Off Topic Politics Thread

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While you are correct that the referendum was no legally binding it ignores that every politician campaigning for remain made a huge point of "If you vote leave there is no going back."

Every house in the country also received a leaflet that stated "This is your choice. The government WILL implement what you decide."

There is no vagueness there. It doesn't say it is our chance to voice an opinion and they will decide if it is right or not. It doesn't say Tory government, just government so it doesn't matter if the government changes.

So legally, yes they can ignore it however then those who bang on about the leave argument being based on lies become the biggest liars as they renege on their own promises stated at every debate several times by virtually all of them and published over and over again. Not just Tories, not just Cameron. All of them Clegg, Sturgeon, Chukka etc. They all stated this was a one off and no going back.
ifwe leave there is no going back. thats a big reason why we need another referendum, i mentioned it a few posts back.

edit:"It doesn't say it is our chance to voice an opinion and they will decide if it is right or not"

actually this is exactly what it said.
though everyone expected them to implement the decision. main problem being its clear we havent actually made a decision yet, thus many of the leave votes saying this wasn't what we decided while soft brexiteers supporting it etc.
 
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For what it’s worth, I received the following message from my niece,yesterday. My niece is a barrister, who works in the civil service, so is quite close to what is happening, regarding Brexit.

“Hello uncle B
I’m chuckling away about your posts. Obviously I’m not allowed to post myself - senior civil servants are not able to speak publicly (we know too much) and can’t give their own views, we can only give the government position. But I can’t quite believe the utter mess we are in. It’s a deal, and actually reasonable given the parameters but it will make us poorer. It really is lose-lose. Absolutely insane. No Deal planning will continue because we have to make sure there are plans in place in case it come to that. That will probably become more obvious in the coming weeks. I saw the photo below on a Facebook post. This is what is has come to, for no reason than political gaming.”

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Meanwhile across the Atlantic, following the defeat of Rep Mimi Rogers, the Republican Party faces almost total wipeout in the State of California.

GoP spokesmen Mike Madrid has declared the death of the Republican Party in California, saying “there is no message. There is no messenger. There is no infrastructure.” He blames the effective political suicide on local GOP politicians for hitching their wagons to the completely unpalatable President Trump.

Any of our US correspondents care to give their views? I’m thinking the English speaking world needs some cause for optimism right now, is this it?
 
I really can’t see how as we have already had that vote..........you would be voting on the options left. The affront to democracy would be to have the in or out again as that has already been done. The vote was carried for out.....so the next best option that I can see is the soft stay in. But you may have different opinion on that. It’s a fact though we can’t just keep voting until you get the majority you want can we??

Here's Jo Johnson (B***s's brother): "To those who say that is an affront to democracy given the 2016 result, I ask this: is it more democratic to rely on a three-year-old vote based on what an idealised Brexit might offer, or to have a vote based on what we know it does actually entail?"

Vin
 
A general election is not the same as a referendum for goodness sake. We had a referendum and the vote went for out. No matter how you look at it that was the vote. The government of the day has to honour that vote. You just can’t decide because things are difficult we should change our minds........

Beddy, if you were out driving, turned right at Beachy Head and realised there was a cliff before you, would you reconsider because things were looking like they might get difficult? You seem to be implying is that political decisions, once made, are irreversible. In what other aspect of life do you use such logic?

Let's get extreme. If the effect of the Leave vote were to be to commence nuclear armageddon on March 29th, you'd say "let's have another vote". So the government would not "have to honour that vote". You're saying it because you still think Leaving makes sense. That's fine, but stop pretending it's some kind of moral argument. You just want what you wished for to happen, regardless of how badly it might turn out.

Vin
 
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I’m not saying any such thing. I think it was nearer 4% difference but that’s neither here or there......... you have to remember all major parties did not want the exit vote. It was always known it was going to take time to negotiate. Also a notice period had to be given. I won’t say all but most thought it would be difficult to come out either way. They are still negotiating which is what the people originally wanted.....you just cannot ignore the last referendom because you don’t like it. Sorry but there it is......

Beddy, which Brexit did you vote for?

Canada?
Norway?
Single Market, no customs Union?
WTO terms?
Canada+?
Customs Union, no Single Market?
Switzerland?
Canada++?
No Deal?
Customs Union and Single Market?
Canada+++?

All of these have been suggested by senior Brexiters. There's a selection in the video below (that you won't watch because it conflicts with your belief that you knew you were voting for this shambles). Which one floated your boat? Which one is the irrevocable and unchangeable "will of the people"?

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Vin
 
* You don't understand my points r.e. cheap food. Food prices are cheap for all of us (you and me) because labour in that market has had wages kept low. Positives for you and people who focus on "cost of living." Negatives for people like me who get ignored for these jobs because we are "too expensive."

Not a problem you think because benefits and top ups have replaced wages and thus we still benefit form that cheap food.

Why would Citrus fruit be cheaper after leaving? Would we be importing from Morocco instead of Spain? Or just not charging tariffs on Spanish Oranges?

You're the one who claimed it, on here. Sorry that you've forgotten your chief argument in favour of going onto WTO tariffs.

Which ignores the fact that those tariffs are not a fixed tariff. The UK is free to not charge a tariff if they wish. There is a constant theme from those that oppose Brexit and want to ridicule WTO that it is some sort of fixed tariff..........which it isn't. We don't have to be a protectionist setup like the EU. Even if they decide to slap tariffs on exports from us we do not have to reciprocate.

This was even debunked today on the news for the umpteenth time. Suggestions that we could choose not to put tariffs on any food we don't produce. Things like Oranges, rice etc. But choose to put tariffs on things that we produce (thus protecting our farmers.)

Vin
 
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It will lose them many more than it will gain. Most remainer Tories won't vote Labour and will mostly still vote Tory even though they hate the idea of leaving. The reverse is not true. Most Labour leavers that gave Corbyn the benefit of doubt over Labour's position will vote Tory just for Brexit. I don't think people realise this.#

I could be wrong (but don;t think I am.)

Well, it would appear that every single Labour constituency is now in favour of having a second vote.

https://www.theguardian.com/politic...abour-seats-back-second-referendum-study-says

Vin
 
.


Beddy, which Brexit did you vote for?

Canada?
Norway?
Single Market, no customs Union?
WTO terms?
Canada+?
Customs Union, no Single Market?
Switzerland?
Canada++?
No Deal?
Customs Union and Single Market?
Canada+++?

All of these have been suggested by senior Brexiters. There's a selection in the video below (that you won't watch because it conflicts with your belief that you knew you were voting for this shambles). Which one floated your boat? Which one is the irrevocable and unchangeable "will of the people"?

You must log in or register to see media

Vin
You forgot the bit about flat earth...
 
The earth must be flat, that is why I can't swim too far into the channel as I will fall off
Santa does exist, as I see him every year for about 6 weeks on TV and in shops
There is a god as otherwise there would be nothing to fight for in all the wars

There you go, 3 out of 4 exist.
 
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Beddy, which Brexit did you vote for?

Canada?
Norway?
Single Market, no customs Union?
WTO terms?
Canada+?
Customs Union, no Single Market?
Switzerland?
Canada++?
No Deal?
Customs Union and Single Market?
Canada+++?

All of these have been suggested by senior Brexiters. There's a selection in the video below (that you won't watch because it conflicts with your belief that you knew you were voting for this shambles). Which one floated your boat? Which one is the irrevocable and unchangeable "will of the people"?

You must log in or register to see media

Vin

Morning Vin............Mate I voted for an out vote.....not a potential stay in........... an out and out vote out. My main reasons are personal and are not open for discussions. However.........We have survived for hundreds of years without having to be forced to only trade with a few nations. When we were asked about Joining what was the then common market I voted against then in the 60s.
In the late 40s when a few EU countries formed the original market Britain was asked then if we would consider being part of it. The government of the day declined (I understand) as we were not ready to make such a decision. However as part of an occupying force we had no objections and in fact encouraged it. We did say at the time once we had got our selves in order we would look at what they were offering and maybe join.
I am not clear on when exactly we applied to join the common market as it was then called...... I believe it was around 1952.......A vote was taken by the whole group of nations and everyone agreed....(Except De Gaulle...... I'm not sure if he was president then) The French vetoed it. (That part I'm sure about) So we were not allowed in. I do not know his reasons. Although my understanding was to do with the fee they were asking us to put in to join and the fee we said we would be prepared to pay. (That is a simplified version I agree) The French were quite insulting at the time was also my understanding.
I believe we reapplied 3 years later but were declined again, my understanding was it was the French again. ( You have to also understand the French were the dominating force in the market at the time although Germany was by now catching them up mighty fast.)
As a single Nation The Uk was doing extremely well........we had are ups and downs especially politically and some bad decisions were made (my opinion) but we exceeded expansion if you call it that, faster than the combined E U. Things started to slow in the mid 60s......(baring in mind we were not trading with Europe in this time) We were actually invited to join the common market to help the UK and Europe beat the slow down. The rest is history.
The EU brought in a lot of good things.....but then the European court was formed and it was found they could over rule any of the member nations highest courts judgements. (My second highest reason for wanting out) Why the heck we didn't veto this I'll never know!! Then other things started to creep in ok its a matter of opinion whether you think they benefit the various countries. Some of which I was very sceptical about........ the open borders, is one, the freedom of movement is another, just to mention a couple.
In my mind, we as a country seemed to be being taken over by the European diplomats that were not exactly voted into office. I know we had a veto, and I know we had a say but with so many poorer countries now involved they would have gone along with anything as they were getting more out than they were putting in. You can't blame them.
So the UK's voice in the EU was practically negated by the dominating countries.
The way I look at it is ........My family over generations fought to keep this country independent and gave their lives to keep the UK a free nation just as I suspect did a lot of others on here. You will never change my mind on that!!
If the UK could keep its total independence and go back to the original trade arrangements then maybe I could be persuaded differently.
Over the years since the age of 16 or so I have had so much more dealings within countries of the EU than any of you realise...and why should you.
I am not trying to convince anyone that my view is the correct one its just how I feel. Just as a lot on here have an opposite view........In reality who knows who is right or wrong?
I firmly believe we as a nation can do as well if not better than the bullies of the EU (I'm sorry that is how I see them) yes it will take a bit of time but you should (in my opinion) have more faith in our own countries ability.
I apologise to anyone who finds any of my above comments offensive....... I have just tried (a bit long winded I accept) to explain how I feel. I am not trying to persuade anyone to change their mind or not to have an opposing view. What ever happens in regards to this whole debacle I will go along with like you all.
 
The Draft Agreement isn’t acceptable to many sections of the UK for many different reasons, most notably the future of Northern Ireland. Those Tory frontbenchers trying to change it won’t have any success because the EU are done negotiating. Remain is now the only option which is achievable which won’t ruin the UK both economically and socially for the next generation or more. The politicians just have to find a way to make it happen.

Going back to @Beddytare’s argument about the referendum being binding, have you never heard of unacceptable laws being repealed? Different times, different situation, but remember the Poll Tax?

You’re living in Cloud Chico Land :emoticon-0105-wink:
The country and politicians are all totally fragmented and there is no mass movement to FOR any option

The Poll Tax was a sovereign law that people could oppose and parliament could change this is a democratic concept that is held up as sacrosanct even though everyone disagrees on what it really meant because it was so facile

It’s like trying to wrestle with a four dimensional jelly monster (best I can come up with hopefully you get what I mean)
 
Morning Vin............Mate I voted for an out vote.....not a potential stay in........... an out and out vote out. My main reasons are personal and are not open for discussions. However.........We have survived for hundreds of years without having to be forced to only trade with a few nations. When we were asked about Joining what was the then common market I voted against then in the 60s.
In the late 40s when a few EU countries formed the original market Britain was asked then if we would consider being part of it. The government of the day declined (I understand) as we were not ready to make such a decision. However as part of an occupying force we had no objections and in fact encouraged it. We did say at the time once we had got our selves in order we would look at what they were offering and maybe join.
I am not clear on when exactly we applied to join the common market as it was then called...... I believe it was around 1952.......A vote was taken by the whole group of nations and everyone agreed....(Except De Gaulle...... I'm not sure if he was president then) The French vetoed it. (That part I'm sure about) So we were not allowed in. I do not know his reasons. Although my understanding was to do with the fee they were asking us to put in to join and the fee we said we would be prepared to pay. (That is a simplified version I agree) The French were quite insulting at the time was also my understanding.
I believe we reapplied 3 years later but were declined again, my understanding was it was the French again. ( You have to also understand the French were the dominating force in the market at the time although Germany was by now catching them up mighty fast.)
As a single Nation The Uk was doing extremely well........we had are ups and downs especially politically and some bad decisions were made (my opinion) but we exceeded expansion if you call it that, faster than the combined E U. Things started to slow in the mid 60s......(baring in mind we were not trading with Europe in this time) We were actually invited to join the common market to help the UK and Europe beat the slow down. The rest is history.
The EU brought in a lot of good things.....but then the European court was formed and it was found they could over rule any of the member nations highest courts judgements. (My second highest reason for wanting out) Why the heck we didn't veto this I'll never know!! Then other things started to creep in ok its a matter of opinion whether you think they benefit the various countries. Some of which I was very sceptical about........ the open borders, is one, the freedom of movement is another, just to mention a couple.
In my mind, we as a country seemed to be being taken over by the European diplomats that were not exactly voted into office. I know we had a veto, and I know we had a say but with so many poorer counties now involved they would have gone along with anything as they were getting more out than they were putting in. You can't blame them.
So the UK's voice in the EU was practically negated by the dominating countries.
The way I look at it is ........My family over generations fought to keep this country independent and gave their lives to keep the UK a free nation just as I suspect did a lot of others on here. You will never change my mind on that!!
If the UK could keep its total independence and go back to the original trade arrangements then maybe I could be persuaded differently.
Over the years since the age of 16 or so I have had so much more dealings within countries of the EU than any of you realise...and why should you.
I am not trying to convince anyone that my view is the correct one its just how I feel. Just as a lot on here have an opposite view........In reality who knows who is right or wrong?
I firmly believe we as a nation can do as well if not better than the bullies of the EU (I'm sorry that is how I see them) yes it will take a bit of time but you should (in my opinion) have more faith in our own countries ability.
I apologise to anyone who finds any of my above comments offensive....... I have just tried (a bit long winded I accept) to explain how I feel. I am not trying to persuade anyone to change their mind or not to have an opposing view. What ever happens in regards to this whole debacle I will go along with like you all.
A well reasoned argument Beddy, which I won’t attempt to tackle piece by piece, but just on your first point, we don’t trade only with the EU, that’s just absurd. The strongest countries in the world, ranked by economy, are of course the USA, China, and Japan. Some of the individual nations in the EU have strong economies, notably Germany, the UK, and France, who rank just behind the top 3. Collectively, though, the EU has the 2nd strongest in the world, stronger than China and just behind the US. What this means is that all the other nations in the world find it very attractive to trade with the EU, and because of our collective strength, the tariffs are beneficial to the EU nations.

The UK currently doesn’t have any trade deals with the rest of the world, as all our trade is done through the EU. The politicians who tell you that making a trade deal with other nations is easy, with tariffs as low as those we have via the EU, are lying.

Oh, and by the way, the reason we didn’t join the original Common Market back when it was originally formed was because we were still receiving aid from America under the Marshall Plan, and we didn’t want to jeopardise that. Perhaps we would have had a better relationship with the rest of our European neighbours if we had joined with them from the start. I imagine leaving the EU, whether it’s via the Draft Agreement, or, heaven forbid, via a Hard Brexit, will put us in a very bad odour with our former partners which we will never shake off.
 
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