Lib Dems Opportunity to back democracy

Readers of prior posts will be aware that I am not a great fan of the Liberal Democrats.  If you weren't aware, I apologise if this opening offends you but do read on.

Recently we have heard much from the Lib Dems on the subject of Lib Dem ideas of democracy and particularly how reform of the House of Lords would be a much needed step in the direction of improving the state of democratic accountability, in the UK.

The House of Lords reform has been shelved because, while the Lib Dems, the very junior partner in the governing coalition, want it, the majority Conservatives, don't.

In a blatant act of petulance and hypocrisy the Lib Dems have now said that they won't support the government (of which they are members!) in its adoption of changes proposed by the independent Boundary Commission.  These changes would reduce the number of UK constituencies - so saving money for the beleaguered UK taxpayer and would make the number of voters, in a UK constituency,  broadly equal in number. 

I don't know about you but having all MPs representing an equal number of voters sounds reasonably democratic, to me.  Certainly more so than the current system, which favours the Lib Dems more natural allies on the Left, the Labour Party.

There is always the chance that common sense or decency will prevail and the Lib Dems will take a step back and realise that 'throwing your toys out of the pram' isn't really the best portrayal of a serious political party with any kind of aspirations to play at the top table.  Don't hold your breath though!

This past week does though, give  the Lib Dems a further opportunity to polish their democratic credentials (some providential being must really care for them!).

In two Manchester constituencies, represented by the Lib Dems at Westminster, unofficial plebiscites were held.  The simple question put to voters was around the subject of whether or not a national referendum should be held  on the subject of the UK's continued membership of the European Union. 

The results showed, in both constituencies, that more than 85% of those voting supported the idea of a referendum.  Bear in mind too, that this wasn't some small and possibly unrepresentative polling sample.  No, this was on a turnout of 35% of eligible voters.  More than voted in the recent local elections.

Think about that number again!  35% of voters were actually bothered to pull themselves away from the TV soaps and the Olympics coverage (well done Team GB, by the way) and whatever else they were doing and go out and register their views.

So here is the opportunity for the Lib Dems.  Heed the voice of the people.  Be the first major party (ignore for a moment, your opinion poll position versus that of UKIP) to come out in support of a referendum.  Think what it would do for your standing, among the people.  Your principled stand, to represent the people's wishes, in spite of all your previous blindly slavish following of the profoundly undemocratic EU project will truly demonstrate your democratic credentials.

I hope those that read this blog will forgive my throwing a lifeline to the Lib Dems but I am quite concerned at the unedifying sight of the Lib Dems twisting themselves into knots and contortions while trying to support their hypocritical stance on their version of 'democracy' 




 

Liberal Democrats and Democracy

The depths of hypocrisy within politics never ceases to amaze me.  At my age I should be past surprises but ....  then there's the Lib Dems.

This is the most pro of pro-Europe and EU parties.  To the art of 'bending over backwards and kow-towing' , they have brought such artistry as to make the Cirque Du Soleil seem like amateurs or at best bungling novices.

And yet, their chosen 'line in the sand' , their Yellow (?) line seems to be drawn not on the long overdue reform of the EU and all of its un and anti-democratic institutions but instead on the so called reform of the House of Lords.

Ask yourself or your family or friends - Of these two which body is most in need of 'reform'  the European project or the House of Lords.

Given that the House of Lords is composed of British members who only vote measures affecting Britain and the British, I am more comfortable leaving them as they are.  Democratically elected, no.  Appointed - yes.  Hereditary - yes.  The appearance of democracy is not there at the first glance but for all that, they do represent strands of British society.

Contrast that with any of the European organisations - European Parliament?  A toothless, talking shop that can't even decide on a permanent home.  European Commission - not just undemocratic but now increasingly anti-democratic whose blind devotion to the 'project' is enslaving many Europeans, particularly in Spain, Italy and Greece to severe hardship simply so that they can push the belief that the Euro and the whole project of European integration is needed to avert the wars that have historically ravaged Europe and it's people.   

Consider also the President of Europe - Herman van Rompuy - think back to when you were given the chance to vote for this non-entity.  OK, stop racking your brains, you weren't asked.  His appointment (because that is how things are done in Euro-lalaLand) is the typical product of the power process.  Couldn't be a German - think about  the headlines! - Couldn't be a Brit - seen as on the edge and not always fully committed to the 'project' (though this fails to appreciate how quickly Brits 'go native') .  Couldn't be French - they basically run (or is that mis-run) the administration anyway plus, they're French!  Couldn't be Italian - come on, it just couldn't.  So we then trawl around the small countries and end up with Herman!

So think about the forgoing and ask yourself why is this not the burning issue for the Lib Dems.  The one that causes them to nail their colours to the mast and tell the Conservatives 'either we have root and branch reform of the EU or we bring down the coalition'.

My view?   The Lib Dems are anti-British (look at the' out of proportion' support they get from the BBC) and are quite happy for the Euro shambles to continue because like the unattractive people at a party, they think that at the 'Euro party' they will get picked up and someone will admire them, whereas, at a 'UK party', they are seen for what they are.  In the UK people just leave the party rather than go home with an ugly Lib Dem.  Hopefully you get my drift!?

So as they face political oblivion, the Lib Dems, instead of trying to address issues that affect the people of Britain (those by the way, who currently still have the power to elect MPs), proceed to prattle on about democracy and the democratic deficit while all the time being the most ardent supporters of the most undemocratic of all the institutions.

It would be as laughable as Labour's claim to economic competency and probity or the supposed savagery of the austerity measures, if it wasn't so sad.

Oh!  By the way, their unquestioned support of the EU is in spite of the fact that this organisation has been unable to produce a set of audited accounts for more than 15 years.