UK Politics Discussion

[Racheya]

Figured us Brits might want a central thread to discuss the upcoming General Election on.

 

This will be my first time voting since I've only just turned 18. I sent off my registration a few weeks back so I hope it's processed before May 6th.

 

What do people think of the Leaders Debate last night? We were discussing it in college and I think a lot of people were impressed by Nick Clegg, Lib Dems have shot up in the polls the last I heard.

 

Opinions? Thoughts?

 

Edit: This thread now encompasses all discussion on UK politics, since the election is over :)

[Clay_More12]

Yeah Cregg done really well, I seen 3 polls and all of them was won by Cregg.

[MonkeyChee]

This will also be my first time voting as I recently turned 18, I managed to watch most of the debate, and most people seemed to be very impressed by Clegg.

[Romy]

Yeah Cregg done really well, I seen 3 polls and all of them was won by Cregg.

 

I stopped trusting polls years ago, after I've seen things turn from one thing to the complete opposite...

[Will H]

So long as nothing extreme happens, it's either going to be a hung parliament or a really close Conservative majority, so the Lib Dems can really make a mark here. Clegg won the Leaders' Debate, with 'Captain Dave' Cameron in 2nd, but I get the feeling that the Lib Dems have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Vince Cable (Lib Dem) did very well in the Chancellor's Debate, with George Osborne (Con) in 2nd as well.

 

This time the Lib Dems might end up as the kingmakers if they do well in more of the Debates, but they're not the kings quite yet.

[magekillr]

I'm an American but I still care about world politics. I have always rooted for the Lib Dems, so I'm hoping they do well. I haven't watched the debate yet but I've been hearing that Clegg was the clear winner, especially from the flash polling:

 

 

The Liberal Democrats gained a huge advantage from last night's debate, mostly because they have been out of power for so long. They can make all sorts of promises because they have no real record. In short, Lib Dems have had the luxury of making promises that a party which will never be in power can make. In the aftermath of the scandal involving MP expenses, which puts every member of parliament anywhere near power in a terrible light, the instinct in the electorate to “throw the bums out” benefits a party that has not been in power. This has been true with America as well.

 

The best results that I can realistically hope for is a hung parliament. The Tories would be a disaster, and Labour isn't much better. Their civil liberties record is absolutely appalling. So yeah, I'm hoping for a hung parliament.

 

In the long run, last night's debate could be the turning point in British politics regarding the Tories. Most people hate them, but they're seen as a hereditarily necessary political party. If the Lib Dems take over that spot, we'll have debates being mostly between Lib Dems and Labour instead. That would be great.

[Wingless]

I couldn't stop laughing when Gordon Brown wouldn't shutup when the announcer told him to.

 

Also, in Psychology today, we were discussing Clegg's success. Apparently, it's due to his body language and eye contact...

 

But I can't vote, so I don't even know why I'm posting here :mellow:

[dusqi]

For UK people who have not registered to vote yet, you have until April 20th so there is still time. Do it online now: http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

 

Young people are getting a raw deal at the moment. Young people have the highest unemployment, young people have to go into massive debt for university fees, young people have to fund the generous pensions of older people with an uncertain prospect of getting a pension of their own, young people can't afford a house (the average age of first-time buyers without parental help is 37)

 

Part of the reason for this is that young people don't vote, so politicians ignore them. I don't care who you vote for, just register.

[OldJoe]

Personally i think it will be interesting to see whether BNP or UKIP will get any mandates. Since the political pot need to be stirred around a bit to bring up other issues aswell.

If i were a Brit, i would vote for the Conservatives. It will be interesting to see what happens. And going a bit off topic (but still elections) my country has election in September, where finally we should get some conservatives in to the parliament.

[Racheya]

+1 to encouraging people to vote, dusqi

I don't really think that you can complain about the state of the country if you don't vote. I think it's an important thing that everyone should do.

 

 

@OldJoe - Why is it that you support the Conservatives? Just out of curiosity. What is it that makes you think that they are the right party?

[Sy_Accursed]

Lib Dems stand a real chance of getting in this time round. They've pretty much wrapped up the young peoples vote with 2 promises

1) Scrap Tuition Fees for all students on their first degree (like scotland)

2) Raise limit before you have to pay NI (or was it income tax? one of them anyway) to £10,000 a year

 

Labour has prob alienated a lot of voters in the young lot with their "compulsory school til 18" policy and Conservatives "if you don't like it run it yourself" schemes doesnt seem to be doing to well

[silasinth]

I couldn't stop laughing when Gordon Brown wouldn't shutup when the announcer told him to.

 

Also, in Psychology today, we were discussing Clegg's success. Apparently, it's due to his body language and eye contact...

 

But I can't vote, so I don't even know why I'm posting here :mellow:

I noticed he always had one of his hands in his pocket (i guess to give a casual impression?) and always made sure he spoke directly to the person who asked the question and mentioned their names again at the end.

 

Though im not 18 yet (16) from what ive picked up from my parents, reading party policies and obviously watching the debate last night, im really hoping for a lib dem win, which may not seem completely out of sight now after Nick Cleggs convincing performance in the debate :)

 

Edit: I also loved the way that every now and then while Cameron was talking, you could just see Brown shaking his head in the background.

[1_man_army]

Personally i think it will be interesting to see whether BNP or UKIP will get any mandates. Since the political pot need to be stirred around a bit to bring up other issues aswell.

 

They most likely won't get anything. With general elections working on the First Past the Post system rather than Proportional Representation, the fringe parties have little to no chance of a parliamentary seat. In the European elections and in some council elections, they often have a slight impact but that is because they use a PR system.

[Ronan]

I don't really think that you can complain about the state of the country if you don't vote. I think it's an important thing that everyone should do.

This year's going to be my first year of voting too, having turned 18 in December. Yet, I'm one of those who probably won't end up voting.

 

To be honest, it's simply just that I've had no interest in the politics of the country - I don't complain so that common argument can't really apply. In my scenario though, I don't see the point in registering and voting for something random - surely that's just throwing out an invalid vote if there's no consideration really been put into it?

 

On the other hand though - if I were to stand back and look at myself it's (rather ashamedly) sheer laziness! :P I think I can be opinionated so really should take the time to look at different issues and who I think is the most viable...I would say that from small looks at it the Liberal's are the ones that stand out most, that's probably largely due to all the talk about them at the moment though! ;)

[exodus199]

I missed out being able to vote by one month, but I hope anybody except Conservatives wins.

 

I don't dislike Gordon Brown I think he is alight, he just has a tough time coming across well with makes him look bad, and the recession etc is not his fault, however for David Cameron coming across well seems all he can do, he never really says much with actual substance i think, he just criticizes every bad thing and says what he knows people want to hear, also i hate most traditions and traditional values which i think the Conservatives are associated with the most.

 

It would be nice if Lib Dems win but i really doubt they will.

[Verminox]

Lib Dems Manifesto: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7165001/Liberal-Democrat-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

Conservative: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7165000/Conservative-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

Labour: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7164930/Labour-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

I'll probably vote conservative or lib dem, although I don't agree with the lib dems getting rid of tuition fees for universities.

[Sy_Accursed]

Lib Dems Manifesto: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7165001/Liberal-Democrat-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

Conservative: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7165000/Conservative-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

Labour: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7164930/Labour-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

I'll probably vote conservative or lib dem, although I don't agree with the lib dems getting rid of tuition fees for universities.

 

Why?

Between maintenance and tuition loans students rock up about £7,000 of debt a year.

So a basic 3 year course results in £21,000 of debt.

 

So everyone young who wants a decent qualification who isn't rich ends up starting their life with a mountain of debt.

[VEGHATERMEATLOVER]

The REAL election is showing that the Lib Dems are winning, I personally support the Lib Dems. There policys are just fantastic.

REAL Election

[Verminox]

Making it free will mean more people go, there's already 50,000 people this year who won't get into university because there's no places even though there grades are good. Even if they some how manage to find enough places, by having more people do a course it will make the degree worthless.

[Sy_Accursed]

Making it free will mean more people go, there's already 50,000 people this year who won't get into university because there's no places even though there grades are good. Even if they some how manage to find enough places, by having more people do a course it will make the degree worthless.

 

Making it free won;t make more people go. Most young people either don't want to go or decide to go INSPITE of the mountain of debt.

If its free it'll just mean those who dont want to go wont and those who go inspite of the mountain of debt will go inspite of the small heap of debt.

[dusqi]

I don't really think that you can complain about the state of the country if you don't vote. I think it's an important thing that everyone should do.

This year's going to be my first year of voting too, having turned 18 in December. Yet, I'm one of those who probably won't end up voting.

 

To be honest, it's simply just that I've had no interest in the politics of the country - I don't complain so that common argument can't really apply. In my scenario though, I don't see the point in registering and voting for something random - surely that's just throwing out an invalid vote if there's no consideration really been put into it?

 

On the other hand though - if I were to stand back and look at myself it's (rather ashamedly) sheer laziness! :P I think I can be opinionated so really should take the time to look at different issues and who I think is the most viable...I would say that from small looks at it the Liberal's are the ones that stand out most, that's probably largely due to all the talk about them at the moment though! ;)

 

But if politicians know that you and people like you vote, then they'll start saying things that are relevant to you and trying to get you to vote for them. In other words, if you vote for someone random this time, then next time they'll start caring about what you think, and they'll start saying things that relate to you and people like you - they'll have to start being interesting to you.

 

If they think that you won't bother voting, of course they'll never say anything that is relevant to your interests. They won't do anything that is relevant to your interests either. They want votes, so if you don't vote you don't exist to them.

[OldJoe]

@OldJoe - Why is it that you support the Conservatives? Just out of curiosity. What is it that makes you think that they are the right party?

Well, when i've read up a bit about each of the three big parties before, i have tended to agree alot more with the Conservatives than the other two. And out of an idealogical standpoint i don't vote for socialistic parties.

To make everything a bit more easy for me, i just took a test at Telegraph's website, where these were my results (not intending to make this a poll thread):

[spoiler=Percentage agreements]

UK Independence Party:

67%

Conservative Party:

58%

British National Party:

55%

Labour Party:

38%

Liberal Democrats:

16%

Green Party:

3%

 

I should also point out that i'm not too knowledgeable about UK politics which is why i can't come with any proper arguments.

[Racheya]

Lib Dems stand a real chance of getting in this time round. They've pretty much wrapped up the young peoples vote with 2 promises

1) Scrap Tuition Fees for all students on their first degree (like scotland)

2) Raise limit before you have to pay NI (or was it income tax? one of them anyway) to £10,000 a year

 

Labour has prob alienated a lot of voters in the young lot with their "compulsory school til 18" policy and Conservatives "if you don't like it run it yourself" schemes doesnt seem to be doing to well

 

I don't mind too much Labour's compulsory school, however it is worrying that the drop outs who just don't want to be there are still going to go which is going to bring down the level of education for everyone. If they can get these 16-18 year olds into vocational courses that they might be interested in then it's great. But in general the people who don't go to Further Education Colleges/6th Form are not very academically inclined and wouldn't want to be there.

 

I find the Conservative's policy a bit irksome, I just don't see how saying 'yeah well if you think you can do it better, have a go!' is an effective policy or how it's going to help at all.

 

(I'll explain my thoughts on Lib Dems a bit further down)

 

 

I missed out being able to vote by one month, but I hope anybody except Conservatives wins.

 

I don't dislike Gordon Brown I think he is alight, he just has a tough time coming across well with makes him look bad, and the recession etc is not his fault, however for David Cameron coming across well seems all he can do, he never really says much with actual substance i think, he just criticizes every bad thing and says what he knows people want to hear, also i hate most traditions and traditional values which i think the Conservatives are associated with the most.

 

It would be nice if Lib Dems win but i really doubt they will.

 

This is quite an accurate picture of my view. Coming from a working class, north-west background, I'm not particularly Conservatively inclined. I don't really think I would want them into power because to me, and I don't know how accurate this is but it's my opinion, the Conservative party is just a bunch of rich out-of-touch snobs who value tradition over progression.

 

I really feel sorry for Gordon Brown since none of this was his fault, but he's getting all the flack. Tony [bleep]ing Blair pisses off right as the [cabbage] hits the fan and leaves GB to deal with it. David Cameron is a bit of a smarmy git imo and seems a lot more talk than action. Like in the debate when asked about where he was going to get the money to fund things from he dodged the question like a pro.

 

And the Lib Dems would be a nice win, but it's an outside shot. Then again, with the recent figures their chances have skyrocketed.

 

Lib Dems Manifesto: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7165001/Liberal-Democrat-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

Conservative: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7165000/Conservative-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

Labour: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7164930/Labour-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

I'll probably vote conservative or lib dem, although I don't agree with the lib dems getting rid of tuition fees for universities.

 

Why?

Between maintenance and tuition loans students rock up about £7,000 of debt a year.

So a basic 3 year course results in £21,000 of debt.

 

So everyone young who wants a decent qualification who isn't rich ends up starting their life with a mountain of debt.

 

The problem I have with the Lib Dems education policy of scraping student loans is what someone in my college said today. If they get rid of tuition fees, who is going to pay for University? You can't pay for something without taking money from somewhere else and it's the 'somewhere else' that always worries me. I'm going to Uni next year and tbh I'm not worried about the debt. I think that the worry over student loans is too great since you pay it back really slowly and it's a small price to pay if you can get a good job at graduation.

 

@OldJoe - Why is it that you support the Conservatives? Just out of curiosity. What is it that makes you think that they are the right party?

Well, when i've read up a bit about each of the three big parties before, i have tended to agree alot more with the Conservatives than the other two. And out of an idealogical standpoint i don't vote for socialistic parties.

To make everything a bit more easy for me, i just took a test at Telegraph's website, where these were my results (not intending to make this a poll thread):

[spoiler=Percentage agreements]

UK Independence Party:

67%

Conservative Party:

58%

British National Party:

55%

Labour Party:

38%

Liberal Democrats:

16%

Green Party:

3%

 

I should also point out that i'm not too knowledgeable about UK politics which is why i can't come with any proper arguments.

 

Well that's fair enough. Tbh I don't know enough about UKIP to make a judgement. But from an ideological standpoint I'm in favour of socialism.

[Rainy_Day]

General opinion polls at the moment show; 35% for Conservatives, 30% for Labour and 23% for Lib Dems. Nick Clegg was good on the show, that's for sure. But my vote will most likely go to the Conservatives.

[mcneilp]

Lib Dems Manifesto: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7165001/Liberal-Democrat-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

Conservative: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7165000/Conservative-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

Labour: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7164930/Labour-manifesto-2010-general-election-party-policy.html

 

I'll probably vote conservative or lib dem, although I don't agree with the lib dems getting rid of tuition fees for universities.

 

Why?

Between maintenance and tuition loans students rock up about £7,000 of debt a year.

So a basic 3 year course results in £21,000 of debt.

 

So everyone young who wants a decent qualification who isn't rich ends up starting their life with a mountain of debt.

Glad i get mine paid, it's one good thing about Scotland.

 

Quite impressed by Nick Clegg in the debate last night. Lib Dems might be getting my vote.