UK Election

[sallybrealey]

I am interested in knowing if anyone knows this is happening today here in the UK

Its our general election to choose the government (we dont pick a Prime Minister - the party does that).

Its going to be very close, either we will have a Conservative government (first time in 13 years) or a hung parliament where no party has an overall majority - we haven't had one of these in over 30 years!

 

[m&m's mom]

I am embarrassed to say I had not heard about the election. I will have to look up this now.

 

[sallybrealey]

I am embarrassed to say I had not heard about the election. I will have to look up this now.

Its ok

This is a good site

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/default.stm

I dont think whoever wins it will change our policies on things that will effect USA such as Iraq as we are too far down the line for any party to announce we are stopping it.

 

[NMAmy]

We've been following it--probably because DH is British. However, we were both caught by surprise by the newscast this morning that was talking about elections in the "so-called United Kingdom." What the heck? DH said, "Why would she say that? It's not an alias."

 

[OceanAnnie]

I've been watching! It's very interesting! The UK is facing a lot of the same problems we are. The election has had some of the same elements/tactics as our last election. Who do you think will win?

 

[tennisfan]

Its going to be close, if its not a hung government I think the Conservatives will get through. Having said that if it is a hung government another election will probably be called as the country will collapse due to nothing being passed as no overall majority in the parties.

It does look like Labour will no longer be the 2nd major party though, not surprising though as the leader is weak & poor.

I will be interesting but the country is in need of someone new to lead it

 

[OceanAnnie]

What do you see as UK's biggest problems that need immediate attention?

 

[Katieinwonderland]

We've been following it, partly because I'm from England and partly because DH is really interested in politics - I'm interested to see the result. I know my dad will be on the phone with DH once the result is in to discuss it - fun times!!!

 

[iwrbnd]

Hmmm...interesting. I'll have to pay closer attention to the news today! Thanks for the heads up!

 

[dcentity2000]

Off to vote right now



Rich::

 

[Feralpeg]

I was just talking about this with a sweet little CM at the UK pavilion at Epcot last week. Very interesting!

 

[FayeW]

I heard about it on the news. Here in Canada, we follow your system of government almost exactly. We haven't had a majority government for many years...I think the last three elections were minority governments. There are definite benefits to a minority, I think in a lot of ways it makes the elected officials act a little more responsibly (knowing that the other parties could combine and force an election) but the bad news is, that with every vote in the House of Commons, we run the risk of enduring another election! With a majority, though, they can get more accomplished but they can run more of an agenda, since they can't be forced to call an election until they are required to by law.

 

[Tess]

I've been following along with friends of ours who live in the UK. It seems they are strongly supporting Labour and have some very choice words for some of the opposition. . . Interesting indeed.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I get most of MY info from the Daily show, and some from The colbert report!!

 

[sallybrealey]

What do you see as UK's biggest problems that need immediate attention?

Its the national debt although none of the parties have addressed that issue that much as its not really a vote winner.

All 3 major parties are very close in what they believe in, all fight over the centre ground. You will find that even our Conservative government is far more social when it comes to health care, taxes etc than the Republicans or even the Democrats.

I am getting ready soon to go to the county, results start coming in midnight UK time

 

[tennisfan]

What do you see as UK's biggest problems that need immediate attention?

For me the economy & benefits system. We hand out to much money to people who can't be bothered to work & yes there are many.

The economy is a difficult one as there is no easy fix, the current government wants to increase National Insurance (a tax which pays for health care, pensions, people benefits etc) to help repay some of the money the government has borrowed & put us in debt but it will not fix the problem because employers have to pay towards this too & would mean job cuts/business' folding.

I agree the debt has to cut but there has to be better ways of doing so

 

[OceanAnnie]

Its the national debt although none of the parties have addressed that issue that much as its not really a vote winner.

All 3 major parties are very close in what they believe in, all fight over the centre ground. You will find that even our Conservative government is far more social when it comes to health care, taxes etc than the Republicans or even the Democrats.

I am getting ready soon to go to the county, results start coming in midnight UK time

We know that problem well.

 

[PaulaSB12]

I voted this morning, not being a marginal seat didn't have anyone major from the political parties just a local member for labour and conservatives the lib dems didn't even bother.

 

[DawnCt1]

I am interested in knowing if anyone knows this is happening today here in the UK

Its our general election to choose the government (we dont pick a Prime Minister - the party does that).

Its going to be very close, either we will have a Conservative government (first time in 13 years) or a hung parliament where no party has an overall majority - we haven't had one of these in over 30 years!

I have been following your election and I have my fingers crossed. I think you are heading in the right direction but I will refrain from saying more.

 

[oceanscape]

The pound has taken a hit against the $USD today - down $0.04 in one day! Anyone want to buy some £GBPs???