British 2015 general election poll

[The UK in Exile]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-for-eu-referendum-bill-collapses-amid-bitter-coalition-row-9824413.html

It looks like the Tories proposed bill that would of enshrined a legally binding obligation for the next government to hold an EU referendum during 2017 has collapsed, thanks to the Lib Dems largely opposing the bill, as the Lib Dems want reform of the "bedroom tax" as their price for support.

Whilst it could be seen as a fairly petty thing to do, I do hold a tiny bit of respect for the Lib Dems for actually (for once) standing up for their principles and opposing the disastrous bedroom tax.

I think we may see a lot more of the Lib Dems doing stuff like this before the 2015 election.

Not nearly as petty as introducing the bill in the first place.

[Geilinor]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-for-eu-referendum-bill-collapses-amid-bitter-coalition-row-9824413.html

It looks like the Tories proposed bill that would of enshrined a legally binding obligation for the next government to hold an EU referendum during 2017 has collapsed, thanks to the Lib Dems largely opposing the bill, as the Lib Dems want reform of the "bedroom tax" as their price for support.

Whilst it could be seen as a fairly petty thing to do, I do hold a tiny bit of respect for the Lib Dems for actually (for once) standing up for their principles and opposing the disastrous bedroom tax.

I think we may see a lot more of the Lib Dems doing stuff like this before the 2015 election.

I looked up the bedroom tax, doesn't seem like that horrible of an idea. It just means that if you're paying for more space than you use the government won't pay for the extra.

[Dejanic]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-for-eu-referendum-bill-collapses-amid-bitter-coalition-row-9824413.html

It looks like the Tories proposed bill that would of enshrined a legally binding obligation for the next government to hold an EU referendum during 2017 has collapsed, thanks to the Lib Dems largely opposing the bill, as the Lib Dems want reform of the "bedroom tax" as their price for support.

Whilst it could be seen as a fairly petty thing to do, I do hold a tiny bit of respect for the Lib Dems for actually (for once) standing up for their principles and opposing the disastrous bedroom tax.

I think we may see a lot more of the Lib Dems doing stuff like this before the 2015 election.

I looked up the bedroom tax, doesn't seem like that horrible of an idea. It just means that if you're paying for more space than you use the government won't pay for the extra.

The bedroom tax disproportionally hurts the poor, which is the last group we should be attacking to mend the economy. Though the tax doesn't even work economically, as it pushes some families out of council homes and into very expensive private rented accommodation, which actually increases the cost to the average tax payer.

This is our generations poll tax, and it must be crushed.

[Alyakia]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-for-eu-referendum-bill-collapses-amid-bitter-coalition-row-9824413.html

It looks like the Tories proposed bill that would of enshrined a legally binding obligation for the next government to hold an EU referendum during 2017 has collapsed, thanks to the Lib Dems largely opposing the bill, as the Lib Dems want reform of the "bedroom tax" as their price for support.

Whilst it could be seen as a fairly petty thing to do, I do hold a tiny bit of respect for the Lib Dems for actually (for once) standing up for their principles and opposing the disastrous bedroom tax.

I think we may see a lot more of the Lib Dems doing stuff like this before the 2015 election.

I looked up the bedroom tax, doesn't seem like that horrible of an idea. It just means that if you're paying for more space than you use the government won't pay for the extra.

making people move into smaller houses sounds like a great idea until you realize there are no smaller houses available for people to move into

[Dejanic]

I looked up the bedroom tax, doesn't seem like that horrible of an idea. It just means that if you're paying for more space than you use the government won't pay for the extra.

making people move into smaller houses sounds like a great idea until you realize there are no smaller houses available for people to move into

And this, council homes don't grow on trees, and the Con/Lib government certainly doesn't give a rats ass about providing more of them.

Hence why more often than not, people are forced out of their homes due to the bedroom tax and then transition into the extortionately expensive private rented sector, which then causes the tax payer to fork even more money out to pay for these individuals benefits.

[Geilinor]

I looked up the bedroom tax, doesn't seem like that horrible of an idea. It just means that if you're paying for more space than you use the government won't pay for the extra.

The bedroom tax disproportionally hurts the poor, which is the last group we should be attacking to mend the economy. Though the tax doesn't even work economically, as it pushes some families out of council homes and into very expensive private rented accommodation, which actually increases the cost to the average tax payer.

This is our generations poll tax, and it must be crushed.

They don't have to move out of council homes, they have the option to move into a smaller one. http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/social_housing/transfers_and_exchanges/exchanges Or they can receive payments to help them stay in their home. http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/changes_to_housing_benefit/discretionary_housing_payments

[Dejanic]

The bedroom tax disproportionally hurts the poor, which is the last group we should be attacking to mend the economy. Though the tax doesn't even work economically, as it pushes some families out of council homes and into very expensive private rented accommodation, which actually increases the cost to the average tax payer.

This is our generations poll tax, and it must be crushed.

They don't have to move out of council homes, they have the option to move into a smaller one. http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/social_housing/transfers_and_exchanges/exchanges Or they can receive payments to help them stay in their home. http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/changes_to_housing_benefit/discretionary_housing_payments

You don't need to teach me about the bedroom tax, I live in this country.

The social housing transfers very rarely if ever happen as the social housing sector in this country is largely dead, and the "payments" you can receive also don't happen, otherwise there wouldn't be a tax in the first place. Why would the government tax people yet give the people they're taxing money to pay the tax, it then wouldn't be a tax...and we wouldn't have so many of the poorest of society in this country being forced out of their homes due to a lack of funds, due to the fact that they can't afford this bedroom tax.

The vast majority of people either stay in their homes and struggle to afford basic goods, or once again, move into the private rented housing sector, which hurts the tax payer. Nobody wins.

[Atlanticatia]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-for-eu-referendum-bill-collapses-amid-bitter-coalition-row-9824413.html

It looks like the Tories proposed bill that would of enshrined a legally binding obligation for the next government to hold an EU referendum during 2017 has collapsed, thanks to the Lib Dems largely opposing the bill, as the Lib Dems want reform of the "bedroom tax" as their price for support.

Whilst it could be seen as a fairly petty thing to do, I do hold a tiny bit of respect for the Lib Dems for actually (for once) standing up for their principles and opposing the disastrous bedroom tax.

I think we may see a lot more of the Lib Dems doing stuff like this before the 2015 election.

I looked up the bedroom tax, doesn't seem like that horrible of an idea. It just means that if you're paying for more space than you use the government won't pay for the extra.

Mainly because it's just unnecessary, paternalistic, and hurts people who are already hurting. I can understand limiting housing benefit for renters because it's much easier to choose where you live etc with that, and tenancies aren't permanent, but a council house is much different because you (generally) cannot be evicted, regardless of your circumstances. So it's sort of akin to going up to someone who's been living in their home for 10 years and saying "okay, get out and leave your home/area and uproot your family, or pay this huge tax for having a spare room".

[Olerand]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-for-eu-referendum-bill-collapses-amid-bitter-coalition-row-9824413.html

It looks like the Tories proposed bill that would of enshrined a legally binding obligation for the next government to hold an EU referendum during 2017 has collapsed, thanks to the Lib Dems largely opposing the bill, as the Lib Dems want reform of the "bedroom tax" as their price for support.

Whilst it could be seen as a fairly petty thing to do, I do hold a tiny bit of respect for the Lib Dems for actually (for once) standing up for their principles and opposing the disastrous bedroom tax.

I think we may see a lot more of the Lib Dems doing stuff like this before the 2015 election.

I sincerely hope they pass this law. We can finally see an end to this damn argument once and for all.

[Salandriagado]

A small proportion, in comparison to the staffs of major companies.

Then the EU should do the currency printing for you, and the fact that they aren't is their mistake.

1- Small or otherwise, that is still a loss for the nation and its workforce.
And who knows, with the booming technology of the modern era, no one knows what can come next.

Meh, not relevant on a national scale. It's not like competition is inherently bad for those who participate in it, anyway.

2- Yes, well, meanwhile, we exist in the real world where such a thing is not/will not occur and we have to deal with it thus.

If you think it should happen, either go and do something about it - stand for the relevant office, or support a candidate who agrees with you, for example - or accept that you don't really care that much.

[Olerand]

1- Meh, not relevant on a national scale. It's not like competition is inherently bad for those who participate in it, anyway.

2- If you think it should happen, either go and do something about it - stand for the relevant office, or support a candidate who agrees with you, for example - or accept that you don't really care that much.

1- Jobs lost are jobs lost. Small in amount, or a quarter of the workforce; still jobs, and wealth, lost.
Competition isn't bad. But it means there is a loser. Us.

2- I care very much. However, none of the mainstream parties offer this. Not the UMP(EPP), or PS(PES), or EELV(Greens/EFA) or UDI(ALDE).

So, I make do with the realities of the world. Shocking, I know. Perhaps you believe I should start my own political party and somehow overpower the other parties, otherwise I simply "don't really care that much".

[Salandriagado]

1- Meh, not relevant on a national scale. It's not like competition is inherently bad for those who participate in it, anyway.

2- If you think it should happen, either go and do something about it - stand for the relevant office, or support a candidate who agrees with you, for example - or accept that you don't really care that much.

1- Jobs lost are jobs lost. Small in amount, or a quarter of the workforce; still jobs, and wealth, lost.
Competition isn't bad. But it means there is a loser. Us.

Nah. Those fields that are relevant are the kind of thing where the competition isn't on cost. The rest is the sort of low-level stuff that is inevitably going to be dropped from our workforce entirely as technology increases and our population shrinks.

2- I care very much. However, none of the mainstream parties offer this. Not the UMP(EPP), or PS(PES), or EELV(Greens/EFA) or UDI(ALDE).

So, I make do with the realities of the world. Shocking, I know. Perhaps you believe I should start my own political party and somehow overpower the other parties, otherwise I simply "don't really care that much".

Stand for office. If you don't succeed, then your opinion is not in sync with the majority of the population, and democracy will produce the correct result. If you don't like that, move, or campaign better.

[Olerand]

1- Nah. Those fields that are relevant are the kind of thing where the competition isn't on cost. The rest is the sort of low-level stuff that is inevitably going to be dropped from our workforce entirely as technology increases and our population shrinks.

2- Stand for office. If you don't succeed, then your opinion is not in sync with the majority of the population, and democracy will produce the correct result. If you don't like that, move, or campaign better.

1- All jobs lost are jobs lost, and wealth lost too. If they are "small" or "irrelevant" does not matter. They are potential wealth gone.

2- Considering that I am currently in university, and thus cannot stand for office for anything other than my municipality at the moment, that option is out.

And I know for a fact my opinion is the majority opinion. Numerous polls have been released that showed the French people are disappointed in Europe and would rather see a European stimulus.

Our political parties are unresponsive however. Surely, you know that political parties sometimes, for whatever reason, don't offer what the people want, right?

[Dejanic]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/po ... 28786.html

Seems like Labour is Scotland is getting hammered. Whilst I respect the Scottish electorate, this may be a bad move on their part as it's now very possible we're going to get 5 more years of Tory rule, unless of course Labour and the Snp go into some form of a coalition.

The funny thing is that if Labour manage to at the very least close the gap with the Tories in terms of seats (which will almost certainly happen), then the Lib Dems might actually end up being the play maker again, even though the party certainly doesn't deserve such a position.

[Our Governator]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-faces-prospect-of-losing-more-than-30-seats-in-scotland-at-the-next-election-poll-reveals-9828786.html

Seems like Labour is Scotland is getting hammered. Whilst I respect the Scottish electorate, this may be a bad move on their part as it's now very possible we're going to get 5 more years of Tory rule, unless of course Labour and the Snp go into some form of a coalition.

The funny thing is that if Labour manage to at the very least close the gap with the Tories in terms of seats (which will almost certainly happen), then the Lib Dems might actually end up being the play maker again, even though the party certainly doesn't deserve such a position.

Why all the hate for the LibDems?

[Alyakia]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-faces-prospect-of-losing-more-than-30-seats-in-scotland-at-the-next-election-poll-reveals-9828786.html

Seems like Labour is Scotland is getting hammered. Whilst I respect the Scottish electorate, this may be a bad move on their part as it's now very possible we're going to get 5 more years of Tory rule, unless of course Labour and the Snp go into some form of a coalition.

The funny thing is that if Labour manage to at the very least close the gap with the Tories in terms of seats (which will almost certainly happen), then the Lib Dems might actually end up being the play maker again, even though the party certainly doesn't deserve such a position.

Why all the hate for the LibDems?

they made a coalition with the tories then broke several of their promises. they're about as popular as syphilis.

[The UK in Exile]

Why all the hate for the LibDems?

they made a coalition with the tories then broke several of their promises. they're about as popular as syphilis.

Which is what happens when you get in bed with the Tories.

[Our Governator]

Why all the hate for the LibDems?

they made a coalition with the tories then broke several of their promises. they're about as popular as syphilis.

That's hilarious!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTLR8R9JXz4

[Sebastianbourg]

they made a coalition with the tories then broke several of their promises. they're about as popular as syphilis.

Which is what happens when you get in bed with the Tories.

I thought the Tories gave you Chlamydia not syphilis.

[Espresso and Insanity]

Why all the hate for the LibDems?

they made a coalition with the tories then broke several of their promises. they're about as popular as syphilis.

Still more popular than Abbott...

[Martean]

SNP 29% ahead Labour in Scotland

[Respawn]

SNP 29% ahead Labour in Scotland

(Image)

Times/YouGov Scotland: How much do you trust:
Nicola Sturgeon: 48%
Gordon Brown: 37%
Jim Murphy: 24%
David Cameron: 19%
Ed Miliband: 15%

Poor Ed. At this rate, even Thatcher would be outpolling him in Scotland.

[Angleter]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-for-eu-referendum-bill-collapses-amid-bitter-coalition-row-9824413.html

It looks like the Tories proposed bill that would of enshrined a legally binding obligation for the next government to hold an EU referendum during 2017 has collapsed, thanks to the Lib Dems largely opposing the bill, as the Lib Dems want reform of the "bedroom tax" as their price for support.

Whilst it could be seen as a fairly petty thing to do, I do hold a tiny bit of respect for the Lib Dems for actually (for once) standing up for their principles and opposing the disastrous bedroom tax.

Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no, no, no. This has absolutely nothing to do with the 'bedroom tax'. The LibDems have just found the most unpopular Tory policy they could think of (or at least, the most unpopular Tory policy among groups of voters they think they can get on side) and used it as an excuse to kill off an EU referendum. That's how they operate. The overwhelming majority of their policy moves can be explained either from their advancing or protecting one or more of their three overriding causes (European integration, proportional representation, Lords reform), or from their desire to appeal to a specific single-issue/special interest voter group, or both.

Come to think of it, it's also an early Christmas present for UKIP, who can now argue that the Tories sacrificed the EU referendum bill at the altar of the bedroom tax.

I think we may see a lot more of the Lib Dems doing stuff like this before the 2015 election.

Oh, yes.

[The UK in Exile]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/plans-for-eu-referendum-bill-collapses-amid-bitter-coalition-row-9824413.html

It looks like the Tories proposed bill that would of enshrined a legally binding obligation for the next government to hold an EU referendum during 2017 has collapsed, thanks to the Lib Dems largely opposing the bill, as the Lib Dems want reform of the "bedroom tax" as their price for support.

Whilst it could be seen as a fairly petty thing to do, I do hold a tiny bit of respect for the Lib Dems for actually (for once) standing up for their principles and opposing the disastrous bedroom tax.

Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no, no, no. This has absolutely nothing to do with the 'bedroom tax'. The LibDems have just found the most unpopular Tory policy they could think of (or at least, the most unpopular Tory policy among groups of voters they think they can get on side) and used it as an excuse to kill off an EU referendum. That's how they operate. The overwhelming majority of their policy moves can be explained either from their advancing or protecting one or more of their three overriding causes (European integration, proportional representation, Lords reform), or from their desire to appeal to a specific single-issue/special interest voter group, or both.

I think we may see a lot more of the Lib Dems doing stuff like this before the 2015 election.

Oh, yes.

Lets not forget, its a stupid bill and deserves to die.

[Salandriagado]

1- Nah. Those fields that are relevant are the kind of thing where the competition isn't on cost. The rest is the sort of low-level stuff that is inevitably going to be dropped from our workforce entirely as technology increases and our population shrinks.

2- Stand for office. If you don't succeed, then your opinion is not in sync with the majority of the population, and democracy will produce the correct result. If you don't like that, move, or campaign better.

1- All jobs lost are jobs lost, and wealth lost too. If they are "small" or "irrelevant" does not matter. They are potential wealth gone.

Losing jobs does not necessarily reduce wealth. What matters is whether more productivity is generated by the new, smaller workforce - and at present, that is very much the case.

2- Considering that I am currently in university, and thus cannot stand for office for anything other than my municipality at the moment, that option is out.

On the contrary, you entirely can (unless there are age restrictions or such that I'm not aware of): it might be difficult and risky, but you certainly can. See also the other option I suggested.

And I know for a fact my opinion is the majority opinion. Numerous polls have been released that showed the French people are disappointed in Europe and would rather see a European stimulus.

That's not the same thing.

Our political parties are unresponsive however. Surely, you know that political parties sometimes, for whatever reason, don't offer what the people want, right?

Sure. If the people actually want it enough, they'll do something about it.