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UK General Election - 8th June 2017 |OT| - The Red Wedding

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Mindwipe

Member
So, honest question for us on the left.

Apart from Brexit, what has May done that makes her so awful?

I ask because I was reading the economists 'one nation tory' column about her, and pondering this morning. She has basically stopped austerity, and at the last budget tied to increase revenue through tax increases (and, by all accounts, a very fair tax increase that removes an imbalance in the tax code).

What is our argument for being against May, that isn't Brexit related, that relates to what she has done since last summer when she took over?

She's a terrible, anti-evidence authoritarian. She constantly pushes for legislative changes to give her and Parliament more executive power. She passed the Snoopers Charter and Digital Economy Bill. Her drugs policy is catastrophic. Her schools policies are terrible. She is in favour of badly executed privatisation of key NHS functions.
 

*Splinter

Member
The socialist party would probably die at 15%ish support, voting reform is needed to make it viable.
Yeah but then I look at the influence UKIP has had without any real power, and I wonder if someone on the left can do the same.

Actually I was wondering what a similar "far left, single issue" party could focus on. My first thought was voting reform but it doesn't really have the same pull as "kick out those dirty foreigners".
 
The socialist party would probably die at 15%ish support, voting reform is needed to make it viable.

.... And guess who would reform voting if it won power?!

Good god, my party is a vehicle for socialism! 😱

(Mostly joking)

Actually Labour would do very well at 15%, far better than us - they have concentrated support. Go crunch a voter split of Con 40, Lab 15, LD 30 in a swingometer.
 

PJV3

Member
If you think about it the Greek situation is pretty similiar to the UK situation.

Greece wanted a change in EU policy (Austerity) -> wasn't able to get concessions from the EU -> Had a referendum on the deal the EU proposed -> citizens voted no and therefore to leave the EU -> Tsipras went back to brussels to renegotiate -> EU said take the deal or leave -> Tsipras folded.

Now look at the UK situation

UK wanted changes in EU policy (mostly about FoM) -> wasn't able to get enough concessions from the EU -> Had a referendum to take the deal or leave -> citizens voted to leave -> May will go to Brussels to negotiate new terms outside of the EU -> ????


I'm agreeing but i think it's just political reality, we get tied up in words like strength or punishment when it's just how it has to be.

The EU will crumble if we get anything that the members paying the membership fee get, a nice transitional deal is the most im hoping for because it suits both sides.
 

*Splinter

Member
.... And guess who would reform voting if it won power?!

Good god, my party is a vehicle for socialism! 😱

(Mostly joking)
Would you though? Lib Dems want voting reform now but they'd benefit more than anyone (I think? certainly more than the main 2 parties). As soon as someone is in power they no longer need voting reform for their own benefit... so I'm sceptical on this point.
 

PJV3

Member
.... And guess who would reform voting if it won power?!

Good god, my party is a vehicle for socialism! 😱

(Mostly joking)

Actually Labour would do very well at 15%, far better than us - they have concentrated support. Go crunch a voter split of Con 40, Lab 15, LD 30 in a swingometer.

Labour/social democrat style or Socialist support?
I've never dug down into how they are spread around the country to be honest.
 
We've been campaigning for a rewriting of the UK's electoral laws since David Lloyd George, and so far our major successes have been the devolved parliaments (Blair took on the policy in his bid to curry favour but it was originally LD) and, alas, the AV referendum.

But it is a massive stereotype of LDs that we get VERY PASSIONATE about electoral reform. Much ale has been consumed on the topic.

It would happen, 100%, if the LDs won office.

Labour's voters are not really into the socialist/democrat split. I think it is mostly a class thing, which is why their support is somewhat crumbling. But their inner city heartlands are as they are and they do have massive support amongst remaining industrial workers. My hunch is that the natural seat of Labour is a socialist party.
 
It is, and I am glad they are making it. This is something that has consensus from everyone other than the Tories.

I am confused why they did not vote for it in Parliament when they had the chance, though.

You guys do realise that the EU has not guaranteed the rights of the 1.2 million Britons living in Europe, right ? In fact the EU is the one refusing to entertain any discussion with regards to residency rights for their citizens and ours until the "bill" is settled.

I absolutely despise the Tories and May looks like a grey haired version of Servalan from Blake 7. However in the case of residency rights the Tories are playing things right. Anyone going "we should guarantee EU citizens their residency rights" are basically throwing Britons living in the EU under a bus.

As for Labours lil fairy tale of how they would handle Brexit. No one is going to take them seriously, they can barely hold their own party together never mind negotiate a fair deal with an organisation comprised of 27 hostile nations.
 
We cannot do anything about the EU guaranteeing rights for UK citizens, but we can immediately do something right for EU citizens in the UK.

The issue is also that Labour did not back EU right to remain in parliament, but want to go to the country and say they'd do it on 9th June. It's wonky policy.
 

Xando

Member
You guys do realise that the EU has not guaranteed the rights of the 1.2 million Britons living in Europe, right ? In fact the EU is the one refusing to entertain any discussion with regards to residency rights for their citizens and ours until the "bill" is settled.

That's not true. Infact the EU wants to settle citizen rights, ireland and financial payments first before any trade talk
 
We cannot do anything about the EU guaranteeing rights for UK citizens, but we can immediately do something right for EU citizens in the UK.
We can do something for UK citizens and that is not chuck them under a bus by going "yeah sure all EU citizens are going to be protected, now pretty please do the same for our citizens, pleaseeeeeeee". You know call me old fashioned but I kinda like the idea that the UK government is there for UK citizens and will put UK citizens needs first.

That's not true. Infact the EU wants to settle citizen rights, ireland and financial payments first before any trade talk

Last I heard when ever May has broached the subject of citizens rights she has been slapped down with "no negotiation till the divorce is finalised". Now I would happily like to be proven wrong, could you show me some evidence that the EU is happy to get the issue out of the way.
 

PJV3

Member
We can do something for UK citizens and that is not chuck them under a bus by going "yeah sure all EU citizens are going to be protected, now pretty please do the same for our citizens, pleaseeeeeeee". You know call me old fashioned but I kinda like the idea that the UK government is there for UK citizens and will put UK citizens needs first.



Last I heard when ever May has broached the subject of citizens rights she has been slapped down with "no negotiation till the divorce is finalised". Now I would happily like to be proven wrong, could you show me some evidence that the EU is happy to get the issue out of the way.

Are you thinking of no trade deal until the divorce is sorted, citizens are part of the divorce. Or no negotiations until you start negotiating, article 50 activation ?

I can't remember the EU saying something more hardcore than that.
 

D4Danger

Unconfirmed Member
We cannot do anything about the EU guaranteeing rights for UK citizens, but we can immediately do something right for EU citizens in the UK.

The issue is also that Labour did not back EU right to remain in parliament, but want to go to the country and say they'd do it on 9th June. It's wonky policy.

That bill would've become insanely complex if they started putting clauses in like that though. I mean you can't just say "we guarantee the rights of EU citizens" because what does that even mean after brexit? Does that mean freedom of movement? Also the EU have said nothing about UK citizens as far as I aware.
 
The draft EU parliament position on Brexit negotiation was that right-to-remain was top of the agenda, alongside the NI border and the issue of financial commitments.

They get sorted FIRST.

This was known months ago. It actually surprises me how little is known about the situation.
 

Xando

Member
Last I heard when ever May has broached the subject of citizens rights she has been slapped down with "no negotiation till the divorce is finalised". Now I would happily like to be proven wrong, could you show me some evidence that the EU is happy to get the issue out of the way.

Here you go:

To that effect, the first phase of negotiations will aim to:
– settle the disentanglement of the United Kingdom from the Union and from all the
rights and obligations the United Kingdom derives from commitments undertaken as
Member State;
– provide as much clarity and legal certainty as possible to citizens, businesses,
stakeholders and international partners on the immediate effects of the United
Kingdom's withdrawal from the Union
III. AGREEMENT ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR AN ORDERLY WITHDRAWAL
8. The right for every EU citizen, and of his or her family members, to live, to work or to study
in any EU Member State is a fundamental aspect of the European Union. Along with other
rights provided under EU law, it has shaped the lives and choices of millions of people.
Agreeing reciprocal guarantees to settle the status and situations at the date of withdrawal of
EU and UK citizens, and their families, affected by the United Kingdom's withdrawal from
the Union will be a matter of priority for the negotiations. Such guarantees must be
enforceable and non-discriminatory.
9. Also, the United Kingdom leaving the Union will impact EU businesses trading with and
operating in the United Kingdom and UK businesses trading with and operating in the Union.
Similarly, it may affect those who have entered into contracts and business arrangements or
take part in EU-funded programmes based on the assumption of continued British EU
membership. Negotiations should seek to prevent a legal vacuum once the Treaties cease to
apply to the United Kingdom and, to the extent possible, address uncertainties.
10. A single financial settlement should ensure that the Union and the United Kingdom both
respect the obligations undertaken before the date of withdrawal. The settlement should cover
all legal and budgetary commitments as well as liabilities, including contingent liabilities.
11. The Union has consistently supported the goal of peace and reconciliation enshrined in the
Good Friday Agreement, and continuing to support and protect the achievements, benefits and
commitments of the Peace Process will remain of paramount importance. In view of the
unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, flexible and imaginative solutions will be
required, including with the aim of avoiding a hard border, while respecting the integrity of
the Union legal order. In this context, the Union should also recognise existing bilateral
agreements and arrangements between the United Kingdom and Ireland which are compatible
with EU law
http://downloads2.dodsmonitoring.com/downloads/EU_Monitoring/Draft_guidelines.pdf
 
The draft EU parliament position on Brexit negotiation was that right-to-remain was top of the agenda, alongside the NI border and the issue of financial commitments.

They get sorted FIRST.

This was known months ago. It actually surprises me how little is known about the situation.
I was under the impression that the UK wanted it sorted months ago but EU refused to discuss anything at all until article 50 was triggered.
 

Xando

Member
I was under the impression that the UK wanted it sorted months ago but EU refused to discuss anything at all until article 50 was triggered.

May wanted to discuss it with Merkel which declined because it was illegal to negotiate with her (as the EU is the right spokesperson) and the EU had a clear line that there were no negotiations until art. 50 trigger.
 
Are you thinking of no trade deal until the divorce is sorted, citizens are part of the divorce. Or no negotiations until you start negotiating?

May wanted the residency issue put to bed but was blocked by Merkal. It really is amazing how everyone is so keen to paint the Tories as the big baddies that are holding EU citizens hostage when Merkal and Co are doing the exact same thing with UK citizens.

The draft EU parliament position on Brexit negotiation was that right-to-remain was top of the agenda, alongside the NI border and the issue of financial commitments.

They get sorted FIRST.

This was known months ago. It actually surprises me how little is known about the situation.

Hey guess what May wanted to get the residency issue sorted months ago but the EU flatly refused too. So here we are you have an EU draft document saying they want to "negotiate" residency rights for their citizens (you know negotiate not guarantee). But you guys don't want the UK to negotiate you just want us to go "oh no probs all EU citizens get residency rights, now please do the same for our citizens". I mean seriously can you guys not see how absurd that is.
 

PJV3

Member
I was under the impression that the UK wanted it sorted months ago but EU refused to discuss anything at all until article 50 was triggered.

Why would they?
The Brits got into a pickle about it because of Cameron having nothing prepared for a leave vote.

It's not about good or bad, it's about acting like a normal government. We should have been ready for the decision, Cameron clearly said we did no work on it whatsoever and the population chose to do it anyway.
 
We can do something for UK citizens and that is not chuck them under a bus by going "yeah sure all EU citizens are going to be protected, now pretty please do the same for our citizens, pleaseeeeeeee". You know call me old fashioned but I kinda like the idea that the UK government is there for UK citizens and will put UK citizens needs first.
Don't presume you speak for us UK citizens living in the rEU. May is handling things appallingly.

This whole debacle is the fault of the people who called for, voted for, and voted leave in the referendum.
 
May wanted the residency issue put to bed but was blocked by Merkal. It really is amazing how everyone is so keen to paint the Tories as the big baddies that are holding EU citizens hostage when Merkal and Co are doing the exact same thing with UK citizens.



Hey guess what May wanted to get the residency issue sorted months ago but the EU flatly refused too. So here we are you have an EU draft document saying they want to "negotiate" residency rights for their citizens (you know negotiate not guarantee). But you guys don't want the UK to negotiate you just want us to go "oh no probs all EU citizens get residency rights, now please do the same for our citizens". I mean seriously can you guys not see how absurd that is.

I only remember one side threatening the right to stay and talking about using people as bargaining chips.
 

Hazzuh

Member
A Tory attack ad on Corbyn, notable because it is probably a sign of things to come.

1. No mention of Labour

2. No exaggerating, just videos of Corbyn speaking in his own words.

3. Present him as a threat to the nation / morally unacceptable. Less divisive than going after him for being a "loony lefty" etc.
 

Pixieking

Banned
Keir Starmer: Labour will take UK out of the Single Market and scrap the free movement of people
LONDON —The free movement of people from Europe and the UK's membership of the Single Market must both come to an end after Brexit, Labour's shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer has insisted.

Starmer told an event in central London on Tuesday that continued membership of the Single Market was "incompatible" with the cuts to immigration which Labour wants to see.

"As it currently stands membership of the single market is incompatible with our clarity about the fact that freedom of movement rules have to change," he said, adding that "freedom of movement will have to end."

Not entirely sure on source, in the sense that no other papers are reporting this... But this article only went live 15 minutes ago, so...

I cannot in good conscience vote Labour, at this point. An awful party, in my opinion. Here's hoping the Lib Dems win big. (Didn't think I'd say that after Clegg screwed us all in the Coalition).
 
I only remember one side threatening the right to stay and talking about using people as bargaining chips.

That's funny I remember both sides threatening each other, hell one side was even threatening to wreck the other sides economy. The UK government has consistently refused to guarantee EU citizens residency rights just like the EU has consistently refused to guarantee residency rights for UK citizens.
 

Jezbollah

Member
I suspect the harder core of the Party membership will be against that policy. Can also see a lot of pro EU labour voters, especially in the cities going to the Lib Dems because of this too.

My MP has decided to stand down. Not as if we'll see much change with a 24k Tory majority...

Lib Dems have been saying that Labour was a party of hard Brexit for months. Shocking news: Labour are a hard Brexit party.

That LD manifesto is going to be one to read :)
 
D

Deleted member 231381

Unconfirmed Member
I mean, Starmer is just stating the obvious. The biggest sticking point for the British people is freedom of movement, the biggest sticking point for the EU is no single market without freedom of movement, therefore there will be no single market membership.

Any party that wants to win a majority would say this. Even a party that just has to defend a meaningful amount of Leave-voting seats (a.k.a. most seats) would say this.
 

Xando

Member
That's funny I remember both sides threatening each other, hell one side was even threatening to wreck the other sides economy. The UK government has consistently refused to guarantee EU citizens residency rights just like the EU has consistently refused to guarantee residency rights for UK citizens.

Have they? Please provide a source on your claims
 

Hazzuh

Member
The Trussell Trust have a new report out. Foodback usage continues to rise and remains at a record high.

eoy-stats-2017-og.jpg

UK foodbank use continues to rise according to new data from anti-poverty charity, The Trussell Trust. Between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2017, The Trussell Trust’s Foodbank Network provided 1,182,954 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis compared to 1,109,309 in 2015-16. Of this number, 436,938 went to children.
[...]
Foodbanks in areas of full Universal Credit rollout to single people, couples and families, have seen a 16.85% average increase in referrals for emergency food, more than double the national average of 6.64%.

The effect of a 6+ week waiting period for a first Universal Credit payment can be serious, leading to foodbank referrals, debt, mental health issues, rent arrears and eviction. These effects can last even after people receive their Universal Credit payments, as bills and debts pile up.

People in insecure or seasonal work are particularly affected, suggesting the work incentives in Universal Credit are not yet helping everyone.
primary-referral-causes-2016-2017.png

UK-Map-regional-breakdown-2016-2017-724x1024.jpg
 

D4Danger

Unconfirmed Member
Lib Dems have been saying that Labour was a party of hard Brexit for months. Shocking news: Labour are a hard Brexit party.

this hard brexit soft brexit stuff is such bs anyway. The EU has already said we can't be half in and cherry pick the rules so the only option is in or out and we're out.
 

ittoryu

Member
That's funny I remember both sides threatening each other, hell one side was even threatening to wreck the other sides economy. The UK government has consistently refused to guarantee EU citizens residency rights just like the EU has consistently refused to guarantee residency rights for UK citizens.
It's funny cause all the sources I can find are about UK not talking about EU citizens' rights...
 
this hard brexit soft brexit stuff is such bs anyway. The EU has already said we can't be half in and cherry pick the rules so the only option is in or out and we're out.

Soft Brexit definitely is a possibility, but that would include freedom of movement, so it won't happen.
 

Pixieking

Banned
My heart bleeds for the people forced to use foodbanks. The benefits situation is one reason why I fear going back to the UK - agency admin work was never consistent for me, and with Universal Credit now, I'd be even worse off...

What's the Lib Dem position on benefits?
 
A Tory attack ad on Corbyn, notable because it is probably a sign of things to come.

1. No mention of Labour

2. No exaggerating, just videos of Corbyn speaking in his own words.

3. Present him as a threat to the nation / morally unacceptable. Less divisive than going after him for being a "loony lefty" etc.

All that's needed to sink Labour's chances tbh. This is going to be an extremely low effort campaign from the Tories. I'm sure there have been meetings where the phrase "the less we do, the better" has been uttered.
 

StayDead

Member
Keir Starmer: Labour will take UK out of the Single Market and scrap the free movement of people


Not entirely sure on source, in the sense that no other papers are reporting this... But this article only went live 15 minutes ago, so...

I cannot in good conscience vote Labour, at this point. An awful party, in my opinion. Here's hoping the Lib Dems win big. (Didn't think I'd say that after Clegg screwed us all in the Coalition).

Well, so much for voting Labour to try and oust the tories from my local seat. Here's hoping other people vote Lib Dems too.
 

Hazzuh

Member
New YouGov report: "The demographics dividing Britain: class is no longer a good predictor of voting behaviour, age is the new dividing line in British politics"


Some images but the whole article is worth reading:



Will anyone care about them? When Martin McGuinness died a few weeks back, his obits soft-peddled the IRA links. I think there's more damage can be done by referencing the anti-Semitism controversies.

There are certainly some constituencies where it will matter. I can tell you my hometown (Warrington) won't vote for an IRA supporter.
 
Keir Starmer: Labour will take UK out of the Single Market and scrap the free movement of people


Not entirely sure on source, in the sense that no other papers are reporting this... But this article only went live 15 minutes ago, so...

I cannot in good conscience vote Labour, at this point. An awful party, in my opinion. Here's hoping the Lib Dems win big. (Didn't think I'd say that after Clegg screwed us all in the Coalition).

Goes against Mr Corbyn but perhaps the reality of the situation has dawned on them like what I was saying before. We'll see what the full Labour plan is soon they say.

The EU and UK nationals thing should be put forward as we'll guarantee it if the EU does the same, put it towards the EU first and then it's their court to reciprocate. People are in limbo.
 

Uzzy

Member
this hard brexit soft brexit stuff is such bs anyway. The EU has already said we can't be half in and cherry pick the rules so the only option is in or out and we're out.

A soft Brexit would have involved accepting the four freedoms, perhaps joining the EFTA. Then we could have negotiated membership of other European bodies, such as EURATOM or the ECAA.

But keeping freedom of movement is clearly unacceptable to the British public, so that's not an option. I think the time to fight for that and explain how it was a benefit to the British people has long gone, it should have been fought for a decade ago.

Goes against Mr Corbyn but perhaps the reality of the situation has dawned on them like what I was saying before. We'll see what the full Labour plan is soon they say.

The EU and UK nationals thing should be put forward as we'll guarantee it if the EU does the same, put it towards the EU first and then it's their court to reciprocate. People are in limbo.

Nope, we should unilaterally guarantee their rights. Even if the EU countries were going to sling all British citizens currently residing on the continent into rickety boats in the Channel, it'd still be the morally and economically right thing to do.
 

StayDead

Member
A soft Brexit would have involved accepting the four freedoms, perhaps joining the EFTA. Then we could have negotiated membership of other European bodies, such as EURATOM or the ECAA.

But keeping freedom of movement is clearly unacceptable to the British public, so that's not an option. I think the time to fight for that and explain how it was a benefit to the British people has long gone, it should have been fought for a decade ago.



Nope, we should unilaterally guarantee their rights. Even if the EU countries were going to sling all British citizens currently residing on the continent into rickety boats in the Channel, it'd still be the morally and economically right thing to do.

Based on what (current) evidence? You can't base this entirely off of the referendum.
 

TimmmV

Member
We can do something for UK citizens and that is not chuck them under a bus by going "yeah sure all EU citizens are going to be protected, now pretty please do the same for our citizens, pleaseeeeeeee". You know call me old fashioned but I kinda like the idea that the UK government is there for UK citizens and will put UK citizens needs first.

Why is this throwing them under the bus?

What about doing the right thing, and guaranteeing the rights of people who already live here? They have jobs, families, own property, pay taxes, etc etc. Kicking them out just so as not to "throw UK citizens under the bus" would be absolutely disgusting.

Your point about "pretty please" is nonsense as well. People like Verhofstadt are talking about associate EU membership for UK citizens! The appetite to fuck up a load of peoples established lives to "take back control" really isn't there in the EU.
 
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