The UK political thread (formerly independence thread)

[CharlesDexterWard]

There are times I am glad I live in Scotland as the political situation here is much simpler come election time!

[Metalchemyst]

UKIP being so high is genuinely worrying.

Show us yours then. It was the 60% for Labour that worried me.

[cthulhu]

off of 38 degrees

75% Green
60% Labour
50% UKIP
40% Lib Dem
36% Conservatives

Those are the policies i agree with however i don't think the Greens are living in the real world so wouldn't trust them with the TV remote, Labour will probably win but Milliband doesn't seem like a man who can keep his word, I'd never vote UKIP based on particular policies, Lib Dem don't follow through in westminster on things they themselves proposed and that'd be fine if it was just Clegg doing so...and the conservatives i really don't want more of the same from them.

[houston4044]

Anyone read the Green's plan of a 'citizen's income'? I mean I'm all for being paid for the virtue that I happen to be British but I can see it creating a storm in a teacup

[Jim]

I think Switzerland implemented that, or was planning to.

That is if it's what I'm thinking, that each citizen gets a set minimum cash amount every month, basically a standard living wage, well above the poverty line.

[houston4044]

Can't see it doing much, I imagine inflation will jump once it's implemented making the payment meaningless. Though I am hoping that it becomes a game of political one-upping, an outright payment to everyone? Hopefully spurs parties to offer more to everyone rather than key demographics i.e. the old

[Gandalf the Red]

I'm sure that was one of the Monster Raving Loony Party policies a few years ago.

[Matty_the_Emo_Slayer]

Can't see it doing much, I imagine inflation will jump once it's implemented making the payment meaningless. Though I am hoping that it becomes a game of political one-upping, an outright payment to everyone? Hopefully spurs parties to offer more to everyone rather than key demographics i.e. the old

I can see why demographic targeting happens- easier to please some of the people all the time than all of them some of the time sort of thing. Still, it's a shame none of the parties seem to try and target carers with manifesto promises even though there's nearly half as many of us as there are pensioners. Carer's Allowance is going up in July in fairness but that's to match cost of living. It really ought to be significantly above the minimum living needs given how much strain it take off the NHS.

[Andy (Dr Sin)]

Nicola Sturgeon is a dangerous woman. She's got Millibland in her back pocket.

[keera_envenomed]

I'm sure that was one of the Monster Raving Loony Party policies a few years ago.

They suggested pet passports many years before it became law! Should probably keep an eye on their policies.

[Johnny Tightlips]

UKIP 67%
Welsh Lib Dem 43%
Welsh Conservatives 40%
Plaid Cymru 40%

Genuinely surprised to see Lib Dem that high up!

[Johnny Tightlips]

May as well keep this in here as its political in nature - I'm curious to find out everyones views on the "pension freedom" policies that came into force this week. What do you think of them? Is it a good idea to let people have total access to their pensions? Or do you think they will just squander them?

[keera_envenomed]

May as well keep this in here as its political in nature - I'm curious to find out everyones views on the "pension freedom" policies that came into force this week. What do you think of them? Is it a good idea to let people have total access to their pensions? Or do you think they will just squander them?

People probably will squander them but that's their own daft fault really.

[Andy (Dr Sin)]

People should be allowed to do what they want with their pension, it's their money.

[Johnny Tightlips]

May as well keep this in here as its political in nature - I'm curious to find out everyones views on the "pension freedom" policies that came into force this week. What do you think of them? Is it a good idea to let people have total access to their pensions? Or do you think they will just squander them?

People probably will squander them but that's their own daft fault really.

And I have no doubt the government will be happy considering the amount of income tax they'll get with people doing that.