NationStates Jolt Archive

For those of you who don't know, here in the UK we will behaving elections next Thursday. A big chunk of local government in England is being contested, along with the Welsh Assembly and the Scottish parliament. So who will NSGers be supporting?

Probably Green, because although I'm not wild about the national party, the local Greens seem to do quite a job here. I haven't fully decided yet, but as I have to do a postal vote, I'd better hurry!

Labour, because that's the only candidate who lives in my town, let alone my ward, otherwise it would probably be Lib Dem (Or, even better, Green/Socialist). It doesn't really matter, since I live in a Conservative feifdom anyway.

This part of the UK already had our elections.

I'm British, but living in France. If I were living in the UK, I would consider the Lib Dems, probably the Greens, and any Socialist party that's not anti-EU. (Why have you put the Scottish Socialists in with Respect? Have they got a coalition or something?)

I'm British, but living in France. If I were living in the UK, I would consider the Lib Dems, probably the Greens, and any Socialist party that's not anti-EU. (Why have you put the Scottish Socialists in with Respect? Have they got a coalition or something?)

Not officially, but Respect don't stand in Scorland in favour of Solidarity, Tommy Sheridan's splinter group from the Scottish Socialists

Whereabouts is that, out of interest?
North Herts.

And I will never, ever vote for a Jolt party.

I'm British, but living in France. If I were living in the UK, I would consider the Lib Dems, probably the Greens, and any Socialist party that's not anti-EU. (Why have you put the Scottish Socialists in with Respect? Have they got a coalition or something?)
The two don't stand against each other. Respect did seek a coalition with the Greens a while ago but the Greens (quite rightly, I think) turned the offer down.

Probably Green, because although I'm not wild about the national party, the local Greens seem to do quite a job here. I haven't fully decided yet, but as I have to do a postal vote, I'd better hurry!
Whereabouts is that, out of interest?

I think your too late for a postal vote. The deadline round here was 22nd, it might be different in other districts.
No, I already have the vote, I just haven't filled out the ballot and returned it yet.

Probably Green, because although I'm not wild about the national party, the local Greens seem to do quite a job here. I haven't fully decided yet, but as I have to do a postal vote, I'd better hurry!

I think your too late for a postal vote. The deadline round here was 22nd, it might be different in other districts.

Well, in my humble opinion, they're all as bad a bunch of liars as each other. Each promises what it has no intention of giving, and they sling mud like nobodies business.

That's why I'm planning to start a political party myself. But, it costs plenty of money, so we'll have to wait until after Uni. Hmph.

Okay, own up. Who voted (on the poll) BNP?:mad:

Yes, I know it's n00bish, but it is the BNP...

I always thought that region to be Tory heartland. I learn something every day.
Oh, don't worry: it's Conservatopia. But on the local council there's a bit more varied representation.

North Herts.

And I will never, ever vote for a Jolt party.
I always thought that region to be Tory heartland. I learn something every day.

Just a question Burmecia. Have you ever been to a BNP meeting? Met a member of the party? Listened to his personal, rather than media-hyped views?

Just a question Burmecia. Have you ever been to a BNP meeting? Met a member of the party? Listened to his personal, rather than media-hyped views?

I have. I have also talked to a member "off the record" and found out what they really think. And it is as bad as the media hype. They are rascist and fascist, period, and the day they ever achieve mass support in this country, which they are nowhere near at the moment or the foreseeabke future, will be the day I and a great many other people leave.

Just a question Burmecia. Have you ever been to a BNP meeting? Met a member of the party? Listened to his personal, rather than media-hyped views?
No. But I have read their campaign literature, their manifesto (online) and leaflets they shoved during the door during the last election. (I've also had to do a piece of work on them for a critical thinking practice exam, but that's not really relevant.) That told me enough. There may well be 'media hype', but the camera can't lie.

You see, I spoke to a gentlemen of around 60 (running for local council elections) only two days ago, and from speaking to him, my impression is that this man is nothing like what the local media portray the BNP to be. He's concerned about the economy, what the non-existant border controls will do to the country he's served for so many years. He has watched as border controls become more and more lax, and as people have come into this country with no intention of aiding the economy, just leeching on the benefit system while he faces less than £90.00 a week to survive upon when he retires.

No, he doesn't agree with all the policies, but out of all of the parties, they're the one that even appears to be concerned with him. He's seen the parties promise all and give nothing.

Hardly the type you expect to preach white supremacy.

Not officially, but Respect don't stand in Scorland in favour of Solidarity, Tommy Sheridan's splinter group from the Scottish Socialists

Ah, I see. Interesting. I've heard very little about the Scottish Socialists and Solidarity; I'll need to read up on those.

Is there any socialist party in the UK which doesn't indulge in EU-bashing (à la Gérard Schivardi in France)?

[x] OMRLP

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Democratic_Party_%28UK%2C_1988%29#The_Bootle_by-election for details.

1Ah, I see. Interesting. I've heard very little about the Scottish Socialists and Solidarity; I'll need to read up on those.

Is there any socialist party in the UK which doesn't indulge in EU-bashing (à la Gérard Schivardi in France)?

1 - The split was the result of The News of the World's hatchet job on Tommy Sheridan, basicly a load of allegations about the man's sex life, which stirred jealousies within the SSP where he was ousted as leader and then expelled. He went on to form Solidarity, which sdaly means the progressive left in Scotland is effectively split.

2 - Most left parties don't bash Europe they just don't believe in it's current form. They would like to see a Worker's Europe rather than one that has built itself on a capitalist system.

Local Elections - Scottish Christian Party.
Regional - Liberal Democrats.
MSP - Labour.

card carrying (or more accurately, card-leaving-at-home) Liberal Democrat here:)

I am proud to say I am a Scotsman, voting for the Lib Dems in the Scottish Parliamentary elections, for a more pragmatic solution to the Seperatist crisis, amongst many other insightful, solid and practical policies.

To all who voted SNP, and are going to vote SNP IRL, shame on you. :p

EDIT: Yo Forsakia, wha's up my Lib Dem homie?

if I could vote (one more year for some reason) I'd vote green, I wouldn't want them to win but having some of there policy's would be awesome *cough* cannabis*cough*

He's concerned about the economy, what the non-existant border controls will do to the country he's served for so many years. He has watched as border controls become more and more lax, and as people have come into this country with no intention of aiding the economy, just leeching on the benefit system while he faces less than £90.00 a week to survive upon when he retires.

thus clearly he is mentally challenged and should be avoided like smallpox/foreigners

thus clearly he is mentally challenged and should be avoided like smallpox/foreigners

How so? It's been said that the average pension in England today is around £87.00. And I'm searching for a proof point.

Local Elections - Scottish Christian Party.

Is that a joke, or do you really believe that homosexuals should be deported to the third world?

I will be voting for Labour in my constituency (Edinburgh South - a choice of Labour or Lib Dem) and Green (who are pro-EU unlike the English Green party) from the proportional list system.

How so? It's been said that the average pension in England today is around £87.00. And I'm searching for a proof point.

Well he should have put more away over his lifetime then shouldn't he? No good blaming someone else (or some group) for his own cock ups.

Anyone, and I mean anyone who votes for the BNP is an idiot or a naive fool - plain and simple.

/me wonders if electing the people whose only purpose in life is to collect the rubbish is really necessary.

Anyway, here it's Parish council elections only (as far as I can tell), and mine doesn't appear to be contested (fewer candidates than you get votes), so that was easy. Huzzah democracy, etc.

Maybe one day I'll find out what a Parish Council is actually for...

Is that a joke, or do you really believe that homosexuals should be deported to the third world?

I will be voting for Labour in my constituency (Edinburgh South - a choice of Labour or Lib Dem) and Green (who are pro-EU unlike the English Green party) from the proportional list system.

Why Labour over Lib Dem?

Well he should have put more away over his lifetime then shouldn't he? No good blaming someone else (or some group) for his own cock ups.

So government cock-ups are his fault? The government reducing pensions like they have? Having to spend his wages to live is his fault? My own grandfather is in the same position, although he doesn't go political on it. It's eat or be warm, unfortunately, and those who are lucky enough to have money left over in their wages can get the better pension.

He doesn't blame other groups for it, he blames the government for being to lax about it. And it's understandable. Over his 40-something years of being able to vote, he's seen government after government slowly put this country down the pan.

And, like I said, he doesn't agree with all their policies (he said to me that some were downright terrible), but he's heard the lies the others have spouted and unfortunately, there's only one way for him to go, though he's not proud of it.

I have. I have also talked to a member "off the record" and found out what they really think. And it is as bad as the media hype. They are rascist and fascist, period, and the day they ever achieve mass support in this country, which they are nowhere near at the moment or the foreseeabke future, will be the day I and a great many other people leave.What, no armed rebellion?! What is this country coming to. :(

Why Labour over Lib Dem?

I'm pretty satisfied with what Scottish Labour have achieved so far, I'd like them to continue, although I know they won't win this election.

How so? It's been said that the average pension in England today is around £87.00. And I'm searching for a proof point.

which has jack shit to do with immigrants who believe it or not give money to government not the other way round

course your ignoring the fact that the BNP is looking to outlaw homosexuality because it "is unnatural" (as worded by Phil Edwards), re-introduce corporal punishment, military service(well you can either do that or lose the right to vote) and lets not forget unimaginable racist intolerance

in short a bunch of skinheads who fap to some imaginary empire and an enchanted land of pasty white heterosexual people who would never think of committing any act that goes against the state

So government cock-ups are his fault?

no pensions are better than ever believe it or not to be frank if you don't put money towards your pension and expect the government to take care of you in luxury your very naive is the nicest thing I can say

He doesn't blame other groups for it, he blames the government for being to lax about it. And it's understandable. Over his 40-something years of being able to vote, he's seen government after government slowly put this country down the pan.

yeah thats why we have low unemployment, a strong political influence, high wages oh and you 'know universal health care

And, like I said, he doesn't agree with all their policies (he said to me that some were downright terrible), but he's heard the lies the others have spouted and unfortunately, there's only one way for him to go, though he's not proud of it.

tell exactly where the BNP goes so right and it had better involve alchemy for there bat shit insane policy's

I'm pretty satisfied with what Scottish Labour have achieved so far, I'd like them to continue, although I know they won't win this election.

Actually, I am quite satisfied with the previous Labour-Lib Dem government and it's achievements. Personally, I have not been a fan of Jack McConnell since finding out about his cosy relationship with Donald Trump amongst other things, but as a First Minister he was quite competent. He was a better First Minister than Salmond can ever hope to be.

I am not voting for my local Labour candidate as he is a crook. My local SNP is as can be expected a complete idiot. I have always found my personal politics lie squarely within the Lib Dems, and after having been to Q&A's by each Scottish Party leader, I must say that I was quite swayed by Colin Fox.

In conclusion, I am satisfied with the job Labour did in Scotland, but a vote for them is a cheap point for the corrupt Brown, Blair and Reid, not to mention a wasted one, and I find that the Lib Dems are a far more pragmatic and sensible party.

Oh yes. The SNP are fools. Period.

Are you voting Lib Dem with both votes?

Are you voting Lib Dem with both votes?

Indeedy. I have confidence in my local Lib Dem candidate and the party as a whole.

One vote Green, one vote Liberal (that's the Liberal party, not the Lib Dems).

It's a close thing between Labour (read: Conservative) and Lib Dem (read: Conservative) in the ward I live in. Strangely the Conservatives don't get a look-in. :confused:

Not that it affects me, as I'll be moving in three months.

I plan to not vote. It's somewhat amusing that I can't do that on your poll vote.

Oh yes. The SNP are fools. Period.
Yep - anyone who would throw away a free £1000 per person per year can't be quite hot on the common sense front.

You see, I spoke to a gentlemen of around 60 (running for local council elections) only two days ago, and from speaking to him, my impression is that this man is nothing like what the local media portray the BNP to be. He's concerned about the economy, what the non-existant border controls will do to the country he's served for so many years. He has watched as border controls become more and more lax, and as people have come into this country with no intention of aiding the economy, just leeching on the benefit system while he faces less than £90.00 a week to survive upon when he retires.

No, he doesn't agree with all the policies, but out of all of the parties, they're the one that even appears to be concerned with him. He's seen the parties promise all and give nothing.

Hardly the type you expect to preach white supremacy.
How can you argue that someone who disagrees party policy represents the party as a whole? The BNP is, quite simply, a racist, supremacist, evil organisation that uses foreigners as a scapegoat. The fact that they blame foreigners for low pensions proves that completely, if their campaign literature and members caught praising the Nazis on camera isn't.

A few choice quotes from the Times should give you an insight into what their leadership really believes in:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article633579.ece

Yep - anyone who would throw away a free




A free what?

no pensions are better than ever believe it or not to be frank if you don't put money towards your pension and expect the government to take care of you in luxury your very naive is the nicest thing I can say
You are by far the most Naive person if you believe that pensions are better than ever. Have you not heard of the pensions crisis that we are having at the moment. I saw a pie chart of the 2006 budget yesterday and over one quarter of it went to social benefits. Meaning that people who can’t be bothered to get of there backsides and work for a living are taking money away from people who need it like pensioners and disabled people.

A free what?
D'oh - fixed.

You are by far the most Naive person if you believe that pensions are better than ever. Have you not heard of the pensions crisis that we are having at the moment. I saw a pie chart of the 2006 budget yesterday and over one quarter of it went to social benefits. Meaning that people who can’t be bothered to get of there backsides and work for a living are taking money away from people who need it like pensioners and disabled people.
Got a link to that? (just to check it's the same as I've got)

In any case, social benefits don't just apply to "who can’t be bothered to get of there backsides and work for a living" (which is a bit rich considering the fact out economy requires unemployment in order to reduce inflation), because that will include child tax credits, which apply to anybody regardless of wealth or emplyment; EMA/University Grants, which keeps plenty of kids without the money in full time education and if it's the same pie chart that I've got, pensions too.

Is that a joke, or do you really believe that homosexuals should be deported to the third world?

I will be voting for Labour in my constituency (Edinburgh South - a choice of Labour or Lib Dem) and Green (who are pro-EU unlike the English Green party) from the proportional list system.

Hence why I am voting for them in the local elections and not for my MSP. But I agree with many of their policies and as such, that is who I will vote for.

I was surprised to see that the BNP are standing in Scotland. I'd have thought that with the Conservatives barely able to draw support in Scotland that the BNP wouldn't stand a chance (and I hope its true). According to the leaflet I got through the door, they want to crack down on neds, which seems a bit like biting the hand that feeds them because I'd imagine that much of their support would be neds. It seems they are trying to catch the middle class Daily Mail reader vote - the 'moral' conservatives - rather than the working class people who think the immigrants are coming to get their jobs - the 'economic' conservatives.

Also interesting was the part of the leaflet that mentioned their policy on immigrants, or lack thereof. All it said was 'there is too much immigration' or something to that effect - absolutely no mention of what they mean, or what they would do about the supposed problem, which confirms my belief that the BNP are not only a party of racists, but that they are too cowardly to actually admit it.

@Unified Sith - out of interest, which policies do you agree with?

These policies are a few that I find favourable. I went through their manifesto and copied and pasted.

Ecconomic

1) Removal of Super Casinos from Scotland.
2) Water - To keep Scottish Water in public ownership.
3) Consumer Debt - They would legislate so that consumer debt not repaid within 7 years, and the interest thereon, would be completely written off, forcing a new responsibility on lenders in advertising, contractual terms and collection mechanisms.

Local

1)5. Diversity Training
The Scottish Christian Party will seek to ensure that all diversity training
sponsored by local authorities should include the biblical Christian
perspective on faith, morality, marriage, sexuality, etc. Currently,
diversity training promotes the homosexual lobby’s idea that mere
toleration of homosexuality is condescending, and that nothing less than
wholesale acceptance or approval of an alternative lifestyle is acceptable.
However, true tolerance only begins where agreement ends. Diversity
training ought to be about learning to live peaceably and tolerantly with
people with diverse lifestyles and world views; and not allowing one’s
offence at other people’s world views to break forth in verbal or violent
assaults, far less intimidating them with legal sanctions. We must
“overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21), “not rendering evil for evil,
but blessing” (1Peter 3:9). When Christ was reviled, “He reviled not
again, when He suffered, He threatened not, but committed Himself to
Him that judges righteously.” (1Peter 2:23). This is Christian tolerance.
2)Reverse Centralisation
The Scottish Christian Party is concerned at the ongoing breakdown of
local communities and the weakening of local government through
centralist policies in Edinburgh, Westminster and Brussels. Individuals,
families and communities should be encouraged to manage their own
lives as much as possible, with collective arrangements being made at the
most local level possible.

Law

1) Sexual Orientation Regulations
Along with the majority of Christian and other faith community leaders,
the Scottish Christian Party believes that the Sexual Orientation
Regulations not only discriminate against the rights of individual
conscience, but are an unprecedented and ominous imposition of
immorality by the state on the people of Scotland.
The Scottish Christian Party believes that respect for conscience, which
has served as a bulwark against tyranny, has been dangerously discarded
by New Labour and must be urgently restored and defended.

2)Evidence and Restorative Justice
The Scottish Christian Party would seek to replace the standard of
'beyond reasonable doubt' with the more biblical 'evidence of two or three
reliable witnesses', reducing the tendency for the guilty to evade justice.
We would also support the imposition of large financial penalties, on
convicted criminals, to properly compensate victims of crime and to
reimburse damage done to the community.

3)The Right to Evangelise and Preach in the Public Square/on
Public Streets
The Scottish Christian Party is alarmed at the curtailing of free speech in
the form of inhibiting street preaching and personal evangelism. It will
defend and affirm the right to publicly preach the good news of salvation,
love and everlasting life in Jesus Christ.
The Scottish Christian Party does not support the claim that we have a
right to give offence, but since the Macpherson Report has re-defined
racism in subjective terms, ‘taking offence’ has become as important as
giving offence. Criminalising a person for someone’s subjective taking
offence, when possibly no offence was intended, will prove to be
unworkable, and will itself contribute to louder and louder protests at
being offended by disparate groups. This new criminal offence will only
stoke up charges and counter-charges of being offended by each other’s
speech and way of life. Those who can shout loudest and make most use
of the judicial system will prevail. This is not the sort of society the
Scottish Christian Party wishes to promote.

4)Prisons
The Scottish Christian Party believes that the much needed extra prison
capacity should be purchased from developing countries for the purpose
of catering for Scotland’s medium Security Prisons. This should take the
form of building state of the art prison facilities in developing countries
that wish to host Scottish Prisons.
Advantages would include:
1. Less overcrowded prisons, cheaper costs and greater efficiency.
2. More resources at home to look after our worse offenders properly
3. More economic trade instead of aid handouts to developing
countries
4. Raising prison standards in developing countries by example and
the provision of expertise.

5)Curfew for the under 11’s
In light of the alarming rise in abduction, abuse and murder of children,
the increase in juvenile crime, the unprecedented levels of alcohol abuse
and drug use amongst the young, the Scottish Christian Party would seek
mandatory intervention of child protection agencies in relation to any
child 10 years or younger that is found unaccompanied on the street after
9:00pm. We believe that this would have far reaching benefits to the
lives of our young, protecting them from the dangers that lurk in the
streets at night. It would also encourage the rebuilding of the traditional
family structure and the parent-child relationship.

Other

Marriages
The Scottish Christian Party opposes the concept of “no fault” and
“quickie” divorce and would seek to re-establish the principle of the
innocent party in a divorce being acknowledged in any divorce settlement.
Equally, as Christians are burdened by the need for reconciliation, a
serious attempt at reconciliation should be the required first step in the
legal process of divorce. The Scottish Christian Party will also discourage
the obsessive practice of spouses being referred to as ‘partners’, and ‘Mrs’
being replaced by ‘Ms’ in local and national authority communications.

4. Transgender Registration
The Scottish Christian Party will seek transparency in relation to gender
re-orientation. We believe that a policy of lies cannot be justified.
Therefore, we will oppose the practice of altering birth certificates to
reflect gender re-orientation surgery, and we will seek the right of
fiancées and officiating ministers to be informed of gender re-orientation
prior to marriage ceremonies.

Education

1) Sex Education
The Scottish Christian Party will call for sex education classes to be given
only to children on a parental opt-in basis. The Scottish Christian Party
will fight for the promotion in school of chastity before marriage, and
faithfulness in marriage, as the safest sexual practice, as and when sex
education is taught.
The Scottish Christian Party will also call for the re-instatement of Section
2A, thus calling for the end of the promotion and “the teaching in any
maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended
family relationship."

2) Faith
The Scottish Christian Party will seek to re-introduce corporate readings
from the Bible in all Scottish state schools, thus reflecting the Christian
constitutional foundation of Scotland, as set out in the Monarch's oath of
allegiance and the Act of Union 1707.
The Scottish Christian Party believes that the provision of Christian
religious education should be mandatory, (with no obligation to promote
other faiths), the history curriculum should reflect Scotland's rich
Christian heritage and the science curriculum reflect the evidence of
creation/design in the universe.

3) Discipline
The Scottish Christian Party would allow schoolteachers to use reasonable
force to maintain discipline in schools. The Scottish Christian Party would
allow schools to elect to use supervised corporal punishment as a
“punishment of last resort”.

Hi,
I'm not British, but I was wondering if the election coming up would get Tony Blair out of office?

I live in Australia, so our system is based off yours. We had our state elections a few months ago, as opposed to federal elections, which are at the end of the year, which will hopefully get John Howard out.

So... yeah.
Pardon my ignorance, I really don't know anything about foreign political systems.

I hope to move to Britain someday, but that won't be for a long time.

Yeah, I was talking to a member of the Scottish Communist Party a little while ago. They set up a stall in Glasgow's Buchanan Street every saturday between 10:00 and 16:00. He was telling me that the BNP are trying to field a lot of candidates in Scotland to try and win at least one seat in the parliament, so they can proclaim that they have had a recent "surge" of support, and also to counter the SSP and Solidarity.

According to him, the BNP try to intimidate the Communists from setting up thier stalls regularly.

Irixia: Nope, in Local Elections we're voting for members of our Local Authorities, or in Scotland and Wales, Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly members.

However, it's still a good chance to give Labour a kicking - plus, Blair has announced he'll be leaving shortly after these elections anyway.

Hi,
I'm not British, but I was wondering if the election coming up would get Tony Blair out of office?

I live in Australia, so our system is based off yours. We had our state elections a few months ago, as opposed to federal elections, which are at the end of the year, which will hopefully get John Howard out.

So... yeah.
Pardon my ignorance, I really don't know anything about foreign political systems.

I hope to move to Britain someday, but that won't be for a long time.


Well he's supposed to be leaving in a few month's time, but Labour defeats in Scotland and local elections might hasten his departure somewhat.

Christ-O-Snip
Oh.

I’ve seen loads of signs for the SCP around Glasgow. I didn’t realise how wide-ranging their proposals would be, but their on predictable topics i suppose; screaming wildly about homosexuality, arm-wavingly mad objections to inconsequential things.

Why so heated up over the term ‘partners’?



Personally, I'm probably voting Scottish Greens in my two Scottish Parliament votes, and Independent Green in my council vote.

2)Evidence and Restorative Justice
The Scottish Christian Party would seek to replace the standard of
'beyond reasonable doubt' with the more biblical 'evidence of two or three
reliable witnesses', reducing the tendency for the guilty to evade justice.

This strikes me as being downright scary. Convicting someone of a crime because '2 or 3 people say so' is dangerous. How hard would it be to frame someone for a crime under this system? Alternatively, how easy would it be for someone to escape justice just because their friends will back them up?

Oh.

I’ve seen loads of signs for the SCP around Glasgow. I didn’t realise how wide-ranging their proposals would be, but their on predictable topics i suppose; screaming wildly about homosexuality, arm-wavingly mad objections to inconsequential things.

Why so heated up over the term ‘partners’?


Of course threres going to be the predictable stances in there, but I do like some of their hardcore approaches. They're not as loony as the Republicans in the USA, and certainly not as insulting or derogatory to those of same sex orientation.

This strikes me as being downright scary. Convicting someone of a crime because '2 or 3 people say so' is dangerous. How hard would it be to frame someone for a crime under this system? Alternatively, how easy would it be for someone to escape justice just because their friends will back them up?

It also makes it a lot harder for guilt to be proven, in the requirement of two to three witnesses. It will help to remove the constant swathe of people thrown in prison out of circumstantial evidence. And there was emphasis on "Credible." I believe a friend would not meet that requirement.

And to frame someone, I don't see how it would change, since in our present system you would require a witness as well.

They are not throwing out the entire process of justice, and making it rely on a few people. They are in fact from my standpoint making it harder for prosecution, as these witnesses will have to have VERY similar stories.

Of course threres going to be the predictable stances in there, but I do like some of their hardcore approaches. They’re not as loony as the Republicans in the USA, and certainly not as insulting or derogatory to those of same sex orientation.
Well, phrases such as “ominous imposition of immorality”, “transgender...policy of lies” and policies calling for the end to “the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship“ seems pretty derogatory to me.

Curfews for kids and corporal punishment don’t sit with me well either. And the ”provision of [mandatory] Christian religious education (with no obligation to promote other faiths)“ and a ”science curriculum [reflecting] the evidence of creation/design in the universe" is heading in exactly the wrong direction.

It also makes it a lot harder for guilt to be proven, in the requirement of two to three witnesses. It will help to remove the constant swathe of people thrown in prison out of circumstantial evidence. And there was emphasis on "Credible." I believe a friend would not meet that requirement.

And to frame someone, I don't see how it would change, since in our present system you would require a witness as well.

They are not throwing out the entire process of justice, and making it rely on a few people. They are in fact from my standpoint making it harder for prosecution, as these witnesses will have to have VERY similar stories.

In our present system, a witness is not enough to secure a conviction, because their is no guarantee that the witness is telling the truth. However, when witnesses are combined with direct and circumstantial evidence a conviction is possible, depending on the strength of the evidence.

You claim that s swathe of people are imprisoned based only on circumstantial evidence - would you care tp point out a few cases where people in Scotland were convicted only on circumstantial evidence?

You seem to think this will lead to fewer convictions - did you miss the part where the party actually states that the purpose of this is to ensure more convictions? Unless they are terminally stupid (and I won't discount the possibility), I believe their system would succeed in raising the number of convictions, which is not necessarily a good thing.

I also find the double standards within their manifesto amusing - they claim that they dislike the government forcing morality upon them (acceptance of homosexuality) then merely a few paragraphs later say that they want mandatory teaching of Christianity in schools!

Well, phrases such as “ominous imposition of immorality”, “transgender...policy of lies” and policies calling for the end to “the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship“ seems pretty derogatory to me.

But yet there is truth in there if you base it from the Christian, biblical background on which they certainly do ignoring the PC climate. It then becomes much more understandable.


Curfews for kids and corporal punishment don’t sit with me well either. And the ”provision of [mandatory] Christian religious education (with no obligation to promote other faiths)“ and a ”science curriculum [reflecting] the evidence of creation/design in the universe" is heading in exactly the wrong direction.

That is your opinion and I respect it.

But yet there is truth in there if you base it from the Christian, biblical background on which they certainly do ignoring the PC climate. It then becomes much more understandable.
But unacceptable to a population predominately not following a strict biblical moral code.

That is your opinion and I respect it.
Aww, no fun!

Aww, no fun!

LOL I was almost tempted to join in the debate, but..... I had to leave, perhaps later on in the weekend if I feel compelled.....

So...polling stations open in... *checks watch* ...about seven and a half hours.

Anyone changed their mind over who to vote for?

I've been fending off campaigners with a stout stick (which I keep beside the front door out of necessity) for the past few days. Apparently telling them that you have absolutely no inclination to vote for them doesn't put them off. Persistent little buggers.

Blast.

I knew I had talked about the Scottish elections in a thread recently.

I have. I have also talked to a member "off the record" and found out what they really think. And it is as bad as the media hype. They are rascist and fascist, period, and the day they ever achieve mass support in this country, which they are nowhere near at the moment or the foreseeabke future, will be the day I and a great many other people leave.

Not to be picky, but isn't that sort of what they want? (A great many people leaving).

This'll be my first time voting in an election. I'm finally going to actually experience democracy at work.

This'll be my first time voting in an election. I'm finally going to actually experience democracy at work.

Really? Are there elections somewhere else in the world tomorrow as well, then?

Really? Are there elections somewhere else in the world tomorrow as well, then?

Y'what? I'm a Scot.

Y'what? I'm a Scot.

It was an attempt at cutting satire, highlighting the huge democratic deficiencies in our system of government. Clearly, I shouldn't give up the day job. :p

It was an attempt at cutting satire, highlighting the huge democratic deficiencies in our system of government. Clearly, I shouldn't give up the day job. :p

Yer doing a grand job...well I got it and had a quick chuckle...

/oh look! doggies! wanders off..

Green. Postal vote. :D

Oh, apparently Corby Borough Council have decided that they are having an election now, and have finally put the details on their website.

In my ward we have the choice of two Conservative, two Lib Dem, and one Labour person. None of them have bothered to try and contact me, despite one of them only living a few hundred yards away. So I probably can't be arsed to walk a few hundred yards to the polling station.

Unless anyone has a reason why I care about who is on the council?
Other than take the rubbish away, what can they actually do?

Oh, apparently Corby Borough Council have decided that they are having an election now, and have finally put the details on their website.

In my ward we have the choice of two Conservative, two Lib Dem, and one Labour person. None of them have bothered to try and contact me, despite one of them only living a few hundred yards away. So I probably can't be arsed to walk a few hundred yards to the polling station.

Unless anyone has a reason why I care about who is on the council?
Other than take the rubbish away, what can they actually do?

Manage your town roads...and education...errr....police fire and wossname...

damn...just look at your community charge bill :p

THough I live in the UNited States and am not a UK citizen, I always admired the UK parlimentary system.

I cannot wait for the national elections to see who the next PM is going to be.

THough I live in the UNited States and am not a UK citizen, I always admired the UK parlimentary system.

I cannot wait for the national elections to see who the next PM is going to be.

The trouble is, all those of us actually in the UK can do is wait for the elections to choose the PM...and wait...and wait.

When he's been doing it for a couple of years, I'm sure he'll get around to seeing what we think.

Oh yes, it's polling day today... and I still haven't recieved a polling card... damn, I'll have to figure where the polling station is myself... somehow... :confused:

Oh, apparently Corby Borough Council have decided that they are having an election now, and have finally put the details on their website.

In my ward we have the choice of two Conservative, two Lib Dem, and one Labour person. None of them have bothered to try and contact me, despite one of them only living a few hundred yards away. So I probably can't be arsed to walk a few hundred yards to the polling station.

Unless anyone has a reason why I care about who is on the council?
Other than take the rubbish away, what can they actually do?I got a letter from the council saying they wouldn't pick up rubbish (which has to be left in the street as I don't have a front garden and they won't provide a wheely bin [there's a side alley-ette to the terrace]) if it was left in the wrong colour bags. I'll sue their ass for breach of contract... or maybe I'll just go out and vote.

Apparently, and only marginally more alarming *sic*, they have changed the defintion of homelessness. That is, a woman who has left her house of her own accord due to domestic violence is not classed as homeless. The women are told to just go straight back to their partners...

Green. Postal vote. :D
Damn! You both get vote something other than the useless three and BNP, and from your own armchair! I had to make an effort to do it... *grumbles*

Oh yes, it's polling day today... and I still haven't recieved a polling card... damn, I'll have to figure where the polling station is myself... somehow... :confused:

I got a letter from the council saying they wouldn't pick up rubbish (which has to be left in the street as I don't have a front garden and they won't provide a wheely bin [there's a side alley-ette to the terrace]) if it was left in the wrong colour bags. I'll sue their ass for breach of contract... or maybe I'll just go out and vote.

Apparently, and only marginally more alarming *sic*, they have changed the defintion of homelessness. That is, a woman who has left her house of her own accord due to domestic violence is not classed as homeless. The women are told to just go straight back to their partners...

yeah this entire rubbish thing is nuts...but then not a surprise since it was all privatised.

Its the 2nd paragraph that is really worrying though...I suspect that the moment a women forced to return to an abusive partner is severely injured or killed the Council will do its usual sympathy crap while the person who made the policy decision gets a promotion and a raise.

I got a letter from the council saying they wouldn't pick up rubbish (which has to be left in the street as I don't have a front garden and they won't provide a wheely bin [there's a side alley-ette to the terrace]) if it was left in the wrong colour bags. I'll sue their ass for breach of contract... or maybe I'll just go out and vote.
Corby council are pretty good at picking up the rubbish. So I don't want to break that. Which reminds me, I should stop being a lazy arse and take my recyclable stuff to the recycling centre.

Apparently, and only marginally more alarming *sic*, they have changed the defintion of homelessness. That is, a woman who has left her house of her own accord due to domestic violence is not classed as homeless. The women are told to just go straight back to their partners...
That's... Impressively hard of thinking. Well done, them.

The only thing I would like to change about Corby council is them being crap at fixing roads. Loads of roads herabouts are littered with potholes, and they're rarely fixed... And when they are, they just put in speed-bumps that're worse than the potholes were in the first place ><
But how will changing a councillor or two change that?

Besides, how do I find out what any of the parties want to do to Corby? It's not like we have a "Raze the town to the ground and salt the earth to prevent its regrowth" party to vote for. Corby Council's website says nothing, and neither the Lib Dems' or Conservatives' websites go down that far ("Optimism and Change", say the Tories. AKA meaningless marketing bollocks, huzzah). I might as well vote according to my favourite colour (but the Greens aren't standing ><)...

Heh, I love my council when it comes to rubbish. Everything in the black bin except for plastic cartons and paper which go in the green box.

But there's not much being recycled! I hear you cry.

Well, actually...and here's why I love my council...they employ people to go through the contents of the black bins when it reaches the landfill site, and send absolutely everything that can be recycled (including glass, which I'm not so happy about) to be recycled. Lovely. :)

Anyway, I just got back from voting. Brilliant design of the ballot box means that if you do the required one folding of the ballot paper it won't actually fit in the box. :rolleyes:

Heh, I love my council when it comes to rubbish. Everything in the black bin except for plastic cartons and paper which go in the green box.

But there's not much being recycled! I hear you cry.

Well, actually...and here's why I love my council...they employ people to go through the contents of the black bins when it reaches the landfill site, and send absolutely everything that can be recycled (including glass, which I'm not so happy about) to be recycled. Lovely. :)

I am fine with recycling. However I still think the councils have a responsibility to collect organic waste once a week.

(not sure I get you re glass....)

Anyway, I just got back from voting. Brilliant design of the ballot box means that if you do the required one folding of the ballot paper it won't actually fit in the box. :rolleyes:

LOLOL!!!!! The best of British huh ;)

(not sure I get you re glass....)
It takes more energy to melt down and re-use glass than it does to create more from raw materials. As the quantity of raw materials (ie. sand) needed to make glass is so vast that it might as well be infinite, I don't see the point in recycling it.

However, just the other day I found a company that takes glass beer bottles, knocks off the bottom, and attaches the bottom to the top, thus creating a wine glass (with a hollow stem). Genius.

It takes more energy to melt down and re-use glass than it does to create more from raw materials. As the quantity of raw materials (ie. sand) needed to make glass is so vast that it might as well be infinite, I don't see the point in recycling it.

However, just the other day I found a company that takes glass beer bottles, knocks off the bottom, and attaches the bottom to the top, thus creating a wine glass (with a hollow stem). Genius.

Ah right yeah....I understand that...problem is what do you do with the vast amounts of glass leftover after use?

I'm not sure plastic is an good replacement either.

Anyway...recycling does not always mean reducing to component parts and remoulding (?)...as you show...its also about finding an alternative use...with or without modification....

Anyway...recycling does not always mean reducing to component parts and remoulding (?)...as you show...its also about finding an alternative use...with or without modification....
Considering the smashes I hear whenever I go near a bottle bank, I imagine there's going to have to be some modification...:p

Besides, how do I find out what any of the parties want to do to Corby? It's not like we have a "Raze the town to the ground and salt the earth to prevent its regrowth" party to vote for. Corby Council's website says nothing, and neither the Lib Dems' or Conservatives' websites go down that far ("Optimism and Change", say the Tories. AKA meaningless marketing bollocks, huzzah). I might as well vote according to my favourite colour (but the Greens aren't standing ><)...
Ditto for Basildon. The Tories admittedly shoved a leaflet through my door which mentioned little apart from immigration (Basildon Council does not house asylum seekers, it proudly boasts in bolded type) but that's nothing to do with local issues. Labour and the Lib Dems could be advocating painting the town hall pink for all I know (and admittedly, that's possible, since the Conservatives have managed to spend money wisely on rebuilding churches, repaving Basildon town square...again, when Billericay is in tatters), and admittedly, cared.

In the end, I voted Labour purely because their candidate 1) wasn't a useless Conservative incumbent who is only really being challenged by the BNP (as a opposed to a useless Labour challenger) and 2) the only candidate that lived in Billericay, let alone my ward.

Ditto for Basildon. The Tories admittedly shoved a leaflet through my door which mentioned little apart from immigration (Basildon Council does not house asylum seekers, it proudly boasts in bolded type) but that's nothing to do with local issues. Labour and the Lib Dems could be advocating painting the town hall pink for all I know (and admittedly, that's possible, since the Conservatives have managed to spend money wisely on rebuilding churches, repaving Basildon town square...again, when Billericay is in tatters), and admittedly, cared..
They're going for the gay vote.

They're going for the gay vote.
Aye, but considering Billericay (population:99.9% elderly right wing Christian conservatives) that's not exactly the best electoral strategy...

I off to vote Tory after work.

Damn ward only has Labour, BNP and Torys running.

I off to vote Tory after work.

Damn ward only has Labour, BNP and Torys running.
Would you vote for someone else otherwise?

Would you vote for someone else otherwise?

Lib Dem or Green probably.

Wouldn't have voted in this field at all except I want to show 'Labour' how pissed I am at the direction they've taken.

Lib Dem or Green probably.

Wouldn't have voted in this field at all except I want to show 'Labour' how pissed I am at the direction they've taken.

Why not just spoil your ballot?

Why not just spoil your ballot?

Has no effect.

The parties don't care about spoiled ballots as long as they're not votes against them.

It takes more energy to melt down and re-use glass than it does to create more from raw materials. As the quantity of raw materials (ie. sand) needed to make glass is so vast that it might as well be infinite, I don't see the point in recycling it.

However, just the other day I found a company that takes glass beer bottles, knocks off the bottom, and attaches the bottom to the top, thus creating a wine glass (with a hollow stem). Genius.China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and I don't know how many others have all banned sand exports.
http://english.people.com.cn/200702/03/eng20070203_347355.html
http://english.people.com.cn/200702/13/eng20070213_349701.html
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/archives/taiwan/2007411/106831.htm
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/archives/taiwan/2007410/106738.htm
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/254450/1/.html

Even Saudi Arabia has banned sand exports...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3243623.stm

I voted Green. I have no idea what their policies are, except that they sound futury. I just can't stand any of the other choices:

Labour cheated at the last local election in my area, including postal vote fraud.

Conservatives are a selfish and cruel party.

BNP are racist.

Respect are pointless in a local council and sound corrupt and badly led.

Liberal democrats keep giving us adverts that just put me off: they seem unprincipled.

Anyway, I just got back from voting. Brilliant design of the ballot box means that if you do the required one folding of the ballot paper it won't actually fit in the box. :rolleyes:

And, to further promote democracy, I bet that if you fold it so that it does fit, it's void. :p

And, to further promote democracy, I bet that if you fold it so that it does fit, it's void. :pI was more concerned that I was given what felt like a 2B pencil to mark my ballot with. I was thinking 'how easily could my mark be rubbed out and another cross placed in another box'.

But then I was also shocked the other day to find out how easy it is to change the payee on cheque. I was in the post office paying a bill for my gas (British Gas had decided to send me two quarterly bills all at once - the winter bills as well - so that was a bit of a shock) and I made the cheque out to British Gas... but apparently when you pay the Post Office you're meant to make the cheque payable to the Post Office. They guy simply crossed out 'British Gas Trading Limited' and replaced it with 'the Post Office' and asked me to initial either side of change to the payee... my jaw almost dropped. Two sets of initials is all it takes to change the payee of a cheque... 4 easily forged characters... I don't think I'm ever writing another cheque so long as I live.

so who's staying up til 6am for the final results?



i might... but i've been trying for earlier nights recently. an experiment if you will.

Not that I want the SNP to win in Scotland, but I will cry BULLSHIT if Labour magically has even a slim majority tommorow morning.

so who's staying up til 6am for the final results?



i might... but i've been trying for earlier nights recently. an experiment if you will.Not I, I've been on my feet most of the day doing... uh... I wasn't leafleting... *hides red rosette*

Not that I expect the candidate to win or anything. He's standing in a fairly safe tory seat. But he's stood in in the ward for the past few years now, and it's been steadily getting less and less safe. So maybe one year in the future they'll vote in the Labour candidate.

Well, it looks like Labour hasn't done too badly. Really badly, yes, but not as badly as everyone expected.

I'm glad the SNP failed to take Scotland.

Well, it looks like Labour hasn't done too badly. Really badly, yes, but not as badly as everyone expected.

I'm glad the SNP failed to take Scotland.

Not all the seats have been declared yet. Besides. I've just been watching the election coverage this morning, and apparently the Scottish elections have been marred with voting irregularities.

What a surprise...

Anyone got a link to a site showing the number of votes for each candidate by ward? Been trying to find one myself but a bit busy at work and I was wondering how the BNP did in mine.

Anyone got a link to a site showing the number of votes for each candidate by ward? Been trying to find one myself but a bit busy at work and I was wondering how the BNP did in mine.I can't find one.

http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/ says go to the BBC website or ring your local results office. But the BBC site doesn't have the details.

Anyone got a link to a site showing the number of votes for each candidate by ward? Been trying to find one myself but a bit busy at work and I was wondering how the BNP did in mine.
It'll probably become available on the BBC and your council's website once the results are in in more detail, I should imagine.

It'll probably become available on the BBC and your council's website once the results are in in more detail, I should imagine.

I don't know, my concil website doesn't even mention the election. It's as thought the Labour council was worried about it or something.

I don't know, my concil website doesn't even mention the election. It's as thought the Labour council was worried about it or something.
My Conservative council has the election in big bold words on their home page.:p

i, and my family, voted Labour because we don't want to give the tories an inch. might have voted lib dem (especially if kennedy was still leader) but splitting the non-tory vote could give them a chance.

i, and my family, voted Labour because we don't want to give the tories an inch. might have voted lib dem (especially if kennedy was still leader) but splitting the non-tory vote could give them a chance.
I voted Labour because the candidate is the only one that lives in my ward. Otherwise, I'd have voted Lib Dem, and if they had a candidate at all, Green. It does seem rather interesting, though, that all the councillors on my (Tory feifdom) council come/imposed from Basildon and use Billericay as a cash cow to fund whatever mad schemes they have for Basildon town square.

I voted Labour because the candidate is the only one that lives in my ward. Otherwise, I'd have voted Lib Dem, and if they had a candidate at all, Green. It does seem rather interesting, though, that all the councillors on my (Tory feifdom) council come/imposed from Basildon and use Billericay as a cash cow to fund whatever mad schemes they have for Basildon town square.

heh, councillors are just good at using public money. round here the largest city is Southampton (which technically is a unitary authority) and then Portsmouth; between them a population of about 1.4 million. and yet the county council is housed in the town of Winchester; population of perhaps 50,000. that's not the problem, however. the problem is guess where all the money gets spent? Winchester. bollocks.


anyhoo, we had a Labour guy, a Lib Dem guy, a Green guy, a UKIP guy and a Tory guy last night. frankly my vote was entirely tactical, and this being a tory ward of the city splitting the non-tory vote would be silly.


Southampton`s residents have elected the councillors who will represent their views for the next four years. Once again, no political group has won an overall majority.

Out of the 17 seats up for election, including one by-election, the Conservative group won nine seats, Labour six and Liberal Democrat group two.

The new composition of the council is (position before the election in brackets):

Conservative members 18 (16)
Labour members 18 (16)
Liberal Democrat members 12 (15)
Vacant seat (1)

The decision about who will lead the council and form the next administration is expected to be made at the council`s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday May 16.

heh, councillors are just good at using public money. round here the largest city is Southampton (which technically is a unitary authority) and then Portsmouth; between them a population of about 1.4 million. and yet the county council is housed in the town of Winchester; population of perhaps 50,000. that's not the problem, however. the problem is guess where all the money gets spent? Winchester. bollocks.
That's crap.

anyhoo, we had a Labour guy, a Lib Dem guy, a Green guy, a UKIP guy and a Tory guy last night. frankly my vote was entirely tactical, and this being a tory ward of the city splitting the non-tory vote would be silly.
Lucky you, I had the choice of Labour, Tories, Libs and the BNP. Compared to that, your ward is a dream.:p My vote was less tactical and one of principle, I suppose. I was flayed alive for admitting to voting Labour at college yesterday by our budding Tories and Liberals and probably today in History BNPers.

heh, councillors are just good at using public money. round here the largest city is Southampton (which technically is a unitary authority) and then Portsmouth; between them a population of about 1.4 million. and yet the county council is housed in the town of Winchester; population of perhaps 50,000. that's not the problem, however. the problem is guess where all the money gets spent? Winchester. bollocks.

Surrey is also a classic...the County Council offices are in Kingston upon Thames....yet the county town is...Guildford...! Some 20 or 30 miles away ...

anyhoo, we had a Labour guy, a Lib Dem guy, a Green guy, a UKIP guy and a Tory guy last night. frankly my vote was entirely tactical, and this being a tory ward of the city splitting the non-tory vote would be silly.

I am quite annoyed in that no candidates came round for me to take the piss out of. :mad:

I am quite annoyed in that no candidates came round for me to take the piss out of. :mad:

I had the Labour candidate come round, she looked quite put out when I laughed in her face.

I had the Labour candidate come round, she looked quite put out when I laughed in her face.

Hell....Tory, Labour, UKIP, Lib Dems, BNP....anyone of them would have done...actually I'd have enjoyed either UKIP or BNP....but the others would have done...

I even went and bought a pitchfork to run them off my land with! ;)

Hell....Tory, Labour, UKIP, Lib Dems, BNP....anyone of them would have done...actually I'd have enjoyed either UKIP or BNP....but the others would have done...

I even went and bought a pitchfork to run them off my land with! ;)
All I got was one leaflet from the Tories. Even last year the BNP had the good grace to send me a pamphlet entitled "they steal your clothes."

ooh my i voted Labour for the firt time ever only because there was no Conservative Option and for local politics.

ooh my i voted Labour for the firt time ever only because there was no Conservative Option and for local politics.
Labour is a conservative option.

I am unfortunate enough to live in a small Conservative haven of a very Labour area, it’s so Labour that they made gains. :(

I’m afraid health issues prevented me from voting this year but I would have voted Conservative and I would have probably been campaigning for them. I had intended to hold a lovely little simulation election at college too for the sake of youth awareness.

Anyhoo, my vote would be wasted surplus and won’t make a dent in the 10,000 majority Labour has at the general elections but I want to give Cameron all the indirect support I can to ensure he doesn’t resort to unpopular Thatcherite policies in the same way that previous leaders did.

All I got was one leaflet from the Tories. Even last year the BNP had the good grace to send me a pamphlet entitled "they steal your clothes."

LOL! They steal you clothes LOL

Damn I'd have loved to 'debate' that with the racist scumbags....

All I got was one leaflet from the Tories. Even last year the BNP had the good grace to send me a pamphlet entitled "they steal your clothes."

Last year I got a DVD from the BNP, it was the funniest thing I've ever seen. He had his two blonde daughters on it dressed in george cross tank tops, they looked like Prussian Blue.

The best bit was they were talking about an asylum seeker in Droylsden showing the Google Earth map of Clayton, the town next door. Wouldn't have minded so much except he live just up the road from me in Droylsden so should know where the bloody place is. :D

Labour is a conservative option.Yeah, but Rhurs was carefeul to use a capital C. Labour may be a conservative option, but it is not the Conservative option.

Last year I got a DVD from the BNP, it was the funniest thing I've ever seen. He had his two blonde daughters on it dressed in george cross tank tops, they looked like Prussian Blue.

The best bit was they were talking about an asylum seeker in Droylsden showing the Google Earth map of Clayton, the town next door. Wouldn't have minded so much except he live just up the road from me in Droylsden so should know where the bloody place is. :D

LOLOL!!!!! Brilliant!!! LOL

All I got was one leaflet from the Tories. Even last year the BNP had the good grace to send me a pamphlet entitled "they steal your clothes."

lol! the BNP have no clue do they?

the only literature i got was from labour. i was going to put it up in our window but i think our neighbours would have lynched us :eek: