Is it time for a vote of no confidence in this government?

First topic message reminder :

I've been working with some good leftie friends on twitter to get a an e-petition on the Governments own website for a Motion of No Confidence in the ConDem government.

As you probably know already:- if these petitions get accepted on the site and gain over 100k signatures they have to be considered for a Commons Debate.

The motion we propose to have is :

"We, the undersigned state that this government has not acted in the interests of the people of the United Kingdom.

We require there to be a Motion of No Confidence debate in the House of Commons followed by a vote of MPs in support of the motion"

The idea is that it is left as open as possible so that disillusioned people of all political persuasions will be able to sign it, in order to maximise the support it gets. Also if kept as brief as possible it is more likely to be accepted, as it is less likely to get caught by one of the many grounds for rejection on the government site.

We would very much appreciate any comments and suggestions that people on here have, and especially ideas on how we can spread the word to let the people know it is available for them if they wish to sign it.

Well, that hurt. I just joined the Labour Party and I didn't enjoy parting with me cash

I feel like a proper grownup now, though!

Blamhappy wrote:Well, that hurt. I just joined the Labour Party and I didn't enjoy parting with me cash

I feel like a proper grownup now, though!

I know the feeling - recently did the same, Joined Labour that is, I've no intention of ever becoming a grownup.

I only joined about a month ago, only started getting active about three months ago - judging by what I'm seeing on twitter there are loads of others doing the same - lots of people saying this is the first time they've ever done anything political.

Watch out ConDems - Britain is waking up!

A Warm welcome to the Labour Party Blam.

Thank you.

Then I thought I'd better find out who my MP is. It took me a bit of Googling, but I found out that it's Andy Love. I'm under Edmonton (I don't actually live in Edmonton, but my postcode stretches that way).

My friend's just decided that he'd like to get politically active again, and he's considering standing for counsillor. I told him I think that's a great idea If I understood politics better, I'd consider something like that myself, although I think political types must have a tough time of it.

Blamhappy wrote:Thank you.

Then I thought I'd better find out who my MP is. It took me a bit of Googling, but I found out that it's Andy Love. I'm under Edmonton (I don't actually live in Edmonton, but my postcode stretches that way).

My friend's just decided that he'd like to get politically active again, and he's considering standing for counsillor. I told him I think that's a great idea If I understood politics better, I'd consider something like that myself, although I think political types must have a tough time of it.

Wonderful news about your friend - when are your next council elections?, if it isn't for a year or two - you'd have time to look into it and do a bit of research.

Why not just look into it? you don't have to commit yourself, just see what it involves, and whether you think you might like to do it.

BobEllard wrote:Monday afternoon update: 355 signatures and 16 Likes for the Facebook page, and 36 followers for @NoToUKCoalition on Twitter

Had a great Coalition Bashing Caption Competition on Twitter this afternoon, I'll be doing them from about 2pm every afternoon and repeating them around 10pm every evening, also played some music from Lux Lisbon, Manic Street Preachers and Charlie Drake.

The idea is that as well as making a serious point - if the Twitter feed and Facebook page are fun and entertaining, more people will follow and it might create a positive buzz around the campaign.

Also humour/ satire are great ways of making serious political arguments, so to coin a phrase "Its all good then!

When I wrote this message earlier at 4:49, remember thinking we have 355 sigs - I wonder if we could make 400 today, then I thought, no thats ridiculous.

Well its 9:50 now and we are in 383 sigs 20 FB likes and 51 twitter followers and I'm just about to do the second caption comp of the evening, I think we could well get past 400 sigs today.

We are rolling

BobEllard wrote:
Wonderful news about your friend - when are your next council elections?, if it isn't for a year or two - you'd have time to look into it and do a bit of research.

Why not just look into it? you don't have to commit yourself, just see what it involves, and whether you think you might like to do it.

Yes, I will look into it. What would I earn?

I really really don't know - I'm a complete novice at this stuff, just going by guesswork and trial and error - same way I do most things

Haha!

It's expenses only. I don't think I could make that commitment as a single mother.

Bashing the government has no abler specialists than the Government itself. Cameron/Clegg/Osborne are delighted to have the Eurozone drama erupt to distract attentionfrom their weakness.

Pressure-groups might do well to try and mobilise the enormous number of voters who think that their opinions don't matter. Come Polling Day, there's more of us than there are of them, but the Tories are very good at getting out their voters. That's where the change can easily be made.

Blamhappy wrote:It's expenses only. I don't think I could make that commitment as a single mother.

Thats a pity, but I can understand your problem.

I think the more people that aren't normal politicians that stand for things like councils it will restore public interest in democracy.

But I do really see you point - perhaps they ought to make it more accessible for a wider range of people to stand, in order to reflect the makeup of the population.

I think district councillors receive about £5k or £6k a year, but other types of council (such as county) may make different payments. You also get allowances for travelling and telephone, but everything you claim is made public and printed in the local press annually. The ruling group on a council may have its own 'cabinet' and if so, its members are likely to receive a further payment.

Blamhappy. Becoming a councillor is not something I'd recommend for you, my friend. There are lots of meetings, often starting at inconvenient times like 5.30pm, and your telephone never stops ringing with frivolous nonsense from members of the public (such as "the dust cart damaged a tree in my road, do something about it").

I've never been a councillor, but I know people who have. Then, even if you've been really conscientious, your reward when the political tide turns can be to get kicked out.

Sounds pretty thankless to me. But Blamhappy now you've joined Labour - how about getting involved with your local Labour party a bit - getting involved on your own terms of course, I expect they appreciate any involvement at any level.

Thats my plan as soon as I am well enough. and as soon as there is a general election, sod my health I'm getting involved no way am I sitting that one out. Even if its only sticking stamps on envelopes.

Well done blam (and Bob!). I joined the Co-operative party last week for good measure, too, as it's a sister-party of Labour.

If you want to get involved, there are ways that are less time-consuming than being a councillor. Labour will invite you to campaigning now. It's quite easy to join your local NHS trust and patient group (LINks, now being rebranded as Healthwatch). From there you can try to get elected as trust governor and to the local CCG, and then try to stop them awarding NHS contracts to private companies. And so on - there's so much to fight these days that there's no shortage of ways!

Find something that appeals, and that works for you, and get stuck in

I joined the co-operative bank a couple of years ago, does that count?

Blamhappy wrote:It's expenses only. I don't think I could make that commitment as a single mother.

That's the only reason that I don't stand for our local council. I'm going to get involved wherever I can tho... Welcome to the Labour Party hun. I re-joined as soon as this coalition of numbskulls got in.

tlttf wrote:I joined the co-operative bank a couple of years ago, does that count?

I hope it counts!!! Get it? hehe

If you are up for jokes, I'm running a ConDem bashing Caption Competition from @NoToUKCoalition tonight at 10pm , its Michael Gove as the victim this evening, the Mr Bean of British Politics, it should be fun - all invited

Adele Carlyon wrote:

Blamhappy wrote:It's expenses only. I don't think I could make that commitment as a single mother.

That's the only reason that I don't stand for our local council. I'm going to get involved wherever I can tho... Welcome to the Labour Party hun. I re-joined as soon as this coalition of numbskulls got in.

Thank you! I'm not sure if there's much point in being a member, but I've done it anyway! We'll see!

Blamhappy said: Thank you! I'm not sure if there's much point in being a member, but I've done it anyway! We'll see!

Hello Blam, its all to do with numbers. The reason there are safe Tory seats in the Country is partly due to tactical Voting, people voting for a party they think have a better chance of beating the Tories, and as long as this continues it will always remain the same. My belief is that we should look further to the future, if we went out on the Next election and all voted for the party we want, you will see a sharp rise in Labour figures, perhaps not enough to make a change this time, but come the following election, people will have seen the rise in Labours following which will encourage even more people to follow their party of choice. I cant see how else Labour will ever get in where I live in Surrey ( as an example) which is a very safe Tory seat (for now).

The same can be said for Labour Party Membership, the more members Joe Public see joining will encourage others, so every member counts.

Blamhappy wrote:

Adele Carlyon wrote:

Blamhappy wrote:It's expenses only. I don't think I could make that commitment as a single mother.

That's the only reason that I don't stand for our local council. I'm going to get involved wherever I can tho... Welcome to the Labour Party hun. I re-joined as soon as this coalition of numbskulls got in.

Thank you! I'm not sure if there's much point in being a member, but I've done it anyway! We'll see!

Well done Blamhappy, its is always worth it to join the party of there choice, if you get involved in your nearest C.L.P that would allow you to do what you can depending on your circumstances and time you have to spare CLP = Community Labour Party Im a Labour party member and I did not join until May 2010 I hope you can see the significance of that date.

I agree thats why I joined Labour - to stand and be counted, every additional member gives Labour a bit more strength.

I noticed loads of people here, on twitter and in the 'real world' getting politically active for the very first time, I wish I'd kept a tally, but I'm guessing I've connected with about 20 people over the last month who are getting stuck in.

And add people who were politicly interested but not really active but are now actively campaigning on one way or another you could probably double that number.

Thats just my personal experience, if it is being replicated around the country there is a real movement beginning.

As to your comments about voting bobby, I completely agree. I live in the True Blue part of Kent, and I know loads of Labour people who have voted LibDem in the past (tho not any more) because they don't think Labour stand a chance. If we could motivate and engage them I do think we could cause a big upset.

And you are right bobby, it is a long term programme, each success encourages more people to join in.

Locally in Tunbridge Wells, in the May council elections, Labour won two wards for the very first time ever. Thats right, Tunbridge Wells!, Retired Colonels were fainting all over the place and there was panic at the Tea Dances.

I'm hoping that result will inspire other local CLPs to push to get votes in future elections. Its all about momentum and convincing people there is a point in giving you a vote.

BobEllard wrote:I agree thats why I joined Labour - to stand and be counted, every additional member gives Labour a bit more strength.

I noticed loads of people here, on twitter and in the 'real world' getting politically active for the very first time, I wish I'd kept a tally, but I'm guessing I've connected with about 20 people over the last month who are getting stuck in.

And add people who were politicly interested but not really active but are now actively campaigning on one way or another you could probably double that number.

Thats just my personal experience, if it is being replicated around the country there is a real movement beginning.

As to your comments about voting bobby, I completely agree. I live in the True Blue part of Kent, and I know loads of Labour people who have voted LibDem in the past (tho not any more) because they don't think Labour stand a chance. If we could motivate and engage them I do think we could cause a big upset.

And you are right bobby, it is a long term programme, each success encourages more people to join in.

Locally in Tunbridge Wells, in the May council elections, Labour won two wards for the very first time ever. Thats right, Tunbridge Wells!, Retired Colonels were fainting all over the place and there was panic at the Tea Dances.

I'm hoping that result will inspire other local CLPs to push to get votes in future elections. Its all about momentum and convincing people there is a point in giving you a vote.

Jings and crivens BobEllard Tunbridge Wells that is where all the money people of Kent live that is an achievement I though getting two councillors onto the council in Scam..er..ons constituency was great this gets better by the minute, I was one of those people your talking about voted Labour all my life but on May 5th 2010 I knew what was coming so by May 11th 2010 I was a Labour party member and got involved with my CLP straight away i do not know it all but I read the newspapers and watch all the political programs the BBC Parliament channel is great to learn and sometimes you get great debates this is the way i have learned about politics.

I was planning to get working for my local CLP, but I got wrapped up in the petition campaign, but don't worry, first sniff of an election and I'll be there.

I also got a letter through the door this morning - there is a Labour Candidate for Police Commissioner in Kent - thank whichever God is is that you pray to - or none. (don't get me wrong - I'm all for PC but sometimes it does get a bit long winded. Then again, so do I so who am I to complain)

Back to the point - there is a Labour Candidate for Police Commissioner in Kent, thank G.... no - I'm not going there.

Its good that there is a Labour Candidate for Police Commissioner in Kent, Harriet Yeo, thank Generally to all deities - and she's asked for people to help in her campaign so my next job is to offer her my services as a twit...erer

I'm going to stop writing now.

Weds evening update - the petition is up to 430 signatures and 105 followers. Not a bad day at all.

Decent day for signatures today - 30 or so since tea-time! Night all!

Blamhappy wrote:

Adele Carlyon wrote:

Blamhappy wrote:It's expenses only. I don't think I could make that commitment as a single mother.

That's the only reason that I don't stand for our local council. I'm going to get involved wherever I can tho... Welcome to the Labour Party hun. I re-joined as soon as this coalition of numbskulls got in.

Thank you! I'm not sure if there's much point in being a member, but I've done it anyway! We'll see!

WOW that great Blamhappy you in the Labour party huni. its just great that all us woman on here are Labour supporters of members. just goes to show how many woman support this crap government. NONE

RCW XXX

bobby wrote:Blamhappy said: Thank you! I'm not sure if there's much point in being a member, but I've done it anyway! We'll see!

Hello Blam, its all to do with numbers. The reason there are safe Tory seats in the Country is partly due to tactical Voting, people voting for a party they think have a better chance of beating the Tories, and as long as this continues it will always remain the same. My belief is that we should look further to the future, if we went out on the Next election and all voted for the party we want, you will see a sharp rise in Labour figures, perhaps not enough to make a change this time, but come the following election, people will have seen the rise in Labours following which will encourage even more people to follow their party of choice. I cant see how else Labour will ever get in where I live in Surrey ( as an example) which is a very safe Tory seat (for now).

The same can be said for Labour Party Membership, the more members Joe Public see joining will encourage others, so every member counts.

Great post Bobby too. as I am a member of the Labour party because I believe they care for the majority of people not just a very small group at the top. also being in the Labour party is like joining a family of like minded people who care. it does not matter where we live only that we care for the sick, old and young. as well as good hard working middle class and working class people. I do not care what any Tory Party supporter says on here about this post. as i will never vote for them or support a small group at the top against all the rest.

Adele, Blamhappy, I've been catching up.


Ever thought of being a Magistrate?

I was thinking of it untill illness caught up.

Jokingly I tell people there are not enough Oak trees in Nothumberland. (Most of the oak trees around Morpeth were planted by Admiral Collingwood on his rare visits home.) I think though rope would be a problem!!

Please have a look, and courts don't go on all night.

My aunty's a magistrate and she talks fondly about the job. She has a strong sense of social justice and isn't part of the "chuck 'em in jail and throw away the key" mob. I would definitely consider it, but surely it's a job for extremely smart types? (Which my aunty Jill is!)

Thank you for the posts welcoming me to the Labour Party.

I called my dad when I was going through the payment process and I told him that I felt that I could only just afford it. He said to me that he wonders how much point there is in my joining. Much as he is staunchly Labour and a life-long member, for my purposes, he was unsure. He said it entitles me to attend meetings, but that they're actually really boring! Haha!

However, I decided to join anyway, simply because psychologically I feel more politically active by being a member. Now that I'm having a child, I think I have a responsibility to be more involved with what happens to the country. Since I can't see myself ever being rich (currently, my circumstances are that I live in a two bedroom flat with my sister in a deprived part of my town), I may well be one of the citizens who suffer from the harsh times the Conservative Government is fostering. Luckily, I have a fairly good and secure job, so I think I will be all right, but I imagine I will struggle a little. I don't think Cameron cares about people like me.

Oh, to add, my dad is very politically active in the community. (I think he likes to continue the work of his dad, who was a Labour MP in the 1940s and died when my dad was a teenager.) He runs quiz nights for members, stuffs envelopes, delivers literature around the community, and does doorstep campaigning. He also attends meetings, and he said to me (through a chuckle) that I could have some pretty good arguments at these meetings because they don't all agree on everything! He said only a few turn up and they're not the most exciting events!

Blamhappy wrote:My aunty's a magistrate and she talks fondly about the job. She has a strong sense of social justice and isn't part of the "chuck 'em in jail and throw away the key" mob. I would definitely consider it, but surely it's a job for extremely smart types? (Which my aunty Jill is!)
.

I can detect a bit of running yourself down going on here, Blamhappy, you are a "smart type".

How can I tell that without knowing you at all? Because of the quality and clarity of the way you write that's how,

I've always found it to be a reliable indicator of a persons intelligence, I've relied on this in the past, and its never failed me.

Besides, it isn't only being smart that makes a good magistrate. You said it yourself:

Blamhappy wrote:... She has a strong sense of social justice and isn't part of the "chuck 'em in jail and throw away the key" mob.....
.

And also qualities of decency, integrity, knowledge of what real life is, a passion for justice and social justice, caring about right and wrong, all those things make a good Magistrate.

I would encourage you to give it a try, you might find you really love doing it, at least look into it further, and if you think it isn't for you, then look for another way.

But please don't doubt your qualities.

Another thing I've found is that its the people that are unsure of themselves often are the people who actually perform the best in the job.

What a kind post. Thank you.

Blam, do not run yourself down.

Apply, and try it. (keep the wee horns in your handbag!

I know a couple of magistrates, which is why I was going to put my feet in the water, so to speak.

It is not necessary to be as qualified as Einstein or Sir Magdi Yakoub (brain surgeon) people and personalities from ALL walks of life are needed so a fair trial is conducted by the accused's peers.

Are you presentable, (yes) and do you have a sence of decorum? then that's it.

Go for it lady!!

When I was a trade union Branch Secretary many, many years ago, we were frequently being asked to nominate magistrates for the local bench. Preference was given to females and ethnic candidates to try and balance the natural tendency of retired colonels to put themselves forward. There is a continuing problem with employers who are naturally reluctant to give a member of staff quite a lot of time away from the coalface, and with staff whose promotional prospects may be blighted for the same reason.

astra wrote:Blam, do not run yourself down.

Apply, and try it. (keep the wee horns in your handbag!

I know a couple of magistrates, which is why I was going to put my feet in the water, so to speak.

It is not necessary to be as qualified as Einstein or Sir Magdi Yakoub (brain surgeon) people and personalities from ALL walks of life are needed so a fair trial is conducted by the accused's peers.

Are you presentable, (yes) and do you have a sence of decorum? then that's it.

Go for it lady!!

Agree with all that, plus don't forget, they don't just take people straight off the street and stick them on the bench, you'll get training and peer support.

And don't forget, you can go and discuss it with the Magistratey people and see how you feel about it, that doesn't commit you to anything.

Blam. The very fact that you show a great deal of intelligence, and question your own ability to take a position in Local Government, really for me says a lot. It shows something Totally lacking in our present set of politicians, humility and a sense of responsibility. But all I can say is, before you commit yourself to whatever cause, think of the time it will take you away from your kids. As for becoming a Magistrate, I’m not sure of the necessary qualifications or what the remuneration is. My Advice is to think very deep and hard before taking on something that may cost your young family in ways you could never repay.

I have absolutely no doubt you will make the right decision. All The very Best Bob (bobby)

Well, I'm assuming it's not as full on as a councillor's commitment...

Anyway, I think I'm derailing the thread. Oops!

No probs

We're all having a break till Monday anyway......