What could Gordon do to turn it around?
It's a year since Gordon Brown took office as prime minister. Since his brief honeymoon period there has been a series of PR disasters and crises: the election-that-wasn't; inheritance tax policy; data records loss; Northern Rock and the credit crunch; and losses in the London Mayoral vote and the Crewe and Nantwich by-election. The latest polling (for example today in the The Guardian) makes for disturbing reading for Mr Brown and Labour MPs.
Some commentators are suggesting that there is now nothing that the PM can do to turn around his and his government's fortunes.
But if there was just one thing that Mr Brown could do to help restore his public standing, what would it be?

Page 1 of 2
Comment number 1.
At 12:56 25th Jun 2008, KDeveloper wrote:There is only on thing Brown could do to redeem himself and his government - call a general election!
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Comment number 2.
At 13:01 25th Jun 2008, Mike wrote:First say sorry to the real members of the real labour party for acting like a Tory PM for the last year, then, start bringing forth policies that are expected of a real labour party, help for those hardest hit, a windfall tax on oil companies and utility companies in general who are laughing at the people all the way to the bank.
In other words. BE LABOUR!!! It ain't rocket science!
Mike Cooke
Staffs
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Comment number 3.
At 13:04 25th Jun 2008, notsosilentmajority wrote:Give us a referendum on the EU Constitution!
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Comment number 4.
At 13:05 25th Jun 2008, BlueArgyll wrote:Admit Labour has failed and call an immediate election, at least it would leave his party with some credibility.
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Comment number 5.
At 13:05 25th Jun 2008, JohnMuirOfEdinburgh wrote:1. Call a general election
2. Have a referendum on the EU Constitution / Treaty on the same day
3. Go down in a blaze of uncharacteristically dramatic glory
And naturally leave Cameron to clean up the mess.
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Comment number 6.
At 13:06 25th Jun 2008, PeterBarton wrote:Sack Alistair Darling and never let him anywhere near Ministerial office again.
Not up to the job. Look at his record. Eleven years in the Cabinet without leaving any footprints in the snow. That is, until he got to the Treasury. And then what a mess.
True, taking over from Brown must have been terrible - all those skeletons rattling in cupboards, and now they've been flung open and what a sight.
A bigger, more financially and economically literate, political heavy-hitter would have been far better able to cope with this. But not Wee Al.
Poor Darling. But the country deserves far, far better than ever he could deliver.
The Downing Street cat could do a better job than this useless, massively over-promoted man.
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Comment number 7.
At 13:07 25th Jun 2008, TallyHo wrote:My personal tipping point against this government was their handling of the foot and mouth crisis (the one that wasn't caused by a government lab at Purbright last year). Since then a lot of sewage has flowed under the bridge.
A General Election please.
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Comment number 8.
At 13:07 25th Jun 2008, pnmcintyre wrote:He's an unelected Prime Minister, so call an election and let the people decide.
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Comment number 9.
At 13:07 25th Jun 2008, bigedd2 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 10.
At 13:08 25th Jun 2008, 1valjean wrote:Kiss the backsides of the media. They'd immediately start painting a different picture of everything!
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Comment number 11.
At 13:08 25th Jun 2008, BristolExile49 wrote:He needs to do more than just one thing. That is the problem. Still, better the devil you know as the prospect of another tory government scares me much more.
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Comment number 12.
At 13:09 25th Jun 2008, lugnerin wrote:change his name
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Comment number 13.
At 13:09 25th Jun 2008, Aluate wrote:Gordon could seek for advises that will make him retain his power and organize for election.
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Comment number 14.
At 13:10 25th Jun 2008, JohnMuirOfEdinburgh wrote:@PeterBarton
Alastair Darling is only matching his boss's performance next door.
The curious tragedy is that Brown – who always dreamed of being PM – turned out to have so much less talent than his predecessor. Not to mention the leader of the opposition.
But then again: politics has never been and will never be fair.
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Comment number 15.
At 13:11 25th Jun 2008, John Sniadowski wrote:In a word - resign.
Over the coming months our country is going to need strong focussed leadership that people can believe in. We currently have "We are listening" which really means tell us what you want to hear so we can have your vote next time around.
The energy and financial crisis is not going away any time soon, whatever leader we chose (or gets into power depending which way you look at it) needs to have a strong will that can enact policies which may turn out to be a bitter pill but will turn this country round from the impending doom we now certainly face.
Gordon, stop pretending you know what to do by your so called "listening", get out of the way and lets have someone who has a spine capable of leading this country forwards not cap in hand circles!
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Comment number 16.
At 13:11 25th Jun 2008, segroeg wrote:As you think so shall you be - seven little words that could form the basis for transforming Gordon's life. Everything begins with a thought. And what you think about is what expands, so Gordon needs to rethink his style of thinking which would project to us and maybe attract into his life what he would like to have as opposed to what he is holding onto for dear life.
Michelangelo once said, "I begin to understand that the promises of the world are for the most part vain phantoms, and that to have faith in oneself and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course."
Professor Georges Didier
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Comment number 17.
At 13:14 25th Jun 2008, Alf Hartigan wrote:What could Gordon do to turn it around?
Resign.
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Comment number 18.
At 13:16 25th Jun 2008, hapyjack wrote:if they want ID cards,,,then let us have the vote on all things by using every cash point in the country,,,,if they want the country to answer then only people who have and live in this country for the last 18 years to have the vote,,,,why not sort out the local councils with their waste of money every day of the week and get the house bills down,,,,sort out the VAT on every item and lower to amount wehave to pay like every other country,,,, and if people earn lower than £270 a week nobody should be paying any tax in the wages,,,,and stop putting VAT on all second hand farm equipment....
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Comment number 19.
At 13:17 25th Jun 2008, newsnightjunkie wrote:I would like to see him stick to his guns and not allow public opinion to sway his policies
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Comment number 20.
At 13:17 25th Jun 2008, BROWNITE8 wrote:I would ask Mr Brown, PM, to continue Mr Blair's "Big Conversation" so that the country can be consulted over a wide range of issues.
I am aware that we are living in changing times, and maybe Mr Brown is privy to many things that the electorate is not.
If so, Mr Brown could ask us to simply trust him.
He is a man who has integrity - he tells us he is.
Who are we to doubt him?
I wish him and all his colleagues in Parliament - regardless of party - my support to help us have a happy country who can help the poor both at home and abroad.
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Comment number 21.
At 13:18 25th Jun 2008, Truffulaut wrote:Investigate and hold liable those responsible for the UK's kow-towing to the USA war-mongers.
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Comment number 22.
At 13:18 25th Jun 2008, Siravalco wrote:1. He could answer the West Lothian question without prevarication and then
2. He could explain why he thinks that devolution for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has not created a two tier Health Service
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Comment number 23.
At 13:18 25th Jun 2008, purpleDogzzz wrote:He would need to do at least 3 things. Call a referendum on the EU charter, scrap ID cards and the surveillance state and start realising that he is not spending the government's money, he is spending ours. Spend effectively and efficiently and wisely and cut taxes for ordinary people.
As ALL of these three run opposite to his intention, he and his party is doomed.
He should be turning the government from an ever growing oppressive controller, into a shrinking enabler and manager.
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Comment number 24.
At 13:18 25th Jun 2008, Steve wrote:Well seeing as Gordon was'nt voted for as leader by the British Public,and, considering he "Badgered" Blair for so long to take the Helm, what a MESS he has caused! After selling off our Gold reserves when Home Secretary for a "Pittance" of what it was worth, i think apart from Stepping Down from Office he should consider handing himself in to the Police for Gross Mismanagement and ordered to Pay Back ALL he has cost us!
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Comment number 25.
At 13:21 25th Jun 2008, El Presidente of Lunatic Republic wrote:Do to city traders what Margaret Thatcher did to the Unions - BRING THEM TO HEEL. Stop futures traders forcing up the prices of oil and wheat (according to reports at least 30% of the increase in oil is down to futures traders) - make banks responsible - windfall taxes on banks and oil companies and use the money to cut price the of oil, gas and electricity... That would be a start - the Conservatives won't do it.
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Comment number 26.
At 13:23 25th Jun 2008, Jmm1942 wrote:Return this country to democracy and allow the British people to run the Country instead of the EU
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Comment number 27.
At 13:25 25th Jun 2008, Tim wrote:Keep it coherent and simple (avoid gimmicks and spin):
1) Get out of Iraq
2) Take a hard line with the unions
3) Reduce fuel duty on petrol and diesel
4) Charge VAT on aviation fuel
5) Simplify the tax system
6) Control immigration
7) Reduce GP salaries and set up polyclincs
in cities.
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Comment number 28.
At 13:26 25th Jun 2008, crickedneck wrote:As an unelected leader pushing through deeply unpopular policies with bribes and deceipt he could start by asking us what we want and listening to the answers.
Failing that, just resign and please take the lickspittle cabinet with you.
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Comment number 29.
At 13:26 25th Jun 2008, bovinemoo wrote:Call a General Election. You know it. I know it. Everyone except Gordon knows it.
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Comment number 30.
At 13:28 25th Jun 2008, espark14 wrote:Just a few suggestions:
Stop closing post offices
put back the 10p tax band
cancel plans for id cards
cancel plans trident
tackle climate change properly (i.e. no third runway, 80% target for emissions in the climate change bill + incluce aviation)
stop privatisation of health service
reduce power of supermarkets with an effective code of practice (No loss leaders etc)
stop/reverse above inflation increase in train prices
introduce further tax on internal flights (not just increase in passenger duty)
and mostly importantly,
stop wasting time and money on trying to introduce 42 day detention.
so saying that I would vote for them and after that but it would be a start...
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Comment number 31.
At 13:29 25th Jun 2008, doctorRonMcdonald wrote:Cut Fuel tax and find economies in the public service bill to pay for it.
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Comment number 32.
At 13:29 25th Jun 2008, barriesingleton wrote:BROWN FIELD SITE REDEVELOPMENT
Gordon should read Eric Berne: (Transactional Analysis)
He will discover he has a strong 'Controlling Parent' (all that stuff about Moral Compass and Courage) and a 'Whining Child' (rage at Blair and self-destruct finger nails). He will also learn that to be TRULY a great leader (not to be confused with smoke and mirrors Blair) he needs to develop a strong 'Adult' ego state. This takes decades. . .
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Comment number 33.
At 13:29 25th Jun 2008, tonyenkiducx wrote:Legalise cannabis, and you can have 1 brand new vote at least.
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Comment number 34.
At 13:30 25th Jun 2008, peterjeshaw wrote:1. Invade Zimbabwe
2. Send all anti-social children from the age of five to high quality residential schools and keep them there until they are decent, honest adults
3. Re-introduce grammar schools and technical secondary moderns across the country
4. Pay nurses and teachers a minimum of £50k a year
5. Stop doing that thing with his jaw
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Comment number 35.
At 13:30 25th Jun 2008, bagsus wrote:First Mr Brown could try blaming himself rather than his staff and the rest of the world.He could also get rid of the unspeakable Balls and sadly his Chancellor who has taken the flack for many of Brown's errors when in that office.
I am on of many who will never be deceived
by
Labour again.
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Comment number 36.
At 13:32 25th Jun 2008, kevseywevsey wrote:Gordon should study the first term of Thatcherism; the unions and economic policy.
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Comment number 37.
At 13:33 25th Jun 2008, richardjamesc wrote:Stop biting his fingernails and get a decent manicure. Prime ministers need to look like they care a bit about how they appear and biting ones nails is not a sign of self-confidence.
Then drastically reform the tax system using the many perks previously available to higher rate payers to ease the burden on the low paid. Put an income ceiling on universal benefits like cold weather payments so tht mor can go to those who really need it.
It ain't gonna happen, is it.
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Comment number 38.
At 13:33 25th Jun 2008, xldexter wrote:At home he must show more control and determination. How have the energy companies and supermarkets been allowed to get away with immoral profiteering while ordinary people struggle to get by?
Internationally, he could look to his conscience and try to make make an impact in Zimbabwe.
Never mind the meaningless distraction of the EU consitution.
Rather than wait until the twilight of his premiership to make a difference on the international stage he should act now.
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Comment number 39.
At 13:35 25th Jun 2008, ralasdair wrote:Simple really. Come out with a strong, left wing manifesto, with a strong, left-wing headline commitment.
Raising the tax free threshold to 12K is ideal.
Tax the rich to pay for it, and you can prove that 90% of the country is better off overnight.
Then call a general election, and win.
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Comment number 40.
At 13:36 25th Jun 2008, JamesStGeorge wrote:Were Gorgon at all smart and unselfish he would call a general election. Actually better for Labour to lose and be out of the blame for the huge damage and pain that is coming our way as a result of their actions in the last decade. Get out fast before it all goes very bad indeed, as It will. Of course Gorgon is so selfish he wants a time as PM above all else. Fortunately his selfishness should destroy the Labour party for the next decade or two!
Meanwhile we suffer his and labour's totalitarian attitude now being turned to planning laws. Anything to keep the people out of interfering wit the great plans of the political cabal.
While there may be a case for easing the planing for vital things like power stations, there is no excuse or need whatever to railroad through any mere housing plan, or road or airport.
All housing on any green field should be banned completely. Or permitted only on the 2/3 support of the local affected electorate in a referendum. Not simple majority of votes cast pleas note. Far too damaging and long lasting to let happen so lightly. Planning is the people's permission, not the government's. They are completely different, you can never trust the governing clique. They only represent themselves. that is why they want rid of our restrains on them.
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Comment number 41.
At 13:37 25th Jun 2008, threnodio wrote:Call an election.
The final nail in John Major's coffin was his insistence on holding on until the very last moment. If he loses, he will at least avoid the unedifying image of a man holding on to power at any price. And if the people really have had enough of him, it's time to go anyway.
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Comment number 42.
At 13:38 25th Jun 2008, clair_b wrote:resign
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Comment number 43.
At 13:38 25th Jun 2008, thegangofone wrote:The point is there is not "one thing". There are too many problems and thats why he doesn't have a chance - partially because of a Blair hangover in fairness.
I can't mimic the poem but there used to be that poster in most tea rooms at work "If .... then you'll be a man".
With Gordon there are too many "ifs" to restore his public standing and too many issues that could damage him further for any improvement in standing to be converted into election success.
But ...
If he can keep the economy steady whilst the housing market crashes, energy and food prices spiral and low income people slide back towards poverty ....
If he can provide a viable and sustainable energy plan... Nuclear is going to kill him. Is his constituency going to bid for nuclear waste? Nobody seems to know how you do to store it safely. Failure to invest more aggressively in renewable energy sources is going to haunt him.
If he can start a government initiative that stands a chance of success .... Woolas and the "GM debate" with no new information and a previous consultation process that showed 80% of the public were against it. Doomed.
If he can judge what is a prudent course. The 10p changes were always doomed and he mistook party deference for public support. He tried a "Crewe" emergency budget and still failed. Then he says he will listen, because he would have been fired otherwise, and then he starts the GM debate as above. His finger is not on the public pulse, its not even on the body.
If he can sound like a man who is not there simply because it was his turn. People want to see a man lead the country not treat it as a fiefdom for his personal ideas. Nobody really cared about Granita but the media in my world.
If he can avoid posturing. 42 days is no more than McCarthyite posturing. The US manages with 8 days. It probably was a short term boost to his popularity but he will have sacrificed more party activists that he would need in an election. When people wake up the fact that it offers us almost nothing in extra security and does carry the risk of abuse there could be problems. As with councils spying on school applicants.
If he can avoid starting the break up of the UK on his watch. The SNP look to be in a position where it will be harder to lose than to win the 2010 Scottish referendum, possibly not by the required amount but then the dynamic is in play. It won't all be down to Iraq and 10p. Some of the cause starts back with Maggie. Some starts with the EU factor. Do we need a Union when we are all in the EU? It weakens the bonds. I am not against the break up but 2010 is not far away. Will those who want the Union thank him? What impact will there be on NI?
If he can come up with a viable long run plans for social services and infrastructure that will take into account a 50% population rise in the blink of an eye... Trains and NHS have both been on the agenda in recent days. Is anybody even starting to look at sustainable population levels. It wouldn;t be popular but is necessary. Where is that Mr.McCafferty?
There are probably many more. The issues that could yet hurt him are: funding and Abrahams; extraordinary renditions flights and government knowledge; any Iraq war "confessions" or kiss and tells that undermine what the government said it believed at that time. Defections. Will a few MPs cut and run?
If the Tories and the Lib Dems coordinated, you take into account rising popularity of nationalist parties in Wales and Scotland then the next election is a bloodbath for Labour.
As Fraser used to say on Dads Army they're ".. all doomed! Doomed!".
Shame.
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Comment number 44.
At 13:39 25th Jun 2008, akadbt wrote:Do something for the electorate, rather than a load of hand wringing and "listening". How about rescind the ridiculous and unfair change in road fund duty? How about reduction of the duty take on fuel, surely he can afford it now the price is so high wouldn't the VAT compensate? Or he could just go begging to OPEC again. How embarrassing was that?
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Comment number 45.
At 13:39 25th Jun 2008, JamesStGeorge wrote:25. At 1:21pm on 25 Jun 2008, stool-pigeon
Great comedy stool-pigeon :) .
LOL
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Comment number 46.
At 13:44 25th Jun 2008, Pheezz wrote:If only it were as easy as just changing one thing. Its way past that stage now. He has burned all his boats big time. Unless he starts to really 'hear' what people are saying he is totally lost.
He seems equate strength with not changing his mind, unless he is totally backed into a corner after his 'bullyboy tactics' on back -benchers appears to be failing - then he might have a watered down re-think.
I don't think that Gordon can redeem himself at all now - he had such great opportunities when he jumped into Tony's shoes, and he has wasted every one.
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Comment number 47.
At 13:45 25th Jun 2008, Chris in Baildon wrote:Get rid of Tax Credits and use the money saved to increase personal allowances for all.
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Comment number 48.
At 13:46 25th Jun 2008, gedbry wrote:Reduce the tax on Petrol!!
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Comment number 49.
At 13:51 25th Jun 2008, toohardtologin wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 50.
At 14:01 25th Jun 2008, smcg01 wrote:Admit he and Blair have made mistakes and set about fixing them.
Get a plan to get out of Iraq.
Help the Zimbawians in a tangible way.
Reinstate the 10p tax
That kind of honesty might just be so refreshing that he could regain peoples trust.
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Comment number 51.
At 14:04 25th Jun 2008, PeterDT wrote:Sorry. But the situation has gone to far for it to be redeemed by just one act. So he should start with announcing there is an avalanche of legislation planned so for his second year MPs will, alas, have to sit considerably more than the 140 days they normally do. Then get on with:
1. The West Lothian question;
2. Taxing aviation fuel;
3. Re-instating the 10p tax band;
4. Sacking A. Darling;
5. Sorting out MPs pay once and for all - particularly the expenses
6. Ensuring all MPs who have been overpaid, even if it is 'within the rules' repay it, just as criminals have to do;
7. Cancelling ID cards;
8. Geting a grip of the computerisation of NHS medical records;
9. Ensuring the civil service stop dragging their feet over the freedom of information;
10. Telling H. Blears to listen to what you are planning to do to the planning system and instruct her to stop telling us she is ensuring local communities will have more influence in matters that concern them, and finally
11. Let the six weeks detention fiasco drift into nowhere when the HoL throw it out.
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Comment number 52.
At 14:04 25th Jun 2008, greatelias9 wrote:Reinstate clause 4 that Blair ripped off of the Labour Party manifesto and bring back true Socialism as Labour's main aim !
New Labour , thanks to Blair and his watered down Tory policies , have disgraced the founding fathers of the movement and its basic principles !
Revert to being the Party of the working people and not the Party of the aspiring petty bourgeoisie then the people will support you .
Also, Proportional Representation will ensure that the true will of the people will be listened to and not just that of a tiny minority of self-serving class climbers !
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Comment number 53.
At 14:07 25th Jun 2008, pmhumphreys wrote:Apologize then resign and move abroad. We were fooled again, first by Blair on Iraq, then by Brown who both as Prime Minister and Chancellor has turned out to be nothing more than a damp squid .
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Comment number 54.
At 14:07 25th Jun 2008, hadfieldtranslator wrote:The honourable thing would be to commit hara-kiri, but failing that, he should at least call a general election.
The Tories would get in, and although I am not sure about Cameron and his Etonian buddies, they could appoint Ken Clarke to sort out the economy, like he did the last time.
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Comment number 55.
At 14:09 25th Jun 2008, maddysday wrote:Be honest about the economy and what spending must be restricted, e.g. the Olympics, to support perhaps a reduction in tax on fuel.
Announce that some expensive MoD and IT projects will be abandoned.
Resist throwing good money after bad like a gambler thinking his next bet will make him a fortune e.g identity cards (how long will it take fraudsters to clone them? Hmmm...)
Acknowledge that percentage rises, such as in the public sector, just widen the gaps in relative incomes and do something about it, e.g a one-off flat rate increase.
Stop pandering to parents and blaming schools and social services when children come to grief. Make it clear the above are supporting not replacing parenting.
I believe that people would respond positively.
I could go on but I won't!
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Comment number 56.
At 14:13 25th Jun 2008, greenrag wrote:He should stop wasting money on services that have proved not to work and antagonising everyone with meaningless statistics. In education, for example, where small class sizes would be a much better use of resources than consultants, IQ tests and getting rid of 'bad' teachers (I wonder how many 'bad' teachers, have, been got rid of). Also health, drugs and crime; the extra money just goes to create more useless jobs, graft.
The best thing he could spend money on is infrastructure. I thought the projected new rail lines was a good move.
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Comment number 57.
At 14:31 25th Jun 2008, Critical Mass wrote:One thing? It's a bit late for that... However, in order:
Equal First: Call a referendum on the EU act and withdraw our troops from Iraq.
2. Dramatically cut fuel duty
3. Repeal the adoption of the EU Human Rights act and re-affirm Magna Carta
4. Cancel the 42 day fiasco and restate Habeas Corpus
5. Restore the 10p tax band
6. Close our borders to immigration, re-opening by stages to genuine asylum candidates, then on points regardless of origin
7. Increase the removal of illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers by a factor of at least 10.
8. Remove the distinction between public and private industry regarding pensionable age.
9. Acknowledge the mistaken raid on pension funds which started that rot.
10. Halt all sales of essential British utilities and assets to foreign investors.
I could go on and on - and still only be referring to the many culpable errors made by NuLab since 1997 which are now coming home to roost. It isn't going to happen though, is it. A pity, because if he only got half way down the list, he would not only restore his influence, but be rightly hailed as a truly reformed leader of heroic stature.
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Comment number 58.
At 14:33 25th Jun 2008, TomNightingale wrote:Introduce tax relief on mortgage interest payments, inversely related to housing price changes.
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Comment number 59.
At 14:36 25th Jun 2008, veryhappysandra wrote:Northern Rock debt is being paid off faster than expected, tax has dropped from 22%-20%, inflation is the lowest in Europe, unemployment is the lowest in Europe, more people are attending university than every before - times are tough, but what could the Govt. have done re. oil and the credit crunch which are global issues. For former is largely the fault of speculators rather than supply problems. People should hold tight, within a couple of years property will be back on the way up - a certainty given the shortage in the South. Meanwhile first time buyers can bag a bargain.
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Comment number 60.
At 14:40 25th Jun 2008, legin323 wrote:KEYNESIAN economics
Would be the way for Mr Brown to go if he wants to be able to do something that will have a positive visible effect before the election is due.
This way all can pull in the same direction and we will not have excessive saving of money or hoarding capital.
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Comment number 61.
At 14:40 25th Jun 2008, JunkkMale wrote:Just a suggestion, but instead of thinking in terms of his and his government's fortunes just for once ponder those of the country and its people. That might help.
Something all politicians and the media chatterati might bear in mind, too.
But as someone has already pointed out; it ain't gonna happen, is it?
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Comment number 62.
At 14:41 25th Jun 2008, PeterBarton wrote:Mr Brown should try to understand that the power which he exercises belongs to us, the citizens of this country, and not to him and his Cabinet.
The Government are put in place by the citizens to exercise the citizens' power on their behalf.
But New Labour doesn't understand that, and I doubt it ever will. Their arrogance and preening are insufferable - look at the behaviour of the likes of Tony McNulty, Ed Balls, Hazel Blears, etc. They just don't get it, and they probably never will.
Stafford Cripps, after Labour's 1945 landslide, announced 'We're the masters now'. It appears that New Labour thinks that way too.
Come the 2010 general election, the citizens of the UK will deliver the message to New Labour loud and clear. I doubt there's nothing really that they can do to stop it, because their actions so far have been exposed to be so disgraceful.
Can you remember the faces of the Tories on general election night 1997, when the carnage was taking place? How delicious it will be to see the smiles being brutally wiped off the faces of Labour ministers in exactly the same way. Ruth Kelly will be first to lose her seat, and Tony McNulty will not be far behind. There are so many of them who will be electorally slaughtered, the very anticipation of that joyous, beautiful night is ecstasy itself.
And I speak as one who was a Labour party member for many years, and wept with pride, joy, hope and excitement on 2 May 1997 when Blair walked up Downing Street in that bright sunshine. In the years since, how brutally have our hopes been thrown down, how bitterly shameful have our children been denied, and how agonising has been the squandering of so much money for so very, very little.
Statists like Brown are congenitally incapable of grasping the simple fact that small government, which enables and nurtures the talents of the people, is good, and big government, which thinks it always knows best, and merely pretends to encourage and empower people, is bad.
And the quality of government matters too. We now have Ministers who have no proper experience of the outside world, strutting and lording it over us. Count the Ministers who, before entering Parliament, have done nothing more than been media managers and press officers (like the hitherto obscure Tom Harris, Transport Minister), party researchers and officials, full-time local councillors, special advisers and the like, and nothing else or more. And now we see them screwing things up massively - the instances are too numerous to put down here - thinking only of presentation rather than substance, self-perpetuation rather than the good of the country and its citizens.
Mr Brown, that is emphatically not what we gave you our power for. And we will therefore take it away from you.
Labour came into office in 1997 with so much promise, so much they could have done. And now look at the glowing embers of their fiery pride. And the ashes of our hopes, and of the fruits of our precious labour and talent. Thrown down or thrown away in an exultation of Labour party self-indulgence. How much good could have been done with all that money, and now it’s gone, and we are entering choppy seas with scarcely a paddle. Shame on you, Mr Brown. Shame, shame, shame.
So, if Mr Brown wants to try to avoid a wipeout and the ignominy of being thrown out of Downing Street, career in tatters and with the furious howls of public derision ringing in his ears, he must try to understand who the masters really are, and get his appallingly second- and third-rate Ministerial team to behave with some humility and whatever crumbs of competence they can gather up. We are sick of them, and I doubt that anything they now do will save them from a richly-deserved electoral humiliation. And if it happens big, as I believe it will, Labour will be out of office for another political generation. And then how grateful will the Labour Party be to their unelected leader?
As Oliver Cromwell said to the rump Parliament in 1653: “You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately … Depart, I say; and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!”
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Comment number 63.
At 14:48 25th Jun 2008, extraordinaryRupert wrote:Resign soon
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Comment number 64.
At 14:52 25th Jun 2008, ScribblerTwo wrote:He should tell us all how much he hates spin, how he is a different person to Tony Blair. Of how much he is anti celebrity, anti superficiality. He should remind us of how unpopular Tony Blair was. He should question whether the low ratings wouldn't be exactly the same, or worse, under Blair. But primarily he should focus on how his style of politics is different, is actually new and improved, that spin is old style. He needs to actually believe in himself then actually we might see the person that is hidden somewhere in there. Am I the only one in the country that hasnt given up on him. Probably yes. But his early days were promising. And he should be given the chance to get back to them.
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Comment number 65.
At 14:53 25th Jun 2008, spurs1946 wrote:Give us a referendum on the EU Constitution
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Comment number 66.
At 14:56 25th Jun 2008, dennisjunior1 wrote:Gordon Brown, could do is to call for a general election in the fall.
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Comment number 67.
At 14:57 25th Jun 2008, victoriavandal wrote:Cultivate an English accent, get a face lift, have an eye transplant. Elections are won and lost in the south and midlands of England, and the polls suggest the voters really are that shallow!
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Comment number 68.
At 14:57 25th Jun 2008, Casual Observer wrote:The UK is a democracy and democracies don't like their leader foisted upon them. Brown says he is a conviction politician. This should tell him that there is only one option for him and the remains of his nulab party. A General Election is now the only honourable way out for him and the best outcome for the country.
When you are in a very deep hole it's time to stop digging.
He won't do it though. He is a dithering, spineless backroom boy who has never had a proper job in his life. He doesn't understand the first thing about leadership and is way beyond trying to learn how to do it now. A born leader he ain't.
He will either take it to the wire where the loss will be of biblical proportions or some brave erstwhile, but brave soul with kamikaze tendancies will depose him. Either way the result will be almost the same.
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Comment number 69.
At 15:01 25th Jun 2008, grumps wrote:Gordon Brown needs to start showing that he cares about the people of this country and do things to help them.
If petrol and heating costs rise and cause people pain, he should step in and help by removing the taxes on the unexpected increases. After all he came up with a budget that did not include them.
He also needs to get input from more 'straight-forward' speaking people, take notice and act.
Finally, he needs to start applying common sense to matters - the legal system that currently favours the criminal, human rights that currently favours the criminal, health and safety that seems to be a breeding ground for fools and the 'politically correct' mess that leaves everyone gob-smacked about the state of this country.
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Comment number 70.
At 15:02 25th Jun 2008, newbeemerboy wrote:As I see it, Brown's big problem is one of trust. To make amends, he should start the ball rolling by honouring the Labour Party manifesto pledge on the Treaty referendum!
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Comment number 71.
At 15:13 25th Jun 2008, mavisandal wrote:He should admit straight off if a mistake has been made and not wait until the day before the local elections as in the climb down over the decision to scrap the 10p tax rate .
1.5m were affected, including myself.
He lost my vote as I'd already voted by post before the apology was made.
I think that this issue alone contributed to labour's disasterous defeat at the polls.
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Comment number 72.
At 15:17 25th Jun 2008, silver surfer wrote:Wow !
After reading all of the comments I actually feel a little sorry for Gordon Brown, well just for a minute any way !
Seriously though the only way is to hold an election, I have a feeling that despite the bad press there are a lot of labour supporters who would find it very hard not to support him, But we are meant to be democratic so let the electorate decide
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Comment number 73.
At 15:31 25th Jun 2008, dalearcher wrote:He now has nothing to lose and no further to fall. He can relax, stop listening to polls and pandering to the Daily Mail and the Sun. He won't regain popularity by reacting to issues such as 42 day detention etc. Stop trying to wrong foot the Tories on their own ground. He hasn't got the style and we are all to sophisticated to be fooled. Start acting as a Prime Minister with principles, vision and conviction. His unpopularity paradoxically really frees him up to do what he wants. His firm action over the Zimbabwe cricket tour is a good if tiny beginning. Perhaps he isn't Blair mk2 after all!
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Comment number 74.
At 15:32 25th Jun 2008, BasilA wrote:There is one thing GB could do to turn things around......RESIGN
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Comment number 75.
At 15:50 25th Jun 2008, robertchale wrote:Speaking as someone who was wishing Gordon Brown well a year ago I suspect there is nothing he can now do.
He and Tony Blair will look back and see that the sum total of their project was to prepare the country for twenty more years of Tory government and it could have been oh so different.
Who would have thought that the Tories could be put in a position where they can paint themselves as the defenders of our civil liberties against an authoritarian government? You couldn't have made it up!
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Comment number 76.
At 15:54 25th Jun 2008, greenblog wrote:Gordon Brown needs to try and recover lost ground by relating to the electorate.
This is something which Blair and Cameron do far more effectively than he does.
His smiling at everything makeover is seen to be what it is - a charade.
He needs to tell the truth at every opportunity, speak clearly, admit mistakes and answer the questions put to him. Too often he speaks in long unstructured sentences with no relevance to the specific question.
He suffers from the public being disenchanted with a government which has been in power for over 11 years and of which like it or not he cannot distance himself from.
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Comment number 77.
At 16:15 25th Jun 2008, galeforced wrote:Undo all his deceitful, underhand acts.
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Comment number 78.
At 16:19 25th Jun 2008, carlsberg5 wrote:Brown should have learnt from Blair's mistakes, e.g. (1) gallivanting round the world handing out our money like confetti while ordinary citizens suffer at home. (2) Kow-towing to Bush who is quite obviously contemptuous of our boot-licking.
Next, start listening to people outside of Whitehall regarding answers to the economy and energy crises. There are far better solutions than inviting foreign oil sheikhs to hold us "over a barrel" for decades to come by "owning" our independent capability to produce energy. The "Sir Humphreys" are ruling over us, as they will continue to do when the Tories get in.
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Comment number 79.
At 16:35 25th Jun 2008, sjr_williams wrote:For all those on less than £50,000 p.a. increase the tax free threshold on income tax to £10,000 per annum.
Then reduce the tax free threshold for all those earning more than £50,000 per annum to compensate.
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Comment number 80.
At 16:37 25th Jun 2008, sjr_williams wrote:Renationalise all the Public Utilities immediately.
Remember, part of increased bills for everyone eis the profit taken by these foreign owned companies.
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Comment number 81.
At 16:50 25th Jun 2008, toohardtologin wrote:drop the EU CONSTITUTION Lisbon Treaty
OR KEEP HIS PROMISE AND LET US SHOW HIM WHAT WE WANT.
The man says he is listening. He is listening and then totally ignoring everything we say.
There will be a very heavy price to pay for his lies. Let him call an election and prove he is fit for office. I think we know the answer.
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Comment number 82.
At 16:51 25th Jun 2008, bigedd2 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 83.
At 17:00 25th Jun 2008, presentcentred wrote:Perhaps it could be explained to Gordon how much people are put off by phoney smiles, bitten nails and strange mouth gestures. I know it is rather silly to make these as important as his policies and what he calls his var-lues but for some of us his presentation of self is distinctly off-putting, especially when contrasted with Tony's masterly self presentation. Despite Fettes, Tony managed to appear as an English Prime Minister; there does seem to be rather too many Scots with Gorden at a time when Scotland wants to be free of the Union.....
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Comment number 84.
At 17:09 25th Jun 2008, Lotsofgreyhair wrote:Accept:
1. Accept that he in denial on major issues and he should learn to listen to those whose views he denies - the public.
2. Accept that he is very fallible, and that the public are not always wrong.
3. Learn to answer questions and not regurgitate his mantra of the week.
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Comment number 85.
At 17:32 25th Jun 2008, forestfire59 - Marthur just go wrote:When the going was good, it was labours handling of the economy over a ten year period that brought us through thick and thin (allegedly !!!), now all of a sudden its the fault of the worldwide economy to blame for the current crisis.
So all this time the government have been reaping the plaudits as to their "excellent" handling of the economy through difficult times. Now things are a bit too difficult - its not our incompetence - but the world market.
Fact of the matter is - if the government hadn't borrowed so heavily for all their profligate spending, there would be more scope for reducing the burden on the british taxpayer. They have no scope for maneouvre, so its grin and bear it. So what if food is going up 20 to 30 %, Gas and Electric 40 %. Its 2.5 % pay rise for you my lad !!
This government is just plain bankrupt of ideas - lets hope the country doesn't follow it to the county court !!!
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Comment number 86.
At 17:34 25th Jun 2008, sianbethpedr wrote:Give the British people a referendum and allow us to hear the pros and cons of membership of the EU. We voted in our only other referendum to join the Common Market, NOT a political union with so many countries included, us paying in more than we get out and not ruled by democratically elected commission. The EU has not had its accounts signed off ever, and there is widespread corruption, it is a gravy train.
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Comment number 87.
At 17:58 25th Jun 2008, trenduk wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 88.
At 18:01 25th Jun 2008, generouswarwick wrote:Mr Brown keeps telling us he listens to the people but he never does. No referendum on Europe, means testing fanatic. The poor has got poorer and the rich a lot richer
Particularly his cronies'
The growth rates mentioned in his budgets all
ways seem to be wrong. Over estimated.
The pension funds were dessimated under his actions.
And the way he has treated the elderly mostly the over 80's and ex 2nd war veterans in his tenure has amounted to down right cruelty.
Why does he not pay the fuel allowance monthly, by paying in November, the elderly that pass away during the year has received nothing of the fuel allowance, very crafty on his part. I do not know what the people of this country has done to get these inefficient politicians, we could do with a few French Politicians.
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Comment number 89.
At 18:02 25th Jun 2008, waveslider wrote:Hold an election asap with a view to handing over to David Milliband.
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Comment number 90.
At 18:49 25th Jun 2008, Neil Robertson wrote:Cancel Trident.
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Comment number 91.
At 19:10 25th Jun 2008, NickThornsby wrote:He has two choices:
1) Start making policies from his principles, and stop pandering to the right wing press ( inheritance tax, petrol prices etc)
2) Resign.
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Comment number 92.
At 19:26 25th Jun 2008, passionatenewsking wrote:Resign
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Comment number 93.
At 19:26 25th Jun 2008, CaptainRivers wrote:How about stopping convicted paedophiles from returning to live in the same street/area/town/city as their victims?
Generally it seems nowadays that the criminal has all the rights and their victims none.
Reverse that, Mr Brown, and you will have a lot of support.
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Comment number 94.
At 19:28 25th Jun 2008, passionatenewsking wrote:What can Gordon Brown do? Resign
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Comment number 95.
At 19:30 25th Jun 2008, passionatenewsking wrote:Gordon Brown should call a general election
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Comment number 96.
At 19:39 25th Jun 2008, Steve_In_Liverpool wrote:Do something about the deplorable state of justice in Britain.
Stop victimizing, ostracizing and punishing victims of crime.
The criminals are laughing at their victims with the pathetic punishments they get, always providing they are punished at all.
Do something about corruption both in Parliament and throughout the civil service.
Dismiss Richard Thomas and appoint an Information Commissioner who will actually enforce the laws he or she is there to regulate instead of constantly toadying to their political masters and allowing the Civil Service - who are amongst the worst law breakers where Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation is concerned - to get away with it all the time.
And on a purely personal note... bring back the Office of Lord Chancellor and stop destroying the country's history and tradition!
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Comment number 97.
At 20:17 25th Jun 2008, remarkableMiguel wrote:In my opinion, Gordon Brown The Prime minister of Great Britain, was one of the best rullers in UK, at the time of Tony Blair´s government, being the finance minister, who puts the UK economy in the best shape, being one of the best key politicians of Blair´s goverment. I would congratulate Gordon Brown as one of the best politics of our century in activity.
I wish the best lucky to Mr. Brown, and to his government!
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Comment number 98.
At 20:40 25th Jun 2008, shrinkingviolet wrote:RESIGN
Unfortunatley I think he'll wait until he's pushed. As for giving us a general election- and cut off the gravy train. Not much chance.
In the mean time he should!
1. Put Britain first for a change.
2. Control immigration with deportation given the no nonsence priority it requires. Revoke the right of appeal for criminals.
3. Give us an EU referendum. We need to put the clock back with laws that are in our interest as a nation and as a nationality.
4. It's not going to happen, just RESIGN
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Comment number 99.
At 22:25 25th Jun 2008, ButterMoose wrote:Stop stealing the Tory party's policies and nick from the Greens instead.
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Comment number 100.
At 23:03 25th Jun 2008, dudeanon wrote:hand the job to a woman cabinet member and go into the Big Bro House :)
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