Off Topic Political Debate

The first two sentences are correct but I question your third. Even on this thread you have "met" many people who think the vote was narrow not decisive. Farage said if he lost 52-48 he would not accept it. The vote was clear but not decisive in the normal meaning of the word.

 

The conclusion stated on the whole the referendum was well run and competently administered by the electoral commission.

It criticised the government for spending £9.3 million on propaganda saying it was inappropriate and counter productive. It also stated the leave side suffered by late designation. The government was also slated for not preparing for both results. The main problem was the use of the machinery of government being used to push the 'remain' message. 'We recommend that the government heed the lessons from this referendum of the implications of the use of the machinery of government during referendums on public trust and confidence in the institutions of governments.'

All problems it found seemed to be caused by a desperate 'remain' campaign by the government. It is basically calling for future referendums to be on a level playing field without unfair intervention from the government of the day.

 

No, I meant people did not consider the referendum was only advisory therefore subject to further negotiation.

 

Yes - I accepted that - those who claim they thought it was advisory are clutching at straws.
However it was close not decisive and it is a pity that as a result the government is not seeking to create a brexit that would have the approval of a vast majority. This was the most destructive and divisive democratic exercise in our history. Few people can feel proud about it.

 

The EU negotiators have already stated the only option is a 'hard' Brexit. The EU will hide behind the vast 'ransom' they will demand knowing the UK cannot agree to it. The government have a difficult time ahead, the EU is determined to punish us for daring to reject the 'project'. Preparing for little or no agreement is prudent to say the least. On the contrary I regard the referendum as an excellent exercise in democracy with a positive result.

 

I disagree it is all that is wrong with the current system that is called democracy. We need a government that represents all and not ignores in case the views of 48%. I have heard virtually nothing said about this mass of the population by the Government since the vote..it is as if all those who voted to remain don't exist.. Are basically disenfranchised. Very dangerous and sadly typical of a Conservative government of recent times. Of course when any if it all goes wrong we could by current rules have another election and by a narrow margin vote to rejoin. However that will never happen as the establishment will never again let the future of our country be decided in such a way.

 

The present Conservative government is one of the most popular UK governments in recent history. This is unusually encouraging for a government in mid term. It can only follow the wishes of the people as expressed in the recent referendum, anything else would be a betrayal of UK accepted democracy.

As the EU disintegrates further there will be even less support from the UK electorate for anything more than a European free trade area.

 

I cannot agree that this is a popular government. It is only seen that way because the opposition has disappeared over the horizon and it is not being called to account. The EU is not going to disintegrate, if anything this stupidity of the English and Welsh has pulled it much closer together. It is becoming clear that there are messages being put out from the UK government preparing people for nothing like the hard Brexit that some imagined would come about. As the harsh facts about how the economy will be hit, further retreats will happen. We are not far away from local elections in the UK, and I forecast that the Tory party will not do well.

 

It's interesting the debate in relation to results and turnouts given that 7 years ago we had a referendum to determine the number of the different categories of politician in the States, and the result was declared invalid due to the low turnout. There were 3 options and one of them was to keep the numbers as they are - I wonder what they would have done if that had been the most popular option, but it came second.

 

I think what we have seen over the past years Barry, is people who are not happy with the status quo and want their lives to improve through change. Sometimes they think that whatever their problems no one is listening. Talking to my French neighbour yesterday he agreed, but didn't know what would be the best way to bring it about. He views the situation in the USA, he lives there part of the year, and the UK where he has worked for some time as a cry from those who feel that they are ignored, and the same goes for those living in certain parts of the country here. The only real change can come about when the political classes make it their priority to do something for those at the bottom of the heap, who are the majority, and that requires an agreement between those of different views. When we see some peoples trying to come together and work through these problems, it makes little sense when you see others trying to withdraw and simply place the blame on others on their failures.

 

So the truth comes out. People from the eastern parts of the EU who have rights to come and live in the UK, 83% of them are in work and contributing to the country.

Those who entered the UK under the governments strict immigration rules from outside the EU, only 62% of them are in work.

Who was the Home Secretary who was in charge of immigration for 6 years?

 

http://uk.businessinsider.com/forei...old-to-prepare-for-big-event-2017-4?r=US&IR=T

I wonder what this is all about?

 

If it's about this, there could be trouble ahead...

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/04/10/p...on-north-korea-strike-capabilities/index.html

 

In practical terms it does not matter that the Labour Party's disintegration has assisted the government's popularity, the figures do not lie. The PM also has the highest rating since Blair in his early years. Of course the Brexit negotiations could change all that, she could be damaged or enhanced by battling against perceived unfair bullying by the EU.

The EU, although currently enjoying some positive figures, still has the same debt problems and a diversion of views. We are also still waiting to see if Trump's hostility towards the EU will result in increased tariffs and other trade barriers.

The Lib dems are predicted to do well in the local elections, from a very low base. The Tories control most of the rural councils, it is normal for a government to lose some support mid term, it will be minimal. The big story will be the further decline of the LP, they are in free fall.

The UK had very positive financial figures out the other day, lowest unemployment for decades, record employment and wages growth of 2.3%. Statistics most EU countries could only dream about.

 

52% would leave "unfinished business",

Jog on, you fascist...

 

A recent YouGov poll showed support for Brexit was as strong as ever. 46% thought the right decision was made 42% against. The same poll gave the Tories a whopping 17 point lead over Labour.

The question 'who would make the best prime Minister', May 49%, Corbyn 16%

 

..and of course we all know the problems with

polls
democracy
referenda

 

The only problems with referenda appears to be only recognised by those on the losing side.

 

completely wrong.. .wait and watch... there will be new rules established on referenda... never again will the most important political decisions be decided by simple majority referenda..... it will never be allowed again