all right i'm game. who the hell are the bnp? and for that matter who are the uk independence party--speaking as a canadian colonial suffering uner out legacy of a constitutional monarchy.

i am guessing the bnp are a right wing nationalist party but they don't seem to even be rivals with the uk independence parrty and the snp so are they a real threat to gain votes?

i would also like to point out that the unwritten constitution is far too susceptable to the whims of the momentary political majority. many canadians are shocked that the uk has gotten rid of the "golden thread of british justice" the presumption of innocence without much caring or notice it seems from this side of the pond.

as for the house of lords--sheesh--really guys--how does anyone hold their head high when the supreme court of appeal and the higher chamber of their legislature are a bunch medieval aristocrats. i understand labour has reformed the chamber, but why would anyone want such a non democratic anachronism?

we have an appointed upper chamber called the senate but at least they are people of significant achievement who get appointed not hereditary do nothings. and out senate safely does not usually interfere with legislation comming from the house of commons.

when i lived in the uk back in the seventies down on chaney walk in chelsea i had a neighbour who was the son of a member of the house of lords. nice fellow, but a real berty wooster type--i shudder to think he might be sitting in parliament right now.