Current Affairs 2017 General Election

[Mrk]

But it seems to be raised during every election. The backbenchers go absolutely wild for it because for them, the banning of it signifies a ban on their favourite pastime.

It's more symbolic than anything - I'd wager that a fair majority of Tory MPs have never been on a hunt in their lives, but it represents something for them (what that is, I have no idea...)

 

[WycombeToffee]

Like I said, daft thing to do. Playing to the perceived gallery, when the actual populace could not care less.

Remind you of anyone?

So depressing.

As I said before, I don't think May actually raised it or even wanted to raise it. She was asked about it.

 

[ToffeeTim]

Fox hunting is still legal in Northern Ireland.

Really?

So much for my insight on the matter then lol

 

[Seanjd]

As I said before, I don't think May actually raised it or even wanted to raise it. She was asked about it.

May has been a closed book in many interviews/when asked questions. She was quite quick to put her support behind a free vote because she is in favour of it. It's dispicable.

 

[Catfish Blues]

Really?

So much for my insight on the matter then lol

From https://www.league.org.uk/cruel-sports-in-northern-ireland

The League has a strong presence in Northern Ireland, the one place in the UK where hunting with dogs is still legal. We work closely with MLAs from all parties to highlight animal welfare abuses in Northern Ireland, and were delighted when in 2015 the maximum sentence for animal cruelty was increased to five years imprisonment.

Northern Ireland is now leading the way in the UK when it comes to punishing those guilty of animal cruelty – but there is still a lot more to be done.

HUNTING IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Sadly, Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom without a ban on hunting with dogs, which includes fox hunting, deer hunting and hare hunting ...

 

[ashwuk76]

May has been a closed book in many interviews/when asked questions. She was quite quick to put her support behind a free vote because she is in favour of it. It's dispicable.

Surprised there was anyone there to ask a question considering her visits have been carefully orchestrated.

 

[tadao]

Slavery happended for hundreds of years too and that didnt make it right. The tradition and its been done for hundreds of years argument is a stupid one.
Halal meat? sorry but that has a bit of racist undertones, no need to bring that type of meat into it, could have made your point without saying that.

yes, he didn't accuse someone of racism for mentioning halal.

If the CFP is the benchmark, imagine what splits could happen in the tory party, if Labour actually focused on what is essentially an own goal?

 

[tadao]

Spending is at record levels.
And the real term issue just doesnt wash with me. The measurement of inflation is such a random stat, that applies to literally no one, in reality.
True story. Mrs R, NHS employee, came home a while ago with a basic set of scales. From the surgery she worked at.
The reason? The batteries had run out, and the new battery supplier did not stock the ones needed.
Cost of new scales? £220. Why? Because they were called "Clinical Scales". They wernt. They were basic, digital scales Argos stock for about £19.99.
Drives me nuts.

That is an important point.
Education appears to have the same purchasing catalogues.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Was thinking recently about the use of tech in the last few elections, and particularly the ability to micro-target messaging to people. It was painted at the time as being nefarious and dangerous, but I'm inclined to think it could be hugely positive, if only it was not being matched by a completely mass-market, un-targeted and un-participatory form of government after we cast our vote.

I mean Leave (and probably remain) voters received a barrage of messaging prior to the vote, but how much has been sent after it? How involved have those people been in the shape Brexit has taken? Instinctively I feel not a lot.

 

[chicoazul]

Was thinking recently about the use of tech in the last few elections, and particularly the ability to micro-target messaging to people. It was painted at the time as being nefarious and dangerous, but I'm inclined to think it could be hugely positive, if only it was not being matched by a completely mass-market, un-targeted and un-participatory form of government after we cast our vote.

I mean Leave (and probably remain) voters received a barrage of messaging prior to the vote, but how much has been sent after it? How involved have those people been in the shape Brexit has taken? Instinctively I feel not a lot.

Did you have a read of this mate? Very interesting.

https://www.theguardian.com/technol...eat-british-brexit-robbery-hijacked-democracy

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Did you have a read of this mate? Very interesting.

https://www.theguardian.com/technol...eat-british-brexit-robbery-hijacked-democracy

I did. Personalisation is generally great, but at the moment it's just messaging and not delivery (and certainly not involvement). Corbyn seemed to be going down that route when he first started with his 'questions from Janet' thing at PMQs but that seems to have been a stunt rather than any real belief in participatory democracy.

 

[peteblue]

Did you have a read of this mate? Very interesting.

https://www.theguardian.com/technol...eat-british-brexit-robbery-hijacked-democracy

It's a good article, some clever people out there.....

 

[Gwladysstreetlad]

Teresa May is actually an appalling leader from whichever way you look at it really. It's utterly incredible that Labour have themselves in a situation where not only are they likely to lose but they could conceivably be hammered!

 

[WycombeToffee]

Labour raising corporation tax from 14% to 20%. One of the most counterproductive things they could possibly do, especially at a time like now when we want to keep/attract as many businesses as possible after Brexit. This will probably just reduce the amount of tax taken in, lead to higher unemployment, and start a new vicious cycle in industrial areas. Clueless... But at least they think they'll have more money to waste on public services.

 

[ashwuk76]

Labour raising corporation tax from 14% to 20%. One of the most counterproductive things they could possibly do, especially at a time like now when we want to keep/attract as many businesses as possible after Brexit. This will probably just reduce the amount of tax taken in, lead to higher unemployment, and start a new vicious cycle in industrial areas. Clueless... But at least they think they'll have more money to waste on public services.

Would need to do some research on the corporation tax rates in other countries to know if 20 % is too high. However money has to be raised from somewhere so why not but corporations who can afford it? Also the fact a lot of these companies dodge tax anyway the rate is immaterial so maybe they need to go after the taxes dodged a lot more.

Also public services a waste of money? Ok mate you take your own rubbish away then, maybe chase criminals yourself? Stitch up your own wounds and put out your own fires? Saying wasting money on public services is idiotic as they are relied on by all.