In times of austerity....

I think lots of working class people, traditionally labour's core vote, really like the queen. Particularly women of the older generation. Can't see such a policy helping them at this point in time. When Charlie takes over, that may be a different matter. Personally I think Charlie is alreight, but his popularity is nothing like the queen's.

Dunno where I stand mesen. I fully understand that it's not fair that we have a royal family who enjoy a luxurious lifestyle while at the same time our country is home to people who are genuinely cold and hungry. However, if we abolished the moarchy, how much of the money that keeps them going would be diverted to the needy? In my opinion, not a single penny.

What would we replace her with, a President? I'd rather have old queeny than George Bush. I don't think it would make any difference to anyone, so I'm not sure abolishing them is the right thing to do. They bring in a bit of tourism, it's quaint and nice and traditional and all that. Dunno. Not really fussed, won't be campaigning either way.

 

President Thatcher. Imagine that


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I agree there should be a proper debate about Europe. and following that debate about Europe a referendum. But your point is equally valid regards scrutinising the misinformation UKIP also put forward about Europe. And there certainly needs to be a proper debate on immigration. But by that I mean someone having the balls to stand up and preach the positives, even if it doesn't poll well. It staggers me when the far right accuses mainstream politicians of closing down debate on immigration. Anti-immigrant rhetoric is the only one you can currently hear. Oh, and where are the views of the Greens (who do have an MP and run councils), SWP, Left Unity in the debate?

But the main point is taking on UKIP on everything other than Europe. Expose that they are Euro-sceptic Tories. People should know what they are voting for. If they identify with a Euro-sceptic Tory message then great, that's a democracy. But at the moment the mainstream politicians allow them off the hook by getting dragged in to constantly talking only about Europe. Which is what they want.

Voting for a party on the basis of Europe when you disagree with their fiscal conservatism and anti-liberal views is nuts. Not least because they may not win the referendum they promise and then all you are left with is a party who do all the things you don't want and don't achieve the one thing you wanted them to.

Not saying any of the above applies to you.

And we still shouldn't have a queen.

 

This.

Calling people racist for voting UKip is a terrible strategy. The people of Barnsley saw racist. They saw the BNP, they were in our town centre every week, constantly canvassing, constantly leafleting. Barnsley was their number 1 target, but we rejected 'em. Not a single councillor was elected, they did **** all in national elections. Barnsley isn't racist and the BNP finally got the message and ****** off. But plenty of Barnsley people voted UKip. Call them racist and they'll just stop listening to you because they're not and they're too intelligent to bother with anyone who can only discuss politics by slagging you off.

I'm not a Ukip apologist, I wouldn't dream of voting for them and I dislike a lot of their policies, but I'm a Ukip voter apologist. It's about time the mainstream parties started discussing Ukip's policies that are appealing to the public in a serious manner. If Labour believe that immigration has a positive effect on the UK then tell us why. Don't hide from the issue, we're big enough and old enough to understand. If they make a good case we'll vote for 'em. All they're doing at the moment is pandering to those who did vote Ukip by saying immigration is an issue but having no policies that tackle it. That's just ********, they've got to have the courage of their convictions. Talk politics and stop the ******* mud slinging.

 

British people are by and large fair - that's why BNP etc get short shrift in the main. Thank Christ. But if they don't think their genuine concerns are being addressed what do they do then ?

Gordon Bown's 'bigoted old lady' remark was telling of how politcians view folk who don't adhere to the 'message' - she might have been ranting and/or misinformed but an arrogant dismissal like that plays into the hands of those who seek to create division in society.

 

UKIP have had such an easy ride it's untrue. Even now does anyone really know what their policies other than EU are ? No, because all the media focus on are a few loons in the hope of a few headlines. That is then easy to be made to look like a liberal left media witch hunt against people who stick up for Britain' blah blah.

We're ****** basically. The only viable option is a strong Monarchy...