Coffee with Rachel Reeves

[Kizzy]

Been invited for a coffee morning with the Labour MP for Leeds West Rachel Reeves.
As she has just been announced the shadow minister for work and pensions what questions shall I ask her?

[Benjamin]

Can you have a biscuit with your coffee?

[Kate!]

Who is the Mole?

[arista]

Been invited for a coffee morning with the Labour MP for Leeds West Rachel Reeves.
As she has just been announced the shadow minister for work and pensions what questions shall I ask her?


Ask her to stay off Question Time
and only go on Radio4

[Tom4784]

Ask her who her favourite Sugababe was and slap her if her answer is 'Amelle'.

[Me. I Am Salman]

Am i the only one who read that as Rachel Stevens

[Kizzy]

Joey? Vicky? anyone serious...:)

[Benjamin]

-just realised this is in serious debates-

Sorry. :laugh:

[Kate!]

Sorry Kizzy.

[Tom4784]

Knowing a person's stance on the Sugababes is serious business Kizzy. You don't want to vote for someone who's favourite single was 'Wear My Kiss' do you?

[Kate!]

I'd definitely base a question on the bedroom tax as that's my major concern ATM.

And universal credit.

[arista]

Ask her who her favourite Sugababe was and slap her if her answer is 'Amelle'.


Dezzy you can only slap UKIP

[Kizzy]

No probs ben, will do kate they have said it will go but the worry for many I guess is arrears accrued already.
wonder if they will be wiped?

[Kate!]

No probs ben, will do kate they have said it will go but the worry for many I guess is arrears accrued already.
wonder if they will be wiped?

Yes they should be. The whole thing has been the biggest farce.

[Kazanne]

Joey? Vicky? anyone serious...:)

Are you excited Kizzy? how did that come about?:hugesmile:

[Kizzy]

It's not just me haha, it's all on my estate but usually only 3 or 4 people turn up to these things. Great opportunity to pick her brain :D

[Kazanne]

It's not just me haha, it's all on my estate but usually only 3 or 4 people turn up to these things. Great opportunity to pick her brain :D

It'll still be interesting Kizzy,i get the impression you're pretty clued up on politics,I hope you enjoy it,let us know how it goes.

[Kizzy]

I'm very interested and it's an excellent chance to ask a senior politician important questions.
When Labour get in power,and they will :) we may get a heads up on what's in store.

[DanaC]

Hmmm: where does she stand on the campaign for a living wage; rent caps for the private sector; and the tying of new funding/building subsidies to the setting of social house rents at 70/80% of the market rate (so called 'affordable rent' which in fact prices most people out of social housing, particularly in London).

[Kizzy]

Ooh yeah dana, some food for thought there will dig up some stats and facts.... give us a hand ;)

[DanaC]

Here's a piece about social housing and market rent:

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/01/conservative-party-end-social-housing?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487

could be forgiven, amid the headline housing pledges announced during party conference season, from Miliband's 200,000 new properties a year to Pickle's 1m new homes over the course of a parliament, for missing Prisk's latest policy announcement. He said last month the payment of future social housing government grants to housing associations will be attached to the conversion of social tenancies to "affordable rent", which allows social landlords to charge rents of up to 80% of market rates. The money made from the rentals will fund the building of social housing that charges lower rents.

Affordable rent, however, is a misnomer. For example, to qualify for a government-funded "affordable" three-bedroom property within Westminster, in central London, applicants may need a joint household income of between £90,000 and £103,000 a year. So under this model, which was introduced at a time of economic crisis, government subsidy could be used to build homes for high-income households. The affordable rent model was extended for three years in the recent spending review, much to the chagrin of housing leaders who only ever sought solace in the scheme for the short term. As one senior housing figure told me last week: "The government must remember it was an emergency measure. It was a policy of its time."

If future social housing grants are denied to those associations that refuse to convert to affordable rent, the result will be a split in the social housing sector. The big beasts are already operating incredibly commercial businesses, subsidising one arm of their property portfolios with another. Others may not choose to play the government's game

Possibly less relevant for her as an MP because London will bear the brunt of that one, but could well set a dangerous precedent.

On the Living Wage:

http://www.livingwage.org.uk/calculation

Has cross party support but only as a voluntary measure. There is no compulsion for employers to pay, they only have to pay the minimum wage (though that seems pretty easy to get around if the current job market is anything to go by!).

The minimum wage should be the living wage imo.


Actually, thinking about it the housing stuff wouldn't be her bag. Worth getting her opinion on the bedroom tax though.

Along with the minimum wage/living wage, also worth asking about the problem of underemployment: zero hour contracts, the proliferation of part time and temporary jobs and the dearth of stable full time employment.

I'd also be interested in what Labour will do about the ATOS travesty and whether a Millband government will stop treating unemployment as the moral failure of the unemployed.

[joeysteele]

Joey? Vicky? anyone serious...:)

Hi Kizzy, I haven't been on as much as I've been shooting off all over the place at the minute going to concerts of my fave female artiste.

Rachel is a really good MP and intelligent too, I am really glad she has been made shadow works and pensions minister.

I think one question I would ask her is what are Labour's plans as to ATOS re-assessing benefit claimants in the future.
Labour has used them continuously but the guidelines they clearly are following now are near ridiculous and unfair.
I know of a good number of people who are having their benefits changed or cut without even being seen.

That is infair that paper decisions are becomiong more regular. I would like to knwo what she would wnat Labour to be doing as to that element of the re-assessing process.

Sorry Kizzy, you were asking such a serious query as to what to ask her, I hope you enjoy it and have an interesting evening..
Sorry I was so long in getting back to you.

[DanaC]

Hi Kizzy, I haven't been on as much as I've been shooting off all over the place at the minute going to concerts of my fave female artiste.

.

*bites tongue*

[Kizzy]

Excellent thankyou Dana and Joey :D
Some excellent ideas here, I'm really looking forward to it yes thanks :)

[Kizzy]

Just got back, it was great she was really lovely!
There were people there badly affected by the bedroom tax, one widow on £90pw was having £24pw taken for bedroom tax, she had £5pw left for food after bills.
Other issues raised was the portrayal of benefit claimants in the media. Polly Tollynbee was great in her explanation of attitudinal shifts since the 80's in the media.
Rachel should make an excellent minister as she has a good grasp of what a society should be.
Very impressed :)

[Verbal]

Just be aware that Politicians will pretty much say anything that will get you to vote for them, whether they will actually do what they say is a very different thing.

Labour will win the next election purely because they are the lesser of two evils.

[arista]

Just got back, it was great she was really lovely!
There were people there badly affected by the bedroom tax, one widow on £90pw was having £24pw taken for bedroom tax, she had £5pw left for food after bills.
Other issues raised was the portrayal of benefit claimants in the media. Polly Tollynbee was great in her explanation of attitudinal shifts since the 80's in the media.
Rachel should make an excellent minister as she has a good grasp of what a society should be.
Very impressed :)


Maybe a video on the Guardian?

[Kizzy]

We can only go by what was said, and I can honestly say it was fair and rational.
I made a point at the end to a councillor about the possibility of converting my fire back to solid fuel, he asked if I had a partner and told me I didn't look old enough to have a child at uni. After giving me his card he said he would come round and check my flue.... so thats nice!... :joker:

[Kazanne]

We can only go by what was said, and I can honestly say it was fair and rational.
I made a point at the end to a councillor about the possibility of converting my fire back to solid fuel, he asked if I had a partner and told me I didn't look old enough to have a child at uni. After giving me his card he said he would come round and check my flue.... so thats nice!... :joker:

Oh Kizzy,keep you hand on your flue,you know what these councillors are like:joker::joker: seriously though,glad you enjoyed it ,sounds interesting,just make sure your flue is clean:hugesmile:

[joeysteele]

Just got back, it was great she was really lovely!
There were people there badly affected by the bedroom tax, one widow on £90pw was having £24pw taken for bedroom tax, she had £5pw left for food after bills.
Other issues raised was the portrayal of benefit claimants in the media. Polly Tollynbee was great in her explanation of attitudinal shifts since the 80's in the media.
Rachel should make an excellent minister as she has a good grasp of what a society should be.
Very impressed :)

She is a very genuine and good addition to the shadow Cabinet Kizzy, as you say she will, given the chance be a really good Minister too.

I find her really impressive and she has a heart too so compassion as to ideas and policy will hopefully be forthcoming.

Really glad you enjoyed it Kizzy, it must have been refreshing for you too to come across a politician with conviction that is based on understanding and fairness.

[Kizzy]

It was, I didn't even think they existed! she was nothing like I expected and was warm and easy to speak to, she shook my hand and thanked me for my contribution!
Keep your eye on the Guardian for a write up :D
I'm seriously considering getting involved at a local level, any advice? :laugh:

[arista]

I Dug up a 2013 thread
for Rachels's August 2024 Frontpage



Sky News Text :
[Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering
lifting the 13-year freeze on fuel duty
in her first budget this October,
the i weekend reports.]


https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-0860ed18-e771-4bd8-9f8d-d200ec1a4dc3.jpeg

[Livia]

I'd. ask her why she's robbing pensioners and if she thinks it's a good look.

[joeysteele]

I won't mind paying extra as to the fuel duty
Things are a lot better on that front from around 2 years ago as to cost.

However she's got I hope a massive fight looming at conference on her pensioner winter fuel payments.
I still hope she'll look at that again.

She's right to look for as much savings as possible but not as to pensioners.

The whole argument of it not being means tested and paid universally when it was first brought in.
Was the costs to instigate it as means tested would be huge.

She needs to think hard again.
Labour members are furious at that.

However yes for me to to ending or amending the fuel duty freeze.

[joeysteele]

It was interesting reading this old thread though.

[arista]

It was interesting reading this old thread though.


Yes back 2013 Kizzy
was the wise poster

[arista]

I'd. ask her why she's robbing pensioners and if she thinks it's a good look.


Yes it makes you wonder if
PM Starmer can win in 5 years?

[arista]

Just got back, it was great she was really lovely!
There were people there badly affected by the bedroom tax, one widow on £90pw was having £24pw taken for bedroom tax, she had £5pw left for food after bills.
Other issues raised was the portrayal of benefit claimants in the media. Polly Tollynbee was great in her explanation of attitudinal shifts since the 80's in the media.
Rachel should make an excellent minister as she has a good grasp of what a society should be.
Very impressed :)


Back in 2013
Nice post from Kizzy
after she met Rachel Reeves MP

[Cherie]

Back in 2013
Nice post from Kizzy
after she met Rachel Reeves MP

or Rachel Thieves as we now call her

[arista]

or Rachel Thieves as we now call her


Yes there is a lot of anger now

[joeysteele]

Yes it makes you wonder if
PM Starmer can win in 5 years?

That's a long way off politically.
A lot depending on other Parties attitudes too.

However I'm going to say yes we can.

Because he has an ace in the pack card in an emergency.
That is to adopt PR for future elections from 2034, If he now doesn't call an election for 5 years.

That could give him his 10 year plan for government.

Every single other Party would support him and Labour on PR.
Even Reform.
Only the Cons would be against.

The LlibDems, the Greens plus SNP and Plaid.
Would be looking to ensure the election win to get PR.

Farage said he was going to come for Labours votes.
He's now calling strongly for PR too.
So that could diffuse his negativity to Labour to get PR.
Because one thing is certain, the Cons and the Con membership would NEVER want PR in any shape or form.
The Cons would be firmly isolated out in the cold by ALL other Parties on the issue.

[bots]

i don't recall a government dive bombing in popularity so quickly after an election

[arista]

i don't recall a government dive bombing in popularity so quickly after an election


Valid Point

[Cherie]

si don't recall a government dive bombing in popularity so quickly after an election

with all the options open to them to raise funds, going to pensioners first was a shocking optic, I guess they expect many will be dead in 5 years?

[Cherie]

Been invited for a coffee morning with the Labour MP for Leeds West Rachel Reeves.
As she has just been announced the shadow minister for work and pensions what questions shall I ask her?

Can you have a biscuit with your coffee?

Who is the Mole?

Am i the only one who read that as Rachel Stevens

:joker:

[Cherie]

Just got back, it was great she was really lovely!
There were people there badly affected by the bedroom tax, one widow on £90pw was having £24pw taken for bedroom tax, she had £5pw left for food after bills.
Other issues raised was the portrayal of benefit claimants in the media. Polly Tollynbee was great in her explanation of attitudinal shifts since the 80's in the media.
Rachel should make an excellent minister as she has a good grasp of what a society should be.
Very impressed :)

I'm very interested and it's an excellent chance to ask a senior politician important questions.
When Labour get in power,and they will :) we may get a heads up on what's in store.


:joker: what a great read this thread is, thank you whoever bumped it

[Cherie]

Just be aware that Politicians will pretty much say anything that will get you to vote for them, whether they will actually do what they say is a very different thing.

Labour will win the next election purely because they are the lesser of two evils.

wise words from Verbal there

[Oliver_W]

That's a long way off politically.
A lot depending on other Parties attitudes too.

However I'm going to say yes we can.

Because he has an ace in the pack card in an emergency.
That is to adopt PR for future elections from 2034, If he now doesn't call an election for 5 years.

That could give him his 10 year plan for government.

Every single other Party would support him and Labour on PR.
Even Reform.
Only the Cons would be against.

The LlibDems, the Greens plus SNP and Plaid.
Would be looking to ensure the election win to get PR.

Farage said he was going to come for Labours votes.
He's now calling strongly for PR too.
So that could diffuse his negativity to Labour to get PR.
Because one thing is certain, the Cons and the Con membership would NEVER want PR in any shape or form.
The Cons would be firmly isolated out in the cold by ALL other Parties on the issue.

How can we vote for our local MP if seats will be allocated based on nationwide votes?

[joeysteele]

How can we vote for our local MP if seats will be allocated based on nationwide votes?

There are many forms of PR it will depend on what one was selected.
Obviously Labour would discuss with other Parties what PR system to use.

PR is used in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish assembly elections.
That works pretty well.

Nearly 40% who could vote in this election didn't.
Near 34% didn't vote in the 2019 election.

It's estimated a majority of those not voting feel it's a waste of time as their vote would make no difference.
Plus in polling, less than 30% want to keep this unrepresentative first past the post.

Labour has already passed twice in conferences the call for PR overwhelmingly.
However it would depend on what PR system to use.

I spent over 5 weeks campaigning this election and I lost count quickly of the people who had not a clue WHO their MP is, however weren't even sure which Party held the seat.

[arista]

There are many forms of PR it will depend on what one was selected.
Obviously Labour would discuss with other Parties what PR system to use.

PR is used in the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish assembly elections.
That works pretty well.

Nearly 40% who could vote in this election didn't.
Near 34% didn't vote in the 2019 election.

It's estimated a majority of those not voting feel it's a waste of time as their vote would make no difference.
Plus in polling, less than 30% want to keep this unrepresentative first past the post.

Labour has already passed twice in conferences the call for PR overwhelmingly.
However it would depend on what PR system to use.

I spent over 5 weeks campaigning this election and I lost count quickly of the people who had not a clue WHO their MP is, however weren't even sure which Party held the seat.

Good on you working hard
helping get more voters

They will need you in 5 years

[joeysteele]

Good on you working hard
helping get more voters

They will need you in 5 years

It was very tiring but the best I've been involved with.

I've done 4 with this one and this was the first I didn't get any really horrible insults or comments.

[bots]

I've done 4 with this one and this was the first I didn't get any really horrible insults or comments.

:laugh:

[Alf]

wise words from Verbal thereThe last paragraph is a bit off. The Cons won and has we''ve seen in the first month of a Labour government, the Cons are just slightly the better of two evils.

[Beso]

Pudding with carol, and I'm in.

[Ammi]

…I recall how impressed Kizzy was with Rachel Reeves when she met her…it would be interesting to know if that thought has changed and also generally know her thoughts about our current government…

[Alf]

…I recall how impressed Kizzy was with Rachel Reeves when she met her…it would be interesting to know if that thought has changed and also generally know her thoughts about our current government…Kizzy is White and working class. There's a good chance that Keir Stalin has locked her up in prison by now.

[arista]

Kizzy is White and working class. There's a good chance that Keir Stalin has locked her up in prison by now.


I hope not

[user104658]

Kizzy is White and working class. There's a good chance that Keir Stalin has locked her up in prison by now.

Kizzy and I had our disagreements but I don't recall her being a flag-molesting race-riot thug, Alf? :think: maybe we're thinking of a different Kizzy.

[bots]

Yes, Kizzy is always noted for her extreme right views :joker: