See this chart, taking a more macro perspective, from the FT. It suggests that the whole narrative about benefits is missing a room-sized elephant.

Pensioner benefits are never really discussed other than the occasional “we must do something about the cost of the triple lock” kind of comment.

Not only that, they have created a headline based on their own question.

I’ll make one up …

Q: “Prime Minister, aren’t you just bribing children in larger families so that they will vote Labour in future?”

A: “Don’t be absurd”

Headline: Starmer denies bribing voters with free cash.

All those things, yes, but also just incredibly irritating

It is essential for the reputation of the BBC that whoever in the organisation ordered this craven censorship to take place explains themselves immediately and, if that explanation is not wholly persuasive, resigns or is dismissed.

Think how long it took German universities to regain their lead in so many disciplines after the nazis took them down.

It took … um … hold on …

They never did regain their lead.

Translation: ludicrously rich man who runs world’s most valuable company whines about having to deal with laws and having to pay for stuff.

Is there any real evidence to support the idea that parties from the centre right to the left can win by copying far right immigration policies?

They fear that not being tough on immigration will see them lose.

But if they do it, they lose anyway.

Why not fight and win or lose with dignity?