Gaels Post
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New visa restrictions for journalists from news organisations
Today the government have announced new visa restrictions for media workers and organisations. In a reform of visas for media the government have announced that now news organisations and journalists will have to apply for a new single trip Media Temporary Visa 30 day visa if they are from abroad or a Media Work Visa valid for 12 months and renewable if planning to live in the nation for the duration of work. These must be sponsored by media organisation registered with Strathae and require a deposit of 250,000 Euros for a temporary visa and 1,000,000 Euros which can be gained back at the end of the year if they have followed all laws such as privacy and libel. Any fines in the country acrrued by the journalist would be deducted from the deposit. The visa will also apply to documentary makers. If an organisation or person creates a documentary not on a Media Visa they will lose the right to come to Strathae for 5 years.The move is designed to allow for fines to be collected easier for media violations of the Strathaen law. Currently it can be hard to collect fines for these sort of violations , media organisations will be able to contest fines in the courts with one appeal allowed but if they lose they must then also pay the court costs out of the deposit.Only fines for media law , privacy law and libel violations can be took out of the deposit.
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Protest licenses to be required in Strathae
Today the government announced reforms to the laws surrounding protests to prevent harassment of citizens at their homes and work place. The government announced a plan to require permits from police to protest outside of workplaces or organisation headquarters outside of public spaces to prevent workers feeling threatened. The government have also announced plans to make protests outside of people's homes illegal and it illegal for press to wait outside peoples homes to catch them for surprise interviews to prevent harassment. The government said in a statement "We believe in freedom to protest but this must be balanced against people's rights to a family and work life free of harassment and the right to privacy." -
Online platforms told control your users
Today the government has announced plans to reform law on social media and its use. The government announced they would expect privacy violations and libelous posts to be took down in no more than 48 hours from a request from government or law enforcement agencies with all traces of it to be wiped from the system. The government are also looking at plans for any channel covering politics or current affairs in Strathae to have News Publisher and Journalism license just like newspapers, TV and Radio media in and to abide by the same rules. Any channel or user found not to have this license would have its owner prosecuted and fined under law for each publishing violation. Commentary or reposting content if it doesn't slander or risk breaking someones privacy would be allowed under the law.The new restrictions on social media while not requiring permission to publish posts or videos before broadcast would still require them to be took down or clarifications added if requested by the Press Standards Comission if they get a complaint. The laws are designed to bring an end to doxing and content that could potentially lead to a mob mentality or threat to public safety. Any content that could potentially cause a danger to public order such as publishing adresses, contact information, workplace details or who a person works for without written permission could result in content needing to be took down. It is not known how social media companies will react with OGO when contacted saying they are reviewing their position in the Strathae market. Any journalism sites and social media sites not adhering to regulation could face a block on access from Strathae with the country to require mandatory firewalls to stop such content getting in especially those that cause a threat to privacy or safety. -
Reports of Strathae National Firewall to protect citizens
Today Strathaes government announced that they are working with companies from various sectors throughout Europe to construct a national firewall in line with the laws of Strathae. The new firewall would work by blocking sites put on a block list by the courts and Media Standards Agency such as news sites known to be skirting privacy laws and reporting libellous news. The firewall would block the sites on the list and all internet providers in Strathae will be required to participate.The firewall comes after concerns companies and influencers will simply seek to use foreign media to get round the law and that this could be used to stir up mobs from abroad against religious figures or minorities. The government said "We have a duty to protect all citizens and residents regardless of faith or nationality and many forces seek to undermine this especially from the far right. Therefore it is necessary to take action and control to make sure they cannot abuse abroad to simply move their bad practises there. We know free media is needed and a media that can investigate corruption but this must be balanced against a need to protect privacy and stop libel and fake news reaching the people of Strathae from unregulated sources."
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Far Right roundup by law enforcement to counter extremism threat
over 5,000 people have been arrested in Strathae over the last week as part of a round up related to investigations by authorities into far right extremism. The arrests have ranged from charges of hate speech, breach of privacy and libel with some on grounds of threats of violence. The crackdown on the far right is intensifying as time goes on with the government and police further committing to combatting hate groups by the native population and combatting Breizhighist extremists. The government said in a statement "We are pleased that far right criminals are being exposed and arrested. There is no room for extremism in Strathae and we must put an end to this shameful 20 year chapter where the PoT encouraged extremism. Thew government and police can no longer look the other way and we vow if you are a far right extremist we are coming for you, if you preach hate in this country we are coming for you and if you are doxing people we are coming for you. You will not escape justice and all ethnic and religious groups will be safe in our beautiful accepting country." -
Revised Strathae Labour Act passes
Today the the revised Strathae labour Act passed in the last house of parliament. The act means the minimum wage will go up from 9 Copars per hour to 12 Copars per hour with an annual increase of inflation + 1% there after. The act will now also require triple pay after 35 hours a week of work effectively making a 36 Copar minimum wage after 35 hours those owning their own business may choose their work hours.Any job not offering a minimum of 16 hours salaried has been banned in an attempt to stop the rise of gig economy jobs. The government have said "We stand in solidarity with the hard working working class and we will continue to demand livable wages and job stability for workers in Strathae". The PoT have criticised the act unanimously voting against it warning it may harm the economy ,reduce entry level job opportunities and potentially harm business in strathae. The acting profession and consultancy has been exempted from the 16 hours requirement.
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Stathae announces free internet for all citizens
Today the government unveiled its free internet programme with free internet for up to 800 gig per month in a family home and 100 Gig per mobile for each citizen with a limit of one mobile on the programme. Any additional Gigabytes and lines would cost extra with various packages available. Roaming abroad would also not be covered. THe government also unveiled all citizens would get 500 free domestic minutes per month and unlimited texts with extra minutes costing money. The government will cover the cost to the national telecoms company Strathcom. However residents , visitors and tourists will still have to pay for any data, minutes and texts they use. The government also announced they would offer a range of phones for free or subsidized for more powerful phones for all citizens again with residents paying market rates. The government has said they can buy routers for the programme by the end of the year. The government will also make sure accounts are synced across devices with a single user profile per person. The move is expected to bring equality through communication though critics suggest the government may have an ulterior motive for providing free equipment and data plans. Citizens can have 5 free sims per account.The government is also looking at bringing a universal basic income bill by the end of the year for discussion which the PoT opposes.
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Media Regulation Authority of Strathae ban nationalist Anois and Tuairisceoir Clan and arrest editors for Doxing, Privacy Violations and Libel Violations
Today the Media Regulation Authority of Strathae after a multitude of warnings to the nationalist papers Anois and Tuairisceoir Clan announced they had decided to ban the newspapers. In a statement the Media Authority said "The papers have had multiple opportunities to change their practises yet still use names in their reports without proof or permission and run articles the Press Standards Authority have rejected for publication without making the required edits. Furthermore they still run doxing lists . Their reporting is dangerous to national security and harmony of the nation therefore we feel a ban is necessary."The police have also arrested the editors and CEO's of the papers for their role in the violations as well as reporters who broke the law. The action is part of a broader crackdown on nationalist bad behaviour.The government said "The world expects us to act against extremism and we have. We have let it be known nationalists harmful activities and targeting of minorities will not be accepted and extremism will be stamped out by force if necessary."
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More nationalists arrested
Today the government has said over 20,000 far right nationalists have now been arrested in the crackdown on negative behaviour by the far right. The vast majority ha been arrested for posts on social media that breach privacy and libel laws and potentially dox people. The law makes it illegal including on social to disclose names, addresses and personal details without permission unless one has proof for an allegation.The law also resulted in a woman alleging a man raped her being arrested also in a controversial case though the police have insisted they are just applying the law equally. The law has been criticised by some critics and activists on freedom of speech as an over reaction to a very minor issue though the government have said "We do not consider the privacy breaches and harassments of religious groups a "minor" issue. The nationalists were conducting a campaign against religious groups including catholics not only affecting those people but also our reputation .We must continue on our trajectory to establish our reputation as a state that protects religious rights as well as LGBT and womens rights. We cannot be seen as a nation that allows harassment of catholics for no reason, this is not our government saying we agree with the Catholic Churches misogyny and homophobia and other churches and Islams issues in these areas but merely saying these views held by their adherants should not result in harrassment for no reason. "The government also announced a law had passed requiring social media, video and search sties to take links , videos and posts down if asked to by Strathaes governnent even if its outside of Strathaes borders if the post breaches privacy and libel law requirements. Ogo is said to be considering leaving the nations as a free speech advocate.
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Harassment cases down to a 1/3rd compared to same month in 2020
The government approach in limiting doxing, increasing privacy and libel laws and shutting down papers and parties who breach the rules appears to be working. The current statistics show for the 5th month in a row Doxing and harassment cases from the far right have dropped and are now at 1/3rd of the levels experienced this time last year during the increase in 2020. The government have been quick to seize on this saying "This shows our approach of controlling the press and making sure there is a responsible regulated press is working. We can now assure Catholics and minorities they are safe now that the puratanical Blairite faction is out of power and suffering the consequences of their actions." The approach while working has been criticised for diminimishing freedom of media and speech with critics saying it is stopping investigative journalism in its tracks. A journalist who wishes to remain unnamed said "I understand why the government acted . It was embaressing seeing all that hate on show and the rise in anti-catholic harassment was concerning but they have totally over reacted. We have had to cut 25 stories this month alone because we couldn't report due to the stringent demands of evidence and the time it would take to run it through the press authorities system for permission. This means we cannot perform effective investigative journalism, we can't get people to come forward because they fear breaking the privacy rules even if they can legitimately give details. There is an environment of fear." Media experts have called on the government to loosen up regulations a little but the government have stated they will not do so over concerns it would cause issues with privacy once again. -
Blair Gobnet McLucais jailed for 25 years
Blair Gobnet McLucais was today jailed for 25 years for inciting of hatred, doxing and inciting violence for her role in media articles in nationalist newspapers and for her non-profit that was banned for doxing. Blair Gobnet McLucais according to the judge ignored many cautions to stop the activities and refused to pay the fines . The judge said "I find no option but to jail you with the harshest sentences available to me. Your actions were inciting of hatred and violence and causing harassment and threats to individuals. I have therefore jailed you for 25 years without parole. You will serve the whole sentence with no possibility of early release. I hope this sends the message hate and incitement of hatred is not welcome in this country and will not be tolerated even if against religions that may or may not be liked in the country. That doesn't matter inciting hatred will result in harsh penalties for whoever does it."The government have commented saying "We believe the court case verdict sends a simple message. Strathae will not become a country of hate and incitement and harassment and will not tolerate privacy violations be it by nationalists or not. This country will protect its citizens and visitors from extremism. Extremists now know they will not only not be tolerated but extinguished from public life." The PoT have called for moderation and to make sure there doesn't end up being a persecution of the right but said it supported the principles of privacy and preventing harassment and hate of al kinds even towards "religions many see as bigoted" . Over 10,000 far right nationalists have been jailed on charges of privacy violation, doxing, harassment and incitement of hatred under the new laws and revised laws introducted since PoT governments departure.
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Firewall of Strathae to be in place by end of year
The Strathae firewall is to be in place by the end of the year. The country is concerned at the rise of foreign Strathaen publications run by nationalists using other nations as a base to allow them to continue their doxing and incitement of harassment against minority religions. While harrassment of minority religions was down there is concern eliminating harassment and doxing of religious minorities will not be possible without control of the information that comes into the country.The amount of anti-catholic content on foreign hosted sites has increased as nationalist "terrorists "and "extremists" have been leaving to publish from abroad instead and illegally hiring citizens in Strathae under pseudonyms. The government is looking at how to identify the illegal journalists to unmask their identities in order to further fight extremism. The country has asked for international assistance including intelligence on Strathaen nationalist extremists communications to help identify the criminals threatening the privacy and peace of minorities in Strathae. The government emphasised that harassment and incidents are down but they need help to stamp it out entirely. The opposition PoT have praised the fact that extremism has reduced and said it is doing all it can to fight Blairite extremism in its party , and has suspended record amounts of members but that it believed there was a way to keep combatting nationalist extremism while preserving freedom of speech and freedom of media. It also said in a statement "We are concerned criticism of catholicism in general on issues that it is entirely valid such as their stances on womens rights and LGBT rights is being caught up in the anti-hate crusade of the government and that it may not actually be improving the public image of Strathae but instead wrecking our reputation further. If elected we would seek to restore the balance somewhat and allow criticism of religions more where it is not to the point of hate while combatting extremism and harassment at private residences. We believe the government need to stop this direction which could lead the country to an effective dictatorship level of censorship of media."
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Strathae government seeks dialogue with Minority faiths
Today the Strathae government announced plans to have a joint council between all religions in Strathae to promote tolerance , dialogue and working together for the good of society. The Catholic Church, Orthodox Churches would each have a right to 2 people on the council with other churches combined electing two among their members. Muslims would have 2 councils for Shia and Sunni representing the majority of the muslims in the country while each Brezhighist denomination would have 2 members on the Council. Other significant religions over 10,000 members would have the right to 2 seats.The government will meet with the council every month to discuss affairs and how its affecting religion with a section of the meeting set up so only minority religions can speak to raise any concerns that they may have. The council would also discuss co-operation. The government are also looking at opening up public squares to religious groups on special holidays so they can hold events at key times of year in public buildings or in public squares , until now they had to hire private venues or use their own venues. The events will still require the standard licenses for crowd control and public safety but nothing beyond that. This move is seen as an opening up of the country to minority religions expanding their rights and encouraging inter-faith cooperation in society. The country will also continue to enforce standards banning harrassment of congration members and religious group employees and senior leaders at home or their place of worship.
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50% Corporate tax rate announced on profits over 1 million Copars(€1.39 Million )
Strathaes government announced a corporate tax rate of 40% on Private businesses with profits over 1 million Copars(€1.39 Million ) in profits and triple business rates on private companies with over 3 Stores in Strathae. The move according to government is designed to encourage a move to a ore Co-operative economy and restrict the private sector further by giving co-operatives and clan co-operatives the edge. It is reported they wanted greater restrictions including bans on chains over 10 stores if they are not a co-operative ,SOE or clan co-operative. The taxes will not apply to Co-operatives, charity shop chains , SOE's or clan co-operatives. The CSP also wanted the tax to apply over 200,000 Copars or€ 279,000The move has been described as "necessary to stem possible future inequality" as the private sector grew quickly over the last few years of the PoT rule. However PoT and business people have suggested the move will only damage the economy of Strathae and make people poorer with the Strathae Business Association saying "We believe this anti-private agenda is dangerous and could cause great issues , an increase in poverty and job issues in the country. Not every sector is well suited to co-operatives and this government is led by a far left agenda of envy against the successful".The tax could be waved if companies give 50% of shares to a workers association or share at least 60% of their profits with the workers. The move has divided people and clans with some clan leaders praising the measure for its "commitment to equality" while others are concerned about the effects on their local economies and investment.
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PoT gain most vacant Strathae First Seats
As 14 clans in Strathae went to the polls in their by-elections for their representives PoT won most of the seats. The result was seen as a setback for CSP that had hoped to start winning over PoT voters by reminding them of the Blairite record of the PoT. The PoT fought back with a moderate platform focusing on making gains so they can restore freedom of speech and media while preventing harassment. The party also called out the economic reforms saying the far left bend of the government is a threat to the nation and its economy. The leader said "Even Czechslavia acknowledges a private sector is needed. We need a more moderate course balancing co-operatives and private business not to punish successful entrepreneurs" . The PoT won 11 seats with CSP winning 2 and Althernative winning 1 seat. The polls nationally also shows a furter 11 clans would switch to PoT in an all out election. The result will mean the government will still stand but that was always the case, what should concern the government is the amount of clans turning to the CSP especially ahead of local elections coming up .Party Seats Vacan Seats Won New Seats CSP 30 2 32 Alternative 26 1 27 PoT 34 11 45 DRP 1 0 1 Total: 91(note 14 vacant) 14 105 -
Strathae Government collapses as CSP ditch Alternative
Strathaes government has collapsed as the CSP teamed up with the PoT to vote the government down in a vote of no confidence. The party has said it will not back the Alternative as has the PoT after a myriad of press restrictions and the proposed "Firewall of Strathae". The Alternative led government have seen a drop in the polls as controls on media and new proposed restrictions on social media have been increased or proposed to be increased. The CSP said "It is clear people are not behind the government and we need to decide a new direction. We will look to contest a new general election over the next month ". The election date for the election will be Thursday the 24th February 2022. The key issues according to analysts will be press and media freedom , restrictions on speech and protest as well as the economic direction of the government . PoT and CSP have both backed scaling back restrictions though not to the previous freedom of media standards . The main difference between CSP and PoT is over the economy and the direction of how the economy is run with PoT seeking new foreign investment by increasing oppurtunities to foreign investors and making new schemes to support growth of local SME'sin line with the previous trajectory while CSP wish to support restrictions on private enterprise and to move to a more socialist and co-operative based model seeking to restructure finance in the country in order to make sure co-operatives, third sector organisations and state owned enterprises always have the advantage.Both would scale back media and press freedom restrictions including loosening capital requirements and licensing though they would keep the stiff penalties for doxing of personal adresses though work adresses would no longer recieve as much protection unless there is a safety reason as to why . The Alternative have said they would modernise the economy and move forward in protecting peoples privacy and safety and try to toughen up laws on social media possibly introducing a fine for individuals on social media that break the law beyond forcing post takedowns by fining people 2,000 Copars per violation and more if they are wealthy. The Alternative are proposing a middle path by encouraging private enterprise in many sectors but also in some key sectors developing 50-50 partnerships between SOE's and Cooperatives and foreign companies. Th election polling as of late shows CSP would get 45 Seats , The Alternative 6 ,PoT 53 and Democratic Reform Party 1 before major campaigning has started in earnest. Though at least 25 Clans are marginal between the CSP and PoT which means it is very possible for CSP or PoT to win the election. We will cover the election and campaign as it takes place.
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Cooperative movement supporters protest "Big Business"
Today members and supporters of the Strathae Cooprative Movement organisation closely linked to the CSP have started a protest campaign against big private businesses and foreign ones in particular in essential industries. They put all companies over 500,000 Euros in revenue that do not give a share of the business or wealth to workers on a boycott list and called for protests outside major international chain stores that exist. They have called for peaceful action and protests outside the stores doors.The campaign is coinciding with the CSP's bid to more tightly regulate and tax private enterprise in the country with the movement alledging such private enterprises are exploiting workers and "stealing" the productivity of workers labour.
The PoT have opposed the protesters saying " We believe they are targeting the wrong thing. Big business is not necessarily bad and small business is not inherently good. What we need is ethical businesses that pay a living wage. As long as they do that there shouldn't be special penalties such as a Revenue Tax as proposed by the far-left CSP. " The protests have started picking up with 10's of thousands involved though many shoppers have expressed annoyance over the protests and interruption to their shopping trips alledging harassment from the protesters. 2 parties the Alternative and PoT have called on police to act against those protesters harassing shoppers and employees using the full force of the law against them.
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CSP announce plan for 90% Exit Tax if elected
Today CSP have announced they plan to pass a wealth Exit Tax over 10,000 Copars annually if elected. The party proposed the tax after concerns were raised companies would leave with capital if they introduced the 10% revenue tax on private businesses. The party said " We acknowledge capital flight is a risk so we are updating our manifesto to propose a pernament 90% Exit Tax on any capital movements above 10,000 Copars to be introduced with a ban on crpytocurrency in Strathae if elected to prevent Cryptocurrency being used to skit such a law. We will bring business in Strathae in the hands of the workers if elected." -
PoT win 82 seats as CSP and Alternative face devastating losses
Tionól Clans Result:Party Votes Vote % Seats Seat % Vote Change Seat Change CSP 5,764,162 39.66% 21 20% +1,590,295 -9 Alternative 1,179,626 8.12% 1 0.95% -3,209,919 -25 PoT 7,455,962 51.13% 82 78.1% +1,971,933 +34 DRP 132,379 0.91% 1 0.95% -31,537 0 Total: 14,532,130 100% 105 100% +320,771 0 PoT have won an astounding 82 seats in the Clan assembly following the election in which 60 seats changed hands in total. The PoT gained 34 Seats with Alternative losing 25 seats in total losing all existing seats and gaining only 1 seat from another party meaning all Alternative members of government lost their seats while the Clans Socialist party lost 9 seats despite rising in vote share. The PoT simply managed to gain more seats.
Analysts have viewed this as punishment for the CSP supporting the Alternative in parliament and voting for the current media censorship and privacy laws as well as laws that are alleged to be against freedom of speech as well as a vote against their socialist left wing programme and proposed war on the private sector. The vision that won it seems is one of loosening laws on media speech and reforming privacy laws and opening the country up to business.
The PoT said in their victory speech they would work as soon as possible to reform media laws to no longer require deposits and return all deposits and end the special registration requirements as well as the requirement to run all stories through the press authorities for authorisation to publish. The government are proposing to let companies publish but to be able to fine companies if they breach privacy and doxing laws. Privacy and doxing laws will no longer apply to workplaces if it is in the public interest though they risk a fine still if its not under PoT proposals. This will mainly apply only if such details are banned from being published as party of protection programme for witnesses or if harassment or violence is likely to result from the publication of such details. Notably protests will also be allowed outside workplaces and any public place though peoples privacy at home must be respected still under the manifesto proposals.
The other major area of reform will be in religion with all religions to be allowed to set all religious policy in religious areas. They will also be allowed to discriminate in marriage law and only allow heterosexual marriage or refuse to christen children of LGBT though doing so will remove tax exemption and charity status and see them regulated the same as companies for property tax purposes and any taxes other than corporation tax. They will however be required to follow all equality laws in areas of providing education , healthcare and adoption services if they don't they'd be required not to operate in those sectors. All charity must be provided on an equal basis too. The new proposed laws are said by experts to balance the needs of religious freedom against needs for equality in provision of services. The new government is likely to announce a full cabinet by Monday.
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Further detail of reforms as Cabinet announced
Today the cabinet was revealed as the government announced additional policy goals and the cabinet. The Cabinet is to be as follows:Cabiinet:
High Chieftian: Moira Dubhshlin MacPheadair
Deputy Chieftian Blanid Béibhinn MacCarmaig
Defence Minister: Onóra Sive MacMharais
Home Minister: Saibh Ena Seòras
Countryside Affairs Minister: Dáire Teigue MacUalraig
Culture Minister: AIúile Líadain Ciar
Education Minister: Méabh Saraid Gearóid
Health and Care Minister: Órlaith Deirbhile Peine
Finance and Commerce Minister: Aoibhinn Sheila Blàrach
Economy Minister Moyra Odharnait Latharnach
Regions Development Minister: Seosamh Aonghus Kyran
Work and Welfare Minister: Caitríona Finnuala
Justice Minister: Caoimhín Séamas
Science and Technology Minister Róis Órlaith Gòrdan
Transport Minister: Ita Síve Anndrasdan
Treasury Minister: Conan Séamus Conan
Agriculture Minister Grania Ríona Leamhnach
Resources Minister: Nora Eavan MacLoganach
Foreign Affairs Minister: Naomh Eilís Erwing
Democracy Minister: Pádraigín Keeva Cèamp
Environment Minister: Mallaidh Máirín MacCùga
Tourism Minister: Méabh Caitria McGutraidh
Clan Affairs Minister: Moira Gráinne MacDòmhnullach
Non-Clan Affairs Minister: Orlagh Eithne MacArtair
Anti-extremism Minister Enya Báirbre MacBhàtair
Equality Minister Lomán Fearghus MacRoibeirtThe cabinet will have a record 5 men out of 26 cabinet members for a new progressive record for the country. The government also revealed laws regulating speech will be highly loosened with only hate speech prosecutable and only prosecutable with fines unless threats of violence are involved or it is part of a pattern of harassment overturning many laws on the books from the Blairite days . Further policies will cap spending as a percent of GDP at the current level with a potential cap on the UBI. The government will look at a series of tax rises focused on the rich in order to balance the budget and create a small surplus with the government saying "We will aim not to increase the tax burden on the poorest in society. We will aim all taxes at those earning more than the median wage possibly even increasing those further to fund tax cuts for the poorer in society."
