BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Jul 24 - 02:08 AM

LABOUR LOOK LIKE APPROX 419 SEATS

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Jul 24 - 01:59 AM

Corbyn elected.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 08:35 PM

On my morning walk this morning (~3 miles) I passed two polling stations. I voted almost two weeks ago by post.

I realise that some people who have mobility problems, other commitments on the day, or may be away from home, would need a postal vote. As none of these seem to apply to you, BWM, I would be interested to know why you chose a postal vote over voting in person.

I quite like being part of the event on the day. I suppose it makes me feel a bit more involved. I have only had a postal vote once, for the Brexit referendum, but that was because I was away on holiday on the day.

DC

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 05:13 PM

It's what they did with their votes. I read that quite a few people voted "for" as a lark - thinking it couldn't possibly pass. The equivalence to that nonsense is voting for third party candidates here. Anyone who votes for the Kennedy name (no one in the Kennedy family takes him seriously, they've known about his problems with blending truth and fiction much of his life) is throwing out a vote that can actually make a difference.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 03:26 PM

"Good luck getting the results you want. Too bad too many people didn't take that Brexit vote seriously or it might not have passed. Lesson learned, eh?"

72.21% of registered voters turned out to vote. That was a higher percentage than your last presidential election.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 03:00 PM

Where are our resident Tories BTW? I am genuinely interested in what they have to say. Are there any positive selling points or is it all just "we are better than them"?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 02:14 PM

Thanks Stilly. Nice to see interest from across the pond and spot on about the Brexit vote.

I'll stop up till after the exit polls but won't stay till silly o'clock. Even though my eldest lad is a candidate!

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 01:48 PM

Several states here, including my original home state, have voting by mail and that produces a high response. This state where I live now is run by a GOP governor who wants to discourage turnout so I have to write to the county registrar every year to request that all ballots be sent to me. Only those who meet certain criteria can vote by mail (over 65 being one.) But I write, I get the ballots, and I vote. The nearest polling place is about 6 blocks from my house. There used to be a lot more, the reduction is again the result of the GOP constriction on voting ease.

Good luck getting the results you want. Too bad too many people didn't take that Brexit vote seriously or it might not have passed. Lesson learned, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 01:18 PM

On my morning walk this morning (~3 miles) I passed two polling stations. I voted almost two weeks ago by post.

We’ve received two communications from our long-time-sitting Tory MP and, like Dave’s experience, no word on Tory policies, just propaganda about how awful it would be under a Labour government, and how much we would have to pay in extra taxes. What a poile o’ shoite!

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: DMcG
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 12:12 PM

^^^ OPEN INVITATION ***

At the election before last, Steve and I spent a long time commentating on the overnight results as they came in. I am out this evening until maybe 11:30pm, and then expect to be up watching until maybe 4 or 5.

If anyone wants to chat, we can do it here, unless someone has a better recommendation for a chat system we should use instead. If so, put the names or links here.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 12:04 PM

The polling station used to be in a school half a mile away. In recent years they moved it to the Railway Club which is a mile away.

It was a pleasant day and I enjoyed the walk there and then back into town to spend a few hours in the pub.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: DMcG
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 11:55 AM

I agree a MILE is quite a way to walk...

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: DMcG
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 11:54 AM

I agree a walk is quite a way to walk for many people, but it is nothing much in a car, hence my 'assuming you can drive'.

Even so, we don't get queues to compare with some places in the US

Again, a quick web search suggests that on average each polling station deals with 1.300-ish voters. Allowing for some remote places with a lot fewer electors, one dealing with 4,000 must be fairly rare.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 11:48 AM

Mrs G got an email from our Conservative MP, Julian Smith, today. She has written to him about various topics so she will be on his mailing list. Talk about desperate. Not one single mention of any manifesto policies. Not one single positive thing to say about hos owm party. Just scare stories about how bad things will be if Labour get in. Is this what politics has become?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 11:43 AM

I did have to walk a mile to my polling station. When I got there I had to request a seat while I read through the 11 names on the ballot paper.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 11:36 AM

Yep I did. My 20 year old photo id was accepted without comment.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: DMcG
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 11:36 AM

I have to say I don't understand why there are so few places you can vote in US elections. For most of the UK there is a polling station within a few minutes of your house. A quick search suggests there are 35,500 of them in the UK.   You have to be getting to very remote areas before there isn't a polling station moderately close (assuming you can drive.)

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: DMcG
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 11:30 AM

We are still have several hours left when we could, SRS, but I expect most people on the thread have.

I can tell you I did, my wife did, next door neighbours on both sides have, and someone who came to help in the gardening did, as her daughter (who is 18 and was very excited as this was her first.)

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 11:26 AM

I hope everyone got out to vote!

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 09:47 AM

Article in The Guardian

Association of Electoral Administrators calls for new timeline for postal votes and powers to investigate reports of disfranchisement

Postal vote delays: UK election organisers say rules should be changed

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: DMcG
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 03:10 AM

It seems a bit early to be predicting the next election rather than today's, but in some ways that is my greater concern. Labour will have to ensure over the next term that people *feel^ better off and that is not GDP, or NHS queue statistics or inflation rates or immigration numbers. All those play into the feeling, but it is the feeling that matters in the end. If people enter the next election feeling hopeful, Labour will be granted the second term they have said throughout they will need.

If not, I think we could be in "a plague on both your houses" territory and one of the smaller parties this time will get it in.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: The Sandman
Date: 04 Jul 24 - 01:27 AM

i hope Corbyn gets elected

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 12:33 PM

They just want to able to say that it was The Sun wot won it.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 12:25 PM

I think most people would rather not have the support of the Sun anyway!

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 11:47 AM

I have a strong feeling in my water that they might be trying to make Labour voters think it’s a done deal and not bother going to the polls. I wouldn’t put anything past that rag.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 11:40 AM

I see that The Sun has come out in favour of Labour, if somewhat reluctantly.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 07:46 AM

It is just not the Tory media reporting concerns about problems with some postal votes. Some councils in Scotland have had some issues, not helped by their school holidays starting which might also increase demand.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 07:21 AM

My postal voting pack arrived over a week ago, and my voting slip went back the next day. No ‘post problem’ here.

This is easily the worst GE Campaign I remember in my lifetime. From Labour, airy-fairy policy announcements (although the lack of detail may well be deliberate, to prevent a Tory hijack), and from the Tories, zero policies, just lie upon lie upon lie about Labour.

I wanted to vote Green but, in my constituency, there’s no chance that the Green candidate will win, and the most important thing AFAIC is to get rid of our safe-seat, long-sitting Tory MP.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 07:01 AM

It will be the Tory media trying trumpolitics. They were robbed because of a postal vote swindle.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: DMcG
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 05:28 AM

I can't say I fully understand why there is a fuss about postal votes today. Given there must be few people who expect mail to be collected and delivered reliably within a day or two. The fuss should have been a week ago, shouldn't it?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: G-Force
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 04:12 AM

Politician speaks the truth, shock, horror!!!

A tory cabinet minister reckons Labour are going to win.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 04:07 AM

Bugger! Try again…

”Well if it was a choice between a Tory party or a Reform group/business, I know which I would prefer.”

Me too, RD, but the problem is that Braverman and others are working their butts off to move the Tory Party ever-closer to Reform UK’s position in almost everything. She and they seem to be laying the blame for the predicted Labour victory in the GE on the Tories being too ‘centrist’, not ‘Right enough’.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 04:06 AM

”Well if it was a choice between a Tory party or a Reform group/business, I know which I would prefer.”

Me too, RD, but the problem is that Braverman and others are working their butts off to move the Tory Party ever-closer to Reform UK’s position in almost everything. She and they seem to be laying the blame for the predicted Labour victory in the GE on the Tories being too ‘centrist’, not ‘Right enough’.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 03:49 AM

the bookies have labour to win over 418 seats at 1 to3 on.
450 to 490 seats 11 to 10

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 03:41 AM

quote from the Economist Publication
This mega-poll finds that Labour is on track to win 465 of the 632 seats in England, Scotland and Wales, giving it the biggest majority since the second world war. Meanwhile, the ruling Conservative Party, which won 365 seats in 2019, is set to collapse to a mere 76, the fewest in its history.
Since the uk does not have PR it matters little what percent of the vote they get, but ti do think they will get 75 per of the 632 seats, my prediction is between 450 and 470 seats

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 02:42 AM

Well if it was a choice between a Tory party or a Reform group/business, I know which I would prefer.

Does anyone here think that Labour will get over 50% of the vote tomorrow? I think there is a slim chance that they might but more than likely they will not.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 02:18 AM

When Suella Braverman publicly throws in the towel, defends Reform UK, and attacks her own party for ‘not being Right-enough’, you know the Tories have had their day.

At this rate, there will be no Tory Party left. Or is that too much to hope for…?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 03 Jul 24 - 01:13 AM

And so the Tories’ Gish Gallop continues apace…

Please doG, make it stop!

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Jul 24 - 05:38 PM

...and claiming Starmer will be a part time prime minister because he wants to spend Friday evenings with his family. They really are desperate.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Jul 24 - 05:34 PM

OMG. They have wheeled out the blonde buffoon. I think I'm going to be sick...

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 02 Jul 24 - 04:08 PM

Well the level of debate was very poor in 2016. People were voting to leave without knowing what the terms of leaving were going to be. That is what the main problem was.

I originally thought we would have to give it 5 years from 1.1.21 to see how things would work out. Due to Covid and Ukraine, I now think it will be 1.1.31 before we get a true picture. Even now the UK has not implemented all the import regulations that should be in force.

I did vote to remain.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Jul 24 - 02:39 PM

I think we were tipped over the edge with all the lies in 2016. Compounded by the circus that was led by Bozo later.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 02 Jul 24 - 01:38 PM

I think a lot of people have had a low opinion of politicians for quite a long while. I don't think any recent coverage has made much difference to that. You only have to read what some people think about their local council members. I am surprised that people are still prepared to take on the job.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Jul 24 - 01:11 PM

Trouble is, everyone is so pissed off with politics that they are reluctant to vote. Not surprising considering the performance of the last shower of shits. Sadly, the right wing rags are convincing some of the electorate that all politicians now act in the same way that the Tories have in the last few years.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 02 Jul 24 - 12:15 PM

I see that there have been some problems for some people wishing to vote by post

From the BBC

Royal Mail denies postal vote backlog as concerns raised

I hope that there is a good turnout.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 02 Jul 24 - 11:54 AM

Just a couple of days to go. My ideal result would be Labour in but good representation from the other progressive parties to try and twist their arm for electoral reform. Not nuch chance I suppose but at least the most corrupt government in my memory should be reduced to ashes.

Anyone care to speculate as to what shape the UK will be in on Friday?

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 29 Jun 24 - 06:48 AM

Good article - Thank you

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 29 Jun 24 - 06:23 AM

Article by Marina Hyde in The Guardian sums it up well..

Take it on trust, Britain’s politicians beg voters. Trouble is, we all know they’re lying

I think that most of us vote in the hope that things will get better.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 29 Jun 24 - 03:50 AM

So true, RD. But the Tories, in particular, have told barefaced lies, even when those lies are challenged by independent sources they’ve continued to peddle them. They have absolutely no shame.

Even our member here, who habitually defends the indefensible Tories, seems to have given up.

Subject: RE: BS: Brexit & other UK political topics - 3
From: Rain Dog
Date: 29 Jun 24 - 03:46 AM

Re. Postal votes.

I was surprised to hear on BBC Radio 4 that in the last election 28% of the votes in Scotland were by post.

In the UK as a whole, 21% of the votes were by post in the last election.

On another matter, I mentioned earlier that there are 11 candidates standing in Dover & Deal. Anyone else here have more candidates than that? It does mean that there will be a lot more paper to be recycled.