PM’s announcement that while she would protect ever rising “Overseas Aid” budget of 0:07%, highest in Western world, she would ditch “Pension Triple Lot Guarantee” thus punishing OAP voters. She may also abolish free bus passes, TV licence and Christmas bonus for pensioners.
The demise of UKIP, recent local council election results and unassailable myriad lead in “Opinion Poll” has dented PM’s judgement. With ever changing political scenario, President Trump performing a spectacular U turn, putting Britain behind EU on trade deals; thus denting Special Relations, it would be unwise for PM to ignore voters’ concern. Accident prone Boris Johnson’s personal attack on Labour leader and PM’s unwillingness to participate in TV debate has already dented Conservative’s sincerity.
Chancellor is rightly ditching party’s commitment not to raise VAT, NHS and Income Tax, as five rear is a long time to make such commitments in a topsy-turvy world. But Government’s past record to abolish 10% rate for the poor while cutting 50% rate to 45% benefiting higher earners, may not install much confidence.
Perhaps these plutocratic approaches, unpredicted announcements and over-confidence in taking victory for granted, may provide golden opportunity for Labour to prove opinion polls wrong. After unexpected Brexit and Trump election outcome, it would be extremely fool-hardy for Conservatives to test voters’ loyalty. Even “Right Wing” newspapers are questioning her “Overseas Aid” commitments when money is badly needed at home. Readers should scrutinize Parties’ manifesto before making up their mind!
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
