HoLords reform hits the skids

[french frank]

So, the really Big Question in my mind is: after three Labour terms in office, most of it with a huge Commons majority, why didn't they - or why couldn't they - make a difference in those people's lives?

They did; they made them far more dependent on state benefits than ever before.

I don't think that that's an answer to my question at all.

Progressive Third World charities know that the answer to global poverty isn't giving people money. It's providing them with the means of supporting themselves. In this country it principally means providing decent jobs and equipping/educating people to do them.

[LHC]

I don't think that that's an answer to my question at all.

Progressive Third World charities know that the answer to global poverty isn't giving people money. It's providing them with the means of supporting themselves. In this country it principally means providing decent jobs and equipping/educating people to do them.

I agree completely, which is why its disappointing that the last Government chose to give people money instead of providing them with the means of supporting themselves.

[MrGongGong]

The fairest thing is for each MP to represent roughly the same number of constituents.

surely its time for them to stop pretending that they actually "represent" anyone except
1: Their party
2: Their mates
3: Their "career"
and in a very poor 4th place

their constituents

[Bryn]

surely its time for them to stop pretending that they actually "represent" anyone except
1: Their party
2: Their mates
3: Their "career"
and in a very poor 4th place

their constituents

Sorry MrGG, I cannot agree. Surely 4 is their future trough-nosing 'job' opportunities. Such considerations come well before representing their constituents.

[french frank]

surely its time for them to stop pretending that they actually "represent" anyone except
1: Their party
2: Their mates
3: Their "career"
and in a very poor 4th place

their constituents

That may have some relevance during campaigning in an election - some way of indicating what you 'stand for'.

Once elected, the MP is there to serve all constituents, and if they have individual problems the MP will act for them. I know this is true of MPs of ALL parties. And most constituents are individuals with individual problems, and are not politically motivated.

[MrGongGong]

That may have some relevance during campaigning in an election - some way of indicating what you 'stand for'.

you mean like a "pledge" of your beliefs then ?

[Serial_Apologist]

Them.

Mind if I photocopy this, John? Makes for nice psychedelic wallpaper!

[JohnSkelton]

Mind if I photocopy this, John? Makes for nice psychedelic wallpaper!

Be my guest (Please enjoy psychedelic wallpapers responsibly. For more information visit the Enjoy Psychedelic Wallpapers Responsibly website).

[Serial_Apologist]

Be my guest (Please enjoy psychedelic wallpapers responsibly. For more information visit the Enjoy Psychedelic Wallpapers Responsibly website).

[JohnSkelton]

The fact that in strongly Tory areas the turnout is still high. In strong Labour areas it tends to be low. The rest is my speculative explanation

A speculative explanation based on the belief that the bourgeoisie are possessed of a sense of "civic duty" but the lower orders are not?

[french frank]

A speculative explanation based on the belief that the bourgeoisie are possessed of a sense of "civic duty" but the lower orders are not?

No. Based on decades of knocking on doors canvassing and hearing what voters have to say

The best reply:

"I'm not really political"

"Does that mean you won't be voting?"

"Oh, yes, I always vote [Tory]."

[amateur51]

No. Based on decades of knocking on doors canvassing and hearing what voters have to say

The best reply:

"I'm not really political"

"Does that mean you won't be voting?"

"Oh, yes, I always vote [Tory]."

"Now then Terry, don't be telling porkie pies to the nice lady"

[JohnSkelton]

The best reply:

"I'm not really political"

"Oh, yes, I always vote [Tory].

I say that to anyone who knocks on the door - to read the electric, Jehovah's Witness, what's her name's brother. Never fails to confuse them.

[amateur51]

I say that to anyone who knocks on the door - to read the electric, Jehovah's Witness, what's her name's brother. Never fails to confuse them.

[french frank]

I was told recently that political 'tribalism' was dying out and voters were much more uncertain as to who they would vote for.

But back in my day () things were less complicated. I was told to visit my father's cousin and 'solicit his support' - as I was the candidate. "Oh, I'm sorry, but I'm a member of the Conservative [social] club so I really have to vote Conservative.'

Knocking on the door of a family for whom (as a prospective candidate) I'd done a lot of work during the course of the year. 'Can I count on your support in the election.' 'Oooh, no, I'm afraid we're all Conservatives.' [Thinks: why didn't you ask the Tory to help you then?]

And I could give worse examples ...