The 2005 UK General Election thread

[Blue Velvet]

Somehow I can't see this getting as heated as the U.S. presidential election threads but I guess there's no harm in starting one especially as the Prime Minister is expected to announce the election date this week (announcement apparently delayed because of events in Rome).

To me, despite the best efforts of the Conservatives and the press to push a few inflammatory hot buttons, there seems to be a general air of apathy about this upcoming election... last election's turnout was down and the campaign never really captured the public's imagination until John Prescott punched somebody.

Myself, I've been a life-long Labour voter, both here and in New Zealand. But for the first time in my life, I'm starting to get more than a little pissed-off with taxes -- particularly council tax. Once, I would have never imagined myself saying this but it's also not quite enough for me to consider switching my vote. I see the last two terms of this Labour government as almost wasted opportunites despite some good things like the minimum wage.

Tony Blair is also starting to get up quite a few people's noses and is even being thought of in some quarters as a liability -- certainly the war in Iraq has had a damaging effect.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/0,6903,1426456,00.html

Yet, I see no appetite for Prime Minister Howard but I also think that the Lib Dems will make some ground at the expense of both parties...

[edesignuk]

I try my best to keep my nose out of politics, so I'm not the best informed person. However...

As much as it seems to be the fashion to knock Labour (and it's not without cause I know), I *think* things have been a lot better for most people since they came to power (though the whole Iraq thing is another kettle of fish).

The Lib Dems seem OK, but don't stand a hope in hell of winning, so they're out of the question. Which leaves us with Labour, or Conservative. Blair, Howard. Personally, the thought of PM Howard is a horrible idea! Yes, Blair has got plenty of faults, but I'd still take him over Howard any day, plus, I can't see him staying for long if they win anyway, it'll be PM Brown before long, and from the little I know, I think he would make a good PM.

Just my - fairly uninformed - opinion on it all.

[Jaffa Cake]

Prime Minister Howard. Ugh. Sends a chill down your spine.

[iGav]

I still think it's surprising that Blair is again calling the election a year early... I can't help but think he'd be better off serving the full term and then stepping down... you know, milk their period in office for all they're worth like the Tories did. :p

Not sure who I'll vote for... traditionally I'm a Labour voter, and for the most part I don't think they've done all that bad a job in their period in office.

I like some of the stuff I'm hearing from the Lib Dem camp, especially concerning their stance on Council Tax, even though myself and my lady are far in excess of the income brackets that'd land us with an increased Council Tax bill, I'm also very much aware that people like my mum pay compareable amounts, even though she's only on a private and widows pension, I don't think it's right that she should pay similar amounts even though her income isn't a fraction of either mine nor my lady's nevermind both of them combined.

I refuse to vote for the Tories though... especially Howard who would do nothing except take us back to 1980's UK... he's a f'in moron of the highest order, a cast off of the Thatcher period.

So yeah, traditionally I'm a Labour voter, who for the most part think they've done a reasonable job during their time in office, but I'm dissatisifed with the effectiveness of some of their policies and decisions.

I'd consider voting Lib Dem, some of the policies they're discussing are certainly interesting, but I'm concerned that a vote for them would be a wasted vote and that this would allow the Tories to sneak up and shaft the country good and proper from behind.

I do look forward to reading some manifesto's (for what they're worth) in the coming month though. ;) :p

[Blue Velvet]

The Lib Dems will pick up a lot of the protest vote but I'm not sure whether those protest voters are fully aware of the Lib Dems policy on Europe, which if I understand it correctly, is the most overtly pro-EU stance of the 3 main parties.

Labour seem to do everything not to mention the EU issue for fear of the tabloids. It also seems that the Tories are completely split and in fear of the UK Independence party and other fringe right-wing parties and so they seem to be reverting to type... much as William Hague handled the last election, despite his baseball cap. :) :rolleyes:

[WinterMute]

The problem I have with the state of British politics is discerning which party is which, we now have three broadly central parties all pretending to represent core support, but all knowing they have to appeal to the most apathetic bunch of voters out there, the "floating" voters.

Too many people vote on micro issues, I'm genuinely concerned we will see a split parliament with a coillition government over the Iraq war, it could be enough to tip the balance, and I'm sure the tories will make as much capital out of it as they can, even though the supported the whole debacle in the House.

I think the country is in as good a state as I remember it, even given the tax levels and the amount of intrusion of state into everyday lives, I think Blair is thought of much more highly abroad than he is here, and he will be seen as a truly great Labour leader in years to come. He's already achieved more than almost any post-war Labour Premier.

The thought of Howard in No.10 makes me retch, if you think the taxes are bad under Labour, just let the tories back in... :eek:

I lived and protested through the Thatcher years, I watched her send my generation to a spurious war to keep her in Downing Street, at least Blair believed he was doing the right thing, and was not mearly trying to save his political skin.

It worries me that a whole generation of voters have forgotten what this country was like under the Tories, bitter and divided, angry and frustrated, dead and buried. Thankfully, I do believe the Tories are still unelectable, and that if Labour can motivate it's core support, then the third term is there for the taking.

It's the best of a poor bunch of choices, though.

[zimv20]

can someone fill in this ignorant yank on the ins and outs of the council tax?

[Blue Velvet]

can someone fill in this ignorant yank on the ins and outs of the council tax?

A quick summary is here... best to read about the Poll Tax (Community Charge) too which lead to riots in central London. The main problem with the Council Tax is that's it's not based on your ability to pay and hits certain people quite hard.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_tax

[Brize]

The Lib Dems will pick up a lot of the protest vote but I'm not sure whether those protest voters are fully aware of the Lib Dems policy on Europe, which if I understand it correctly, is the most overtly pro-EU stance of the 3 main parties.

You mention this like it's a bad thing...

[zimv20]

thanks

[Blue Velvet]

You mention this like it's a bad thing...

Not at all. You're reading far too much into my post... I'm half-Dutch, live here courtesy of my EU citizenship and fully support the introduction of the Euro.

It's just that I see a lack of real debate on the issue (particularly the proposed EU constitution) with the bulk of the press so rabidly hostile. I think Labour could have been more bold here but they're aware of the resistance there is in the country at large thanks to the distorted coverage from the tabloids.

[Brize]

Not at all. You're reading far too much into my post... I'm half-Dutch, live here courtesy of my EU citizenship and fully support the introduction of the Euro.

It's just that I see a lack of real debate on the issue (particularly the proposed EU constitution) with the bulk of the press so rabidly hostile. I think Labour could have been more bold here but they're aware of the resistance there is in the country at large thanks to the distorted coverage from the tabloids.

Absolutely. Labour don't want to risk losing the Little Englander vote, which is disappointing, although undoubtedly a wise strategy.

[robbieduncan]

Labour have had their chance. They have done very little I am happy with and lots I am not happy with. So no vote for them

I cannot vote for the Torys. I remember the last time they were in and they stand for so many things I despise.

Which leaves the Lib Dems. They mostly stand for the same things as me, although not normally tough enough on the rouge elements in society who do not react well to their education and help strategy. Sometimes you need to lock people up! But apart from that they are cool so it looks like them.

I live in Tower Hamlets (Oona King is my MP) and the chance of Labour not winning is almost zero. I might see a bit more media coverage around here than normal as George Galloway (the one who was accused of being in Saddams pay) has come down here to stand against Oona. Could be interesting!

[Savage Henry]

It's just that I see a lack of real debate on the issue (particularly the proposed EU constitution) with the bulk of the press so rabidly hostile. I think Labour could have been more bold here but they're aware of the resistance there is in the country at large thanks to the distorted coverage from the tabloids. UK citizens are not big on change and the lack of debate is deliberate on the part of labour (see 'foxhunting', 'ID cards', 'top-up fees', 'Iraq war' etc). These issues are so sensitive and the chances of losing votes are so real that the last thing those in power want is to draw attention to them with appropriately extensive public debate.

It's the politics game. Swift wrote about stuff like this almost 300 years ago, and it's still relevant today.

[Brize]

I'd consider voting Lib Dem, some of the policies they're discussing are certainly interesting, but I'm concerned that a vote for them would be a wasted vote and that this would allow the Tories to sneak up and shaft the country good and proper from behind.

Depending on your constituency, it could be a Labour vote that's wasted. Check out www.tacticalvoter.net (http://www.tacticalvoter.net/?show=index&).

[robbieduncan]

Depending on your constituency, it could be a Labour vote that's wasted. Check out www.tacticalvoter.net (http://www.tacticalvoter.net/?show=index&).

Ha ha ha.

This is what it said for me (Bethnal Green and Bow):
"This is a safe Labour seat, very unlikely to change hands at the next election. So whichever party you support, it's hard to make your vote count for anything even by voting tactically."

Which I knew anyway!

[Blue Velvet]

UK citizens are not big on change and the lack of debate is deliberate on the part of labour (see 'foxhunting', 'ID cards', 'top-up fees', 'Iraq war' etc). These issues are so sensitive and the chances of losing votes are so real that the last thing those in power want is to draw attention to them with appropriately extensive public debate.

It's the politics game. Swift wrote about stuff like this almost 300 years ago, and it's still relevant today.

Three missing words? Ummm... chance, losing, votes?

But don't get me started on I.D. cards... :mad:
It's not so much the concept, although that's reason enough, more the proposed implementation and the overall cost.

[Savage Henry]

chance, losing, votes?Ooh close ... it was "of" instead of chances. Instead of the winnebago you'll have to settle for the matching luggage;)

But don't get me started on I.D. cards... :mad:
It's not so much the concept, although that's reason enough, more the proposed implementation and the overall cost.It won't even gain the result that they are saying it will. The purpose is just to smokescreen the 'outsiders' and advertise that we will soon have further levels of beaurocratic guff that shows the UK to be less of an immigration pushover. Fight against terror??? Pah, there are bound to be one or two UK-born psychos who hate the government.....probably someone with a surname of Fawkes.;)

Another two I've just thought of ... '24 hour boozing' and 'mega Casinos' ..... Man what are they putting in the tea at Westminster???

[Blue Velvet]

Another two I've just thought of ... '24 hour boozing' and 'mega Casinos' ..... Man what are they putting in the tea at Westminster???

What are they putting in the tea? Copious lobbying and possibly some hefty donations from the alcohol & leisure industry?

I'm a bit ambivalent about casinos (never been in one and prob. never will) but I'm all for the extending of drinking hours. I know there are plenty of good arguments against it but in all my time here I've never got used to last orders at 11pm... a simple extension to 12 or 1 would have been OK with me.

One thing that's puzzled me is how authoritarian this Govt could be at times. Absolutely detested David Blunkett and was shocked at the stifling of protestors when the Chinese premier dropped by...

[Savage Henry]

a simple extension to 12 or 1 would have been OK with me.I don't mind a simple extension. Once I heard a quote relating to gun ownership in the UK, is that the sort of person who wants to own a gun is the very person who shouldn't be allowed one. With drinking, the sort of person who wants to be drinking at 7 in the morning is the person who shouldn't be drinking in the first place.
One thing that's puzzled me is how authoritarian this Govt could be at times. Absolutely detested David Blunkett and was shocked at the stifling of protestors when the Chinese premier dropped by.That incident was very hollowing. This govt (though I doubt any other would be entirely different) has shown it can turn it's back on the people that put them there. Tsk Tsk!

[Blue Velvet]

Just found this... some realism after all. Even if it's temporary...

Controversial plans to introduce ID cards and new laws on making incitement to religious hatred a criminal offence are expected to be sacrificed to force through other key pieces of legislation before Parliament is dissolved.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1451333,00.html

[VincentVega]

I voted Labour in 1997 and, reluctantly, in 2001. I've always been "to the left", so voting Tory is a no-no - they represent too many things I disagree with - their anti-European bent and their language and rhetoric on asylum (though some of their policies, such as having a points system aren't that bad - they have point systems in New Zealand and Canada, for example).

Labour have lost my vote:

Iraq war. I was against it from the get go.
Crime. Not getting much better. Too many yobs.
Transport. Too much congestion - it's got noticeably worse in my area over the last four years.
etc, etc, etc

My #1 bugbear is the attitude of the Labour Government. They think they're just so much better than the rest of us. Arrogant (especially Blair, Blunkett, Straw), patronizing (Blair again, also Ruth Kelly, who really gets on my nerves). They are solely interested in spin and satisfying the primitive desires of the tabloid press.

I can't see Labour getting my vote until they shed this whole "New Labour" thing, replace Blair with someone more substantial and less prone to lying and outright distortion and start treating the voters with respect. So I shall be voting for the Lib Dems. I know they won't win but they are a whole lot more palatable than Labour and I find myself agreeing a whole lot more with their platform.

[Blue Velvet]

Crime. Not getting much better. Too many yobs.

Do you think that any government can realistically have an impact on this?

[robbieduncan]

Do you think that any government can realistically have an impact on this?

Perhaps. I think a lot of people who might be categorised as yobs are basically not scared of the consequences. Lets say they commit some "petty crime" and end up in court. No doubt they will not be sent to prison as it costs too much and the government want to reduce prison population so they are offered the alternative of community service or a fine. They choose community service as they are unemployed work dodgers and then basically never turn up! I have heard of people managing to get away with doing 1 hour in 6 months on a 200 hour order. Is that a punishment?

Obviously this is a gross over simplification and stereotypes these offenders but the thing to remember is that they are criminals. They have chosen to do something that society does not like and then laugh at society when it lets them away with it. Even worse many of them are supported by the society they so obviously do not care for or even contribute to.

But as I said, I'll be voting Lib Dem :)

[Nickygoat]

Labour have had their chance. They have done very little I am happy with and lots I am not happy with. So no vote for them

I cannot vote for the Torys. I remember the last time they were in and they stand for so many things I despise.

Which leaves the Lib Dems. They mostly stand for the same things as me, although not normally tough enough on the rouge elements in society who do not react well to their education and help strategy. Sometimes you need to lock people up! But apart from that they are cool so it looks like them.

I live in Tower Hamlets (Oona King is my MP) and the chance of Labour not winning is almost zero. I might see a bit more media coverage around here than normal as George Galloway (the one who was accused of being in Saddams pay) has come down here to stand against Oona. Could be interesting!
Oona's my MP as well but there's no way I'm voting for her. I think she was rated 47th least effective MP by the Standard. I'm trying to think of anything she's done in the last 8 years. I don't like his politics but "Gorgeous George' will be getting my vote. I also have a feeling that this is not such a safe Labour seat. 55% of the population are Muslim and they're definitely not happy about Iraq. OT has anyone else been getting personalised letters from the Labour Party? I was under the impression that having signed the opt out on the electoral roll that only authorised government agencies had access to my details and it wasn't to be used for political gain. I can't remember the exact form but I haven't had any from any of the other parties.

[Blue Velvet]

No doubt they will not be sent to prison as it costs too much and the government want to reduce prison population...

I don't even pretend to know the answer to this.

England & Wales had the highest rate of imprisonment per capita in the EU in 2001. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1494726.stm

Compared to Finland (lowest in EU) and USA (highest in the world) there's an argument for saying that prison doesn't work. I'm not advocating the abolishment of prisons by any means but I think the crime problem (as it's perceived) demands a more multi-dimensional approach than just focussing on imprisonment.

[robbieduncan]

...
Compared to Finland (lowest in EU) and USA (highest in the world) there's an argument for saying that prison doesn't work. I'm not advocating the abolishment of prisons by any means but I think the crime problem (as it's perceived) demands a more multi-dimensional approach than just focussing on imprisonment.

I agree with that but I would like to see the government commit to the enforcement of the punishments handed down by the court. If you get a community service order there should be some expectation that you complete it in a timely manner, say at least 5-10 hours a week. If you get a fine it should be paid in a timely manner, not 50p a week because you are on the dole.

In addition I think that many people, myself included, feel that many crimes attract the wrong sort or amount of punishment. Personally I think that many driving offences which do not hurt anyone are treated far more harshly than many muggings and other so called "minor" offences.

One thing I'd love to see the government try and explain is the fact that last year more people were killed on Britains roads than in the previous year. The first year-on-year rise since 1970something. Yet the massive increase in speed cameras has worked, they say. With the huge number of people being caught speeding and "Speed Kills" (although they have stopped using this in the past few months as they had to admit that their own evidence did not back this up) the number of deaths would be reaching zero.

Anyway enough of my ranting, anyone else want a go?

[IJ Reilly]

I've always wondered why the LDP is so marginalized in the UK, and was even when Labour was tightly in the maw of the unions, through the '80s at least. Seems they still aren't taken very seriously as an opposition party to either the Tories or Labour. What's their problem?

[Blue Velvet]

I've always wondered why the LDP is so marginalized in the UK, and was even when Labour was tightly in the maw of the unions, through the '80s at least. Seems they still aren't taken very seriously as an opposition party to either the Tories or Labour. What's their problem?

Classic third party problems: vicious circle (people won't vote for them 'cos they think they have no chance), relative lack of media coverage and support, perceived lack of experience in top ranks...

For many years, they were portrayed in the media as sandal-wearing, slightly-cranky idealists. They've since sharpened up their act.

However, they are now making grounds in local elections and town & city councils across England & Wales. I guess they're hoping that these will translate into longer-term gains at a national level.

Their holy grail is a change of parliamentary system. A form of proportional representation which would boost their influence further as the number of seats they have in the House of Commons is not proportional to their share of the national vote.

When Labour came into power in 1997, they briefly flirted with the idea of some kind of pact with the Lib Dems -- an accord, or at least a commission to look into some kind of change here but that went nowhere. The unspoken aim was to ensure a lock-out of the Tories for generations to come...

[skunk]

No UKIP, Veritarse or Respeck voters, then?

[Blue Velvet]

No UKIP, Veritarse or Respeck voters, then?

At first, I thought 'Veritarse'? WTF?
A quick google reveals all. :D

There are some advantages in not having a TV or buying a paper that often any more... not having to endure Robert Kilroy-Silk being one of them.

[Jaffa Cake]

So... 5 May (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/frontpage/4409935.stm) it is, then.

[Blue Velvet]

So... 5 May (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/frontpage/4409935.stm) it is, then.

Only a few weeks away... will Tiger arrive before then? :D

Reported polls show things tightening. That makes for a more interesting campaign at least...

[Savage Henry]

... makes for a more interesting campaign at least...Did you see Bremner,Bird and Fortune at the weekend?... They had a clip sequence proposing (among other things) that the only way to make the campagning interesting is for another person (http://www.punchbaby.com/media/gitfakt/clips/funny/prescott.mpg) to punch John Prescott in the face .... :D

I'm in by no means advocating such violence ... but it would certainly liven things up a bit ;)

[IJ Reilly]

I think all Americans have to envy you your one-month-long national campaign season.

[skunk]

And possibly the cost: no more than 40 million quid for the whole shebang last time, and boy, were people complaining.

[robbieduncan]

I think all Americans have to envy you your one-month-long national campaign season.

To be fair that's the length of the official campaign. All the major parties have been launching mini-manifestos and making promises they will no doubt break for weeks now.

[IJ Reilly]

To be fair that's the length of the official campaign. All the major parties have been launching mini-manifestos and making promises they will no doubt break for weeks now.

Of course, that goes on here too. But we're already talking about the 2006 and 2008 elections, and of course the presidential race takes up about a full year out of every four. We're all weary to the bone by the time election day rolls around, and then it starts all over again.

[rogerw]

for what my opinion is worth, at least we know that most of the Tory party are sleazy lying cheating bastards. Its just that Labour ticket was to cut out all the sleaze, lying etc and the've proved to be just the effing same, if not worse!
somehow if you know what they are going to be like, it dont seem so bad.

Tony Blair, wot a to**er, avoids at all cost main stream intervewers, like on live BBC, independent chat shows where's theres no scripted questions. Goes on Ant and Dec instead and gets interviewed by two 7 year olds

[IJ Reilly]

I was reading in my paper this morning that Howard is trying to persuade the UK media to stop referring to his party as the Tories -- which apparently they've been doing without complaint for 200 years. What's that all about?

[Savage Henry]

I was reading in my paper this morning that Howard is trying to persuade the UK media to stop referring to his party as the Tories -- which apparently they've been doing without complaint for 200 years. What's that all about?
Attempting to get around the word association that feeds the mind ....remember "New" Labour??

[mactastic]

They're not private accounts, they're personal accounts. It's not the inheritance tax, or the estate tax, it's the death tax.

Frame the language of the debate and you control the debate.

[IJ Reilly]

Granted, but what's the negative connotation of Tory? Is this a pejorative the Conservatives have simply shrugged off until now?

[skunk]

"Tory" is just too easily associated with "bastards".

[Lord Blackadder]

Yes, we 'mericans are good at pageantry. I survived the election by avoiding the drawn-out and exhaustive "coverage" as much as possible.

I must say that Blair seems to have a lot of credibility on the international front - more than he does at home! :confused:

[Blue Velvet]

Tony Blair, wot a to**er, avoids at all cost main stream intervewers...

Be fair.

He's done it when he's needed to...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/2729297.stm

The fluffy stuff is done to reach an audience that doesn't usually give a toss about politics. I'm sure we'll also see Howard and Kennedy appearing on light-entertainment shows as well.

[MOFS]

Did you see Bremner,Bird and Fortune at the weekend?... They had a clip sequence proposing (among other things) that the only way to make the campagning interesting is for another person (http://www.punchbaby.com/media/gitfakt/clips/funny/prescott.mpg) to punch John Prescott in the face .... :D

I'm in by no means advocating such violence ... but it would certainly liven things up a bit ;)

Actually didn't the person throw an egg at John Prescott and/or shout something he found offensive and then Prescott gave him a right hook?

Anyway, I'm not sure about who I'm gonna vote for. I'd agree with BV regarding the Lib Dems - they're the third party, so they can say pretty much what they want (Europe, taxes etc) and while I do think that they are right about some of these ideas, I'm not sure about their ideas for others, like top-up fees. I'm currently at uni (as is my brother and my other will be the year after next) but I can see problems with the abolishing of the fees. From what I've heard Scottish universities are struggling because of the fact that they're not getting enough money, and indeed my uni (Newcastle) has released numerous articles in our student paper about how even they're struggling for funds and are increasingly reliant on international students paying £15000 per annum.

The war issue is not one - its too late now, and I can't see Blair et al going in again. And the yob issue has been greatly exaggerated I think - while there are many, I think that people are becoming less tolerant of people who don't live how they do. :o Most people in Britain don't like chavs - because they wear Burberry? - and don't like Europeans just because.

[brap]

Actually didn't the person throw an egg at John Prescott and/or shout something he found offensive and then Prescott gave him a right hook?That's how I remember it. It certainly wasn't unprovoked.

Echoing robbieduncan's sentiments from page one, really. Labour, broken promises, false war, insane inheritance and council taxes... not to mention the Student Loan Company, education maintenance allowance (and the relative size of old age pensions). This office has right royally ****'ed up - and those are just the tip. Granted, Gordon Brown has been the most competent chancellor in recent history - but policy decisions on the party's behalf have been laughable.

The tories, after the comedic Hague campaign (BNP eat your heart out), I had hoped to stop pushing the 'common sense government', and 'Britain, **** yeah!' thing. Obviously, though with the recent billboard ads Howard is again trying to touch our baser insincts - the immigration ads are particularly offensive to me, your Friendly Neighbourhood Leftist Hippie (tm).

On the whole, I voted Lib Dem last time around because of their pro-European stance. This is the biggest issue to me, even moreso that my mountain of SLC debt. I think it's less a 'protest vote', than vain hope they'll become a viable opposition. The opposition, as it stands, are not - and Labour need to be thrown out to remove the repulsive complacence which has set in.

[iGav]

"Tory" is just too easily associated with "bastards".

I always associate it with fat, old, white, rich, homophobic, racists.


That's how I remember it. It certainly wasn't unprovoked.

It certainly wasn't unprovoked... the guy had a mullet, he deserved a good slap.

[rogerw]

Be fair.

He's done it when he's needed to...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/2729297.stm

The fluffy stuff is done to reach an audience that doesn't usually give a toss about politics. I'm sure we'll also see Howard and Kennedy appearing on light-entertainment shows as well.

Ha, Ok.......... missed that one, still a to**er though

[brap]

It certainly wasn't unprovoked... the guy had a mullet, he deserved a good slap.Haha... so (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/1535793.stm) he did (http://www.mildlyamusing.co.uk/videos/prescott.mpeg)!

[mactastic]

It certainly wasn't unprovoked... the guy had a mullet, he deserved a good slap.
LMAO!! :D :D Always a good reason.

[Lord Blackadder]

Haha... so (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/1535793.stm) he did (http://www.mildlyamusing.co.uk/videos/prescott.mpeg)!

Loved the video!... Looks like he should have come around with the right instead of the weak left jab though. More follow through next time Prescott, and you've got my vote if I ever move to the UK!

Every mullet-wearer deserves the same fate.

[BakedBeans]

firstly, sorry - i have not read this thread as im short on time but im as close to voting conservative as i ever have been,

i honestly feel the way this country is going isnt a country i want to be a part of.

[iGav]

i honestly feel the way this country is going isnt a country i want to be a part of.

Now remember how it was under the last Tory Government... Boom then Bust. 4+ million unemployed. Sky high interest rates. Economic instability. Civil unrest.

If you don't want to vote Labour, fair enough... atleast vote Lib Dem.

But if the Tories get back in, we're doomed, because they're a bunch of ***** morons.

[Blue Velvet]

Now remember how it was under the last Tory Government...

Poll tax.

[WinterMute]

Poll tax.

I got baton-charged by the Met in Trafalgar Square cos of the Poll Tax... Those were the days.

If the tories ever get back to power you can kiss any hope of civil equality goodbye, I've said it before, at least Blair believed he was doing the right thing in Iraq, he didn't manufacture a "war" simply to safegaurd a job.

Maggie Thatcher would ahve lost that election had there been no Falklands war, I'm certain of it, and our good boys had to go and get killed to save her skin. It sickened me then and it still does.

I wouldn't vote Tory if they promised to nationalise everything and abolish income tax.

Bastards.

Mullet wearing bastards.

Even the bald ones.

[BakedBeans]

Now remember how it was under the last Tory Government... Boom then Bust. 4+ million unemployed. Sky high interest rates. Economic instability. Civil unrest.

If you don't want to vote Labour, fair enough... atleast vote Lib Dem.

But if the Tories get back in, we're doomed, because they're a bunch of ***** morons.

remember when labour where in before that?

you cant just say remember ages and ages ago things went wrong, it doesnt mean the same thing will happen again

look where we are at the moment, taxes are stupid, asylum has gone mad, health service is a joke, education is poor, policing is poor, spending is ridiculous and on nothing worth while

its easy to call them morons without looking at labours downfalls - i like tony blair, and i think he is a good man but they cant organise a piss up in a brewery, as for voting lib dem - yeah right

[BakedBeans]

Mullet wearing bastards.

Even the bald ones.

cant argue with that ;)

[brap]

you cant just say remember ages and ages ago things went wrong, it doesnt mean the same thing will happen againAh, but you can - the Conservative philosophy will stay the same year in, year out. They're still working toward the same end, and Michael Howard? Well, see below.
look where we are at the moment, taxes are stupid, asylum has gone mad, health service is a joke, education is poor, policing is poor, spending is ridiculous and on nothing worth whileI certainly agree there are problems - but right wing isolationism isn't the way forward. Education, and the health service -- have you seen the tory ads? The flippant ways in which Howard regards there as "simple matters of common sense"? House of cards, man.

You have to also remember, of course, that he was Home Secretary in the last Tory government - a front-bencher in the administration which had a dab hand at right royally ********* up the country. He was constantly looking to raise his profile -- remember the time he personally intervened, illegally, to increase the sentence of the Jamie Bulger murderers? That wasn't about justice, that was about image.
its easy to call them morons without looking at labours downfalls - i like tony blair, and i think he is a good man but they cant organise a piss up in a brewery, as for voting lib dem - yeah rightVoting for Lib Dem is the most effective protest... they're highly unlikely to gain a majority, and you're not voting for Satan.

Labour are screwing up -- this is because Kaiser Tony has too much power, too many seats, and the ability to push bills thru in spite of major rebellions even in his own party. He needs to have his balls on the chopping block, as it were - balance of power is only a Good Thing. I actually believe Labour have it in them to do right by the country, but not while they're in this position of complete dominance.

If you're unhappy with Labour, have a look at the BBC website - see how your constituency is hanging. Perhaps you can oust the red MP for a yellow one?

[BakedBeans]

Ah, but you can - the Conservative philosophy will stay the same year in, year out. They're still working toward the same end, and Michael Howard? Well, see below.
I certainly agree there are problems - but right wing isolationism isn't the way forward. Education, and the health service -- have you seen the tory ads? The flippant ways in which Howard regards there as "simple matters of common sense"? House of cards, man.

You have to also remember, of course, that he was Home Secretary in the last Tory government - a front-bencher in the administration which had a dab hand at right royally ********* up the country. He was constantly looking to raise his profile -- remember the time he personally intervened, illegally, to increase the sentence of the Jamie Bulger murderers? That wasn't about justice, that was about image.
Voting for Lib Dem is the most effective protest... they're highly unlikely to gain a majority, and you're not voting for Satan.

Labour are screwing up -- this is because Kaiser Tony has too much power, too many seats, and the ability to push bills thru in spite of major rebellions even in his own party. He needs to have his balls on the chopping block, as it were - balance of power is only a Good Thing. I actually believe Labour have it in them to do right by the country, but not while they're in this position of complete dominance.

If you're unhappy with Labour, have a look at the BBC website - see how your constituency is hanging. Perhaps you can oust the red MP for a yellow one?

hey, thanks for replying

firstly, let me say - im not actually fighting in favour of anyone, but i am tired of the way things are in this country (so much so that i will be moving away)

some things about the conservatives have impressed me and i have not been fooled by the stupid raise in family allowance and other things by labour - money that we will eventually have to pay back through taxation, speeding fines, parking tickets, lack of healthcare and eventually when the euro comes then we will be f*cked

[Blue Velvet]

parking tickets

?

Strongest economy, lowest unemployment for years but yet parking tickets worry you?

Also, you claim that 'health-care is non-existent'?
Please give me some examples that I can read about when I'm in hospital in a few weeks time...

[WinterMute]

Labour are screwing up -- this is because Kaiser Tony has too much power, too many seats, and the ability to push bills thru in spite of major rebellions even in his own party. He needs to have his balls on the chopping block, as it were - balance of power is only a Good Thing. I actually believe Labour have it in them to do right by the country, but not while they're in this position of complete dominance.

A very good point, it's been so long since labour had an effective opposition that they are obviously feeling they can do anything and get away with it. Blair has spoken of complacency in government, but it doesn't seem to have sunk in at Westminster.

I still believe that Labour are the best option avaliable, my bank balance, job security and continuing healthcare all support that, and I don't think they will lose this election, but they are making it very hard to love them.

Incidentally, a swing to the Tories of the same scale that saw labour back to power would still yield a 100 seat majority for labour, thats the mountain the Tories have to climb, they don't really stand a chance.

Poor mullet-wearing bastards.

[BakedBeans]

?

Strongest economy, lowest unemployment for years but yet parking tickets worry you?

Also, you claim that 'health-care is non-existent'?
Please give me some examples that I can read about when I'm in hospital in a few weeks time...

sorry, cant reply right now, im too busy picking tiny parts out of peoples posts and trying in vein to make them out to be stupid

and can you tell me where i said 'health-care is non-existent

strongest economy, im going to be loving that when im spending my euros

[brap]

This (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/blog/default.stm) is the BBC's weblog... some of their wittier political correspondents keep it updated, with between 3 and 5 updates daily. If you're not RSS'd to it, you should be. It's a cracking read.

AL; I believe BV was interpretinglack of healthcare from post #61. Having worked for an NHS subsidiary, I am in agreement that the health service needs a complete reworking. By all rights, the job I was doing... shouldn't have been necessary! :eek:

[Mord]

i am the most anti tory person in the univerce.

nuff said about them

i'm pro europe

i'm also more scared of the government taking out rights away like the right to have a trial by jury, the right to not be held without charge, basic freedoms that people fought long and hard for and are now being told they are going to be taken away to protect us from terrorism, terrorism can kill at most a few thousand, but corrupt government can lead to the death of more people than died in both world wars (what happened in soviet russia), one of the few things i strongly agree with in the bible "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" it's the same damn thing, they thing it's for the greater good, to stop the terrorism, what if a more right wing government get's in down the line and these new laws allow them to arrest and imprison you for no given reason indefinitely because they "suspect you are a terrorist"

if any of those laws get passed i'm emigrating.

if i could vote (i'm 16) i'd vote lib dem, labor are not as bad as people say but the home secretary is a complete idiot, this is not america where the other parties dont have a hope in hell, there is allot of dissuasion with the torys and labor and if there ever was a time when the lib dems could become the new effective opposition it's now, but it wont happen if all those that say "oh i'd vote lib dem but they will never get in" dont vote, you can and will make a difference, i would only not vote for the party that i most belive in if a truly evil party like the torys looked like they may win, which i dont think they have a hope in hell in doing, all the bitter senile old people who voted for them dont vote any more or are dead, the days of the right wing parts are over in the uk, even if labor is moving in that direction.

you dont agree with me? please quote me but i warn you i'll rip you to shreds.

[Blue Velvet]

please quote me but i warn you i'll rip you to shreds.

:eek:

[Mord]

remember when labour where in before that?

you cant just say remember ages and ages ago things went wrong, it doesnt mean the same thing will happen again

look where we are at the moment, taxes are stupid, asylum has gone mad, health service is a joke, education is poor, policing is poor, spending is ridiculous and on nothing worth while

its easy to call them morons without looking at labours downfalls - i like tony blair, and i think he is a good man but they cant organise a piss up in a brewery, as for voting lib dem - yeah right

as i dont pay tax i cant comment on it.

immigrants/asylum bring allot of wealth into the country, we would be no where near as rich without them, also most of the problems with immigrants are caused by the limits, like the sex trade and the crime that people are forced into as they are trafficked over by the gangs, sure there are bad examples due to bad admin, (like dumping 1000 kurds in a mainly Pakistani) area but look at the state of the average GP, they are 90% immigrants, where there is a shortage people come to fill it, if there was no economic need for them they would not come, economic migrants are the oil that the would rolls on, the amount payed in benefits to people you would brand as "sponging no good immigrants" as more than made up by the tax payed by the working ones.

education, it has never been so good it's not perfect but it's damn better than it ever has been, my school has had proper funding for it's IT, instead of being forced to sell it's grounds under the Tories, and the level of teaching is great, i dont know anyone in my year 11 yeah that did not get at least 5 c's and a hell of allot got 7 or more A*'s.

the health service i don't know much about seeing as i have not been in a while and last time i did (2000) was when my mother was dieing of cancer which the NHS delt with very well all the operations happened when they were needed and the ward was well staffed, i'd hate to think what we would have gone through if there was no NHS inn those years.

i have not had anyone try to mug me or even make any threatening comment towards me in about 6-7 months, it's getting better, i live in central london and have only ever been burgled once and thats when howard was HS, gordon brown produced an excellent budget, but the thing is no one actually bothered to read it, the news just pointed out a few things and showed howard slag it off even before he had seen it, the county is in the biggest economic growth since the industrial revolution the country is in a much much better state than it was under the torys, dont be fooled by lower taxes pleas, michel howard was a sniveling little git and now he has learnt to hide it because he is now married and his wife has made him appear to look nice enough, dont vote to screw the country over just to save you come money.

[Mord]

:eek:

i consider that to be an exception i repeat i will not rip the velvet.

[skunk]

Good posts, but please acquaint yourself with the full stop. It's exhausting! ;)

[BakedBeans]

This (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/blog/default.stm) is the BBC's weblog... some of their wittier political correspondents keep it updated, with between 3 and 5 updates daily. If you're not RSS'd to it, you should be. It's a cracking read.

AL; I believe BV was interpreting from post #61. Having worked for an NHS subsidiary, I am in agreement that the health service needs a complete reworking. By all rights, the job I was doing... shouldn't have been necessary! :eek:

but lack of healthcare and non existent healthcare are two completely different things,

either way we get a raw deal

immigration - joke
taxation - joke
cunning little schemes to get money from the hard working citizen (massive list) - joke
healthcare - joke
labour's new manifesto - joke
government spending - joke
government waste (examples are aplenty) - joke
policing - joke
"in europe, not controlled by europe" -joke
blair not going to go for re-election therefore not knowing who our new PM will be - joke
imminent N.I. contribution (for what?) rise - joke
car/value (huh)/council tax - joke


how can i even think about voting labour?

there is so much wrong with our country at the moment - i dont even want to live here

[MOFS]

but lack of healthcare and non existent healthcare are two completely different things,

either way we get a raw deal

immigration - joke
taxation - joke
cunning little schemes to get money from the hard working citizen (massive list) - joke
healthcare - joke
labour's new manifesto - joke
government spending - joke
government waste (examples are aplenty) - joke
policing - joke
"in europe, not controlled by europe" -joke
blair not going to go for re-election therefore not knowing who our new PM will be - joke
imminent N.I. contribution (for what?) rise - joke
car/value (huh)/council tax - joke


how can i even think about voting labour?

there is so much wrong with our country at the moment - i dont even want to live here

Could you please explain these jokes? There's some of us here who don't know what we should be laughing at here. I mean, health service - a joke because of MRSA? Because of waiting lists? Dodgy doctors? What? How is immigration a joke?

[BakedBeans]

Could you please explain these jokes? There's some of us here who don't know what we should be laughing at here. I mean, health service - a joke because of MRSA? Because of waiting lists? Dodgy doctors? What? How is immigration a joke?

maybe a little research into the immigration laws would answer some of the questions for you, the things i listed are just some of the things wrong with this country and the way it is run, i have not got the time to sit and go into detail about everything that should be changed and highlight flaws in policy

[brap]

there is so much wrong with our country at the moment - i dont even want to live hereThere's always America :rolleyes:

[Mord]

maybe a little research into the immigration laws would answer some of the questions for you, the things i listed are just some of the things wrong with this country and the way it is run, i have not got the time to sit and go into detail about everything that should be changed and highlight flaws in policy

the thing is that you slag all these things but there are things that just are not possible, are you staving poor from all the taxes? no, if you break a leg or have massive injury will the NHS take care of you? yes, from the thousands of people that go through the NHS every day i think the level of incidents is acceptable, sure things are not perfect and there are things to be done but we are moving in the right direction, your sound like a tory MP slaging off everyone while not actually telling us why and what you would have done.

there is only one tax i despise and thats VAT it's far far too high, as is import duty.

[BakedBeans]

There's always America :rolleyes:

so what are you saying? that i should move out of my own country that was born in and my parents and grandparents were born in, because people have made me despise the ethics of my own country?

if not what are you saying

[BakedBeans]

the thing is that you slag all these things but there are things that just are not possible, are you staving poor from all the taxes? no, if you break a leg or have massive injury will the NHS take care of you? yes, from the thousands of people that go through the NHS every day i think the level of incidents is acceptable, sure things are not perfect and there are things to be done but we are moving in the right direction, there is only one tax i despise and thats VAT it's far far too high, as is import duty.

because im not starving its ok to tax as much money as you can? sounds good

your sound like a tory MP slaging off everyone while not actually telling us why and what you would have done.

ok, firstly i have already stated in this thread that im not a tory, infact i have no political bias

if you give me a few hours (which is really why i didnt want to go into everything into to much detail (plus i thought people might be able to see whats wrong, guess not)) then i will tpe up in detail WHY these things are wrong

it sound to me like because i put forward an opinion that things are not right that i must be some tory, labour hating fanatic - well you sound to me like a labour loving fanatic that thinks because they say they are doing everything right, that they actual have a grip on this country

as for the nhs - its a disgrace, soon to be highlighted in my very long account of this country

[Mord]

because im not starving its ok to tax as much money as you can? sounds good



ok, firstly i have already stated in this thread that im not a tory, infact i have no political bias

if you give me a few hours (which is really why i didnt want to go into everything into to much detail (plus i thought people might be able to see whats wrong, guess not)) then i will tpe up in detail WHY these things are wrong

it sound to me like because i put forward an opinion that things are not right that i must be some tory, labour hating fanatic - well you sound to me like a labour loving fanatic that thinks because they say they are doing everything right, that they actual have a grip on this country

as for the nhs - its a disgrace, soon to be highlighted in my very long account of this country

I'm not a labor lover i despise a fair few of there polices people just slag them off too much for things they have actually handled fairly well.

Im also not saying that just because your not starving they can charge as much as they like, it was a figure of speech somehow my single parent pays my sister though university i'm not saying you should write a 3000 word essay i would just like a summery of why you think healthcare and immigration ect is a joke.

i'm on the side of the lib dems at the moment just because they are the only major party that dose not want to breach our human rights.

[mpw]

...If you don't want to vote Labour, fair enough... at least vote Lib Dem...

I don't get a vote in this election (although it could have consequences for me) so it might not be my place to say but I'm hearing a good number of people who, understandably, are disillousioned with Labour or the Conservatives saying their going to vote Lib.Dem. in some sort of protest.

I personally wouldn't vote for any party unless I really thought they were the best option to run the country. Although I might cats a vote for a party I wasn't 100% behind as a vote against another party. If you believe it really is only a two horse race you should pick the party you least want in and vote for the other to avoid your worst case scenario.

However if you can't bring yourself to vote for either of the only two contenders you should go to the poll and register your interest in democracy and contempt for those standing by casting no vote on a blank ballot slip.

[brap]

Just a last thread bump, really.

Ladies and gentlemen - registered voters in Blighty: please use your votes today. It doesn't matter if you vote BNP, Tory, Liberal, Monster Raving Loony, Legalise Cannabis Alliance, or any of the other wack parties out there - what does matter is that you don't become a statistic.

Even if you don't care who gets in, even if you feel they all have the same agenda with different coloured ties, even if you're in a safe seat - go and vote for an independent. Call it your good deed for the day - help the poor sod get their deposit back!

Please, just don't vote for the Apathy party. Last time around, they had a 41% majority.

:)

[Sayhey]

Half hour to go. My hoped for miracle would be a large Labour victory with Blair losing his seat. I know, not bloody likely, but a fellow can dream can't he? Here's to a Brown led Labour government soon! ;)

[Blue Velvet]

Polling stations closing now. Exit polls due soon... speaking of which BBC is calling an ICM poll of a sample of over 16,000 voters right now... projected 66 seat majority at 10pm BST.

I've drawn a 60 seat Labour majority in the office sweepstake. The massive sum of £25 is up for grabs... oooh, exciting!

Edit: Put Tiger on a new HD tonight. Ho-hum. :D

[edesignuk]

Exit polls just been on BBC1. Labour with a majority of 66 I think it was.

37% Labour
33% Conservative

...can't remember the others, they don't count :p

[skunk]

Exit polls are not known for their accuracy. I think BV is nearer the mark.

[Xtremehkr]

They are reporting that Blair has been re-elected? True?

[dobbin]

One-nil to the Reds so far.

I really hope Blair gets brought down a peg or two, and the exit polls are predicting just that.

[skunk]

Technically, we should wait till the votes are counted. But yes. It's pretty much a foregone conclusion, but with a greatly reduced majority.

[dobbin]

They are reporting that Blair has been re-elected? True?

It looks like he'll be back in, but with a much reduced majority. We won't know for sure for another 4/5 hours, but we'll have a very good idea in 2/3.

I'll be asleep by then probably :D

[Sayhey]

With a loss of 100 seats under Blair, while all the polls showed a much stronger showing with Brown at the helm, doesn't this strengthen the hands of those in Labour who want smiling Tony to retire? It would seem there are at least 100 former MP's who would question the wisdom of Blair continued leadership.

[Xtremehkr]

I think the Conservatives would have gone to war with Bush even faster than than Labour did. So I really don't know who to go for. But Blair should be canned for what he did, I used to really like the guy though.

[skunk]

That leaves the Lib Dems.

[Xtremehkr]

That leaves the Lib Dems.

Did they pick up anymore seats as a result of this?

[dobbin]

Labour have won the first three seats to declare, but no where near as strongly as last time. Its going to be an interesting night of results I think.

I wonder if Blair will go soon if his majority is slashed?

[brap]

Reports show the safe labour seats are being held, but with loss of majority. The defectors aren't going Tory, they're going elsewhere.

Altogether, if this keeps up, I'll be 'appy!

edit: And, echoing Sayhey... a Brown-led government would probably bring about much more public support, as well as heal the party.

[dobbin]

Did they pick up anymore seats as a result of this?

We won't know for a while, but they are likely to do well as the only major party to oppose the war.

[IJ Reilly]

Labour have won the first three seats to declare, but no where near as strongly as last time. Its going to be an interesting night of results I think.

I wonder if Blair will go soon if his majority is slashed?

Isn't that what happened to Maggie? (More or less)

[brap]

If you american guys can see this stream (http://news.bbc.co.uk/), go for it. Straight-talking, fisticuffs debate. With Boris Johnson :D

[dobbin]

Isn't that what happened to Maggie? (More or less)

Not really, she won an election in '87 and didn't resign until '90.

I think it was more to do with party unity (or lack of it) over Europe, rather than an election result.

[dobbin]

If you american guys can see this stream (http://news.bbc.co.uk/), go for it. Straight-talking, fisticuffs debate. With Boris Johnson :D

Boris is great. Even if you don't support the Tories or agree with his politics, you've got to agree he's funny. He's such a stereotypical English toff.

Alternatively, you may think he's a tw&t, but I think he's he's hilarious.

[mactastic]

If you american guys can see this stream (http://news.bbc.co.uk/), go for it. Straight-talking, fisticuffs debate. With Boris Johnson :D

The Daily Show last night compared clips of Blair Q&A sessions with Bush Q&A sessions. They played 'guess which country' and played a few clips.

"You lied to us and are unfit for office which is why I cannot vote for you."
vs
"I'm so glad you're my president"

:D

[IJ Reilly]

Not really, she won an election in '87 and didn't resign until '90.

I think it was more to do with party unity (or lack of it) over Europe, rather than an election result.

Well right, but that was my point. She started limping not long after winning the election and was eventually seen as a liability to the party and was ousted before the next election. Seems to me the same thing could happen to Blair if he comes out of this election victorious but significantly weakened.

[skunk]

I think so too.

[dobbin]

Yeah, but he's already said he will stand down before the next election. My question was whether this will be sooner rather than later if he does 'badly' tonight.

If he gets a majority of less than 50 then I can see him going within 6 months. Less than 25 and he'll probably have to go straight away.

[skunk]

I'd agree with that, too. :p

[brap]

6,000+ votes for the BNP (read: fascist, racist bastards) in Rotherham.

Quite disgusting... I really don't remember their prominence last time around.

[skunk]

Remind me to scratch Rotherham from my list of preferred holiday destinations...

[skunk]

Early indications - very early - are that Labour will lose a lot of seats to the Conservatives. Swing varies up to 7%. Could be less of a foregone conclusion.

[brap]

It's proper crazy stuff, the Liberals are taking Labour seats all over the shot... Tory gains too.

It's really quite impressive seeing this late-night, exhausted, wholly uncharacteristic pragmatism from interviewees... refreshing. Looking forward to hearing from the M.P for Rushcliffe's speech ;)

Off-topic: Did anyone else notice at the head of the show the "shiny" PC laptop whatserface reporter had on her desk was replaced by a much less shiny ThinkPad once it was... well, to be used?

Also, I think Paxman has a Powerbook concealed to his left...

[Sayhey]

It's proper crazy stuff, the Liberals are taking Labour seats all over the shot... Tory gains too.

It's really quite impressive seeing this late-night, exhausted, wholly uncharacteristic pragmatism from interviewees... refreshing. Looking forward to hearing from the M.P for Rushcliffe's speech ;)

Where are you getting your results? The
BBC's (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/vote_2005/constituencies/default.stm) web page has Labour with 214 out of 280 races decided. Down only 11 seats. Is there some late push in close seats by the Lib-Dems and Tories we aren't seeing over here?

[brap]

Is there some late push in close seats by the Lib-Dems and Tories we aren't seeing over here?No... sorry, just being a touch melodramatic :o
It's quite against the grain for the Liberals to take Labour seats, what with their ideologies being so similar.

[Sayhey]

No... sorry, just being a touch melodramatic :o
It's quite against the grain for the Liberals to take Labour seats, what with their ideologies being so similar.

ok, just thought you were seeing something I wasn't in the results. Wouldn't mind at all if the Lib-Dems gain a few seats; in fact I'd like to see them overtake the Tories. I know - not likely.

[Lau]

So the exit polls weren't far off then. Interesting. Good to see a move back to a more equal balance. In my opinion, it's never a good thing to have a huge majority, whoever they are.

Round here - it stayed Lib Dem, which is also what I voted. The LD MP, Don Foster, lost a fair whack becasue he supported the somewhat disastrous Bath Spa project (£35 million literally down the drain - can we have some buses please?!). He's quite a good MP, but I'm also not surprised he lost some votes, people round here aren't happy about the Spa thing.

[robbieduncan]

Nooooooooooooooooooooo

Anyone want to buy a flat in Bow? Really nice, only downside is a smug, self satisfied piece of c*** for an MP :(

I almost regret not voting Labour now. I might not want a Labour MP but it would be better than a 1 issue lunatic.

[Xtremehkr]

So the exit polls weren't far off then. Interesting. Good to see a move back to a more equal balance. In my opinion, it's never a good thing to have a huge majority, whoever they are.

Round here - it stayed Lib Dem, which is also what I voted. The LD MP, Don Foster, lost a fair whack becasue he supported the somewhat disastrous Bath Spa project (£35 million literally down the drain - can we have some buses please?!). He's quite a good MP, but I'm also not surprised he lost some votes, people round here aren't happy about the Spa thing.

Be happy your exit polls worked. The exit polls in the US were off for a second time in the last election. Ho hum, nothing to see here.

[Blue Velvet]

Nooooooooooooooooooooo

Anyone want to buy a flat in Bow? Really nice, only downside is a smug, self satisfied piece of c*** for an MP :(

I almost regret not voting Labour now. I might not want a Labour MP but it would be better than a 1 issue lunatic.


Can't stand George Galloway but Oona King used to wind me up as well.
Meanwhile, nothing has changed over my way.

I give Blair 2 years before he spends more time with his family.

[Dagless]

on the phone to my girlfriend last night, i said that if Labour won id emigrate to our 2nd home in Poland... now to find a cheap flight.

seriously, im so sick of labour. and the Lib Dems wouldnt have been good to us. i'm registered in a private hospital, and top up fee's wont effect people already in university, but my main voting point was council tax, as Labour have just carried on raising it in my area. Another crappy thing is that our house is currently in the H band, which i think is the 2nd highest tax band you can get... and its disgusting how they're trying to get money out of us. there are bigger and newer houses than ours down the road who are in the F band.

i just cant believe so many people voted for a liar and a warmonger-er. probably because there are so many people worried that they'll lost their "lets be lazy" benefits.

[MOFS]

on the phone to my girlfriend last night, i said that if Labour won id emigrate to our 2nd home in Poland... now to find a cheap flight.

seriously, im so sick of labour. and the Lib Dems wouldnt have been good to us. i'm registered in a private hospital, and top up fee's wont effect people already in university, but my main voting point was council tax, as Labour have just carried on raising it in my area. Another crappy thing is that our house is currently in the H band, which i think is the 2nd highest tax band you can get... and its disgusting how they're trying to get money out of us. there are bigger and newer houses than ours down the road who are in the F band.

i just cant believe so many people voted for a liar and a warmonger-er. probably because there are so many people worried that they'll lost their "lets be lazy" benefits.

The new council tax working out by Labour is actually fairer than the current system. The previous system was based on 1991 house prices, meaning that most houses will have moved up a band due to the explosion in house prices. The Labour party aim to find out the values of the houses in the country and then set the bands so that there are only so many houses in each band. In most areas council taxes would go down, some would go up, but overall the total revenue received would stay exactly the same.

And "let's be lazy benefits"? C'mon - thats just ridiculous. I'd rather have a party that cared for those that are in trouble (eg the North, people on low incomes etc) rather than funding those who don't need funding.