September 25th 2024.
"It's no surprise that politicians are susceptible to bribery and corruption," says a concerned reader. Let's discuss this and other topics in the comments section of MetroTalk.
Many wonder why individuals choose to become Members of Parliament in the first place. I disagree with Martin's suggestion to cut their pay, among other things. As is often the case, if we want top-quality service, we must be willing to pay top-dollar for it.
The reality is, our politicians are underpaid and overworked compared to their counterparts in the private sector. Sure, some may enter politics with a genuine desire to make a positive impact, but for many, the low pay and lack of job security are not worth the stress and scrutiny that comes with the job. It's no wonder our politicians are a mixed bag, ranging from ideological extremists to those who see politics as a side hustle. And unfortunately, their vulnerability to bribery and corruption only adds to the chaos in our democracy.
If we want competent leaders who will effectively run our country, we need to not only ban second jobs, corporate gifts, and excessive expenses, but also increase their basic salary from £91,346 to £250,000. This will attract more capable individuals to the political arena. After all, why would anyone choose to earn a fraction of what they could make in the private sector, unless they have a genuine passion for public service?
Moving on to the topic of Jeremy Corbyn and Sir Keir Starmer, a reader reminds us that Corbyn was actually quite popular in the 2017 and 2019 elections. However, Rolf believes Starmer is right to distance himself from the "Corbynites." As a leader who was elected after promising to respect the left of the party and publicly expressing loyalty to Corbyn, Starmer's actions have created a clear divide within the party. Some argue that this shows a lack of integrity on his part. Others point to the fact that Corbyn's Labour Party received more popular votes in the 2017 and 2019 elections than Starmer did in 2024. This raises the question of whether proportional representation would be a better system, as it would require parties to form coalitions and potentially result in a more diverse representation in Parliament.
Shifting gears, a reader shares their thoughts on the concept of "change" within the Labour Party. They argue that real change goes beyond a catchy slogan and requires addressing the issue of wealth inequality in our society. As an NHS worker, they also point out the discrepancy between the strict rules around gifts and the leniency towards politicians who may be influenced by corporate interests.
In another comment, a reader expresses their frustration at the growing number of obese individuals they saw while on holiday. They believe this is a contributing factor to the obesity crisis in the UK and criticize the wasteful behavior of some individuals at all-inclusive resorts.
Switching topics once again, a reader laments the continued closure of pubs in the UK and shares a quote from Hilaire Belloc about the importance of these establishments in preserving the essence of England. Another reader brings up the issue of illegally modified e-bikes and the need for stricter laws, while also pointing out the danger of petrol motorbikes and the lack of eye tests for older drivers. And as always, there is a discussion about the latest knife crime in London and the perceived absence of action from Mayor Sadiq Khan.
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