Should Gransnet be used as a political platform?

Labour MPs dont have a free vote, so I dont get it.

As I understand it there isn't a simple yes or no option, members' views are asked for, so there may have to be a third pile for 'undecideds'.

Soontobe: Are you sure about that? I thought that a free vote or otherwise was still to be decided, with Corbyn currently asking Labour party members what they think, but perhaps you have heard something that I haven't.

I sort of see your point and see mine MamaCaz.

I dont see the point of asking constituents if Labour MPs dont get a free vote.

I am getting confused actually. I thought constituents were being asked on their opinion on bombing Syria. Not whether there should be a free vote. Or are they being asked that as well?

???

Soon, I think that the general consensus is that JC is asking members for Labour MPs / members' opinions on bombing Syria with a view to allowing a free vote if enough of them are in favour of it. That's my interpretation of it, anyway, though I could be wrong.

I can't get your earlier post out of my head - do you really automatically assume that MPs are more intelligent than the rest of us? I find that quite strange, even worrying!

soon, not having a free vote doesn't mean an MP cannot vote against party lines , but there has been be decision yet on a free vote

Sorry - strike out the first 'members' from that last post!

I can't get your earlier post out of my head - do you really automatically assume that MPs are more intelligent than the rest of us? I find that quite strange, even worrying!

I compare them to the average Joe. And yes I believe them to be well above that. The average Joe IQ is 100. 100 is not really that high.

soon, not having a free vote doesn't mean an MP cannot vote against party lines , but there has been be decision yet on a free vote

But there are repercussions aren't there? Though JC seemed to have got away with it. So perhaps in essence, there is always a free vote in the Labour party.

But there are repercussions aren't there? Though JC seemed to have got away with it.

I'm sorry, Soon, I really don't understand what you mean

Well, I have been waiting all day to read of a labour MP resigning, and good heavens, if it isn't Grant Schapps. Stolen the limelight again.

Corbyn's email ends with the question 'should Parliament vote to authorise the bombing of Syria? Let me know your views, if you are able to, by the start of next week'.

I thought that was quite clear and didn't have any difficulty giving a yes or no answer.

Perhaps not every Labour supporter is as sure as you obviously are, petallus.

But what if the answer is 'don't know'?

Well you could tell him just that- that you can see both sides, etc.

I am sure he does not have the time to read all replies- he has sent e-mails before asking what questions members want to be asked at Question Time- so I suppose he has staff who go through the e-mails and select those that stand out for him to read and extract basic stats.

Here win Switzerland, we have direct democracy, and 'we the people' are asked to vote again and again on major issues, at local, County and National level. It is a huge responsibility as you have to read up about it a lot to make an informed decision. Sadly this has its problems too, as many don't bother to inform themselves, vote on gut instincts or prejudice, or are swayed by charismatic leaders, the press and other information pushed through their letterbox (in this case the UDC/SVP magazine, the Swiss National Front- full of falsehood and spite against foreigners, for instance).

So what if GN posts are visible to a wider public? It was obvious in the thread being talked about that JessM was stating her own view. The wider public wouldn't conclude that all of GN holds that opinion and they (the wider public) are perfectly able to decide for themselves whether they agree with her and whether they want to contact their MP.
Sorry if I'm boring you, jingls but you haven't made the reason(s) for your objection at all clear, imo.

Could we please have a comment from HQ about whether any guidelines have been broken; if they haven't then this is surely just a personal view.

Jeremy Corbyn is not my MP, granjura

And my MP could be a 'she' and equally undecided about whether or not to vote yes or no.

I don't think jingl was suggesting that any guidelines had been broken.

not mine either roseq- and as we have been out of the UK for over 5 years- we are not entilted to vote anyhow. Does not make me any less interested in what is happening in the UK, as children, GC, family and friends are still there, and we may well go back one day anyhow. But I do like the fact that politicians consult with the members of their parties and constituents- a really refreshing change.

So it's a personal opinion which complains about someone stating a personal opinion ?

Jingl asked a question in her OP. No personal opinion was given nor any criticised.

Ana- Jingl does say later on that she is enraged by the post that she is asking our opinion about. That is a personal opinion. I think she can speak for herself though if I am mistaken.

I'm sure she can. And probably will.

"Sorry if I'm boring you, jingls" (quoting Farnorth)

How did you guess?

night night Mwah!