UK 2015 General election [Archive] - SUBSIM Radio Room Forums

Oberon

03-27-15, 06:40 PM

Most of the way through watching (well, listening to be honest) to it now.

I will say this for the Tories, they probably have done better work on the economy than Labour could have done within this time period. However, the economy is only part of a government strategy and the rest of their strategy has failed. They have taken the money from the wrong parts of society in order to cushion the impact on their power-base. Unfortunately though, it's a Catch-22 because if they tried to take the money from those who have lots of money then they'll move out of the country, so they have to target those who can't move. The easy target.

Milliband...the wrong brother won, and I think it was the Unions that put him there, and regretted it later when the Tories tore Labour a new one for being in the pockets of the Unions and Labour was forced to go through their membership ties with a fine tooth comb after the debacle in Scotland.
Since this he's really struggled to climb out of the shadow of Blair and Brown (and his brother for that matter), and has found himself unable to put forward a plan to help keep the economy intact without stealing parts from the Conservative economic plans.
I like the idea of Labour taking on some of the monopolist companies, but honestly I don't think that they have the power to do that, and I think that if they got into power they probably would water down the plans or not enact them at all.

Now the interview is coming to a close. I'd say that Milliband did better than Cameron, he was certainly trying to shed his timid panda image and come out fighting. However, he's still vague when it comes to actual facts and figures. That's partly understandable because you don't want to commit to something when you have the risk you might not be able to deliver it, but it's undermining his image when the Tories are putting out their 'Long Term Plan' (TM) and stating what they want to cut and where and by how much.

Honestly though, I will likely end up voting Labour. I voted Lib Dem in the last election, and whilst I'll admit that the economy has recovered partly due to the actions of this government, the sheer betrayals undertaken by Nick Clegg and his general weak-willed attitude. Well, he's done more damage to the Liberal Democrats than any sex scandal ever could. :O:
The Greens are dreamers, and I don't agree with them wanting to scrap Trident, I believe we need a sea based nuclear deterrant as long as the world contains nuclear weapons. The nuclear genie is out of the bottle, and as other nations are advancing technologically and economically they are going to want to develop their own nuclear weapons systems. North Korea has (as primitive as it is) and Iran is likely to do so, and that will mean that Saudi Arabia will probably want to go nuclear next, and so on and so forth.
If we are to make any nuclear cuts it must be done so as part of a global inititive rather than as a selfless act (which comes back to bite us in the arse later).
UKIP...I won't dignify them with a response, the worse possible outcome of this election would be a Tory/UKIP alliance.
And, despite my slim approval of their economic achievements, I just can't agree with the damage that the ConDem alliance has done to the social fabric of this nation. Not that I expect Labour would have done much better, to be honest.
So, it will be Labour I vote for, not that my vote will really matter at all, I live in an area which has been a Conservative safe-seat since the Conservative Party was created, so really I might as well make the ballot form into a paper aeroplane and throw it in the sea, but a) I always believe that if you don't vote you can't complain about it, and b) there's always that sneaking risk of UKIP getting its claws in around here, and if my vote can help slow that down then that's something at least.

BossMark

03-28-15, 03:23 AM

The battle ground with all the 650 constituencies

http://news.sky.com/election/constituencies

Labours target seats

http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/labourtargets/

Conservative target seats

http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/conservative-targets/

Liberal Democrat target seats

http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/lib-dem-targets/

My seat Elmet and Rothwell and I have been out door knocking for past month and the impression I get so far is it will be close but Labour could edge it,
http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/elmetandrothwell/

Oberon

03-28-15, 03:56 AM

Look at this, this is the kind of thing I'm talking about:

http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/region_eastern/

This is my local council:
http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/suffolkcoastal/

The seat was created in 1983 and it's been Tory since then. :shifty:

STEED

03-28-15, 05:20 AM

What I found about the difference between Dave and Ed on the leaders debate was Ed was more open and more human while Dave no real emotion not a twitch it was like he was running off a script.

NEWS
Tory 'benefits cuts' plans leaked
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tory-benefits-cuts-plans-leaked-000809634.html#i8Z0UcV

Miliband's NHS Pledge At Campaign Launch
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/miliband-launching-labour-election-campaign-113143334.html#EsIT5oI

Conservatives pledge 'seven-day NHS' services by 2020
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/conservatives-pledge-seven-day-nhs-services-2020-094825802--business.html#ZTFiuQi

While the big two have bought up the NHS here's my input. The NHS is under funded and always has been and the Tories & Labour use the NHS as some sort of shield to hide behind or used as a weapon against each other. No government has truly got to grips with the NHS and needs to be addressed.

MGR1

03-28-15, 06:09 AM

This is my local Westminster constituency:

http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/aberdeennorth/

It's been a Labour safe seat since 1935, but the corresponding Holyrood seat, Aberdeen Donside, is held by the SNP.

Frank Doran's stepping down as well so the incumbency factor isn't going to apply. He hasn't even been seen in my local area since he was elected anyway!:down:

Some of the more affluent areas have been stripped out and are now included in the neighbouring Gordon constituency (the one Salmond is going for). At the very least, Labour may hold on with a reduced majority. If they lose the seat to the SNP, then it's odds-on that they're going to get a hiding elsewhere in their traditional Scottish heartlands.

Here's the neighbouring seat, Aberdeen South:

http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/2015guide/aberdeensouth/

Much, much harder to call, this one. Although like the North seat it has some of the socially deprived areas in Aberdeen (they're split between both constituency's), it also includes the affluent and very affluent areas along the Dee Valley. There's also a strong Polish community in the Torry area now as well. I've met Anne Begg and I can't say I'm impressed. I've always had the feeling she uses her disability as a weapon.:hmmm:

The corresponding Holyrood constituency, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, is also held by the SNP.

Mike.

bertieck476

03-28-15, 07:50 AM

I think labour have got a problem in scotland and they have to work very hard at distancing themselves from the snp, salmond is not helping their cause with his well timed interventions.
I believe there are many many voters wary of the snp threat within westminster and there ambition to destroy the union.

Jimbuna

03-28-15, 11:14 AM

I'm reckoning on a hung Parliament but the $million question is....who will be the king maker?

nikimcbee

03-28-15, 11:55 AM

This one is the serious thread

Wut? Steed, have you been drinking?

Which tory candidate are you voting for Steed?

MGR1

03-28-15, 12:11 PM

I'm reckoning on a hung Parliament but the $million question is....who will be the king maker?

I think we all know who the 'Eckster thinks it'll be. I'm wondering if he's deliberately playing the "Bad Cop" to Sturgeon's "Good Cop"?

On the surface at least, Sturgeon's charm offensive in England seems to have born some fruit (I know this is the SNP site, but I saw the original report in the Sun):

http://www.snp.org/media-centre/news/2015/mar/poll-shows-sturgeon-most-popular-leader-across-uk

"A YouGov poll in today’s Sun makes clear that the First Minister has a net approval rating across the UK of +7, compared to David Cameron’s net rating of -5, Ed Miliband’s net rating of -39 and Nick Clegg’s net rating of -47

Amongst respondents in England alone, Nicola Sturgeon is the only party leader who has a positive approval rating – with a net rating of +5."

In any event, the Tories "Miliband in Salmond's pocket" posters are an absolute gift to the SNP and will probably increase the number of people voting for them. It damages Labour and the allows the SNP to thump the Tories for being being anti-Scottish.

I think this article from The National makes a good point:

http://www.thenational.scot/comment/scots-are-soft-target-for-abuse-with-jockophobia-rife.1293

The way a fair chunk of the English press is behaving is actually strengthening the SNP's support whilst at the same time they're actually dancing to the SNP's tune and doing their work for them.:hmmm:

Mike.

BossMark

03-29-15, 02:18 AM

The first poll since the leaders debates last Thursday

Labour 36% (+2)
Conservatives 32% (-4)
UKIP 13% (nc)
Liberal Democrats 8% (+1)
Green Parties 6% (+1)

Also
Sunday Times Poll also found of those who saw the TV programme 49% thought Miliband came across best to Cameron's 34%

Some good news there for Ed and us Labour supporters.

STEED

03-29-15, 07:08 AM

There was muted response from both sides on Saturday night.
Speaking to Sky's Murnaghan programme, the vice-chairwoman of Labour's campaign, Lucy Powell, said: "Polls go up and down, so we don't get disheartened when they go down and we don't get buoyed when they go up."
The Prime Minister's spokesman said polls were "all over the place", pointing out that the latest Opinium study had them leading.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/labour-ahead-first-poll-since-tv-battle-222941515.html#5EoiGSU

I don't trust polls this leaders debates proves it first one comes out Dave wins now a few days latter Ed wins. I don't trust where these polls are conducted and most of them are thousand odd people they rung up.

STEED

03-29-15, 07:36 AM

News
Tory deal 'difficult' for Lib Dems
A Liberal Democrat Cabinet minister has cast doubt on another coalition with the Conservatives
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tory-deal-difficult-lib-dems-122158239.html#ySu4UNo

I think its more to do how many seats they loose. If they loose a lot they will probably cut the cord with the Tories knowing they got burnt big time. But if they loose a few seats that could be a different matter. :hmmm:

Jimbuna

03-29-15, 09:27 AM

Not sure if this has been posted before but it looks quite handy:

http://may2015.com/category/poll-of-polls/

STEED

03-29-15, 01:39 PM

If Toff Dave is voted back in some good news looks like he will have to stand aside before the full term.

Cameron would have to step down early if re-elected

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/cameron-step-down-early-elected-ally-175549024.html#TwOCpD1

STEED

03-29-15, 04:18 PM

Just re-post to this thread the BBC poll tracker.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/poll-tracker

MARCH 25TH 2015
Con 34% +0
Lab 34% +0
UKIP 13% -1
Lib Dem 8% +0
Green 5% +0
Other 6% +1

STEED

03-29-15, 04:27 PM

Election 2015: How close are you to the political centre?Take the test
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31973051

Your answers place you on the left of the political centre in comparison with the overall population in 2014.
You scored 9 out of 25

A score of 5 is the furthest left and 25 is the furthest right. Your answers would place you a long way from the political centre in any year but you would have been closest to the centre of political opinion in 1995 and 1996.

UPDATE POLL
Just watched the paper review on SKY and some poll puts the Torie 4% in front of labour. Come Tuesday a different poll will put labour in front and then back to 30% each and...You get the picture. :har:

BossMark

03-30-15, 02:25 AM

Today the official campaign starts with posh Dave visiting the queen to dissolve parliament.
There is 38 days until polling day.

MGR1

03-30-15, 03:34 AM

Two interesting articles from the Think Scotland website:

A stark choice, but do Scots really realise it?
http://www.thinkscotland.org/thinkculture/articles.html?read_full=12793&article=www.thinkscotland.org

Scotland's social attitudes are not as different to the rest of the UK as it likes to think they are:
http://www.thinkscotland.org/todays-thinking/articles.html?read_full=12790&article=www.thinkscotland.org

Both very good points, especially the latter article. I've seen the same point raised a number of times before.

Mike.:hmmm:

BossMark

03-30-15, 06:08 AM

A very interesting poll out today about voting intentions in London

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/rothwellwhite1/rothwellwhite1190/stream_img_zpsqjiichgk.jpg

STEED

03-30-15, 06:46 AM

Woohoo roll out the Tanks guys its our time, we have no government, up the revolution. :)

Joking aside I feel we need a revolution a revolution too change our out of date/touch political system which needs big change, saying that I know it will never happen.

OK back on track.

If Cameron wins he will introduce that remaining 70% of cuts, the Tories have never hid that fact. If you think that 30% was bad the remaining will be worst.

STEED

03-30-15, 07:21 AM

12 Jan 2015
David Cameron and the national debt monster in three charts

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11339921/David-Cameron-and-the-national-debt-monster-in-three-charts.html

The Coalition took office in 2010 and said it wanted to clear the deficit by 2015/16. Having missed that target, Mr Cameron's plans now clear the deficit by 2018/19.

They got no where near it so if your a betting man place your bet they will not clear it by 2018/19 if he gets back in.

STEED

03-30-15, 07:39 AM

Election choice isn’t as ‘stark’ as David Cameron wants you to think

http://voxpoliticalonline.com/2015/03/30/election-choice-isnt-as-stark-as-david-cameron-wants-you-to-think/

Dose suggests to me what I know. :hmmm:

STEED

03-31-15, 03:50 PM

mapuc

03-31-15, 07:13 PM

Interesting thread

Now I can read comments from ordinary Englishmen.

Going to be interesting to see the comments, after one of the parties have won the election.

Markus

Oberon

03-31-15, 08:15 PM

Well so far I have not been pleased in what I am hearing from Con/Lab seems to me BS and lies. UKIP doing there normal act nothing new from them and the Libs where are they?

Can any of them tell the truth? :hmmm:

I think that's one of the reasons that it's going to be one of the most unpredictable elections in a generation. No-one believes any of the main parties any more. I predict that turn-out will be pretty low and it's going to result in a Hung Parliament, which means it'll be a mad dash to form a coalition.

I'd wet myself laughing if Labour and the Conservatives had to form a coalition. It's possible, but my God it would be like the US political system, total gridlock. :haha:

BossMark

04-01-15, 02:05 AM

Election 2015: Top bosses sign letter supporting Conservative-led government

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32141412

Labour To Crack Down On Zero-Hours Contracts

http://news.sky.com/story/1456432/labour-to-crack-down-on-zero-hours-contracts

Going out in my constituency today door knocking with my new friend who is a mackem fan, she is also the campaign organiser

STEED

04-01-15, 12:25 PM

Election 2015: Top bosses sign letter supporting Conservative-led government

What they really are saying is they the bosses or should I say scum bosses would have to pay the mansion tax. And not forgetting a 50 pence income tax rate which would upset their goal of screwing the workers with minimum hour contracts. Wake up Britain these pigs want to take this country back to the days of the work house. And the Tories will gladly help them along with that plan!

Jimbuna

04-02-15, 05:41 AM

Let us not go down the lines of the 'Heartless Tories' thread with the introduction of name calling etc.

Please stay on topic as previously agreed.

STEED

04-02-15, 07:51 AM

Jim its a fact, I have encountered it any how it was just a one off comment. :)

I was going to watch the leaders debate tonight but it clashes with The Avengers and I rather watch that. If the debate goes up on YouTube I may watch it on there.

I really feel this needs to be done..

Wednesday Parliament is dissolved
Thursday General Election

So we don't have all this BS lies guff kissing babies look at me rubbish anymore.

STEED

04-02-15, 08:46 AM

SKY poll of polls
http://news.sky.com/election/poll-tracker

Oberon

04-02-15, 03:03 PM

So, first commercial break...has anyone else lost the will to live?

I think the highlight so far was Nigel Farage blaming HIV immigrants who selfishly don't want to die, coming over here and stealing our NHS.
The man will just not miss an opportunity to bring immigration or the EU into anything will he? Probably because anti-EU and anti-immigration is about all of the policy he has... :haha:

Anyway, the three ladies of the debate seem to be doing the best, Plaid Cymru, the SNP and the Greens, the SNP throwing quite a few "We'll work with you" quotes at Labour.

Next up...immigration.

Something tells me that Nige is going to love this one.

Oberon

04-02-15, 04:44 PM

STEED

04-03-15, 05:49 AM

PART ONE

Good morning everyone. :)

Had my cold cross bun for breakfast now drinking my coffee and yes I am about to watch the leaders debate on YouTube.

Look at Cameron in the introduction he looks like a man who just found out hes got no pants on. :haha:

Unlike the live debate I can pause it and post comments.

MORE COMMENTS ON THE WAY..

Opening statements
Natalie Bennett Greens, no cock up good start
Nigel Farage UKIP, yes we know
Nick Clegg Libs, what!
Nicola Sturgeon SNP, hmmmm
David Cameron Cons, and here comes the BS
Leanne Wood PC, so so
Ed Miliband Lab, yes mmmmm

MORE COMMENTS ON THE WAY..

Hang on Cameron two more years of cuts! I have heard from your party cuts up to 2020!

Leanne Wood, hear hear

Nick Clegg attacks Cameron...WHAT!

Ed Miliband is right about tax havens the Cons/UKIP voted against a EU bill on this one.

Nigel Farage is right our national debt has doubled.

Leanne Wood, hear hear

Nigel Farage going bit nuts top that man up with a pint of beer.

Natalie Bennett is speaking and Nigel Farage looks like hes taking a leak and David Cameron looks angry.

MORE COMMENTS ON THE WAY..

Ed Miliband is right Cameron keeps banging on about the past.

Leanne Wood is asking you a question Ed and your ducking it.

Nicola Sturgeon just gave Dave and Ed a hard verbal punch.

Ed that was a good statement.

MORE COMMENTS ON THE WAY..

NHS next

Standards comments so far and Clegg looks very relaxed.

Nicola Sturgeon just gave Nigel a hard verbal punch.

Nicola Sturgeon I agree no privatization of the NHS

Dave you just had ago at Ed using the NHS as a weapon and your doing the same! WTF

Dave I can't see my GP within seven days it takes me two or three bloody weeks!

END OF PART ONE

MORE COMMENTS ON THE WAY IN PART TWO

Eichhörnchen

04-03-15, 05:59 AM

Just had our polling-cards stuffed through the door 10mins ago. It's so exciting, I can hardly wait.

Jimbuna

04-03-15, 06:49 AM

And there we are...well, that was...different.

The ladies won that one, fair and square, Nicola Sturgeon, Leanne Wood and Natalie Bennett upstaged the others at every opportunity they got. I suspect that the SNP is going to do very well out of this coming election if Sturgeons performance tonight was anything to go by.

Agreed, the women performed very, especially Sturgeon.

As for the men, Miliband missed his one opportunity to upstage Cameron, who in effect it could be argued had everything go his way in the overall picture.

Farage was same old same old and Clegg appears to be almost the forgotten man in the eyes of the electorate these days.

My current assessment is leaning toward a hung parliament with the odds on a coalition stacked in favour of Labour unless the LibDems and UKIP manage to outweigh the SNP in numbers of seats gained.

The million dollar question being...what price will the SNP exact from Labour?

STEED

04-03-15, 06:51 AM

PART TWO

Immigration

Nigel straight forward not OTT.

Looks like all the rest are against Nigel.

Same old worn out statements its getting boring.

Glad that bit is over it was a real drag.

Sorry your all wrong the debt monster is here to stay. Quick hand out a copy of Planet Ponzi to them all.

Education now not a topic that dose much for me.

Seems the fire has gone out in the debate.

Leanne Wood hang parliament, sounds good to me...lol. yes i know she meant hung.

Hang on Cameron you and your spin said we were not in recession we were in a depression and now you say recession! Make your bloody mind up!

I agree with Ed about zero hour contracts but will the employer after three months give them a proper contract. I don't think so.

Leaders final statements coming up next

Natalie Bennett Greens, so so no cock up
Nigel Farage UKIP, punchy
Nick Clegg Libs, sounds like hes ready to join Dave again
Nicola Sturgeon SNP, good general statement
David Cameron Cons, clearly hard times with him
Leanne Wood PC, stuck up for wales no question
Ed Miliband Lab, good but no real punch

That's a rap

I'm getting myself a light lunch and coffee and then deliver my verdict of this debate.

If you missed it like me here it is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sv2AOQBd_s

STEED

04-03-15, 09:01 AM

Well where do I start.:hmmm:

How about over all points out of 10 on the way they came across answered question and asked questions.

Natalie Bennett Greens - 5
Nigel Farage UKIP - 7
Nick Clegg Libs - 4
Nicola Sturgeon SNP - 9
David Cameron Cons - 7
Leanne Wood PC - 8
Ed Miliband Lab - 7

Summery

Natalie Bennett still has a long way to go but I have to say she did not cock up like she did on LBC radio interview a few months ago.

Nigel Farage came across well but nothing new and your left with what about this and that Nigel.

Nick Clegg the man of 2010 what has gone wrong? The fire and passion nothing more than a lack luster effort, oh dear not enough vitamins.

Nicola Sturgeon looked like I'm here live with it now lets get down to business, bit of a surprise for me. She came across well and held her ground as well.

David Cameron banging the same old drum look at the last labour government did, yes we know but once again the bulk of the recession was caused by the banks. And many true facts were hidden in agenda of spin and lies.

Leanne Wood another woman who came across well and fought for her corner that of wales and no problem knocking Ed and Dave down.

Ed Miliband not bad but not one hard verbal punch landed on Dave why? I agreed with some what you said but being nice dose make it hard getting into No.10 and Ed you got a bigger battle than Dave.

We are going to get a hung parliament again and UKIP SNP and DUP will be in the talks once the votes are all in. Nigel bangs the drum with the same old slogan but Ed and Dave are doing the same and the voters are getting fed up with it all and it shows.

The way I see it, Dave will be back with Nick but he may need another. :hmmm:

STEED

04-04-15, 04:53 AM

Next leaders debate will be made up of only the opposition leaders, Dave and Nick will not be there on April 16th on the BBC.

Ed Miliband
Nigel Farage
Nicola Sturgeon
Leanne Wood
Natalie Bennett

My money is on Nicola Sturgeon to come top followed closely by Nigel Farage or Leanne Wood.

ExFishermanBob

04-06-15, 03:18 PM

Interesting thread

Now I can read comments from ordinary Englishmen.

Going to be interesting to see the comments, after one of the parties have won the election.

Markus

Tsk tsk - Britons (or Britishers if you prefer).

mapuc

04-06-15, 03:33 PM

Tsk tsk - Britons (or Britishers if you prefer).

Sorry.

STEED

04-07-15, 05:55 AM

Tony Blair speaks..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32198938

Is this wise as he is still a very much hated man.

Jimbuna

04-07-15, 11:42 AM

He's probably the only person fewer people listen to than even Miliband.

MGR1

04-07-15, 01:19 PM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-32194320

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-scotland-32146800

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-32202273

https://www.ipsos-mori.com/researchpublications/researcharchive/3545/General-Election-Priorities-in-Scotland.aspx

An interesting summary of public opinion in Scotland on what the important issues are in this election.

A rating of one being bad, ten good:

8.2 - Increase the minimum wage for over 21's from £6.50 to £7.85.

7.9 - Guarantee that old age pensions will rise over the next five years.

7.7 - Stop energy companies from raising prices for the next 20 months.

7.4 - Introduce a tax on homes worth more than two million pounds, i.e. the Mansion Tax.

7.2 - Increase the top rate of tax to 50p in the pound for those earning more than £150,000 a year.

6.3 - Increase spending on public services even if it means the deficit isn't eliminated by 2020.

6.3 - Put a cap on the total amount paid in welfare benefits to a household.

5.7 - Reduce the amount the government borrows by cutting spending rather than increasing taxes.

5.2 - Charge better-off older people for some things which are currently free.

4.6 - Eliminate the deficit by the end of the next parliament in 2020 even if it means reducing spending on public services.

4.0 - Reduce taxes even if it means cutting public services.

Very nuanced, as Brian Taylor said on Reporting Scotland.:hmmm:

Mike.

MGR1

04-08-15, 12:53 PM

Here's some more info on this Scottish public opinion poll commissioned by BBC Scotland:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-scotland-32194983

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-scotland-32194983

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-32216428

Here's the complete list of what voters in Scotland believe is important:

Full results of poll, ranked from highest to lowest:

Increase the minimum wage for those aged 21 and over from £6.50 to £7.85 per hour (8.2)
Guarantee that old age pensions will rise over the next five years (7.9)
Stop energy companies from increasing prices for 20 months (7.7)
Ensure authorities cannot access personal data unless an individual is suspected of taking part in an illegal activity (7.6)
Introduce a tax on homes worth more than two million pounds, commonly known as the Mansion Tax (7.4)
Give the Scottish Parliament the power to increase benefits and old age pensions (7.3)
Increase the top rate of tax to 50p in the pound for those earning more than £150,000 a year (7.2)
Give the Scottish Parliament full control of welfare benefits (7.1)
Stop immigrants from the rest of the European Union from claiming welfare benefits until they have been in the UK for at least four years (6.8)
Give the Scottish Parliament full control of income tax (6.8)
Give the Scottish Parliament control of all areas of policy apart from Defence and Foreign Affairs (6.5)
Bring the railways into public ownership (6.5)
Increase spending on public services even if that means the deficit doesn't get eliminated by the end of the next Parliament in 2020 (6.3)
Put a cap on the total amount paid in welfare benefits to a household (6.3)
Impose a limit on the number of people coming to live in the UK (6.3)
Increase the amount spent on the armed forces (6.2)
Hold a referendum to ask people whether they wish to stay in or leave the European Union (6.1)
Reduce the amount the government borrows by cutting spending rather than by increasing taxes (5.7)
Hold another referendum on Scottish independence within the next five years (5.6)
Charge better-off older people for some things which are currently free to all older people (5.2)
Eliminate the deficit by the end of the next Parliament in 2020 even if that means reduced spending on public services (4.6)
Reduce taxes even if that means cutting public services (4.0)
Renew and upgrade Trident, Britain's nuclear deterrent (4.0)

Opinions on tax and spend:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-scotland-32211457

The poll strongly suggests that:

Scots want spending increases more than they do tax cuts
are relatively unconcerned about eliminating the deficit
are happy to see the rich pay more in tax.

Mike.

Oberon

04-08-15, 01:43 PM

http://i.imgur.com/ZeDjVC7.jpg

A picture speaks a thousand words...

STEED

04-08-15, 01:50 PM

That lot came off that bus?

UKIP slides in the polls, oh hang on it Tory Toff Lord Ashcroft at it again. :har:

Just another example don't trust the polls, don't let the polls make your mind up.

ExFishermanBob

04-08-15, 02:00 PM

Indeed - as Nicola Sturgeon (Scottish First Minister) pointed out, the SNP currently have 6 seats, so even 7 would be an improvement (let alone the polls' predicted 30 to 50).

Having looked at Mike's list, Labour really need to up the ante if they want to retain their seats in Scotland: much of that list would have been in their manifestos of old (I know some are now). They are stuck (as are the Conservatives) between what is popular in Scotland vs what (apparently) appeals in England / Wales / NI

This is the most interesting election for a very long time (and I remember 1974)

STEED

04-09-15, 07:06 AM

Anyone catch the Scottish debate last night? Far more life in that one and once again my vote goes to Nicola Sturgeon SNP, she wiped out the greens, liberals, UKIP, conservatives no problem only labour put up a half hearted fight only to be knocked down.

STEED

04-09-15, 10:51 AM

BossMark

04-09-15, 11:43 AM

I think the Tories have lost the plot, if that's they all they can do is name call then lets hope it comes back and bites them in the bottom...........

ExFishermanBob

04-10-15, 04:30 AM

So far this election has for me been nothing more than a wet paper bag. I get this feeling Labour have thrown the towel in with their lack luster performance, and the Tories just as bad banging the same old slogan drum. As for the Liberals are they campaigning? Hardly seen them in the news, what is going on?

Same feeling here - I suspect both have just decided to wait and see what happens with the smaller parties to work out whatever coalition they can.

I am surprised that nobody has come out with anything regarding the policy that dare not speak its name: a devolved parliament for England. I know it breaches the Treaty of Union, but treaties can be renegotiated (and I don't think Scots would say 'No'). Mind you, as it would diminish the power of Westminster, I suppose it's not appealing.

STEED

04-10-15, 12:45 PM

Sausage roll gate

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/10/nigel-farage-backs-ukip-candidate-sausage-roll-bribery-row-southampton-jimmy-white

I was wondering when the election would become silly season and we're off with this one.

I don't care if the Tories gave out cucumber sandwiches or Labour handing out pie and chips or the Liberals pizza slice none of this is going to make me vote for them. Its not a bribe its free food!

PS: That goes for all of them and I mean all of them, even you the Greens if you handed out lentil soup.

STEED

04-10-15, 01:13 PM

I really feel this needs to be done..

Wednesday Parliament is dissolved
Thursday General Election

So we don't have all this BS lies guff kissing babies look at me rubbish anymore.

Right on STEED. :yeah:

MGR1

04-11-15, 05:43 AM

Same feeling here - I suspect both have just decided to wait and see what happens with the smaller parties to work out whatever coalition they can.

I am surprised that nobody has come out with anything regarding the policy that dare not speak its name: a devolved parliament for England. I know it breaches the Treaty of Union, but treaties can be renegotiated (and I don't think Scots would say 'No'). Mind you, as it would diminish the power of Westminster, I suppose it's not appealing.

Personally, I think a fully federalised UK with England having it's own parliament is the only practicable solution to the current constitutional mess.

The question is, do the people of England really want one and all the extra bureaucracy that goes with it?:hmmm:

Mike.

STEED

04-13-15, 09:59 AM

Labour's manifesto is out

http://www.labour.org.uk/manifesto

Bad poll for Labour if you go along with it.
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/13/conservatives-six-point-lead-guardian-icm-poll-labour

Conservatives a six-point lead

Conservatives 39 (+3)
Labour 33 (-2)
Lib Dem 8 (no change)
Green 7 (+3)
Ukip 7 (-2)
Others 5 (-3)

BBC Poll of Polls April 13th
Conservatives 34
Labour 34
Ukip 14
Lib Dem 8
Green 5
Others 5

STEED

04-13-15, 10:15 AM

I just checked the candidates in my area for the general election and at the moment only two!

LibDems and Greens!

No word on Con/Lab/UKIP....

Full house on the District Elections
Con/Lab/Libs/Green/UKIP

BossMark

04-14-15, 02:36 AM

Tory manifesto out this morning.............

Torplexed

04-14-15, 04:03 AM

Greens seem to me vanished into the woods smoking pot. :|\\

I hear they have made the consideration of banning the Grand National horse race a central plank in their platform. Good to know they have their priorities straight. :D

bertieck476

04-14-15, 05:04 AM

STEED

04-14-15, 06:49 AM

"ON GUARD"

Looks Nigel is in a spot of trouble...

Polish Prince challenges Ukip's Nigel Farage to 18th Century-style duel with swords

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/polish-prince-challenges-nigel-farage-to-18th-centurystyle-duel-with-swords-in-hyde-park-10172088.html

Tell you what this should put some life into this boring election. :DL

Moving on to my area I see the Cons/Lab/UKIP candidates for the GE are now posted.

MGR1

04-14-15, 09:13 AM

Hang on a minute, am I the only one that thinks the highlighted points are contradictory ??

At first glance, yes, but the survey consisted of X number of policies and people were asked how important they were on a scale of one to ten.

Hence "Increase spending on public services even if it means the deficit isn't eliminated by 2020" has a rating of 6.3, fairly important, whilst "Eliminate the deficit by the end of the next parliament in 2020 even if it means reducing spending on public services" has a rating of 4.6, much less important.

Hence the comment that Scots would rather see higher public spending and aren't that concerned about the deficit.

Or at least the 1000 or so who were surveyed thought that way.:hmmm:

Mike.

bertieck476

04-14-15, 03:35 PM

At first glance, yes, but the survey consisted of X number of policies and people were asked how important they were on a scale of one to ten.

Hence "Increase spending on public services even if it means the deficit isn't eliminated by 2020" has a rating of 6.3, fairly important, whilst "Eliminate the deficit by the end of the next parliament in 2020 even if it means reducing spending on public services" has a rating of 4.6, much less important.

Hence the comment that Scots would rather see higher public spending and aren't that concerned about the deficit.

Or at least the 1000 or so who were surveyed thought that way.:hmmm:

Mike.

Ahh, apologies I misread your original post, thanks for explaining.

Jimbuna

04-15-15, 08:23 AM

STEED

04-15-15, 01:13 PM

I shall be reading all the manifesto's over the weekend online and seeing which party suits me. All I will say the chances of me voting Tory are not good.

Oberon

04-15-15, 01:21 PM

I must admit I was pleasantly surprised at the UKIP manifesto this morning.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32313965

Policy guide: Where the parties stand.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2015/manifesto-guide

No matter what Farage may say his policies are, his parties members and their policies will undermine any sincere message he has:
http://shouldyouvoteukip.tumblr.com/post/115874953353/what-does-ukip-do-that-makes-it-so-bad#notes

Jimbuna

04-16-15, 09:32 AM

No matter what Farage may say his policies are, his parties members and their policies will undermine any sincere message he has:
http://shouldyouvoteukip.tumblr.com/post/115874953353/what-does-ukip-do-that-makes-it-so-bad#notes

Yeah, those are boils that will need to be lanced at some point sooner rather than later but I honestly don't believe he condones or welcomes them, rather puts up with them until they find another sewer to live in.

STEED

04-16-15, 09:41 AM

Oberon

04-16-15, 11:22 AM

I have been told I missed the funny high light of the campaign so far, Cameron eating a hot dog with a silver knife and fork. :haha:

My only regret is I missed that. :/\\!!

Any how moving on, I have been out and about today and I noticed something and that something was not one party poster in the window not one party poll in a garden not one bill board poster. Too sum up a big fat zero unlike back in 2010 when you could not miss seeing these.

Whats your area like where you live?

I've seen, so far, one UKIP flag (unfortunately flying too high for me to set fire to it) and two Labour posters...in the same window.

Rather odd really considering this will be the first election my wife has voted in, and the first in a long while that my mother will vote in, although she's doing it through proxy via me since she can't get to the polling station.

ExFishermanBob

04-16-15, 11:55 AM

I've seen, so far, one UKIP flag (unfortunately flying too high for me to set fire to it) and two Labour posters...in the same window.

Rather odd really considering this will be the first election my wife has voted in, and the first in a long while that my mother will vote in, although she's doing it through proxy via me since she can't get to the polling station.

Nothing here at all although one chap was flying a Union flag yesterday - I was wondering why but I now suspect it was for the release of a (Unionist) manifesto (UKIP's perhaps?). Or was there a royal birth or something?

ExFishermanBob

04-16-15, 11:58 AM

Personally, I think a fully federalised UK with England having it's own parliament is the only practicable solution to the current constitutional mess.

The question is, do the people of England really want one and all the extra bureaucracy that goes with it?:hmmm:

Mike.

Indeed - I don't see why not, really: Westminster can be trimmed right down to as small as necessary. There would not be that much extra bureaucracy plus there could finally be a focus on England itself, rather than the often UK / English confusion. Still, simple and obvious rarely seems to triumph.

MGR1

04-16-15, 12:53 PM

Any how moving on, I have been out and about today and I noticed something and that something was not one party poster in the window not one party poll in a garden not one bill board poster. Too sum up a big fat zero unlike back in 2010 when you could not miss seeing these.

Whats your area like where you live?

I've seen one SNP poster so far and a few "Yes" stickers of referendum vintage re-appearing, but nothing else.

I haven't even seen any canvassers at all, either, though that might change nearer the date.:hmmm:

Mike.

MGR1

04-16-15, 12:58 PM

Still, simple and obvious rarely seems to triumph.

Agreed.:rock:

However, too many snouts in troughs, methinks.

I'd actually make a complete change and have a completely new location for an English Parliament. Perhaps a clean break is what's needed, especially considering the state of the current building.:hmmm:

I keep seeing either Winchester or York being mentioned.

Mike.:)

ExFishermanBob

04-16-15, 01:23 PM

Agreed.:rock:

However, too many snouts in troughs, methinks.

I'd actually make a complete change and have a completely new location for an English Parliament. Perhaps a clean break is what's needed, especially considering the state of the current building.:hmmm:

I keep seeing either Winchester or York being mentioned.

Mike.:)

I'd thought about keeping Westminster for the English parliament because of the historical associations, but "New Westminster" being somewhere further North, perhaps geographically equidistant from the four capitals (it can't be at the geographical center North / South as that's just outside of Lockerbie in Scotland).

It might help bring some prosperity north.

On the other hand, perhaps a complete break might be better.

Oberon

04-16-15, 03:47 PM

The SNP were on fire tonight, Farage was smashed into the dirt by the ladies and Ed...god bless him, he tried, but the show was not being run by him.
I tell you, if I were north of the border, my vote would definitely be heading towards the SNP, such a strong performance not seen in a very long time.

Ed's utter refusal to entertain an SNP alliance is odd though, I think that behind the scenes he's probably either already negotiating one...or perhaps, he's putting in bids for what'll be left of the Lib Dems. Not sure that'll be enough though.

There's one more debate to be had in a couple of weeks and that's a BBC Question Time panel with Clegg, Milliband and Cameron, that will be interesting to see.

And an interesting aside for the night. Part way through the debate I made a tweet which stated that I wished I lived in Scotland so I could vote SNP, because Sturgeon was on fire and that tweet has since been retweeted nearly a hundred times and favourited over fifty. I opposed the break-up of the Union, and I still do, but the SNP has done a fantastic job in the debates, as have Plaid Cymru that I feel that it would be unfair for them not to be rewarded.

As it stands, I must admit, my voting choice has wavered a bit from Labour towards Green...I'm going to have to do some soul searching about Trident I think... :hmmm:

ExFishermanBob

04-17-15, 02:55 AM

Well, the SNP have been doing quite a good job in Holyrood (also, Holyrood is more congenial, I think, to working with other parties) and now that the referendum has given an answer it's possible to vote for them without worrying about a break-up. Sturgeon is rather good.

Ed, I think, has to look like he's defending Labour's candidates in Scotland so cannot really say out loud "alright, we'll work with you": plus we've seen the papers and articles where "SNP MPs should not get to vote", "The Thames will run red with blood if the SNP prop up Labour", etc., so I would guess (just a guess) that he's a bit worried about a back-lash in England. Your tweet (and several others) makes me think that this might be a worry he can ignore.

Interesting times, though. If I lived in England I would not know who to vote for.

bertieck476

04-17-15, 03:51 AM

Jimbuna

04-17-15, 06:06 AM

Interesting times, though. If I lived in England I would not know who to vote for.

I'm a Labour Party member and I'm not 100% sure :doh:

:)

STEED

04-17-15, 01:49 PM

I have just read the Tory manifesto and I can confirm I am NOT voting for them.

Need a break after reading that.....

Next Labour

ExFishermanBob

04-18-15, 05:58 AM

If the snp do very well in scotland which im sure they will, it wont be long before they push for another referendum. This is definately a danger for the uk as a whole especially if they have ed by the delicates.

Well, don't forget that the SNP (as do most Scottish politicians and UK constitutional lawyers) believe in (and respect) the idea of Scottish sovereignty, so they have the right to have a referendum (and a duty to hold one if asked or supported by a majority) but also the duty to obey the result. I suspect that the result of another referendum would still be roughly the same, although recent polls show a slight increase in a Yes outcome.

For the SNP I think that this could be a very difficult time - improving the way the UK operates might detract from support for independence but increase their own support: they could well end up in a trap, not of anyone's deliberate making, as it were. A possible salvation (from an independence outlook) would be a hostile reaction of the other UK parties to the SNP, driving public opinion against the UK, or UK opinion against Scotland - somewhat paradoxically, the Unionist supporting parties should really do their best to work with and embrace the SNP as much as possible, defusing them that way, but seeing their (the Unionists') recent incompetence and inability to take a strategic, long-term view, the current reaction of the press and the parties...well, what more can I say?

The IndyRef, this election and Holyrood's election next year, have made this a very intersting period. Holyrood, in particular, could be interesting in 2016 if all those Labour politicians lose their seats: there will be 80-odd people looking for 16 list positions in Holyrood. The back-stabbing and manoeuvering will be fascinating to watch. I would not be surprised to see a genuinely Scottish Labour party emerge, and possibly a similar Scottish Tory one (as per Mr Fraser's suggestion a few years ago) - both the current ones are "accounting units" (Electoral Commission term) of the UK parties and cannot have their own manifestos, etc., even though they 'launch' them.

STEED

04-18-15, 06:03 AM

STEED

04-18-15, 06:10 AM

Nigel enters the den again on the BBC with a special show and the three leaders will be on question time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32360958

ExFishermanBob

04-18-15, 06:14 AM

As it stands, I must admit, my voting choice has wavered a bit from Labour towards Green...I'm going to have to do some soul searching about Trident I think... :hmmm:

It took me a while to change my mind about Trident - it was a military chap who did it for me in the end, pointing out that the money could be better spent elsewhere (on other, usable, military equipment, rather than Trident). I found that argument more persuasive than any anti-nuke feelings. I stongly suspect that battlefield nukes are a far better deterrent than Trident or no nukes at all: however, that's just a gut feeling. Before anyone flares up about that, I said "deterrent". :D

ExFishermanBob

04-18-15, 06:26 AM

Just finished watching the opposition debate and well what can I say. The women had their claws out, Ed was weak and Nigel had a pop at the audience. More life in that debate but the dark side came out to play in the women.

I don't watch the debates, but I take a great interest in the reactions to them and try to see if that tells me anything at all. At least in this election, the smaller parties being seen and heard. What is disgraceful is the lack of representation from Northern Ireland: it's either the UK or it's not, surely? Also, where were the Co-Operative party? There are 32 of them in Westminster, including Ed Balls.

Jimbuna

04-18-15, 07:22 AM

19 days to go

http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/to?day=7&month=5&msg=UK+General+Election&p0=0&year=2015

STEED

04-18-15, 09:17 AM

19 days to go

http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/to?day=7&month=5&msg=UK+General+Election&p0=0&year=2015

This one is better.
http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20150508T070022&p0=136&msg=End+of+the+world&csz=1

STEED

04-18-15, 09:20 AM

Just had Labour come around bashing the hell out of my door! :hulk:

Asking me am I voting, too which I asked what today?

Not the right way to get my vote. :arrgh!:

STEED

04-18-15, 10:19 AM

I don't watch the debates, but I take a great interest in the reactions to them and try to see if that tells me anything at all. At least in this election, the smaller parties being seen and heard. What is disgraceful is the lack of representation from Northern Ireland: it's either the UK or it's not, surely?

I see no issue with that but..

2010 general election results Northern Ireland
DUP 8 seats
SF 5 seats
SDLP 3 seats
Alliance 1 seat
Others 1 seat
UUP 0 seats

I think the elephant in the room would be Sinn Fein and probably would be regarded as more of a issue than UKIP. I maybe wrong but who can tell.

MGR1

04-18-15, 01:33 PM

.....the current reaction of the press and the parties...well, what more can I say?

Best recruiting tool the SNP has ever had.:/\\!!

Now that the political dynamic has changed after the referendum, it's interesting to see all the bubbling resentment in England come to a head. It doesn't speak well for the Union if a majority of the people of England now just view Scotland, and a lesser extent Wales and Northern Ireland, as an expensive burden. A mere expense, rather than equal partners in the Union. The Barnett formula's got a lot to with it, but New Labour's asymmetrical devolution settlement hasn't helped in the least. EVEL is just a sticky plaster solution, England needs to have it's own parliament and it baffles me as to why it currently seem so hostile to the whole concept?

Mike.

mapuc

04-18-15, 02:16 PM

As said before interesting thread. It will be even more interesting after the election-see your reaction.

Markus

ExFishermanBob

04-18-15, 02:58 PM

Best recruiting tool the SNP has ever had.:/\\!!

Now that the political dynamic has changed after the referendum, it's interesting to see all the bubbling resentment in England come to a head. It doesn't speak well for the Union if a majority of the people of England now just view Scotland, and a lesser extent Wales and Northern Ireland, as an expensive burden. A mere expense, rather than equal partners in the Union. The Barnett formula's got a lot to with it, but New Labour's asymmetrical devolution settlement hasn't helped in the least. EVEL is just a sticky plaster solution, England needs to have it's own parliament and it baffles me as to why it currently seem so hostile to the whole concept?

Mike.

Well, the problem is the Treaty of Union - the English Act states that the English parliament was to be dissolved and Westminster was to pop into existence. Varying the Treaty would require the agreement of the other party to it, namely, the political entity known as the Scots. I don't think that would be a problem, but Westminster would have to admit the supremacy of the Claim of Right (1989 and 1689) and Arbroath (1320), of course. They really don't want to do that I suspect, which is leading to all the nonsense about EVEL and the like. Most people don't really understand the nature of the Union and the Treaty - if you do, much becomes clearer (for instance, the result of the indyref didn't really matter - the definition of who could vote in it, and hence the definition of 'Scot', in 2012, was the really important thing).

You'll notice that UKIP have moved from demanding an English parliament to wanting EVEL, no doubt once they realised the problem.

I meant to add - the bigoted views expressed by some English commentators are, I hope and feel (being English), in the minority: mind you, I've lived in Scotland for so long now that I no longer know what is happening in England. I suspect that they are suffering from not having discussed anything constitutional for a long time - we've had a few years of it, but they are just starting.

Jimbuna

04-19-15, 07:05 AM

This one is better.
http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20150508T070022&p0=136&msg=End+of+the+world&csz=1

'End of the world' eh? :hmmm:

You must know something about the result in advance :)

ExFishermanBob

04-19-15, 09:18 AM

Heh:haha:

STEED

04-19-15, 09:44 AM

'End of the world' eh? :hmmm:

You must know something about the result in advance :)

ME?...Your not suggesting the election is rigged are you jim? :hmmm: :03:

STEED

04-19-15, 11:01 AM

BBC Poll of Polls April 19th
Conservatives 34
Labour 34
Ukip 14
Lib Dem 8
Green 5
Others 5
No Change to any party

STEED

04-19-15, 11:08 AM

UKIP is in big trouble and set only to win one seat.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-nigel-farage-is-on-course-to-lose-south-thanet-election-after-experts-predict-ukip-wipeout-10187516.html

So why the fear of UKIP? :hmmm:

The trouble is, is a expert a expert? :hmmm:

MGR1

04-19-15, 12:03 PM

.......but Westminster would have to admit the supremacy of the Claim of Right (1989 and 1689) and Arbroath (1320), of course.

Ah, of course.

"The People are Sovereign" vs "Parliament is Sovereign". I can see why that would be a problem for Westminster. It's a direct challenge to it's authority. The current UK Constitution isn't set up to handle the concept of American style popular sovereignty.

Mike.

STEED

04-20-15, 07:03 AM

This is a real disgrace and I hope who ever forms the next government sorts this out and I mean sort it out and not put on the back burner.

Anger at £35m NHS chief pay rises

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nhs-chiefs-net-35m-pay-rises-231142761.html?bcmt_s=m#6g8gPz3

STEED

04-20-15, 07:16 AM

Attention North England...

The SNP will offer to help the North of England "rebalance Britain" as it makes manifesto pledges about public spending south of the border for the first time, Sky News has learnt.
Nicola Sturgeon's party will promise to be "natural allies" of MPs in the North with pledges of increased spending on infrastructure – specifically high-speed rail.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/sturgeon-manifesto-offer-north-041023528.html#0puwIkN

Do feel this is good or fishy? :hmmm:

ExFishermanBob

04-20-15, 07:57 AM

This is a real disgrace and I hope who ever forms the next government sorts this out and I mean sort it out and not put on the back burner.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nhs-chiefs-net-35m-pay-rises-231142761.html?bcmt_s=m#6g8gPz3

Same here. It's funny how any of the NHSs managed for years without all these highly-paid people.

ExFishermanBob

04-20-15, 08:04 AM

Attention North England...

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/sturgeon-manifesto-offer-north-041023528.html#0puwIkN

Do feel this is good or fishy? :hmmm:

Well, I always look for the source: "...Sky News has learnt." "Senior SNP sources said:..." So no actual pronouncement from herself or from any named person. Fishy, I think - a bit of a slant on what has actually been said. :hmmm:

It's amazing how terrified people seem to be of one little Ayrshire woman and an absolute maximum of 59 seats. Also, that she's still in favour of independence at some time. In other news, water is wet, sky is blue (except for viewers in Scotland).

STEED

04-20-15, 12:40 PM

Don't vote Labour SNP will pull their strings, vote for Conservatives so the SNP can pull our strings. :hmmm:

Cameron Defends Tory 'Alliance' With SNP
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/cameron-defends-tory-alliance-snp-154529914.html?bcmt_s=m#MCZqXT4

Del Boy Dave:- "All right love want a Beta Max vote for me"

STEED

04-20-15, 01:35 PM

Been reading comments on a news site and some people seem to think Gordon Brown is standing in his seat in this election and some of them can't wait to see him loose to the SNP.

Errr....he has stepped down and set sail into the sun set. :rolleyes:

STEED

04-21-15, 08:41 AM

THE GREY MAN RETURNS

A minority Labour government propped up by SNP votes would be a "recipe for mayhem", Sir John Major has warned.
The former Tory Prime Minister claimed a Labour-SNP administration would lead to "weak and unstable" government and would ruin Britain's economic recovery.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/major-labour-snp-govt-recipe-mayhem-031632054.html#mCZBX9d

STEED

04-21-15, 09:46 AM

I have just read the Labour manifesto and I have mixed feeling about their one. Easier read than that dull a ditch water Tory one was.

Just off to make a cup of coffee and then read the Liberal manifesto.

Oberon

04-21-15, 11:14 AM

THE GREY MAN RETURNS

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/major-labour-snp-govt-recipe-mayhem-031632054.html#mCZBX9d

And he'd know about how extremists can hijack a government... :O: :haha:

STEED

04-21-15, 11:29 AM

And he'd know about how extremists can hijack a government... :O: :haha:

Is he still banging Edwina Currie? :03:

This cheeky comment was bought to you by Jims of London for cheeky chaps everywhere. :) :03: :haha:

Back on course..

STEED

04-21-15, 11:38 AM

I have just read the Liberal manifesto and like Labour mixed feeling about their one as well. Rather long winded speaking of long winded I shall be reading the Greens next up some time.

STEED

04-21-15, 02:47 PM

Out of interest dose anyone else here read the manifesto's? :hmmm:

Jimbuna

04-21-15, 02:52 PM

Nope, stopped reading comics after reaching puberty.

STEED

04-21-15, 02:59 PM

Nope, stopped reading comics after reaching puberty.

So you read Mayfair I hear the articles are good if you can get pass the nude women. :har: :har: :har: :har:

Moving on..

STEED

04-21-15, 03:02 PM

This election really has been dull no wonder six million people have not registered to vote from what I hear. :huh:

BossMark

04-22-15, 02:01 AM

Out of interest dose anyone else here read the manifesto's? :hmmm:
If I need a good laugh or cheering up then I may look at the Tories................

STEED

04-22-15, 07:24 AM

If I need a good laugh or cheering up then I may look at the Tories................

Forget laugh more likely send you to sleep. I found it duller than ditch water, moving on a start of a rash has hit my area bill boards posters polls have sprung up! Must be spring or the election so how many did I see?

Liberals 14
Labour 8
Greens 1

But I must stress not all what I saw was showing how these people will vote at the general election as we have local elections as well.

XabbaRus

04-22-15, 07:45 AM

I find all the Tory scaremongering about the SNP potentially wielding too much influence in Westminster repulsive to be honest. It seems they only want a democratic vote when it suits their interests. If the SNP take most of Scotland, and it looks like that will be the case, and if the referendum was anything to go by turn our will be high, then that is their democratic right as afforded by the UK electoral system. During the referendum the main parties were at pains to express how they wanted Scotland to remain and to contribute.

Now I live in Scotland, and I voted No in there referendum and still stand by that. However I don't trust the Tories or Labour, especially with the NHS and education and thus if it requires the SNP, Plaid and the Greens to head them off then so be it. However the main parties can't complain if this happens.

Although there are a lot of things Scotland can decide for itself, and there are issues in England and Wales which nominally don't involve Scotland but there are still many decisions taken which will have a knock on effect in Scotland. So I wish Major would just STFU.

The political system needs a good shakeup in this country and it looks like this is what is happening and they are scared. Will Scotland become independent? Probably one day, and it will happen slowly which might be the best way. Is there anything the traditional parties can do? No..deal with it.

MGR1

04-22-15, 09:37 AM

XabbaRus

04-22-15, 09:51 AM

Certainly. I think it is a good thing for UK politics if the SNP, Greens and Plaid can get together to keep the others honest. We could do with a dose of socialism. Now I don't mean full own nationalise everything, I mean in terms of repealing the me, me, me, all mine mentality that has been growing in the UK for the past 30 years. We need to get society to be less selfish and more involved. So stop pushing this ideal that you have to own your own home to be considered a success, have rent controls as other countries (including the USA) do so that you aren't getting fleeced. Make the corporations who earn billions in the UK pay their fare share of tax on it. And all the rest.

STEED

04-22-15, 10:49 AM

Make the corporations who earn billions in the UK pay their fare share of tax on it. And all the rest.

The Bankers have the biggest lobby group in HoC right behind the speakers chair probably followed by big corporations who pulled the Tory Government strings as for a Labour Government probably make their life hell.

BTW: I agree with you but....

Lets put this way if Britain got talent final on election day I would put my money on more people will vote on that than what really counts, the general election.

STEED

04-22-15, 11:09 AM

Next out the traps to take over Cameron big bad Borris would like the job.

So far that makes three, Osborne & May are front runners.

Fubar2Niner

04-22-15, 11:11 AM

Not just bankers either mate;

http://e-edition.metro.co.uk/2015/04/21/

Page 5

Yeah that's looking after the NHS isn't it Cameron !

MGR1

04-22-15, 11:17 AM

STEED

04-22-15, 11:22 AM

Not just bankers either mate;

http://e-edition.metro.co.uk/2015/04/21/

Page 5

Yeah that's looking after the NHS isn't it Cameron !

Can not view...PLEASE ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO VIEW THIS ADDITION.

Fubar2Niner

04-22-15, 11:25 AM

Sorry mate see if I can grab a screenie.

Fubar2Niner

04-22-15, 11:34 AM

Crap can only get a pdf. Bloody tories !!!!!!!

STEED

04-22-15, 11:38 AM

^:har:

Fubar2Niner

04-22-15, 11:43 AM

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll293/fubar2niner/Flash_img_0_zps4vqe9jic.jpg (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/fubar2niner/media/Flash_img_0_zps4vqe9jic.jpg.html)

Take that Cameron

STEED

04-22-15, 12:04 PM

STEED

04-22-15, 12:07 PM

Take that Cameron

:har: :har: :yeah:

Fubar2Niner

04-22-15, 12:10 PM

Indeed mate, and to add insult to injury, I'm living under Barts catchment and look what just happened to them.

ExFishermanBob

04-22-15, 12:21 PM

Xabba, I too want a shake-up: I'm really hoping that the SNP will push hard for that "sorting broken Westminster" pledge along with the voting - ironically, it will probably mean that they never have the same level of seats again.

Also, Steed, you were right with your links about working with the North of England in that manifesto.

ExFishermanBob

04-22-15, 12:59 PM

Considering all the rhetoric the Tories have come out with this week regarding Scotland, perhaps the Conservative and Unionist Party should rename itself the English National and Conservative Party?

Perhaps it might persuade Ruth Davidson and the Scottish branch to cut ties with them and become a truly (ironically) independent Scottish Conservative Party. She's already voiced concern about the main party's tactics:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/scottish-politics/davidson-conservatives-should-not-welcome-prospect-of-snp-mps-being-elect.1429613374

Moving on to Wales, apparently the Welsh Conservatives are running on their own, separate manifesto:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-tory-leader-andrew-rt-9089266

Mike.

Yes, I noticed that welsh one, interesting. An independent Scottish Conservative party was mooted by Murdo Fraser, I think, in the leadership contest that Ruth won. I suspect that an independent Scottish Labour party is in the offing too. Both parties really need the freedom to move and work in a Scottish context: I should think they feel very hamstrung.

MGR1

04-22-15, 04:36 PM

Yes, I noticed that welsh one, interesting. An independent Scottish Conservative party was mooted by Murdo Fraser, I think, in the leadership contest that Ruth won. I suspect that an independent Scottish Labour party is in the offing too. Both parties really need the freedom to move and work in a Scottish context: I should think they feel very hamstrung.

I'd imagine there's a fair bit of :/\\!! going on in Scottish Conservative HQ at the moment.

Personally, although Davidson's done very well, I think Fraser was actually on to something with his proposals. It's not that conservative ideas (note the small "c":03:) are the problem, it's the toxicity of the brand itself, thanks to the legacy of Thatcher's policies and the demonisation of the "evil (English) Tories" by Scottish Labour.

As an aside, I think that there's a bit of "pot calling the kettle black" with SLAB regarding the SNP as they were happy to use Scottish nationalism for their own ends, just as the Scottish Unionist Party did before them. Which does explain the deep hatred of the SNP that permeates Scottish Labour like a cancer.

Mike.:hmmm:

ExFishermanBob

04-23-15, 04:15 AM

I'd imagine there's a fair bit of :/\\!! going on in Scottish Conservative HQ at the moment.

Personally, although Davidson's done very well, I think Fraser was actually on to something with his proposals. It's not that conservative ideas (note the small "c":03:) are the problem, it's the toxicity of the brand itself, thanks to the legacy of Thatcher's policies and the demonisation of the "evil (English) Tories" by Scottish Labour.

As an aside, I think that there's a bit of "pot calling the kettle black" with SLAB regarding the SNP as they were happy to use Scottish nationalism for their own ends, just as the Scottish Unionist Party did before them. Which does explain the deep hatred of the SNP that permeates Scottish Labour like a cancer.

Mike.:hmmm:

I'm wondering if, when the change of leaders comes in the LibDems and (UK) Cons, they might both choose female leaders (Theresa May for the Cons, don't know who for the LibDems). They moved to Blair-alikes after he seemed successful, so Sturgeon-alikes could be next on the cards.
Ruth would probably fit that profile better than May - Scottish, nippy, used to Salmond and company, good performer, and so on.

I think, though, splitting off and becoming truly Scottish (by which I mean local / country-specific) could well happen for both parties (or new ones will arise and replace them). Scotland might then have a political feel akin to Northern Ireland (well, loosely) where what happens is pretty much a matter of indifference to the 'UK'. Mind you, there are more seats in Scotland.

I completely agree that small-c conservative (maybe even some big-C ones too) ideas are needed for balance, at least that is my opinion (I can't give you anything that is fact regarding that). I also wonder at the toxicity of Thatcher: my sons only know of her as a distant, historical figure and are not really influenced by her memory, but are by (say) food banks and the like.
Yes, Scottish Labour really needs to free itself from its old outlook - their underlying mass support (shipyards, mine workers) is, quite literally, dying off. Its total antipathy to the SNP is just distorting them (they even vote agains their own amendments, silly buggers): perhaps a wipeout is just what they need to wake them up and perhaps get some new blood. I actually think that's the difference with the Tories in Scotland - because they have only 1 MP, nothing they do really matters to Westminster, so they have the freedom to be more pragmatic (for instance, influencing and then supporting the SNP's budget when the latter were in a minority government).

STEED

04-23-15, 05:20 AM

14 Days to go
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/t/united-kingdom-ballot-box-collecting-election-votes-uk-britain-voter-collection-ballots-painted-union-jack-46829465.jpg

Special Report - British voters heading for a Disunited Kingdom
The days when the Conservatives and Labour simply swapped places in running the UK are done, said Roy Hattersley, a former deputy leader of the Labour Party and a politician since the 1960s.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/special-report-british-voters-heading-disunited-kingdom-090833914.html#GloF9sz

This report comes across OK. :up:

STEED

04-23-15, 06:22 AM

Voters Left In Dark Over Spending Cuts, Says IFS

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/voters-dark-over-spending-cuts-says-ifs-090827144.html#5IC2L40

Simple people..

Tories non stop cuts
Labour probably 50% cuts
Liberals trim away and keep trimming away.
SNP no idea I shall leave that to our Scottish forum members to fill that one in.

STEED

04-23-15, 06:33 AM

What do you think of this election so far? For me apart from the wet paper bag I have noticed in the early stages UKIP was the big bad wolf now shot to ribbons by the three main party's who now have turn their big guns on the SNP. Seems to me the big three do not like being pricked by the smaller party's. :hmmm:

MGR1

04-23-15, 07:13 AM

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/voters-dark-over-spending-cuts-says-ifs-090827144.html#5IC2L40

Simple people..

Tories non stop cuts
Labour probably 50% cuts
Liberals trim away and keep trimming away.
SNP no idea I shall leave that to our Scottish forum members to fill that one in.

Officially I'd say that the SNP would be "spend a little bit more and cut very slowly whilst growing the economy".

At least that's the impression I get from the manifesto. They're going after Labour's vote in the Western Central Belt, so they have to sound suitably left wing for the voters in that area.:hmmm:

Mike.

MGR1

04-23-15, 07:27 AM

I'm wondering if, when the change of leaders comes in the LibDems and (UK) Cons, they might both choose female leaders (Theresa May for the Cons, don't know who for the LibDems). They moved to Blair-alikes after he seemed successful, so Sturgeon-alikes could be next on the cards.
Ruth would probably fit that profile better than May - Scottish, nippy, used to Salmond and company, good performer, and so on.

I think, though, splitting off and becoming truly Scottish (by which I mean local / country-specific) could well happen for both parties (or new ones will arise and replace them). Scotland might then have a political feel akin to Northern Ireland (well, loosely) where what happens is pretty much a matter of indifference to the 'UK'. Mind you, there are more seats in Scotland.

I completely agree that small-c conservative (maybe even some big-C ones too) ideas are needed for balance, at least that is my opinion (I can't give you anything that is fact regarding that). I also wonder at the toxicity of Thatcher: my sons only know of her as a distant, historical figure and are not really influenced by her memory, but are by (say) food banks and the like.
Yes, Scottish Labour really needs to free itself from its old outlook - their underlying mass support (shipyards, mine workers) is, quite literally, dying off. Its total antipathy to the SNP is just distorting them (they even vote agains their own amendments, silly buggers): perhaps a wipeout is just what they need to wake them up and perhaps get some new blood. I actually think that's the difference with the Tories in Scotland - because they have only 1 MP, nothing they do really matters to Westminster, so they have the freedom to be more pragmatic (for instance, influencing and then supporting the SNP's budget when the latter were in a minority government).

Agree with all of that.:up: One thing the SNP need to be wary of is being branded "Weegie SNP" in the same way SLAB is seen as "Weegie Labour" - it'll kill they're support in the rural areas. It's already caused my parents to say they're no longer going to vote for them now that "the Weegies" have taken over the party.:hmmm:

What do you think of this election so far? For me apart from the wet paper bag I have noticed in the early stages UKIP was the big bad wolf now shot to ribbons by the three main party's who now have turn their big guns on the SNP. Seems to me the big three do not like being pricked by the smaller party's. :hmmm:

Certainly as far as Aberdeen's concerned, I'm not seeing much activity "on the ground". A few leaflets through the door, but that's it. As I posted earlier, I'd guess that the SNP is focusing it's efforts online and in the Western Central Belt. Labour the same whilst as for the Scots Tories and Lib Dems I have no idea what they're up to. Though La Davidson did visit the city a day or two ago.

As for what Cameron et al are doing re Scotland, I'm tending to agree with Lords Forsyth and Tebbit. A very dangerous game which could lead to the Tories being eaten alive by English nationalism, perhaps?:hmmm:

Mike.

XabbaRus

04-23-15, 07:46 AM

Agree with all of that.:up: One thing the SNP need to be wary of is being branded "Weegie SNP" in the same way SLAB is seen as "Weegie Labour" - it'll kill they're support in the rural areas. It's already caused my parents to say they're no longer going to vote for them now that "the Weegies" have taken over the party.:hmmm:

Certainly as far as Aberdeen's concerned, I'm not seeing much activity "on the ground". A few leaflets through the door, but that's it. As I posted earlier, I'd guess that the SNP is focusing it's efforts online and in the Western Central Belt. Labour the same whilst as for the Scots Tories and Lib Dems I have no idea what they're up to. Though La Davidson did visit the city a day or two ago.

As for what Cameron et al are doing re Scotland, I'm tending to agree with Lords Forsyth and Tebbit. A very dangerous game which could lead to the Tories being eaten alive by English nationalism, perhaps?:hmmm:

Mike.
I had my first SNP leaflets the other day. Up until then it has been one Tory leaflet and a whole load of Lib-dem literature. I think they are the most rattled by Alec Salmond. The Gordon rep for the Lib-dems just doesn't inspire me at all.

ExFishermanBob

04-23-15, 11:22 AM

Well, as it is St. George's day, and old Shakey's birthday, this, I think, applies to the SNP.

There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.

Submitting they and their, as appropriate.

STEED

04-23-15, 02:03 PM

OH PLEASE YES PLEASE...

Nick Clegg looks like he could loose his seat.

Election 2015: Sheffield Hallam turns on 'traitor' Nick Clegg as Labour storms into contention
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/election-2015-sheffield-hallam-turns-traitor-nick-clegg-163009300.html#MFMxwsL

ExFishermanBob

04-23-15, 03:18 PM

Agree with all of that.:up: One thing the SNP need to be wary of is being branded "Weegie SNP" in the same way SLAB is seen as "Weegie Labour" - it'll kill they're support in the rural areas. It's already caused my parents to say they're no longer going to vote for them now that "the Weegies" have taken over the party.:hmmm:

Certainly as far as Aberdeen's concerned, I'm not seeing much activity "on the ground". A few leaflets through the door, but that's it. As I posted earlier, I'd guess that the SNP is focusing it's efforts online and in the Western Central Belt. Labour the same whilst as for the Scots Tories and Lib Dems I have no idea what they're up to. Though La Davidson did visit the city a day or two ago.

As for what Cameron et al are doing re Scotland, I'm tending to agree with Lords Forsyth and Tebbit. A very dangerous game which could lead to the Tories being eaten alive by English nationalism, perhaps?:hmmm:

Mike.

That 'weegian' thing is interesting, I had wondered about that myself.

No posters here, nor in Dundee, nor did I see any in Glasgow this week.

I suspect that you are correct about Cameron: he seems a bit short-sighted to me. No thought about what could come after.

ExFishermanBob

04-23-15, 03:20 PM

OH PLEASE YES PLEASE...

Nick Clegg looks like he could loose his seat.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/election-2015-sheffield-hallam-turns-traitor-nick-clegg-163009300.html#MFMxwsL

I wonder who would replace him - Tim Fallon is being mentioned (as LibDem leader).

MGR1

04-24-15, 07:39 AM

That 'weegian' thing is interesting, I had wondered about that myself.

Never underestimate the degree of dislike/antipathy towards Glasgow felt by many in the rest of Scotland.

It's reciprocated fully and with gusto of course!:03: Sometimes in good humour, sometimes not, depending on the situation.:hmmm:

Aberdeen FC fans generally get on OK with those of Celtic, but I can't remember the last time that there wasn't trouble between Dons and Rangers fans. All because of a dodgy tackle, IIRC.

Mind you, apart from Hearts, I can't think of any team's fans that Rangers supporters get on with.....:hmmm:

Anyway, back to politics, it does appear that SLAB's toast on the Clyde:

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/24/rage-against-the-labour-party-from-disillusionment-to-meltdown-in-scotland

BTW, has anyone noticed that Sturgeon favours wearing red? Plus shoulder pads?

Mike.

Jimbuna

04-24-15, 09:58 AM

I thought it was salmond pink :hmmm:

STEED

04-24-15, 10:59 AM

BTW, has anyone noticed that Sturgeon favours wearing red? Plus shoulder pads?

Mike.

Must be a big fan of "Dynasty" :hmmm:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FenPxRDo410

Errr.....:har:

BossMark

04-24-15, 01:39 PM

OH PLEASE YES PLEASE...

Nick Clegg looks like he could loose his seat.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/election-2015-sheffield-hallam-turns-traitor-nick-clegg-163009300.html#MFMxwsL
Hope he loses his seat along with (many other Tories) but these two defiantly.
Esther McVey
Iain Duncan Smith

STEED

04-24-15, 01:52 PM

Hope he loses his seat along with (many other Tories) but these two defiantly.
Esther McVey
Iain Duncan Smith

No complaint from me, out of the two IDS is probably in a safer seat.

I shall check it now and post below

Esther McVey Majority 2,436 (6.2%)
Iain Duncan Smith Majority 12,963 (30.1%)

Yep I was right.

Jimbuna

04-25-15, 06:30 AM

I think there will be quite a few 'safe seats' lost this time around, by both major parties.

MGR1

04-26-15, 12:19 PM

I think there will be quite a few 'safe seats' lost this time around, by both major parties.

It'll be interesting to see who gets the chop from their constituents. From a Scottish perspective it would be nice to see Jim Murphy and Margaret Curran, particularly, get "Portilloed".:D

Anyone from south of the border want to shed any light on how the "Scotland Issue" and it's potential effect on the outcome is being viewed by Joe Public where you are?:06:

Mike.

ExFishermanBob

04-26-15, 04:14 PM

EEK! Remember that bit where I thought parties would go for Sturgeon-alikes:

Suggestions for the Tories today: Nicky Morgan, Theresa May, Andrea Leadsome. :o

(latter here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-tory-backbenchers-tip-rising-star-andrea-leadsom-as-successor-to-david-cameron-as-party-leader-10204409.html
)

I too, would be interested to hear from 'normal' people in the rUK (rather than journalists and commenters on articles). :hmmm:

(Also, damn cold here now - just had to put the heating back on)

P.S. (Edit) Just read that Esther McVey is being suggested as well.

ExFishermanBob

04-26-15, 04:16 PM

It'll be interesting to see who gets the chop from their constituents. From a Scottish perspective it would be nice to see Jim Murphy and Margaret Curran, particularly, get "Portilloed".:D

Anyone from south of the border want to shed any light on how the "Scotland Issue" and it's potential effect on the outcome is being viewed by Joe Public where you are?:06:

Mike.

I've always thought that Mr Murphy was initially a stalking-horse to bring out candidates (when nobody would stand as leader for a while): but nobody told him he wasn't supposed to win. Certainly, for non-Labour voters, he really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Moonlight

04-27-15, 10:06 AM

Anyone from south of the border want to shed any light on how the "Scotland Issue" and it's potential effect on the outcome is being viewed by Joe Public where you are?:06:
Mike.

Most people I've spoken to around my part of Yorkshire don't seem to give a stuff about the SNP or the Scotland issue. What does concern them though is a ConDem UKip alliance, the nightmare of nightmares could soon be upon us. :nope:

ExFishermanBob

04-30-15, 04:21 AM

EEK! Remember that bit where I thought parties would go for Sturgeon-alikes:

Suggestions for the Tories today: Nicky Morgan, Theresa May, Andrea Leadsome. :o

(latter here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-tory-backbenchers-tip-rising-star-andrea-leadsom-as-successor-to-david-cameron-as-party-leader-10204409.html
)

P.S. (Edit) Just read that Esther McVey is being suggested as well.

And as predicted, Sturgeon-alikes (in this case, Ruth Davidson, who is rather good, I thought).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/11570216/Who-is-Ruth-Davidson-the-leader-of-the-Scottish-Conservatives.html

BossMark

05-01-15, 02:24 AM

Had some unwanted visitors on the street last night, but my Labour poster in my kitchen window frightened them off from my house, it was like a cross to a vampire :haha:

Jimbuna

05-01-15, 05:29 AM

Can't say I was all that impressed with any of the big three candidates on Question Time last night.

STEED

05-01-15, 07:17 AM

Can't say I was all that impressed with any of the big three candidates on Question Time last night.

Watching right now on iPlayer and Cameron realy comes across as a spiv. I will post more latter on my opinion and Nigel's half hour special as well.

STEED

05-01-15, 07:51 AM

Cameron came across as usual which you all know about, I found too smug and too much Labour/SNP do you want that dribble. As for immigration figures he ducked and dived with a load of guff from a man who clearly dose not give a hoot and enjoys playing the part of power crazy leader.

Milliband is getting a right royal grilling at the moment, far more than Cameron did. Milliband came across better but there were times he looked not too sure but at least he did not bang on and on with certain issues like Cameron did.

Clegg did not like the joke about him loosing his seat next week. Clegg comes across well but as we all know Clegg though his promises out the window for a chance at power and how can he be trusted ever again.

The Audience came across better than last time.

STEED

05-01-15, 09:43 AM

Just watched Ask Nigel and it came across ok not the usual bish bash bosh.

STEED

05-01-15, 02:51 PM

Election is over the horse trading beings...

What if no-one wins the election?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32336071

ExFishermanBob

05-01-15, 02:53 PM

Election is over the horse trading beings...

What if no-one wins the election?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32336071

I don't think I could stand another one this year. :/\\!!

STEED

05-01-15, 02:59 PM

I don't think I could stand another one this year. :/\\!!

A random result generator, tried ten versions and one came back Con/Lib and some of the others had so many in the coalition I hardly think in real life it would happen. When Labour in the hot seat and looking at it no SNP it just becomes rather hard, one result I had to add SF for Labour to win can you see that? :hmmm:

STEED

05-01-15, 03:23 PM

Just doing another five.

1. Cons come in front and form coalitions with LD and DUP (331 seats)

2. Cons come in second but Cameron has the right to go first, he can not do it. Enter Ed, without the SNP he too can not do it. Another election is held.

3. Cons come in front and form coalitions with LD (329 seats)

4. Cons come in second but Cameron has the right to go first, he can not do it. Enter Ed, this time Ed will say yes to the SNP and form coalition (327 seats)

5. Cons come in second but Cameron has the right to go first, he can not do it. Enter Ed, without the SNP he can form a coalition with the LD and DUP and SDLP (327 seats)

Oberon

05-01-15, 04:24 PM

It's going to be close, very close. I think the Tories might just scrape it with another ConDem coalition, but I think the Lib Dems might well rebel and bring it down again at the next Queens speech.

Honestly though, it's probably going to be the most uncertain election in a lifetime, and the outcome...well, none of the main parties are that brilliant, so whoever gets in we're going to be for it. I just hope that UKIP doesn't get enough seats to gain a foothold anywhere.

Why am I so against UKIP, people might well ask.
They scare me, if I'm honest, because I consider them to be a face of legitimacy for groups like the National Front and the British National Party.
How many people have been removed from UKIP because of anti-semetic, racist or downright offensive remarks that have leaked to the press? Too many, far too many, even if it's been a covert operation from the Tories in order to whittle down UKIP, the fact that their members have been saying these things gives an indication of the type of people who have flocked to the UKIP banner. The type of people who in the 1930s would probably have flocked to Mosleys banner. :nope:
Farage always tries to pass himself off as some sort of 1950s man of the people, he uses the nostalgia that all human beings possess for the past in order to gain votes. The fact is, the past is in the past, and we cannot afford to dwell on it longer than is necessary. Farage himself is no man of the people, he's an ex-city and a public school boy, just like the rank and file of the top members of the main parties.
And in Europe, one must look at the nature of the parties that UKIP have allied itself to, recruiting into its Euro-sceptic alliance in the EU one of the founding members of the Congress of the New Right from Poland, a party whose leader is a Holocaust-denier. I mean, for goodness sake, seventy years ago we put Fascism into its grave, and now we're inviting it back through the polling box?! :/\\!!

UKIP are dangerous, just as the National Socialist German Workers Party was dangerous, but no-one at the time would have realised this, because Hitler didn't come promising to gas the jews and start the Second World War, he made beautiful promises of holidays and rights for the German workers, of glorious projects, of restoring the proud German heritage from the ashes of the Weimar Republic. The rise of NSDAP was a warning to all of us, a warning of where rampant nationalism and pride can lead, and I don't think enough people have listened to it...and that makes me sad...and somewhat scared. :nope:

Torplexed

05-01-15, 09:17 PM

Onkel Neal

05-02-15, 09:03 AM

Oberon

05-02-15, 09:47 AM

It's often said that US Presidential elections are watched with a mix of fascination and horror from the rest of the world. They're brutally simpler too. Two entrenched and powerful parties bellowing, slinging mud and burning barrels of money for months on end.

UK elections are a bit baffling and far more nuanced from this end of the pond. The plethora of parties--Labour, Conservative, UKIP, SNP, Plaid Cymru, Lib Dems, the Greens etc. It can appear messy, and very layered, but in the end there is maybe more representation for the people especially at local levels. Also, in the UK you have those very strict rules where you're not really allowed to advertise via television or radio as a political party. The internet has allowed for a bit of American-style political advertising in the U.K., but British campaigns don't have money for the hyper-saturation that Americans are used to. And political spending by outside organizations is not allowed. Without a primary system, there are no polarizing, surprising, wild-card candidates, and everything becomes far more predictable and civilised...with an s.

The result is a British political campaign that seems eerily quiet to American ears. I suppose if you don't watch the news you could almost tune it out even over there.

Just my twopence. :D

Well said, and a good analysis, and thank God that our election campaigns are rather muted in comparison. I dread to think how bad it must get in the US as you get closer to the election. :dead:

Good analysis, Torpy. I will be the first to admit, I know nothing about British politics. All this business about forming a government, building coalitions... what happens in a national emergency if they cannot get their act together? Always seemed a kind of dodgy way to run a country.

In a time of a national emergency a coalition of the main parties can be made. In WWII, the Labour and Conservative parties entered a coalition, lead by the Tories. It lasted from Chamberlains resignation in 1940 until 1945. Generally speaking though in terms of major actions of national importance the two parties tend to agree on things, if we got into a war or if there was a terrorist attack, the main leaders would put their differences aside to co-ordinate a response. The aftermath of that response might be debated in length by both parties, but it would still happen. :yep:

Torplexed

05-02-15, 11:54 AM

I dread to think how bad it must get in the US as you get closer to the election. :dead:

I had a English guest here in the US in the summer of 2012. He was somewhat floored by the non-stop carpet bombing of TV commercials, radio adverts, bumper stickers and the festooning of every vacant scrap of ground with a crazy patchwork of signs and banners even with five months to go until the event itself.

Although it long ago crossed over into doubleplus-ridiculous-verging-dumbthink territory, living here you just learn to filter it out. I do imagine the ad agencies and printers love the temporary boost to their business.

ExFishermanBob

05-02-15, 01:57 PM

Good analysis, Torpy. I will be the first to admit, I know nothing about British politics. All this business about forming a government, building coalitions... what happens in a national emergency if they cannot get their act together? Always seemed a kind of dodgy way to run a country.

If you remember that:-

we have 650 small elections, each to choose a representative
we therefore vote for a parliament (not a government)
the parliament then chooses who can govern (notionally)
the Queen then names her Government (sort of)
Parliament approves the Queen's speech (this time, though, the Queen might not give it because it might get voted down)
the Prime Minister doesn't have to be from the largest party (nor, indeed from the government)
the Prime Minister doesn't even have to be an M.P.
10 Downing Street is the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury (not the Prime Minister)
The Prime Minister is, nowadays, the First Lord of the Treasury
The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the Second Lord of the Treasury and is thus the most senior person in the Treasury.
...and so on...

then it's all very simple. Like Cricket. Oh yes, we haven't got a written constitution, either.

What larks!

STEED

05-04-15, 05:45 AM

What was that silly thing Ed did yesterday doing a Moses?

Come on we don't need this sort of silly thing, get your act together Ed.

ExFishermanBob

05-04-15, 11:51 AM

Yes, that was very strange - I don't know who advised him that it was a good idea. :timeout:

Oberon

05-04-15, 01:31 PM

What was that silly thing Ed did yesterday doing a Moses?

Come on we don't need this sort of silly thing, get your act together Ed.

It's a bigger, more stoney version of Blairs pledge card from a few elections ago, I can see the idea behind it "Here are our pledges, so you can be reminded of them and remind us of them." But they're so wishy-washy that it undermines the entire point.

Still...not long to go now, then the real fun starts when none of them can get into power! :haha: :/\\!! I wonder if Dave will try for a minority government and I wonder how long that'll last if he does. :hmmm:

Jimbuna

05-04-15, 01:44 PM

Precisely, a potentially long drawn out period of minority governments lasting a couple of months at best before the need for yet another pointless general election and nothing of much worth being achieved during the period.

Why should Britain tremble :doh:

ExFishermanBob

05-05-15, 02:00 AM

I'd quite like the Belgian result - 589 days without any government. How refreshing that would be.

I notice the Independent is pushing for a Tory-LibDem alliance to exclude the SNP. Interesting how a parliament for a treaty between England and Scotland can be thought of as legitimate if it excludes Scotland's representatives from government. :88)

STEED

05-05-15, 09:08 AM

I'd quite like the Belgian result - 589 days without any government. How refreshing that would be.

And they did not fall apart into the gutter, makes you think. :hmmm:

I would do the job for half the money Dave is getting.

Oberon

05-05-15, 07:55 PM

You know, it's pretty near on certain that it's going to come down to some form of coalition, or possibly a minority government. The two heavies won't admit that because they don't want to be seen as giving up, but it's pretty obvious that neither Labour or the Conservatives are going to get an outright majority.
So it's going to likely be down to some sort of shady deal which we'll have no input in. What a way to run a railroad... :nope:
I think we should definitely consider the Belgian alternative. :yep:

Oberon

05-05-15, 07:59 PM

I notice the Independent is pushing for a Tory-LibDem alliance to exclude the SNP. Interesting how a parliament for a treaty between England and Scotland can be thought of as legitimate if it excludes Scotland's representatives from government. :88)

So much for being Independent...and I quite liked that paper too...I guess that just leaves the I, and IIRC that's run by the Independent too. :nope:

Still, the major parties are digging their own graves, and that of the union too, because the SNP is going to get most, if not all, of Scotland and after the slagging off that the English parties have been doing about Scotland and the Scots, I think if you were to hold another referendum any time soon about Scottish Independence, it wouldn't be the same result as last time.
The Scottish aren't stupid, and they'll remember all the promises that the three parties made to keep Scotland in the union, and they'll remember all the insults that the three main parties have made in the run up to this election, and I don't think that any celebrity endorsed published letter will be enough to save the union if another referendum comes along.

ExFishermanBob

05-06-15, 01:10 AM

SNIP...
The Scottish aren't stupid, and they'll remember all the promises that the three parties made to keep Scotland in the union, and they'll remember all the insults that the three main parties have made in the run up to this election, and I don't think that any celebrity endorsed published letter will be enough to save the union if another referendum comes along.

I was disappointed with the Independent too. Mind you, many of the papers are owned by rich non-domiciles so perhaps it's not too surprising.

The anti-Scottish stuff is really inexcusable: anti-SNP is fine, that's politics and zoomers can be expected in the comments on-line, but the nonsense seems to be being applied to any Scottish influence even in articles.

A second referendum will be a very different thing, I think. I suspect the Yes side will have learnt a lot from the first, whereas the No side will, extrapolating from this election, have learnt nothing. :hmm2:

Oh well, good luck to all. Only one day to go.

STEED

05-06-15, 07:31 AM

Tomorrow is the big day the day we have power! Just a shame those who we trust with that power always seem to blow it.

STEED

05-06-15, 07:58 AM

Just a side note any you lot got local elections this year?

Jimbuna

05-06-15, 08:40 AM

Aye, 18 of the 54 wards are being contested in South Tyneside.

STEED

05-06-15, 08:46 AM

Probably will not get the results to the local elections not until Saturday. I think the Conservatives and Liberals will get a right royal bashing and everyone else will do well.

STEED

05-06-15, 10:54 AM

Boss Mark got his bags packed and plane ticket ready if the worst happens.

Oberon gone all green and joined a naturalist nude camp.

The guys up in Scotland are ready for the 3rd Jacobite rising.

Jim will be enjoying all the horse trading and STEED knocking back Pimms.

:DL

Just don't forget to vote tomorrow. :ping: :)

STEED

05-06-15, 11:06 AM

OK here is my predictions in no order..

Cons along with the Libs will just scrape by to form the second coalition.

Cons along with the Libs will need the DUP to form a coalition.

Cons along with the Libs will need the DUP and the Alliance to form a coalition.

Lab along with the Libs will form a coalition.

Lab along with the Libs and SNP will form a coalition.

Lab along with the SNP will form a coalition.

Lab along with the Libs SDLP Greens Plaid Cymru and the Alliance will form a coalition.

BossMark

05-07-15, 02:21 AM

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/rothwellwhite1/rothwellwhite1200/bsd_labour_FB_pollingday_jms2_zpsa1f2wpnf.png

Fubar2Niner

05-07-15, 02:36 AM

^
Me too. Up yours Cameron.

Oberon

05-07-15, 05:47 AM

Bio-Dimbleby is being activated in preparation for tonights defeat of the United Kingdom.

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bk5C3bcCIAEQG0L.png

Jimbuna

05-07-15, 05:50 AM

Received this text from the boy about an hour ago...

Don't forget, vote for the party which will make me richer tomorrow: VOTE CONSERVATIVE!!

:)

STEED

05-07-15, 06:46 AM

Rec'd a bloody stupid leaflet from the LibDems...

Its a nice day today come out play and cast your vote for the LibDems today. :hulk:

For Fracks sake! :/\\!!

STEED

05-07-15, 07:10 AM

http://usercontent2.hubimg.com/5453008_f260.jpg

Get on your horse and get out and vote

Fubar2Niner

05-07-15, 08:32 AM

Received this text from the boy about an hour ago...

:)

WHAT !!!!

Splice the young blaggard to the mainbrace. Nay make him walk the plank even....

Jim what is going on mate ;)

Okay vote cast....... another nail in the tory coffin.

https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=JN.IegJDnVuDGaP3OrUSbR9Vg&pid=15.1&P=0

Eichhörnchen

05-07-15, 11:38 AM

http://i.imgur.com/UEtpuTu.jpg?1

STEED

05-07-15, 12:40 PM

http://i.imgur.com/UEtpuTu.jpg?1

A new party? :hmmm:

Need too read your Manifesto, where can I download a copy?

Are you standing in possible 2nd election this year?

XabbaRus

05-07-15, 02:13 PM

There was a nice Wikipedia edit war going on earlier.

Eichhörnchen

05-07-15, 02:31 PM

A new party? :hmmm:

Need too read your Manifesto, where can I download a copy?

Are you standing in possible 2nd election this year?

Our plan would be to divide the electorate completely, resulting in a Parliament filled almost entirely with Nuts. Yum yum.

STEED

05-07-15, 02:52 PM

Our plan would be to divide the electorate completely, resulting in a Parliament filled almost entirely with Nuts. Yum yum.You know what that sounds honest. :rotfl2:

STEED

05-07-15, 04:35 PM

Game Over!

That Bastard Cameron has done it, five more years of hell. :/\\!! :/\\!! :/\\!! :/\\!! :/\\!!

I'm off to bed I can't take this....

XabbaRus

05-07-15, 04:56 PM

Labour hold Sunderland, massive UKIP swing though.

Rhodes

05-07-15, 05:15 PM

So, a great defeat for Labour? And do you (the UK subsim members) were expecting this?

mapuc

05-07-15, 05:17 PM

So, it was not what some of you had hoped for ?

I have seen some friends friend writing Hurray and some have been using swearing words on their walls.

Markus

mapuc

05-07-15, 05:19 PM

Labour hold Sunderland, massive UKIP swing though.

Saw just a diagram on BBC 1. 17 % plus for UKIP

Markus

XabbaRus

05-07-15, 05:26 PM

They are exit polls. Who knows. People getting upset prematurely.

mapuc

05-07-15, 07:24 PM

How !? How could they be so wrong ? Some days ago I saw on Danish news a, (forgot the word for it) it showed both Con and Lab almost even at 34 %. and a political commentator was in London, saying to us the viewer that the election will be a thriller.

Are people saying on thing to a interviewer and then vote different ?

Markus

Oberon

05-07-15, 07:45 PM

I really hope that these exit polls are wrong...but so far it's swinging on to the same lines that have been predicted.

I can't really express my feelings on this matter without incurring an infraction, so I think I'll be thinking of emigrating to either Scotland or Canada. Claiming political asylum perhaps. :hmmm:

Torplexed

05-07-15, 08:47 PM

I can't really express my feelings on this matter without incurring an infraction, so I think I'll be thinking of emigrating to either Scotland or Canada.

Canada! The nation with something for everyone, from world-class go-go cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, to the magnificent Rockies, the fantastically friendly and picturesque maritime provinces, boom towns like Calgary, the beautiful lakes and rivers of rural Ontario, the pristine northern wilderness!

Just gotta learn to embrace the Dark Side of the Frost for half the year.

https://media1.giphy.com/media/DbO7lslrta2eQ/200_s.gif

Torvald Von Mansee

05-07-15, 11:43 PM

Canada! The nation with something for everyone, from world-class go-go cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, to the magnificent Rockies, the fantastically friendly and picturesque maritime provinces, boom towns like Calgary, the beautiful lakes and rivers of rural Ontario, the pristine northern wilderness!

Just gotta learn to embrace the Dark Side of the Frost for half the year.

https://media1.giphy.com/media/DbO7lslrta2eQ/200_s.gif

You could just move to the temperate part of B.C., though.

Herr-Berbunch

05-08-15, 12:51 AM

*Sticks head above parapet*

:woot:

*Ducks down immediately*

XabbaRus

05-08-15, 01:28 AM

Ok so apparently Tories on course for a majority. I hope not. SNP have taken most of Scotland. Obviously a lot of 'No' referendum voters switching hoping for better representation. I hope they don't assume with tho swing that people in Scotland now want independence and push for a referendum. That would disingenuous. Libdem hammered. Interesting times ahead.

Catfish

05-08-15, 02:39 AM

I will never understand why people who will never have a chance in life due to right-wing-rich-people-exploit-more-out-of-the-crowd-selfish-dumb politicians who-do-not-even-try-to-gloss-all-that-over-and-betray-them-everytime, still elect them.
Oh yes, the right wingers are sooo patriotic. Gets the dumb voters everytime.

I mean the middle class is dead, and the people who are not in the 5-percent club are the majority, after all. Or is it all a fraud :hmmm:

George Carlin does not vote, i meanwhile tend to agree. If elections changed anything, they would be verboten.

Fubar2Niner

05-08-15, 02:45 AM

Interesting times ahead.

Interesting....! Is that what you call it...! Bloody nightmarish bordering horrific if you ask me. :/\\!! :/\\!! :/\\!!

Torplexed

05-08-15, 03:12 AM

I see the Daily Mirror doesn't mince words. Sort of reminds me of the reaction to George Bush's reelection here.

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/media/images/82849000/jpg/_82849174_mirror2.jpg

MGR1

05-08-15, 03:31 AM

STEED

05-08-15, 03:55 AM

God help us all the Devil's spawn returns! :/\\!!

Bloody Tory scum held their seat here! They done bugger all here, not a bloody jot the bloody MP dose not even live here! The bastard gets back in!

STEED

05-08-15, 04:32 AM

Ester Mc Vay :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har:

kraznyi_oktjabr

05-08-15, 04:47 AM

STEED

05-08-15, 04:53 AM

Congratulations! :D Looks like "conservative" is word of the week. Yesterday we got to know that next Finnish government will be formed around Centre, National Coalition and Finns.

Interesting times ahead!

Not for us, this means the remaining 70% Tory cuts will now go ahead. :/\\!!

The first 30% hit the country hard and now the big one is on its way. :/\\!!

STEED

05-08-15, 04:57 AM

Council results are now coming in don't forget.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2015/results/councils

STEED

05-08-15, 05:29 AM

Congratulations to the SNP and give that smug PM Hell.

So the big question..

WHAT WENT WRONG WITH LABOUR?

Clearly as I have said time and time again Ed got the position thanks to the block union vote, the party wanted David and the biggest issue Ed Balls who clearly no one trusted him with the economy. And the result he lost his seat!

What next for Labour? Clearly they need to clear all the old guard out and bring in new faces and attack the Tories with good solid evidence not hear say real solid concrete evidence of their lies. Ed Milliband nice guy but clearly he has not got it and should step down right now and get the process of rebuilding labour under way today.

As for the LibDems they paid the price for their folly. The LibDems damage is so great I believe their days are numbered, if the council results also go against them then May 7th will be known as the blackest day in their history.

Nigel Farage UKIP leader and Nick Clegg LibDems Leader are both stepping down.

The UKIP vote was good and it showed our voting system is bias towards the establishment and we need change for a fairer better system.

Oberon

05-08-15, 05:33 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq7Vj3GMd1M

Fubar2Niner

05-08-15, 06:08 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq7Vj3GMd1M

My sentiments exactly !!

Jimbuna

05-08-15, 06:09 AM

As I previously posted on the Tories thread:

Call it hindsight but I'm honestly not surprised at the outcome but can't say as much for the winning margin.

Actually received my annual Labour membership card yesterday (great timing) and an email today asking me if I wanted to join the party

I emailed them back asking what they had done with over twenty years of my membership subscriptions

STEED

05-08-15, 06:14 AM

Ed Miliband has stepped down, now lets see a new stronger better Labour party that must stop the Tories dead in 2020.

STEED

05-08-15, 06:21 AM

I emailed them back asking what they had done with over twenty years of my membership subscriptions

Spent it, it was at the bottom of that famous note. :)

Joking aside I hope they give you a proper answer.

Jimbuna

05-08-15, 06:27 AM

Spent it, it was at the bottom of that famous note. :)

Joking aside I hope they give you a proper answer.

If not they'll be a member short come a years time :yep:

STEED

05-08-15, 07:42 AM

Lets see if this will raise BossMark's spirits..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXex5Z4Kdbs

STEED

05-08-15, 08:11 AM

Early days yet but I checked the council results and the first 32 are in out of 279 and its showing LibDems and Independents taking the biggest knocking and UKIP & Conservatives doing the best.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2015/results/councils

Bilge_Rat

05-08-15, 08:29 AM

I was looking over the results on the BBC site. The vote percentage for the Tories and Labour barely budged and actually went up more for Labour.

http://www.bbc.com/news/election/2015/results

What made the difference was the collapse of Lib-Dem votes and rise of UKIP votes which presumably would have allowed many Tory candidates to slip into first place even if their vote total did not change from 2010.

the vagaries of the first-past-the-post system.

UKIP got more vote ( 3,875, 409) than SNP and Lib-Dems combined ( 1,454,436 + 2,399,866 = 3,854,302) which gave them all of 1 seat vs 64 for SNP/Lib-Dem.

MGR1

05-08-15, 08:51 AM

UKIP got more vote ( 3,875, 409) than SNP and Lib-Dems combined ( 1,454,436 + 2,399,866 = 3,854,302) which gave them all of 1 seat vs 64 for SNP/Lib-Dem.

The main problem that UKIP face is the same as the SDP back in the 80's. Lots of votes nationwide, but not concentrated enough to get seats under FPTP.

From a Scottish perspective, it will be very interesting to see what happens next year with the Scottish Parliament elections. No doubt the SNP will win a majority again, but who will be the biggest opposition party?

Or is Scotland going to turn into a one-party state?:hmmm:

Mike.

ExFishermanBob

05-08-15, 09:13 AM

Oh well, that's England and Scotland giving each other the finger, then.:hmmm:

Must be a bit of a bad taste in the mouth for the SNP, though. They sweep the board in Scotland, but still end up with a Tory majority government.:O:

I hope a lesson has been learned by people in Scotland. No matter what we do, England has more constituencies than Scotland. England can therefore do as it wishes and there is bugger-all Scotland can do about it.

'Nuff said!

Mike.

Learned that lesson quite a while ago. Don't despari - that Tory majority is very very slim. Remember, John Major started off with 21 and ended up pleading with NI parties for support.

(Plus, of course, even if Scotland had voted entirely Labour, it still would have been a Tory majority. What England votes for, we get.)

STEED

05-08-15, 09:19 AM

Just checked the council results again and the first 50 are in out of 279 and their is no real change to the pattern that is unfolding showing LibDems and Independents taking the biggest knocking and UKIP & Conservatives doing the best.

If this carry's on it's going to be a double blow for the LibDems.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2015/results/councils[/QUOTE]

ExFishermanBob

05-08-15, 09:19 AM

The main problem that UKIP face is the same as the SDP back in the 80's. Lots of votes nationwide, but not concentrated enough to get seats under FPTP.

From a Scottish perspective, it will be very interesting to see what happens next year with the Scottish Parliament elections. No doubt the SNP will win a majority again, but who will be the biggest opposition party?

Or is Scotland going to turn into a one-party state?:hmmm:

Mike.

Labour cannot, I think, have it both ways: popular in the South and in the North: they really need to split themselves up, properly (not the fake Scottish Labour accounting unit they have at the moment). I suspect that if Jim Murphy tries to continue as leader, he might just accidentally force that.

STEED

05-08-15, 09:29 AM

Last GE result is in and the Tories have a majority of 4. Looks like some deals with the DUP and maybe the LibDems on some of the more tricky votes to come.

MGR1

05-08-15, 09:42 AM

Don't despari - that Tory majority is very very slim.

Ah, but I'm not despairing!:O: Politically I'd place myself to the right of the Lib-Dems, but left of the Tories. The SNP can throw it's toys out of the pram bellowing about the so-called "democratic deficit", but they're largely irrelevant. England says so. Nothing they can do about it. If they carry on as they are, English MP's of all parties will not work with them. Period. They're own constituents won't forgive them if they do.

Labour cannot, I think, have it both ways: popular in the South and in the North: they really need to split themselves up, properly (not the fake Scottish Labour accounting unit they have at the moment). I suspect that if Jim Murphy tries to continue as leader, he might just accidentally force that.

It would appear that Murphy isn't stepping down as Scottish Labour Leader, so it's now obvious he's going to try his hand at Holyrood. Although I do believe that the various "branch offices" should split off and become truly Scottish, my main concern is that other than the Tories, all the Scottish parties are so damned left wing!:/\\!!

I think Scotland needs a "steel bath" economic lesson, and a harsh one at that. My fellow Scots need to learn that the Scottish financial pool is rather shallower than the UK's, regardless of what guff the SNP come out with.

Austerity? Wait until you see what happens when Scotland has to live within it's own financial means. We can't keep shoveling money into those areas that can't (or won't) pull their own weight economically.:hmmm:

Mike.

STEED

05-08-15, 11:24 AM

My council result is in and more bad news, was NOC now Tory. :/\\!! :nope:

nikimcbee

05-08-15, 11:52 AM

https://leftfootforward.org/images/2011/04/Cameron-2.jpg
Come on Steed, Come give me a big kiss! Don't be a h8tr!

STEED

05-08-15, 11:55 AM

https://leftfootforward.org/images/2011/04/Cameron-2.jpg
Come on Steed, Come give me a big kiss! Don't be a h8tr!

I rather french kiss a skunk than kiss that BLEEPING BLEEP.

STEED

05-08-15, 11:56 AM

116 council results in and now Labour are taking a knocking.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2015/results/councils

HunterICX

05-08-15, 12:22 PM

Even here on their holiday I've heard them cussing and cursing whilst reading their newspaper at the next door bar. :haha:

STEED

05-08-15, 12:29 PM

Even here on their holiday I've heard them cussing and cursing whilst reading their newspaper at the next door bar. :haha:

Ex-pats are bloody lucky they are not in the UK.

nikimcbee

05-08-15, 12:45 PM

I rather french kiss a skunk than kiss that BLEEPING BLEEP.
I can arrange that.

http://wyolife.com/Hillary%20Shrine/Hillary%20kisses%20you.jpg
Pucker up Steed!
The donation box is over there.

mapuc

05-08-15, 01:24 PM

Why or should I say how ??

Maybe some of the English members here could give my an answer to why the Tories won despite otherwise in gallups or how they managed to win ?

Markus

nikimcbee

05-08-15, 02:14 PM

Why or should I say how ??

Maybe some of the English members here could give my an answer to why the Tories won despite otherwise in gallups or how they managed to win ?

Markus

Getting lazyboy chair and bag of crisps now. Let the show begin.:/\\k:

MGR1

05-08-15, 02:18 PM

Why or should I say how ??

Maybe some of the English members here could give my an answer to why the Tories won despite otherwise in gallups or how they managed to win ?

Markus

Simple - the Pollsters cocked up and they don't know why. The only bit they got remotely right was the forecast for Scotland and they didn't believe what they were seeing!

Mike.:03:

nikimcbee

05-08-15, 02:53 PM

I watched a bit of the coverage on the BBC. They sure do love their(BBC) computer graphics. :haha: They had a computer graphic for everything.

Oberon

05-08-15, 02:53 PM

Simple - the Pollsters cocked up and they don't know why. The only bit they got remotely right was the forecast for Scotland and they didn't believe what they were seeing!

Mike.:03:

Pretty much this, they are holding an internal investigation into how they got it so wrong. Apparently there was a telephone poll shortly before the election which put the Tories ahead a fair bit, but it was discounted as erroneous because it didn't tally with what the other polls were saying.

As to why the Conservatives did so well...I have no real idea. It's not as if their campaign was significantly better than Labours. Perhaps it was the scaremongering of a Labour/SNP alliance which put so many people into the Tories pockets, the Murdoch media were pretty good at that.
I must admit I don't understand how people could vote for a party that has promised to cut £12bn off the already heavily cut welfare budget, which is going to mean more suicides, more food banks, and more misery for hundreds of thousands of Britains. I don't understand how people could vote for a party which will cut the poor while protecting the rich, just because the poor are easy targets. As many people and media outlets are putting it, we are turkeys that have just voted for Christmas. :dead:
Well, I hope that they don't cut the police budget any more, because I have a feeling we're going to be seeing more riots in the near future.

Oberon

05-08-15, 02:54 PM

I watched a bit of the coverage on the BBC. They sure do love their(BBC) computer graphics. :haha: They had a computer graphic for everything.

They've got to do something with the CGI department while Doctor Who isn't on. :03:

mapuc

05-08-15, 03:18 PM

I can tell you it have been on the Danish and the Swedish news al day long. I have seen this and this "expert" try to explain or trying to come up with evasions due to "I-know-how-it-going-to-end-explanation" just the day before.

Markus

STEED

05-08-15, 03:33 PM

Pretty much this, they are holding an internal investigation into how they got it so wrong. Apparently there was a telephone poll shortly before the election which put the Tories ahead a fair bit, but it was discounted as erroneous because it didn't tally with what the other polls were saying.

As to why the Conservatives did so well...I have no real idea. It's not as if their campaign was significantly better than Labours. Perhaps it was the scaremongering of a Labour/SNP alliance which put so many people into the Tories pockets, the Murdoch media were pretty good at that.
I must admit I don't understand how people could vote for a party that has promised to cut £12bn off the already heavily cut welfare budget, which is going to mean more suicides, more food banks, and more misery for hundreds of thousands of Britains. I don't understand how people could vote for a party which will cut the poor while protecting the rich, just because the poor are easy targets. As many people and media outlets are putting it, we are turkeys that have just voted for Christmas. :dead:
Well, I hope that they don't cut the police budget any more, because I have a feeling we're going to be seeing more riots in the near future.

Lambs to the slaughter, spot Oberon, The media along with the Tories rammed home the message the Scots are coming and they will piss on us English. This put fear in the minds of many people that's why they turned on the LibDems to insure the Tories would rule the roost without interference from a coalition partner.

As I said some where Ed Milliband walked straight into the Tory trap making him say time and time again no deal with the SNP. Result second attack can you believe Labour look at the economic mess when they left office in 2010 and the sheep voters bought it. These fools forget there was a global banking crises which in most part caused our mess.

Too many people in the UK just will not wake up and see the the writing on the wall. Mark my words the bloody Tories will bang on again about the last Labour government in 2020 and percentage of the voters will nod their heads yes we must not forget, excuse me by then the Tories would have been in power for 10 years!