great summary, keep up the good work!

[@tomrusack3266]

Cutting government regulations, that’s always a sure fire way to energise an economy.

[@DrewSpencer1]

Starmer just waffles to fill up his time slot when interviewed as he’s so worried about the cracks showing. Main problem with Labour’s Manifesto is that it’s so small on ideas no wonder they can afford it, much more is needed for ‘change’ and therefore much more is unfunded eg, any further doctors salary increase is not budgeted. This Labour obviously means more taxes would be coming.

[@jamesmacdaid624]

Why threaten their polling lead with specfics? They've learnt the lessons from the May campaign when she and her team outlined necessary changes to Social Care etc. Spunked a 20 plus lead. Peddle soft policies, get the stonking majority and do what you like for 5 years, with the mantra "we had to make hard choices...". But the electorate won't know those choices until 5th July onwards.

[@travellingtom6091]

I love reading comments about politics. Most people think everything "their" party says is great and everything any other party says is wrong. Like listening to children. 🤣

[@JamesGower-ch5zj]

Not if you go to USA politics where events are so partisan and divided there is no sensible debate. Meanwhile Bravo to all.

[@Matt-ou7tu]

The IFS gives too much leeway/benefit of the doubt to Labour on this manifesto.

[@ChangesOneTim]

Labour always knew they would win Election 2024 given the dire state of the country and the Tories. Easy therefore for them to diagnose and list all the problems without having to bother much about explaining their policies on dealing with them. In the fortnight since this podcast, Starmer and his senior colleagues continue getting away with word salad responses to journalists and weak rebuttals to desperate Tories, leaving us still little or none the wiser. Once in power this Friday, faced with a badly-bruised Tory opposition of perhaps 150 - or even just 100 - MPs, they'll have an open goal to make things up as they go along.