Allister Heath on Politicians like Milei, UK Decline, and Immigration

Critique of Starmer and Macron

• 💡 Keir Starmer is criticized for his perceived awe of the French socialist model, including high taxes and public spending, which makes him vulnerable to manipulation by French elites.
• ⚠️ Taking the knee is seen as an endorsement of a destructive woke ideology.
• 🇫🇷 Emmanuel Macron is described as a fake populist and an ultra-centrist who conned the public, leading to a catastrophe for France.

The Case for Javier Milei

• 🇦🇷 Javier Milei, the Argentinian president, is praised for his genius in combining populism with sound free-market economics.
• 📈 Argentina's current 7.5% growth is highlighted as a sign of the country being turned around from a multi-decade decline.
• 🎯 The call is for politicians like Milei in Britain and America, rather than left-wing populism or the Trump model.

Rebuilding Relations and Brexit

• 🤝 While rebuilding relations with France is necessary, it's argued that this is not possible as long as Macron is president, who is accused of poisoning relations with Britain.
• 🇬🇧 Brexit is defended as a democratic act, and the EU's response of attempting to sabotage it is criticized.
• ⚖️ Britain should negotiate with France as an equal, not beg for crumbs.

Immigration and Asylum System

• ❓ The generous UK welfare state is seen as a problem for immigrants, suggesting people should come only if genuinely at risk or for work in controlled numbers.
• 🏠 The principle of staying in the first safe country one arrives in is emphasized for asylum seekers.
• 🗣️ While English and a deregulated labor market might make Britain more attractive, it's not a sufficient reason for immigration.
• 🔄 The entire asylum system needs to change, and Starmer is not seen as the leader to accomplish this.