Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

[JamesWales]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

I don't really comment on Welsh politics as I have never lived in Wales but in the context of the UK I think you need to ask yourself why the Tories, who would massively benefit politically from reducing legal immigration, didn't do it.

Rupert Lowes twitter and the reform manifesto 2024 is essentially a list of 'do x, this will cause y' when life is rarely that simple. Immigration is a great example of this, the problem is that when their simple solution is implemented, it doesn't actually do what they said it would primarily because they are looking for sound bites rather than working policies. We introduced a new points based immigration system, which the right of politics were hailing as the magical easy solution that would fix everything for years and years and legal migration sky rocketed.

I work broadly in the sphere of education and SEND so somewhat understand the current challenges. I made a point of reading everyone's manifesto sections on education. Reforms amounted to some culture war red meat stuff about trans people and having a 'patriotic curriculum' and cutting tax on private school fees because this would solve all problems in the state sector. A completely ridiculous over simplification of a really important part of a governments overall responsibilities. My guess is they likely threw that together in about 10 minutes, which leads me to my main point. Political parties need different people who care about different things, reform is essentially a single issue party where everybody's main point of interest is immigration.

Yeah, I'm not a zealot on these things. No party is perfect and Reform are far from it. They are also far from ideal for normal governance but I think our society and economy is poorly and unsustainable and I think they have some answers. But as I say, in Wales this is in part driven by just wanting to see Labour gone, as they have failed the country by almost any measurement you choose to look at.

I think in the last election, Reforms approach was a "contract" not a manifesto. Indeed, I know it was, as I just looked it up again. Plainly it's very thin on the ground and they wouldn't get away with that again. They need far more meat on the bones, but there's not much in the education section I disagree with. Added to what you mentioned is:
Scrapping interest on student loans
Cut funding to universities that undermine free speech
Permanent exclusions for violent students
Universities to provide two year undergraduate courses.

Reality is harder than just writing it down, esp the violent pupils issue, which are symptomatic of wider issues. But the 2 year degree and scrapping interest on student loans are excellent ideas.

As for the Tories and immigration, they totally ****ed up. I think it has to be seen in the context of COVID and brexit and the urgent need for growth and also trying to prove the UK was open etc. But I think everyone now, bar the most laissez faire of liberals agrees that the immigration levels of the last few years are entirely unsustainable.

I don't disagree on the last point. They need to expand what they are talking about, and not just into culture war issues like trans debates etc.

Interesting that you have never lived in Wales btw! City is obviously a family connection?

[Eric Cartman]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

Yeah, I'm not a zealot on these things. No party is perfect and Reform are far from it. They are also far from ideal for normal governance but I think our society and economy is poorly and unsustainable and I think they have some answers. But as I say, in Wales this is in part driven by just wanting to see Labour gone, as they have failed the country by almost any measurement you choose to look at.

I think in the last election, Reforms approach was a "contract" not a manifesto. Indeed, I know it was, as I just looked it up again. Plainly it's very thin on the ground and they wouldn't get away with that again. They need far more meat on the bones, but there's not much in the education section I disagree with. Added to what you mentioned is:
Scrapping interest on student loans
Cut funding to universities that undermine free speech
Permanent exclusions for violent students
Universities to provide two year undergraduate courses.

Reality is harder than just writing it down, esp the violent pupils issue, which are symptomatic of wider issues. But the 2 year degree and scrapping interest on student loans are excellent ideas.

As for the Tories and immigration, they totally ****ed up. I think it has to be seen in the context of COVID and brexit and the urgent need for growth and also trying to prove the UK was open etc. But I think everyone now, bar the most laissez faire of liberals agrees that the immigration levels of the last few years are entirely unsustainable.

I don't disagree on the last point. They need to expand what they are talking about, and not just into culture war issues like trans debates etc.

Interesting that you have never lived in Wales btw! City is obviously a family connection?

Dads family are all from north Wales (which means I wouldn't be here anymore if I didn't support Wales at every sport) and then I just randomly decided to support city when I was about 13, not really any memory of how or why, dad watches club football but just supports all the Welsh clubs in a sort of 'slightly hating anything English despite living there most his life' way. Have had a ton of friendly abuse ever since from mates and family about not supporting a local team but I'm pretty confident I can never be called a glory hunter!

The exclusions thing is really difficult, we are (finally...) starting to get some really good live attendance data at work where we can map periods of exclusion, attendance marks leading up to it and then pair that with reduced timetable information. Being naturally cynical, my feeling is that some schools are very trigger happy, not entirely honest etc and data can give an objective idea of what's going on (but missing context). The reality is, the government has a duty to provide them with an education, at a personal level and societal level so I am pretty skeptical of hard talk/absolutist policy when it comes to kids/schools, it usually ends up just costing a lot more and making them feel written off, which if they were saveable is a massive shame. But at the same time, schools have a duty to all their kids so I can see why they give up quickly in certain circumstances.

Also I don't want to break character and start ranting about woke people but the concept/definition of what violence is, has become a debate in itself.

Interest on student loans is the scandal that nobody wants to talk about. Thankfully for me, I went a fair few years ago before fee loans were really a thing (I think fees were like 1200 maybe) but the stories you read of plan 2 loans are shocking, people who have paid back 10+ grand and today owe more than they borrowed.

[+ the native hipster]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

But you've previously stated that you're not a right-winger. How does that tally up?

but you don't know what a fascist is ,you don't know what a nazi is, how do you know what right wing is?

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

I don't really comment on Welsh politics as I have never lived in Wales but in the context of the UK I think you need to ask yourself why the Tories, who would massively benefit politically from reducing legal immigration, didn't do it.

Rupert Lowes twitter and the reform manifesto 2024 is essentially a list of 'do x, this will cause y' when life is rarely that simple. Immigration is a great example of this, the problem is that when their simple solution is implemented, it doesn't actually do what they said it would primarily because they are looking for sound bites rather than working policies. We introduced a new points based immigration system, which the right of politics were hailing as the magical easy solution that would fix everything for years and years and legal migration sky rocketed.

I work broadly in the sphere of education and SEND so somewhat understand the current challenges. I made a point of reading everyone's manifesto sections on education. Reforms amounted to some culture war red meat stuff about trans people and having a 'patriotic curriculum' and cutting tax on private school fees because this would solve all problems in the state sector. A completely ridiculous over simplification of a really important part of a governments overall responsibilities. My guess is they likely threw that together in about 10 minutes, which leads me to my main point. Political parties need different people who care about different things, reform is essentially a single issue party where everybody's main point of interest is immigration.

The current school system is a mess and doesn't prepare children for a job, and most will go through AI anyway. They should be more practical now and prepare some kids to be tradespeople and others to look at future jobs that AI will create. Thats what reform should be looking at changing, it would be a vote-winner to change the education system significantly.

Whats the point of learning how to write an essay these days, when AI can do a better one in five seconds?

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

The current school system is a mess and doesn't prepare children for a job, and most will go through AI anyway. They should be more practical now and prepare some kids to be tradespeople and others to look at future jobs that AI will create. Thats what reform should be looking at changing, it would be a vote-winner to change the education system significantly.

Whats the point of learning how to write an essay these days, when AI can do a better one in five seconds?

He's AI;s version in 1 sec -

The current education system is outdated and fails to adequately prepare students for the realities of the modern job market. With AI set to revolutionise most industries, education reform should focus on two critical areas: practical skills for trades and preparation for the emerging roles AI will create. A system that embraces this dual focus would not only be forward-thinking but also resonate with voters eager for meaningful change in education.

In a world where AI can write essays in seconds, it’s time to question the relevance of traditional skills and prioritise teaching students the capabilities that machines can’t replicate: critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, and hands-on expertise.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

Dads family are all from north Wales (which means I wouldn't be here anymore if I didn't support Wales at every sport) and then I just randomly decided to support city when I was about 13, not really any memory of how or why, dad watches club football but just supports all the Welsh clubs in a sort of 'slightly hating anything English despite living there most his life' way. Have had a ton of friendly abuse ever since from mates and family about not supporting a local team but I'm pretty confident I can never be called a glory hunter!

The exclusions thing is really difficult, we are (finally...) starting to get some really good live attendance data at work where we can map periods of exclusion, attendance marks leading up to it and then pair that with reduced timetable information. Being naturally cynical, my feeling is that some schools are very trigger happy, not entirely honest etc and data can give an objective idea of what's going on (but missing context). The reality is, the government has a duty to provide them with an education, at a personal level and societal level so I am pretty skeptical of hard talk/absolutist policy when it comes to kids/schools, it usually ends up just costing a lot more and making them feel written off, which if they were saveable is a massive shame. But at the same time, schools have a duty to all their kids so I can see why they give up quickly in certain circumstances.

Also I don't want to break character and start ranting about woke people but the concept/definition of what violence is, has become a debate in itself.

Interest on student loans is the scandal that nobody wants to talk about. Thankfully for me, I went a fair few years ago before fee loans were really a thing (I think fees were like 1200 maybe) but the stories you read of plan 2 loans are shocking, people who have paid back 10+ grand and today owe more than they borrowed.

Interest on student loans is the scandal that nobody wants to talk about. Thankfully for me, I went a fair few years ago before fee loans were really a thing (I think fees were like 1200 maybe) but the stories you read of plan 2 loans are shocking, people who have paid back 10+ grand and today owe more than they borrowed.

I agree with this, the problem is, that they are taxing the bright kids who do go on to earn decent money to fund the wasters who go to have a laugh and avoid working for another few years then get a job in a coffee shop and never pay the loan back. Maybe have a lower sliding threshold so everyone has to start paying some of it back.

The courses should be leading to decent jobs, not generic stuff that won't be of any use in the future.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

Yeah, I'm not a zealot on these things. No party is perfect and Reform are far from it. They are also far from ideal for normal governance but I think our society and economy is poorly and unsustainable and I think they have some answers. But as I say, in Wales this is in part driven by just wanting to see Labour gone, as they have failed the country by almost any measurement you choose to look at.

I think in the last election, Reforms approach was a "contract" not a manifesto. Indeed, I know it was, as I just looked it up again. Plainly it's very thin on the ground and they wouldn't get away with that again. They need far more meat on the bones, but there's not much in the education section I disagree with. Added to what you mentioned is:
Scrapping interest on student loans
Cut funding to universities that undermine free speech
Permanent exclusions for violent students
Universities to provide two year undergraduate courses.

Reality is harder than just writing it down, esp the violent pupils issue, which are symptomatic of wider issues. But the 2 year degree and scrapping interest on student loans are excellent ideas.

As for the Tories and immigration, they totally ****ed up. I think it has to be seen in the context of COVID and brexit and the urgent need for growth and also trying to prove the UK was open etc. But I think everyone now, bar the most laissez faire of liberals agrees that the immigration levels of the last few years are entirely unsustainable.

I don't disagree on the last point. They need to expand what they are talking about, and not just into culture war issues like trans debates etc.

Interesting that you have never lived in Wales btw! City is obviously a family connection?

Immigration has to be dealt with, we need some but not so much and we need to be selective like Australia, it will never happen though we are doomed.

[Eric the Half a Bee]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

Interest on student loans is the scandal that nobody wants to talk about. Thankfully for me, I went a fair few years ago before fee loans were really a thing (I think fees were like 1200 maybe) but the stories you read of plan 2 loans are shocking, people who have paid back 10+ grand and today owe more than they borrowed.

I agree with this, the problem is, that they are taxing the bright kids who do go on to earn decent money to fund the wasters who go to have a laugh and avoid working for another few years then get a job in a coffee shop and never pay the loan back. Maybe have a lower sliding threshold so everyone has to start paying some of it back.

The courses should be leading to decent jobs, not generic stuff that won't be of any use in the future.

I take it you would be totally against the idea of free university education. I'm all for it, but agree with you that there are courses that are a total waste of time. Education overall has to be a good thing.

[Eric the Half a Bee]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

The current school system is a mess and doesn't prepare children for a job, and most will go through AI anyway. They should be more practical now and prepare some kids to be tradespeople and others to look at future jobs that AI will create. Thats what reform should be looking at changing, it would be a vote-winner to change the education system significantly.

Whats the point of learning how to write an essay these days, when AI can do a better one in five seconds?

It shows you have understanding of a subject.

Also, with regard AI, no-one really has an idea of which direction this will go, so it's going to be very difficult to plan for.

I could talk a lot about education. The basics are missing from so many youngsters because they are not taught in Primary school. We have spent too much time pushing core subjects and introducing too many useless compulsory GCSEs, denying kids more opportunities to take subjects that interest them. Music is my area with education - it's been proved beyond any doubt that music and the arts can play a huge part in a person's overall education. I find that most people who have issues with education don't really know much about it. Things that some people believe should be done or vice versa means bugger all without some sort of educated opinion and knowledge of how things are. Leaving things like education to the general public would be a huge cock up.

[Wales-Bales]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

It shows you have understanding of a subject.

Also, with regard AI, no-one really has an idea of which direction this will go, so it's going to be very difficult to plan for.

I could talk a lot about education. The basics are missing from so many youngsters because they are not taught in Primary school. We have spent too much time pushing core subjects and introducing too many useless compulsory GCSEs, denying kids more opportunities to take subjects that interest them. Music is my area with education - it's been proved beyond any doubt that music and the arts can play a huge part in a person's overall education. I find that most people who have issues with education don't really know much about it. Things that some people believe should be done or vice versa means bugger all without some sort of educated opinion and knowledge of how things are. Leaving things like education to the general public would be a huge cock up.

You also have rote learning as opposed to critical thinking and understanding which is why many people are actually quite stupid.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

It shows you have understanding of a subject.

Also, with regard AI, no-one really has an idea of which direction this will go, so it's going to be very difficult to plan for.

I could talk a lot about education. The basics are missing from so many youngsters because they are not taught in Primary school. We have spent too much time pushing core subjects and introducing too many useless compulsory GCSEs, denying kids more opportunities to take subjects that interest them. Music is my area with education - it's been proved beyond any doubt that music and the arts can play a huge part in a person's overall education. I find that most people who have issues with education don't really know much about it. Things that some people believe should be done or vice versa means bugger all without some sort of educated opinion and knowledge of how things are. Leaving things like education to the general public would be a huge cock up.

"It shows you have understanding of a subject."

True

You need to do your homework on AI, it will change the World, and very quickly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk-nQ7HF6k4

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Rupert Lowe, Reform MP

It shows you have understanding of a subject.

Also, with regard AI, no-one really has an idea of which direction this will go, so it's going to be very difficult to plan for.

I could talk a lot about education. The basics are missing from so many youngsters because they are not taught in Primary school. We have spent too much time pushing core subjects and introducing too many useless compulsory GCSEs, denying kids more opportunities to take subjects that interest them. Music is my area with education - it's been proved beyond any doubt that music and the arts can play a huge part in a person's overall education. I find that most people who have issues with education don't really know much about it. Things that some people believe should be done or vice versa means bugger all without some sort of educated opinion and knowledge of how things are. Leaving things like education to the general public would be a huge cock up.

It needs to shift towards employable skills in high school to keep less academic kids interested. Maybe apprenticeships could start for some kids earlier so they are better prepared at sixteen to become plumbers or carpenters. They should be taught more about finances also Martin Lewis back to basics, on an ISA, a Mortgage, debt etc.