Gransnet forums

News & politics

Anarchy in the UK? When politicians ignore the electorate.

(166 Posts)
Day6 Sat 26-Jan-19 21:15:53

To quote the Sex Pistols.

We Brits tend to be a mild mannered bunch, unlike the French, many of whom are now sporting yellow vests and protesting in large numbers regarding Macron's political decisions. He has failed the public, and they don't like it.

Our politicians, not all of them, but many of them, are attempting to thwart democracy in stopping Brexit or finding ways to tie us to Brussels indefinitely. Many represent people who voted - overwhelmingly in their constituencies - to leave the EU, but it does not seem to concern them. and they are doing their utmost to keep us tied to Brussels.

From the article

With the rise of the new political classes, a different political dynamic is emerging.

Drawn from similar backgrounds (often middle-class, university educated, with little prior career experience outside politics itself), members of parliament increasingly sound alike, think alike and act alike

The evolution of a monochrome political establishment is producing a radical disconnect, which the Brexit denouement is throwing into stark relief.

What we appear to be witnessing is the corrupt mutation of the notion of the representation of the people in parliament, into _the substitution of the will of the people by the interests of the political class_

*We're entering the realms, no less, of state capture*"

It makes for very interesting, and disturbing reading, whether you are a Leaver or Remainer.

It's written by Professor David Betz is Professor of War in the Modern World, Department of War Studies, King’s College, University of London

and

Professor Michael Rainsborough is Professor of Strategic Theory, and Head of the Department of War Studies, King’s College, University of London.

Their argument is, "for many years now, governments, along with a significant fraction of the population, have calculated that the bulk of the people can either be kept in a state of apathy or bullied into submission."

Time to don yellow vests in the UK? Or do we roll over and die?

briefingsforbrexit.com/the-british-road-to-dirty-war/

petra Wed 30-Jan-19 20:54:05

jalima
It is becoming rather extreme, isn't it.
I thank you for posting your thoughts on Varian she posts.

Beammeupscottie Wed 30-Jan-19 22:31:12

Varian, I am with you.

Jane10 Thu 31-Jan-19 07:58:33

The people DH overheard last week threatening to take to the streets if they don't get 'their' brexit weren't Tories. He didn't feel it was a threat either!!

Davidhs Thu 31-Jan-19 09:05:39

I hadn’t heard about any violent remainer thugs at all, perhaps I have missed something , to me remainers are all passive. 700,000 passive remainers and nobody took any notice at all, you need passion and violence to get headlines.
Many of many friends are leavers I don’t agree with them, they may well get their way and I will live with the consequences. When they complain about the effects, especially of a “No Deal Brexit”, I will enjoy reminding them of their previous views.
I’m quite confident I will get my fun because nobody is expecting a short term gain and Brexit is going to get the blame for all the ills of the UK for many years.

Nonnie Thu 31-Jan-19 09:59:52

Maizie you said Leavers have associated themselves with some very unpleasant people. I think I would turn that round and say some very unpleasant people have associated themselves with the Leave campaign

I too am horrified that the threat or violence could prevent a legitimate vote. If anything I think it should encourage one, never give in to bullies.

Joelsnan Thu 31-Jan-19 10:35:03

With regard to the OP, it is true that many of our MP's today are career politicians with little or no relevant work and social experiences, often middle class, university graduates. Or they are the old timers with a cushy number both being ignorent or arrogant to the needs and wishes of their constituents.
How to clean out this rats nest is going to be almost impossible due to the way MPs are selected and de selected.
The fear many of the MPs have with regard to leaving the EU (fed up with the term Brexit!!) is that they will have to work a little harder for their generous salaries.

Day6 Thu 31-Jan-19 11:19:06

When they complain about the effects, especially of a “No Deal Brexit”, I will enjoy reminding them of their previous views

I have to smile. Are Remainers natural pessimists?

It seems they imagine we will fall into a hellish abyss once we leave the EU grin

Most realistic Leavers KNOW there will be a period of adjustment when we free ourselves from Brussels shackles, but as a huge trading nation with a stable economy we are likely to have countries from all over the world willing and able to trade with us. We have the 5th largest economy in the world.

Above us USA, China, Japan and Germany.

Why do some people feel that leaving the EU is going to drastically affect that?

It will cause ripples, there will be a period of instability - no one expects any transition to be without problems - but ALL economies fluctuate and they always have.

From Investopedia. January 2019.

The different phases of economic cycles toss economies around the world. However, it’s interesting to see that these top economies don't budge easily from the positions they hold

When compared to the top 20 economies of 1980, 17 are still present on the list which means only three new entrants

In addition to the key players remaining almost the same, the analysis reveals these economies are the engine of growth, commanding majority of the global wealth.*

The nominal GDP of the top 10 economies adds up to about 67% of the world’s economy, while the top 20 economies contribute almost 81%

The future is as bright as it's always been imo - ie: no one has a clue what will happen tomorrow, never mind March 30th 2019 or the years ahead.

Remainers see only doom and gloom ahead, and the UK as some sort of pariah state which is needy of Europe. I see us in a different light. I see the opportunity for growth, expansion and new markets.

I am not belittling the impact of Brexit at all but I get the impression sore-loser-itis will keep the Remain pot bubbling long after this year and it is likely to boil over every single time there is a downturn in the economy. hmm

Look at how much we contribute to the EU. Are we a poor country if we can pour in BILLIONS every year? The EU economy will take a knock when we leave, but so many member states are in financial turmoil already and I am keenly watching what is happening in Italy where EU interference is resented, giving rise to new parties and a defiance of Brussels, which is curbing government spending/budgets.

I see a domino effect once we leave, not a stable EU. I predict others will want to follow us in breaking away. Remainers feel we should be clinging on, trading within EU terms, limits and conditions and shunning huge global markets. And supporting the poorer economies of member states by continuing to give billions every year to the EU project.

Nonnie Thu 31-Jan-19 12:34:32

Day6 that does rather sound as if you are getting your excuses lines up ready for when things don't go well so that you can tell us all it is cyclical. Are you beginning to wonder if some of the experts are right?

No dispute that the £ has lost 20% as a direct result of the Leave vote.

winterwhite Thu 31-Jan-19 12:51:27

I would like to know how long the leavers on this thread think an 'obvious transition period' will last, and how they think those already only 'just about managing' will cope during that time. Or do they not believe that it is the government's responsibility to have this sort of forethought? Or will everything that happens be blamed on Brussels? (Yes?)

Jane10 Thu 31-Jan-19 12:55:47

I voted remain. However, I do think that, in the long run, we'll most likely be OK. If/when we leave there will be problems but they'll be addressed as problems have been in the past.
And breathe - repeat 'all will be well in the best of all possible worlds'. Maybe.

Day6 Thu 31-Jan-19 13:33:02

Day6 that does rather sound as if you are getting your excuses lines up ready for when things don't go well so that you can tell us all it is cyclical.

Well you can think that if you like Nonnie but I assure you that I am not going to join you on the brink of the abyss on March 30th - our first day of freedom.

Yes, I say freedom. Our future will be in our own hands and we are not a weedy little nation which will sink without trace because Brussels isn't holding (tying) our hands and keeping us in check anymore.

I have said in many posts that there is likely to be a bumpy transition - don't we all expect that? Only a fool would predict a smooth exit. It will affect the pound but currency everywhere fluctuates, all the time. You know that.

We will go on and prosper as a nation. Of that I am sure. The UK - 5th largest economy in the world just in case you've forgotten - sound like quite a good investment.

Day6 Thu 31-Jan-19 13:34:36

.....and it does look as if Remainers are desperately hoping all their doom laden forecasts will bear fruit, which I find very sad.

Nonnie Thu 31-Jan-19 13:39:15

Day6 You cannot possibly know that emainers are desperately hoping all their doom laden forecasts will bear fruit, and it is insulting to insinuate that. Please don't suggest you know what I am thinking about March 30th, you have no knowledge of what is happening in my mind and I have never posted anything to give you that impression.

It must be intersting to live as you do, knowing everything, knowing how Brexit will work out, knowing what others are thinking. Don't you find all that responsibility a burden? Or maybe you are on a cloud with the cuckoos?

Lazigirl Thu 31-Jan-19 13:40:12

From what Jeremy Hunt said this morning, it may be that we will not be ready to leave March 29th after all. Too early to dust off the bunting?

Day6 Thu 31-Jan-19 13:40:19

Just an outline of the 5th largest economy in the world, written in January 2019. I didn't understand all of it (economics jargon) but these people do.

From www.investopedia.com/insights/worlds-top-economies/

The World's Top 20 Economies.

5. United Kingdom

Nominal GDP: $2.62 trillion
GDP (PPP): $2.91 trillion

The United Kingdom, with a $2.62 trillion GDP is the fifth-largest economy in the world. When compared in terms of GDP PPP, UK slips to the ninth spot with a GDP (PPP) of $2.91 trillion. It ranks 23rd in terms of GDP per capita which is $39,734.59. Its nominal GDP is estimated at $2.96 trillion during 2018, but its ranking is expected to slide to the seventh spot by 2023 with a GDP of $3.47 trillion.

Starting from 1992 till 2008, the economy of the UK witnessed an uptrend in each quarter. However, it witnessed a decline in its output for consecutive five quarters starting April 2008. The economy shrunk by 6% during these five quarters (between the first quarter of 2008 and the second quarter of 2009) and eventually took five years to grow back to the pre-recession levels, according to data from the Office of National Statistics. The economy of the UK is primarily driven by the services sector which contributes more than 75% of GDP with manufacturing, the second prominent segment followed by agriculture. Although agriculture is not a major contributor to its GDP, 60% of the U.K.’s food needs are produced domestically, even though less than 2% of its labor force is employed in the sector.

Day6 Thu 31-Jan-19 13:43:02

The largest projected growth by 2023 is in China and the USA. No surprises there really.

Day6 Thu 31-Jan-19 13:50:35

I have never posted anything to give you that impression.

But many, many, many other Remainers have forecast a hellish post-EU existance Nonnie - on GN and all over social media, relentlessly. Don't pretend you haven't noticed.

It must be intersting to live as you do, knowing everything, knowing how Brexit will work out, knowing what others are thinking. Don't you find all that responsibility a burden? Or maybe you are on a cloud with the cuckoos?

Nice.

Well, resort to personal insults if you like Nonnie but my forecast bears just as much weight as yours, because as I have said, time and time again, no one can predict the future accurately, in any sphere.

Having read around looking for light in the Brexit gloom over the last two years, I have discovered many economists and academics who are just as hopeful (I said hopeful) for a bright and prosperous future as I am once we leave the EU.

I am just as entitled to my outlook as you are. I prefer hope.

MaizieD Thu 31-Jan-19 14:59:35

Well, Day6, like most Remainers, I prefer experience.

Greta Thu 31-Jan-19 15:06:04

The UK is the 5th largest economy in the world.

This may be comforting to know for some. But how is our money managed? You would think there would be plenty of evidence of our strong performance.

Homelessness, child poverty, food banks, struggling NHS and schools, police cuts, the just about managing...

I don't think we should give ourselves a pat on the back. I think we should hang our heads in shame.

Beammeupscottie Thu 31-Jan-19 16:26:22

Brexiteers live in cloud-cuckoo land. They have the British desease of "Nostalgia". Show me one and I'll show you someone who hankers for the golden days of British Empire, when you could get all you need from the small towns shops; where faces were white and you could get away with paying a pittance to your workers. They are away with the fairies.

Nonnie Thu 31-Jan-19 16:32:52

Day6 Double standards there. You can decide what I am thinking but say Well, resort to personal insults if you like Nonnie. So one rule for the person who knows everything and another one for a mere mortal like me. If you hand it out you should expect people to respond.

Beammeupscottie Thu 31-Jan-19 16:37:22

You know what. I can forgive the unintelligent for voting out, but I can't forgive the well-educated; the well-off; the elderly Tory shire voter.
If I know someone has voted out, I won't have them in my house. They are just Nigel Farage in another guise.

GrannyGravy13 Thu 31-Jan-19 16:41:00

Beammeupscottie,

I voted leave, you do not know the colour of my skin!!!! I have a "foreign daughter in law" and as such one of my grandchildren has a "foreign" passport.

I have never and will never make assumptions on why people voted they way they did, and find it deeply insulting when unsubstantiated assumptions are made by others.

As for "away with the fairies" just another unsubstantiated slur on people you do not know anything about, not very pleasant.

Beammeupscottie Thu 31-Jan-19 16:44:49

Sorry GrannyGravy but we live in awful, disruptive. divisive times.

Nonnie Thu 31-Jan-19 16:46:30

I think that is very hard Beammeup It is a very narrow viewpoint. I think we should all be more open minded and I would welcome a Leaver to my home for a rational debate. In fact I had coffee a couple of weeks ago with someone who has the opposite view to me and we respected each other's opinion.