But Liberal Government is good for the country (if not for you personally). I want more of it
I'd agree with you.
Unfortunately the LibDems have a strong streak of SDP, which is the antithesis of liberalism
Do you really mean to say, Charles, that pre-1980 you would have been a Liberal?
Wonders never cease.
Probably not - but we were Liberal Unionists historically and founded the TRG. (My mother's family, that is - my Dad's family have been Tories since the Whigs appalling behaviour over the Bank of England)
Tony Benn might have been too stupid to be a Soviet spy, but his heart was in the right place - I remember him saying "Now the people have spoken, there is no need for any more elections" - the 76 election I think.
Do you perhaps mean after the second of the two 1974 elections, when the quote would make sense without advocating the abolition of elections? There was no general election in 1976.
UKIP got 3.5% in England in 2010. They have a good chance of hitting 20% next time, and that's a big problem for the Tories. Probably more so than Labour.
The chances of UKIP hitting 20% next time is close to zero . You have had too much Xmas spirits
It is amazing that someone would write something as nonsensical as that on a betting site
It is even more amazing that someone who attempts to spin every political story as being favourable to UKIP should have deluded themselves into thinking they have a chance of polling 20% in next year's GE
So the latest polling shows the Conservatives losing aroung a quarter of their support in Scotland since 2010. Is this enough to push them back down to zero seats - looks close :l
It will be interesting to go back and compare the recent post Indy Referendum polls with some polling from March/April once the GE campaign is in full swing.
That seems ambitious as it would indicate a very narrow SNP lead. Something in the region of SNP 37 , Labour 32 seems more realistic to me, with the hope incumbency can save them a few extra seats.
One wonders whether Murphy will be criticised as much as Miliband for having a "35% strategy".
Tim Shipman @ShippersUnbound 11m11 minutes ago Favourite joke of the holidays: Q- what do one pound, one rouble and one yen have in common? A- One pound of roubles is now worth one yen
I thought the UKIP policy was to bar former members of the NF and BNP, but I take the view of Luke 15:7
The Ukip chairman in the Thanet South constituency where Nigel Farage is the party’s candidate at the general election has admitted being a former member of the National Front.
Martyn Heale told the BBC it was “really depressing” to be reminded that he was a member of the racist and neo-fascist NF in the 1970s. “I obviously regret what I did,” he said.
Tony Benn might have been too stupid to be a Soviet spy, but his heart was in the right place - I remember him saying "Now the people have spoken, there is no need for any more elections" - the 76 election I think.
Do you perhaps mean after the second of the two 1974 elections, when the quote would make sense without advocating the abolition of elections? There was no general election in 1976.
The most baffling thing about Tony Benn was that no-one ever talked him out of his rather extreme views.
He had an enormous catalogue of dreadful ideas, and he defended them rather well. I have both an enormous respect for the man and a great fear that somehow we can't filter out well meaning foolishness from wisdom.
I thought the UKIP policy was to bar former members of the NF and BNP, but I take the view of Luke 15:7
The Ukip chairman in the Thanet South constituency where Nigel Farage is the party’s candidate at the general election has admitted being a former member of the National Front.
Martyn Heale told the BBC it was “really depressing” to be reminded that he was a member of the racist and neo-fascist NF in the 1970s. “I obviously regret what I did,” he said.
TSE, you are getting to be an old fool and a bore to boot. Mr Heale was a member of the NF, 45 years ago, for a period of one year, so what? That the BBC wants to show this as something horrendous, tells us more of the BBC attack strategy on UKIP than anything else. There are loads of ex BNP, NF and Communists in the Tory, Labour and L/Dems and a lot closer to our times than 45 years. People do a lot of crazy things when they are younger and grow out of them or change minds absolutely.
"After the BBC’s World at One broadcast a report highlighting Heale’s background, Suzanne Evans, Ukip’s deputy chair, told the programme that media coverage of Ukip was unfair, and that the BBC never covered former NF members in other parties.
She claimed that in one week in April, 17 Labour, Tory or Lib Dem councillors nationwide were arrested, charged or convicted and another 13 were accused of racism, sexism of homophobia, but only one of these cases was reported in the national media."
I thought the UKIP policy was to bar former members of the NF and BNP, but I take the view of Luke 15:7
The Ukip chairman in the Thanet South constituency where Nigel Farage is the party’s candidate at the general election has admitted being a former member of the National Front.
Martyn Heale told the BBC it was “really depressing” to be reminded that he was a member of the racist and neo-fascist NF in the 1970s. “I obviously regret what I did,” he said.
TSE, you are getting to be an old fool and a bore to boot. Mr Heale was a member of the NF, 45 years ago, for a period of one year, so what? That the BBC wants to show this as something horrendous, tells us more of the BBC attack strategy on UKIP than anything else. There are loads of ex BNP, NF and Communists in the Tory, Labour and L/Dems and a lot closer to our times than 45 years. People do a lot of crazy things when they are younger and grow out of them or change minds absolutely.
"After the BBC’s World at One broadcast a report highlighting Heale’s background, Suzanne Evans, Ukip’s deputy chair, told the programme that media coverage of Ukip was unfair, and that the BBC never covered former NF members in other parties.
She claimed that in one week in April, 17 Labour, Tory or Lib Dem councillors nationwide were arrested, charged or convicted and another 13 were accused of racism, sexism of homophobia, but only one of these cases was reported in the national media."
I am as guilty as you, but we shouldn't feed the trolls (especially those you can't flag)
I thought the UKIP policy was to bar former members of the NF and BNP, but I take the view of Luke 15:7
The Ukip chairman in the Thanet South constituency where Nigel Farage is the party’s candidate at the general election has admitted being a former member of the National Front.
Martyn Heale told the BBC it was “really depressing” to be reminded that he was a member of the racist and neo-fascist NF in the 1970s. “I obviously regret what I did,” he said.
TSE, you are getting to be an old fool and a bore to boot. Mr Heale was a member of the NF, 45 years ago, for a period of one year, so what? That the BBC wants to show this as something horrendous, tells us more of the BBC attack strategy on UKIP than anything else. There are loads of ex BNP, NF and Communists in the Tory, Labour and L/Dems and a lot closer to our times than 45 years. People do a lot of crazy things when they are younger and grow out of them or change minds absolutely.
"After the BBC’s World at One broadcast a report highlighting Heale’s background, Suzanne Evans, Ukip’s deputy chair, told the programme that media coverage of Ukip was unfair, and that the BBC never covered former NF members in other parties.
She claimed that in one week in April, 17 Labour, Tory or Lib Dem councillors nationwide were arrested, charged or convicted and another 13 were accused of racism, sexism of homophobia, but only one of these cases was reported in the national media."
Christ you are thick.
I'm defending him, as I said, I take the view of Luke 15:7 when it comes to him because as I understand it is UKIP policy to bar people who used to be in the BNP/NF, which seems harsh for something that happened decades ago.
I thought the UKIP policy was to bar former members of the NF and BNP, but I take the view of Luke 15:7
The Ukip chairman in the Thanet South constituency where Nigel Farage is the party’s candidate at the general election has admitted being a former member of the National Front.
Martyn Heale told the BBC it was “really depressing” to be reminded that he was a member of the racist and neo-fascist NF in the 1970s. “I obviously regret what I did,” he said.
TSE, you are getting to be an old fool and a bore to boot. Mr Heale was a member of the NF, 45 years ago, for a period of one year, so what? That the BBC wants to show this as something horrendous, tells us more of the BBC attack strategy on UKIP than anything else. There are loads of ex BNP, NF and Communists in the Tory, Labour and L/Dems and a lot closer to our times than 45 years. People do a lot of crazy things when they are younger and grow out of them or change minds absolutely.
"After the BBC’s World at One broadcast a report highlighting Heale’s background, Suzanne Evans, Ukip’s deputy chair, told the programme that media coverage of Ukip was unfair, and that the BBC never covered former NF members in other parties.
She claimed that in one week in April, 17 Labour, Tory or Lib Dem councillors nationwide were arrested, charged or convicted and another 13 were accused of racism, sexism of homophobia, but only one of these cases was reported in the national media."
Christ you are thick.
I'm defending him, as I said, I take the view of Luke 15:7 when it comes to him because as I understand it is UKIP policy to bar people who used to be in the BNP/NF, which seems harsh for something that happened decades ago.
No, I'm not thick. I can read Luke 15:7 as well as anyone, and as is your want, you were taking the piss.
I thought the UKIP policy was to bar former members of the NF and BNP, but I take the view of Luke 15:7
The Ukip chairman in the Thanet South constituency where Nigel Farage is the party’s candidate at the general election has admitted being a former member of the National Front.
Martyn Heale told the BBC it was “really depressing” to be reminded that he was a member of the racist and neo-fascist NF in the 1970s. “I obviously regret what I did,” he said.
TSE, you are getting to be an old fool and a bore to boot. Mr Heale was a member of the NF, 45 years ago, for a period of one year, so what? That the BBC wants to show this as something horrendous, tells us more of the BBC attack strategy on UKIP than anything else. There are loads of ex BNP, NF and Communists in the Tory, Labour and L/Dems and a lot closer to our times than 45 years. People do a lot of crazy things when they are younger and grow out of them or change minds absolutely.
"After the BBC’s World at One broadcast a report highlighting Heale’s background, Suzanne Evans, Ukip’s deputy chair, told the programme that media coverage of Ukip was unfair, and that the BBC never covered former NF members in other parties.
She claimed that in one week in April, 17 Labour, Tory or Lib Dem councillors nationwide were arrested, charged or convicted and another 13 were accused of racism, sexism of homophobia, but only one of these cases was reported in the national media."
Christ you are thick.
I'm defending him, as I said, I take the view of Luke 15:7 when it comes to him because as I understand it is UKIP policy to bar people who used to be in the BNP/NF, which seems harsh for something that happened decades ago.
No, I'm not thick. I can read Luke 15:7 as well as anyone, and as is your want, you were taking the piss.
Stop embarrassing yourself and admit you were wrong.
I was defending him and said I hope UKIP wouldn't throw him out of the party for a decades old mistake.
@anthonyjwells@chrisbrooke a tiny extra shift and they will be favourites in most. All waiting for some Ashcroft polling.
Get ahead of the game. Buy the rumour, and if you wish, sell the fact.
I have this nasty feeling that the Lord Ashcroft Scotland constituency polling is going to confuse matters even more.
SNP lead on Question 1 but in some constituencies, the other parties will lead on Question 2.
I suspect Scotland will either be the source of the largest profits/losses next May for some PBers.
ICM prompt respondents to think about their own constituency.
Indeed they do.
I have suggested to Lord Ashcroft in his polls to ask if Unionist voters will vote tactically to stop the SNP.
Ditto if Greens/Nats will vote tactically to stop the Unionists.
A strong SNP at Westminster is best for virtually all Scots, as it will give Scotland the most leverage as Devomax is sorted out. Why should a Scot vote for Miliband, who is least likely to give Scotland the powers she wants, as he squirms to avoid the West Lothian Q?
However Holyrood is a different matter. It makes sense for Unionists to vote tactically then, to scupper any SNP majority, and prevent even the possibility of a 2nd referendum.
I don't think for a moment that "A strong SNP at Westminster is best for virtually all Scots" is true. A strong SNP guarantees independence.
The yes vote was lost on paper, but won in practice. The Scottish nation is essentially independent now, and will become more firmly so over time unless there's a really sustained effort to re-integrate.
@anthonyjwells@chrisbrooke a tiny extra shift and they will be favourites in most. All waiting for some Ashcroft polling.
Get ahead of the game. Buy the rumour, and if you wish, sell the fact.
I have this nasty feeling that the Lord Ashcroft Scotland constituency polling is going to confuse matters even more.
SNP lead on Question 1 but in some constituencies, the other parties will lead on Question 2.
I suspect Scotland will either be the source of the largest profits/losses next May for some PBers.
ICM prompt respondents to think about their own constituency.
Indeed they do.
I have suggested to Lord Ashcroft in his polls to ask if Unionist voters will vote tactically to stop the SNP.
Ditto if Greens/Nats will vote tactically to stop the Unionists.
A strong SNP at Westminster is best for virtually all Scots, as it will give Scotland the most leverage as Devomax is sorted out. Why should a Scot vote for Miliband, who is least likely to give Scotland the powers she wants, as he squirms to avoid the West Lothian Q?
However Holyrood is a different matter. It makes sense for Unionists to vote tactically then, to scupper any SNP majority, and prevent even the possibility of a 2nd referendum.
The Greens are up 3% to 4% in that poll Westminster VI poll, there's potential to votes to be squeezed both ways.
Why do washing machines hold the view that the most un-interruptible, most sacred, and most holy of their duties is the 'anti-crease' bit? Flood the kitchen because you open the door mid-wash, no problem! A crease in your laundered underwear - forbidden!
I now have burns on my hands, but crease free oven-gloves.
@anthonyjwells@chrisbrooke a tiny extra shift and they will be favourites in most. All waiting for some Ashcroft polling.
Get ahead of the game. Buy the rumour, and if you wish, sell the fact.
I have this nasty feeling that the Lord Ashcroft Scotland constituency polling is going to confuse matters even more.
SNP lead on Question 1 but in some constituencies, the other parties will lead on Question 2.
I suspect Scotland will either be the source of the largest profits/losses next May for some PBers.
ICM prompt respondents to think about their own constituency.
Indeed they do.
I have suggested to Lord Ashcroft in his polls to ask if Unionist voters will vote tactically to stop the SNP.
Ditto if Greens/Nats will vote tactically to stop the Unionists.
A strong SNP at Westminster is best for virtually all Scots, as it will give Scotland the most leverage as Devomax is sorted out. Why should a Scot vote for Miliband, who is least likely to give Scotland the powers she wants, as he squirms to avoid the West Lothian Q?
However Holyrood is a different matter. It makes sense for Unionists to vote tactically then, to scupper any SNP majority, and prevent even the possibility of a 2nd referendum.
I don't think for a moment that "A strong SNP at Westminster is best for virtually all Scots" is true. A strong SNP guarantees independence.
The yes vote was lost on paper, but won in practice. The Scottish nation is essentially independent now, and will become more firmly so over time unless there's a really sustained effort to re-integrate.
The large majority of Scots seem to want devomax. The best way to guarantee that is to vote SNP in Westminster, giving Scots maximum leverage in London. Even if this lets the Tories into power down south, Scots are then protected from an English Tory government by that very same devomax.
So why on earth vote Labour if you are Scots? What do you gain?
I agree Scotland is now almost a different country. So a new Federal Britain should reflect this. I do not believe Scotland will actually vote to leave. The economic facts, which produced a NO vote, haven't changed. Indeed they have become more inimical to seperatism.
They would be mad to leave. They get to spend per capita more than UK.
Who gets the PRT under Devomax ? If London, then apart from job losses in Aberdeen, Scotland will not see any decrease in income.
SNP lead on Question 1 but in some constituencies, the other parties will lead on Question 2.
I suspect Scotland will either be the source of the largest profits/losses next May for some PBers.
ICM prompt respondents to think about their own constituency.
A strong SNP at Westminster is best for virtually all Scots, as it will give Scotland the most leverage as Devomax is sorted out. Why should a Scot vote for Miliband, who is least likely to give Scotland the powers she wants, as he squirms to avoid the West Lothian Q?
However Holyrood is a different matter. It makes sense for Unionists to vote tactically then, to scupper any SNP majority, and prevent even the possibility of a 2nd referendum.
I don't think for a moment that "A strong SNP at Westminster is best for virtually all Scots" is true. A strong SNP guarantees independence.
The yes vote was lost on paper, but won in practice. The Scottish nation is essentially independent now, and will become more firmly so over time unless there's a really sustained effort to re-integrate.
The large majority of Scots seem to want devomax. The best way to guarantee that is to vote SNP in Westminster, giving Scots maximum leverage in London. Even if this lets the Tories into power down south, Scots are then protected from an English Tory government by that very same devomax.
So why on earth vote Labour if you are Scots? What do you gain?
I agree Scotland is now almost a different country. So a new Federal Britain should reflect this. I do not believe Scotland will actually vote to leave. The economic facts, which produced a NO vote, haven't changed. Indeed they have become more inimical to seperatism.
Sure. I sort of think now that the way forwards would be to have the Scots send some cabinet members rather than have them sit in Westminster (or something like that).
Personally (Alert, alert! Daft view approaching) - I'd suggest that the best interests of the Scottish people, the Welsh people, the Northern Irish people, and even the Southern Irish people would be best served by them creating some sort of pro-union parties. The United Kingdom can work for us all if we really are united. If that works then some way down the road Europe can too.
The most important lessons for Scotland can probably be learned from Australia and NZ. I've no idea what those lessons might be.
Comments
He could get the Tories within two seats of Labour in Scotland.
When he started, the Tories were 40 seats behind Labour.
*whistles*
@anthonyjwells
@chrisbrooke we should ask @LadPolitics - Shadsy, are you not taking much money on the SNP in seat markets?
@LadPolitics
@anthonyjwells @chrisbrooke taken plenty, and odds have fallen everywhere. They are fractionally behind Lab in the betting in multiple seat
@LadPolitics
@anthonyjwells @chrisbrooke a tiny extra shift and they will be favourites in most. All waiting for some Ashcroft polling.
Favourite joke of the holidays:
Q- what do one pound, one rouble and one yen have in common?
A- One pound of roubles is now worth one yen
"Subsequently Heale spent 20 years as a Conservative party activist before joining Ukip about 10 years ago."
The most baffling thing about Tony Benn was that no-one ever talked him out of his rather extreme views.
He had an enormous catalogue of dreadful ideas, and he defended them rather well. I have both an enormous respect for the man and a great fear that somehow we can't filter out well meaning foolishness from wisdom.
"After the BBC’s World at One broadcast a report highlighting Heale’s background, Suzanne Evans, Ukip’s deputy chair, told the programme that media coverage of Ukip was unfair, and that the BBC never covered former NF members in other parties.
She claimed that in one week in April, 17 Labour, Tory or Lib Dem councillors nationwide were arrested, charged or convicted and another 13 were accused of racism, sexism of homophobia, but only one of these cases was reported in the national media."
SNP lead on Question 1 but in some constituencies, the other parties will lead on Question 2.
I suspect Scotland will either be the source of the largest profits/losses next May for some PBers.
I'm defending him, as I said, I take the view of Luke 15:7 when it comes to him because as I understand it is UKIP policy to bar people who used to be in the BNP/NF, which seems harsh for something that happened decades ago.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/251058828/Dec-2014-Guardian-ICM-Scotland-poll
I have suggested to Lord Ashcroft in his polls to ask if Unionist voters will vote tactically to stop the SNP.
Ditto if Greens/Nats will vote tactically to stop the Unionists.
I was defending him and said I hope UKIP wouldn't throw him out of the party for a decades old mistake.
The yes vote was lost on paper, but won in practice. The Scottish nation is essentially independent now, and will become more firmly so over time unless there's a really sustained effort to re-integrate.
Or if you're a Lab or a Tory in Gordon.
I now have burns on my hands, but crease free oven-gloves.
1. Women now support SNP more than men. This has changed from the Indy Ref YES.
2. Labour is retaining 65% of its 2010 vote, whereas SNP is keeping 89%.
The Liberals are keeping barely a third. No change there !
Interestingly, on a UNS [ Scotland ], the seats will be distributed as:
SNP 48, Labour 9, LD 2. Tories lose out to SNP. Labour needs to be above 30% to get half the Scottish seats.
BTW. Labour retains Renfrewshire East on these figures. Not a single Edinburgh seat.
Who gets the PRT under Devomax ? If London, then apart from job losses in Aberdeen, Scotland will not see any decrease in income.