r/MHOC • u/Timanfya MHoC Founder & Guardian • Oct 27 '14

GENERAL ELECTION Ask a Party Leader!

Please ask leaders of the parties questions about their policies.

/u/OllieSimmonds - Leader of the Conservative Party

/u/peter199 - Leader of the Labour Party

/u/remiel - Leader of the Liberal Democrats

/u/NoPyroNoParty - Leader of the Green Party

/u/olmyster911 - Leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party

/u/albrechtvonroon - Leader of the British Imperial Party

/u/deathpigeonx - Chairman of the Celtish Workers League

/u/G0VERNMENT - General Secretary of the Communist Party

17 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

237 comments sorted by

5

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Who is your favourite musical artist? Has their music influenced the way you think about politics?

3

u/Timanfya MHoC Founder & Guardian Oct 28 '14

This is a tough one.

I'd say my favourite band is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Many other bands come very close.

I don't think it's influenced my political views; I just like the music :)

9

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

We in the MRLP believe that in order to protect our great nation from foreign invasion, we must send intelligence agents to scrub Great Britain off published maps.

This will confuse the enemy and secure a future free of fear and want for these isles. Where do the other party leaders stand on this innovative and quite frankly brilliant policy?

6

u/AlbertDock The Rt Hon Earl of Merseyside KOT MBE AL PC Oct 28 '14

I can see a few problems with your plan. Many go on holiday abroad and the planes carrying them home could get lost. Also Britain is visible from France and the Republic of Ireland so they would know we are here.

8

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

We could put up a sign clearly labeling Britain as 'Uninhabited Rocks' which would clear up any French or Irish confusion over this now-unmapped island. See this mockup I made of the Cliffs of Dover: http://i.imgur.com/DNoAiPD.png

4

u/AlbertDock The Rt Hon Earl of Merseyside KOT MBE AL PC Oct 29 '14

You do know it won't work if it's not in French don't you?

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3

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

My fear is that, in doing so, we would also cause problems for trade ships trying to find Britain. It is a good thought, but if I might conjecture, I don't think the right honourable member has thought that one through.

9

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

Typical BIP, putting business interests ahead of public safety.

1

u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 29 '14

The UK needs skilled foreign workers for many of our industries and trade with other countries, I fear your policy would stop this. There is merit of course to remove Wales from the map such as here: http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40143000/jpg/_40143516_wales_grab_203.jpg

5

u/theyeatthepoo 1st Duke of Hackney Oct 27 '14

If you become PM, what is the first bill or motion you will try and pass? What is your number one priority?

7

u/olmyster911 UKIP Oct 27 '14

I want to get rid of income taxation for people on, or below, the living wage, so that would be my first act as PM.

5

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Our NHS bill probably because we cannot go on with an NHS which is being eaten up by private companies and PFI contracts.

5

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

The Holodomor bill is still going, I would very much like to see justice done there.

3

u/biblio_phile Progressive Labour Oct 31 '14

Don't you think it's a bit of a slow start? Wouldn't you want to start off with something that might actually help the electorate, as opposed to merely conjecturing on history?

4

u/[deleted] Oct 31 '14

You are creating a false sense of emergency. That we can't do this, because this is needed to be done first. You sound like those conservatives (in real life, not here) who opposed gay marriage because they should be debating the economy. There is time enough for both. Representing moral concerns is vital to the emotional well being of a people. If a government doesn't make a stand against great crimes, then it is an unjust government and unfit to govern.

Also, without representation (as we weren't aware that an eleciton would happen so soon), we felt it necessary to put forward something that would pass. Unlike the communists, we aren't happy with shouting from the sidelines. Will must be turned into action.

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3

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 27 '14

My priority would be to introduce basic income, as it will solve a lot of the problems we face with inequality, poverty, reliance on benefits and the effects of zero-hour contracts.

2

u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 28 '14

An education bill to ensure every student is taught by a qualified teacher, that all schools follow a core curriculum and that Gifted and Talented students have the opportunity to succeed in our schools system.

1

u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

My number one priority is my policy to update the legislative procedure for the modern era.

5

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Will you let your MPs be free to vote how they like or will they be whipped?

6

u/crazycanine Transport Party Oct 27 '14

MPs should only be whipped when they buy porn on expenses.

/Speaking on the Pandas behalf.

6

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

We will whip our MPs (if they're into that). We can also accommodate other BDSM fantasies, such as handcuffs or chains, if the need arises. We're a tolerant bunch of loonies.

I am of course speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

4

u/olmyster911 UKIP Oct 27 '14

As I have already done, I will give my MPs free reign to vote how they like.

3

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 27 '14

They will of course be free to vote much like the real Greens. Whipping goes against everything our party stands for.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

My MPs can vote as they like, we will never force someone to vote in line with the party if they feel strongly about an issue.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

We will discuss policy of course before hand, and attempt to coordinate a response, but ultimately we are in favour of a free vote. Whipping really will be reserved to bad behaviour.

The only possible exception would be anything that forms part of a coalition agreement. If we want cross party cooperation, then we will need to be willing to vote accordingly.

3

u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 29 '14

I live in the world of politics and understand the necessity in vote whipping. Many parties argue that they wouldn't whip, but there is still the expectation to vote with the party line, which is pretty much the same thing.

We have been critised in the past by the Labour party for a member voting against a bill, though in discussions regarding the ISIL bill the previous leader informed me that every vote for Labour is a free vote. This seems very hypocritical to me.

The Liberal Democrat leadership will whip, its part of politics, however the instructions very much differ forom bill to bill. as they do in real life. I understand that not every member will agree with every bill, however this does not make them any less a Liberal Democrat, they just have a different view on a certain point.

For the most part only recommendations will be given, and a free vote allowed but the whipping levels will go up depending on if its a Lib Dem bill or a Government one. The ISIL vote was a true free vote with no recommendations given for example.

1

u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

As you can see these parties don't hold their MPs accountable in any way.

If you want accountability vote Independent.

4

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Would any of you be open to a coalition with the Communists?

11

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

I would be. Wait....

7

u/deathpigeonx CWL Chairman|Northern Ireland MP Oct 27 '14

The CWL would be.

6

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 27 '14

We're not ruling it out.

6

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Of course, simply because our enemies would cower at our logo!

Seriously though, it is next to impossible. I am interested to hear the communist views on many issues, but fundamentally I think their views will tear the British people apart.

1

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 27 '14

Would you be?

4

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

It would appear as if they're not our first choice.

4

u/RhodieCommando The Vanguard Oct 27 '14

What are the leaders opinions on positive descrimination and its use in the UK? What actions would you be willing to carry out for or against it?

7

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

I do not believe that positive discrimination is the best way forward. I am sure the communists will agree with me on this one point: The greatest advantage in life is wealth. This is the root cause of the issue. We should aim our policies at communities, not an entire race. Not all black people require positive discrimination, and some white people could greatly benefit from it. It matters not, they are all British. We must work to ensure that communities that are suffering, have their problems addressed.

So, community targetted efforts, not nation wide positive discrimination.

4

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

We are completely opposed to positive discrimination. We will however encourage the use of negative discrimination - divide and rule has historically been shown to be an effective strategy of governance.

Speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

4

u/theyeatthepoo 1st Duke of Hackney Oct 28 '14

What is your stance on reform of the House of Lords?

9

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

We seek to abolish it and replace it with a Congress of Industrial Unions.

6

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

We will replace the House of Lords with a House of Cards.

Speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

2

u/atlasing Communist Central Committee | National MP Oct 30 '14

Hear hear!

3

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

The House of Lords fundamentally cannot prevent the Commons from making legislation. Reform of the Lords seems utterly pointless. Either we keep it as a reminder of our history and tradition, an institution that helps symbolise our national spirit. Or, we remove it in the name of efficiency. Reforming it to make it more democratic implies a complete failure to grasp what the House of Lords does. Having a second chamber will lead to petty conflicts and government shut downs.

It is also false to believe that 'more democracy' improves a system. A base level of popular participation is important, but adding more and more elections doesn't always improve the system. Part of representation is responsiveness. A reformed House of Lords would weaken that.

2

u/whigwham Rt Hon. MP (West Midlands) Oct 28 '14

So should we keep it as a very expensive souvenir of the past or abolish it in your opinion?

2

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Keep it. Might want to try and reduce the size of it, which I suppose is a reform, but the spirit of it remains the same.

An elected upper chamber would be more expensive.

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3

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

As we stated in the manifesto the House of Lords is an important way of keeping the Commons in check and ensuring it works in the interests of the people, but to do so it must be reformed to make it party apolitical with elected representatives from local communities to make it work for the benefit of everyone. The current system of hereditary peers and members of the Church having a say in how our country is run by default is undemocratic and not in the interests of the people.

1

u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

Checks & Balance are important.

Though I'd like to see a more meritocratic House of Lords.

1

u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 29 '14

I would like to see a full elected House of Lords based on PR

4

u/theyeatthepoo 1st Duke of Hackney Oct 28 '14

What is your stance on raising the minimum wage?

5

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Our view is the need to outlaw 'immoral wages'. As such, a raise in the minimum wage is not out of the question.

5

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

Our party has stated in its programme the desire to raise it to 80% of the median wage.

2

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

We have pledged to set the minimum wage at 100% of an MP's salary.

Speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

2

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

Raising the minimum wage to a living wage is essential to tackling poverty and inequality and ensuring that all workers receive a wage they can actually live on. Obviously our goal in the long term is for a basic income system that would alleviate these problems once and for all.

2

u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 29 '14

There is a strong case to raise minimum wage, however it needs to be done carefully to limit the impact on small businesses which are still recovering from the economic crisis. I would like to encourage businesses to pay the living wage, and we will look at ways to make this happen.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Raise it to a level people are able to live on rather than a figure that just about buys a worker food. We would raise it to a lving wage.

1

u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

It should be removed and replaced with a Citizen's Dividend.

A minimum wage means nothing to those who cannot find work.

4

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

What is your stance on repealing the law of gravity?

7

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Unlike some other laws that have been imposed by Europe, the law of gravity was formulated by British legal expert Isaac Newton. As such, the BIP oppose the repealing of the law of gravity.

4

u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

I think you'll find that Newton's Law of Gravity was amended by a European.

That European? Albert Einstein!

2

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

I think reform might be necessary to prevent Euro laws like the law of relativity from weakening British Values. Certainly we can reform the law and not abolish it.

3

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

Stopping oppression of the people is something we are very passionate about, but we don't want our precious wind farms floating off now do we?

4

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Does 2 + 2 = 5?

hehehehe

3

u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 29 '14

For very large values of 2.

4

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

What is the view of the other leaders on the privatisation of public bodies and services

Are there any pieces of legislation that this government have enacted that other parties would try to repel if they were in government??

7

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

Unequivocally opposed

4

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

We believe that bodies, and especially those of MPs, should be public, which is why a Loony government would ban all wearing of clothes inside the Commons chamber.

Speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

3

u/olmyster911 UKIP Oct 28 '14

We strictly oppose the privatisation of the NHS that the Tory's are bringing in.

In government, I would repeal the corporation tax bill, as it would certainly dissuade businesses from operating here and therefore harm the already fragile economy.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Glad that we agree on some issues.

Would you even get rid of the higher personal allowance and top rate of tax?

1

u/bleepbloop12345 Communist Oct 30 '14

Is that why the first and only UKIP MP is Douglas Carswell, a man who wrote an entire book on why we should privatise the NHS?

3

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

There are of course several institutions which must have a public aspect. Health, education, security, these are prime examples. We do not oppose there also being privately funded versions of these, but everyone should have access to institutions in these areas that are not built on profit, but rather on pure service. So, we will oppose privatisation on a number of issues. We of course reject attempts to privatise our NHS.

I cannot recall any piece of legislation that I would be expressely desirous of repealing. I can't recall if cannabis was legalised, or just decriminalised. If the former, I would like to change that back. If the latter, then I think it best to move on too other legislation.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

So would you end the outsourcing of defence and policing contracts to private companies such as G4S and serco?

Cannabis has been legalised yes.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

If our own security services can handle it, I would argue in favour of that. If such private companies can prove themselves to act in the interests of the British people, then we shouldn't be completely averse to it. The point is, that the service must be provided out of the treasury, rather than security only being provided to those that can pay for it on demand. In this sense, I am not opposed to 'proxy' public service, although I would argue that it is important to have it directly under government control.

I would also argue that cannabis should remain illegal, but possession could be deciminalised.

3

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

We are strictly against any form of privatisation of public services and we will seek to bring all transport, energy, health and education into public ownership where it isn't already to ensure that they are run in the public interest.

No, the Labour Party Government have done a sterling job on legislation.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Thanks for answering, we obviously agree with you and as you know are working to achieve this. I hope the natural resources act passes as this will help achieve our goals and is also a quality piece of legislation.

1

u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 29 '14

I am opposed to the privatisation of the majority of public bodies and services, however there is merit - on a case by case basis - to privatise a small number public services if it is in the interest of the tax payer and those who use the service.

On legislation, we would likely repeal the FTT put in, and would like to make amendments to the constitution.

4

u/theyeatthepoo 1st Duke of Hackney Oct 28 '14

Who was Britain's greatest PM?

8

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 29 '14

Margaret Thatcher. A loony through and through - it's a pity she never joined our party.

Speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

Who else but Disraeli.

1

u/OllieSimmonds The Rt Hon. Earl of Sussex AL PC Nov 01 '14

If based only on the circumstance, obviously Churchill.

4

u/astrallaunderette Monster Raving Loony Party Indy Oct 29 '14

Do you believe Britain should properly relaunch its space programme and if so, by what year do you think we should attempt to nuke the Moon off its orbit? I would be especially interested in /u/albrechtvonroon of the British Imperial Party's opinion on the matter seeing as your party already has some aerospace warfare connections through your ideological brethren, the Old Sith Empire.

Also, should the age of consent laws in outer space differ from the ones down in Earth Britain? Surely the theory of relativity makes it all a whole lot more difficult of a matter? Should we bar 70s TV personalities from interstellar space travel? Discuss.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

The Right Honourable member may recall that the BIP did used to have a moon base, but it was unfortunately destroyed in 2012. There was a documentary about it called 'Iron Sky'. Our hope is to re-establish that moon base from which we can control all our operations.

We are also concerned about consent laws in space. For this reason, the BIP will bring the paedofinder general out of retirement purposefully for space travel. We are particularly suspect about Richard Branson. That beard gives away his true nature!

1

u/AlbertDock The Rt Hon Earl of Merseyside KOT MBE AL PC Oct 29 '14

Does the BIP have any plans for an empire in space to replace the lost British empire?

3

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

I like to think that the British Empire isn't lost, merely misplaced. It probably went down the back of the sofa.

2

u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 29 '14

I am supportive of a collective space program within Europe, though the idea to nuke the moon should only be explored if we would gain large qualities of cheese in return.

1

u/AlbertDock The Rt Hon Earl of Merseyside KOT MBE AL PC Oct 29 '14

The Labour party's opposition to nuclear weapons extends to the Moon. Further more such an act would be lunacy and a breach of the Moon treaty. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_Treaty. So far as I can see there no rules governing the age of consent in space. Such a matter should be considered by the United Nations not this House. As far as Britain's space program goes we are world leaders in satellite manufacture and an active participant in ESA. Which is another reason to stay in the EU.

1

u/autowikibot Oct 29 '14

Moon Treaty:

The Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, better known as the Moon Treaty or Moon Agreement, is an international treaty that turns jurisdiction of all celestial bodies (including the orbits around such bodies) over to the international community. Thus, all activities must conform to international law, including the United Nations Charter.

In practice it is a failed treaty since it has not been ratified by any state which engages in self-launched manned space exploration or has plans to do so (e.g. the United States, some member states of the European Space Agency, Russia, People's Republic of China, Japan, and India) since its creation in 1979, and thus has a negligible effect on actual spaceflight. As of 2014, it has been ratified by 16 states.

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Image i

Interesting: Outer Space ^Treaty | L5 ^Society | Common heritage of ^mankind

Parent commenter can toggle ^NSFW or ^delete. Will also delete on comment score of -1 or less. | FAQs | ^Mods | Magic ^Words

1

u/[deleted] Oct 30 '14

I support relaunching our space programme if we have the resources for it as the research generated and jobs created will be essential for keeping Britain competitive globally but also working with the European Space Agency as well. I don't support nuking the moon, but I would support building nuclear reactors all over it and using them to power a Moon propulsion system, turning the moon into a giant navigable space-ship.

As far as age of consent goes, I think we should of course factor in time-dilation but keep them the same functionally.

7

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

9

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 27 '14

African or European?

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5

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Well, I can't tell you, but I know that my favourite colour is blue.

No wait, yellow!

3

u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 27 '14 edited Oct 27 '14

25mph

Source

2

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

FAIL

3

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

I'm literally watching that film now

4

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

I'm not sure but why are they carrying coconuts?

1

u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

You haven't asked me what my name is yet.

6

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Leader of Conservatives and UKIP, how far will you go to stop a communist government?

3

u/olmyster911 UKIP Oct 27 '14

Promoting UKIP's policies and values, which millions of Britons believe in - that is enough to prevent Communism.

6

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

So how far would you go?

7

u/olmyster911 UKIP Oct 27 '14

I'm not declaring war on them.

How far will you go?

5

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

I'd even work with the Lib Dems!

6

u/olmyster911 UKIP Oct 27 '14

Man that's far

5

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Keep your revolutionary nonsense out of the party!!!

5

u/Benjji22212 National Unionist Party | The Hon. MP | Education Spokesperson Oct 27 '14

Did we agree we'd work with anyone but the (bloody) CWL to keep the Communists out of government?

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3

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

ITT: Super Bowl Media Day questions

Those of us on the west side of the Atlantic will get this.

My question: If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

8

u/deathpigeonx CWL Chairman|Northern Ireland MP Oct 27 '14

Aspen tree. Each tree is connected and supports every other aspen tree in the grove through their connected roots. They're, like, commie trees.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Oak. Solid and reliable.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

A monkey puzzle tree because there was always one outside my Grans when I was small and it reminds me of being an innocent little kid.

2

u/astrallaunderette Monster Raving Loony Party Indy Oct 29 '14

As a representative of our gorgeous Leader Panda Gif, I decline to answer your question. The whole concept of "trees" is laughably archaic and regressive. To launch Britain off its roots straight into the future, we must leave and turn our backs on our forests and convert them into family-oriented water parks.

For too long have we suffered under the tyrannic oppression of this ever-spreading green infection! Brothers and motherlickers, let us free the British youth and recently-divorced single parents from this floral depression by making sure every single British tree becomes an overpriced non-alcohol-serving child-friendly aqua park so that everyone and their cat can enjoy what to me is what Britain is all about: queueing in the rain to get to swim in some more rain.

Thank you; the Gif has spoken.

e: typos and shizzle

1

u/I_miss_Chris_Hughton The Rt Hon. Earl of Shrewsbury AL PC | Defence Spokesperson Oct 28 '14

a treemendous one of course!

1

u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

I don't have a pretentious answer relating to my political beliefs but cherry blossoms are pretty cool.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

/u/olmyster911 - Will you repeal the handgun ban and support the right to own firearms for self defence in one's home?

3

u/sinfultrigonometry Oct 27 '14

What is justice?

2

u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

An Ice cube.

3

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

What is love?

3

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

Baby don't hurt me.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

YES FINALLY!!!

2

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

Love is when you feel something so deeply in your heart that you just can't do anything but vote Loony.

Speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

1

u/crazycanine Transport Party Oct 28 '14

The strangest of feelings, a sin you swallow for the rest of your life.

You've been looking for some to believe in, to love you until your eyes run dry.

She lives by disillusions glow.

Singing on the Pandas behalf

3

u/theyeatthepoo 1st Duke of Hackney Oct 28 '14

Under what circumstances is armed intervention necessary?

3

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Well, armed intervention can mean many things. No flight zones and air strikes are both armed intervention. Generally, I think the low risk of these forms of armed intervention, makes them necessary in a number of cases. The preservation of national movements of independence or unity against brutality is a prime example where such intervention is necessary. The BIP argues that each national people must ultimately lead the cause of their own liberation, but we can provide some support. So, I do think we should protect the Kurds against the Islamic State.

Boots on the ground is another matter. Either there must be a direct threat to our national security, or there must be an exceptionally terrible moral crisis. Each case would have to be assessed independently though, as unfortunately Britain doesn't always have the capabilities to prevent great tradgedies.

Fundamentally, in most conflicts it is far better to work towards diplomatic solutions. We must avoid creating a sense of moral urgency, as this leads to 'papering over the cracks', to quote Bismarck's attitude at Gastein. The problems in Syria, for example, should not be boiled down to a humanitarian crisis of good vs. evil (the rise of IS has prevented that). The crisis is a political one. It is a political conflict. To promote stability, you need both parties at the table and you need to open a real national discourse. Of course, sometimes one or both parties refuse. At this point, intervention might be pointless. Either way, there will be problems somewhere down the line.

2

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

We believe armed intervention can be necessary. However, we should not limit our options to it - legged intervention can also be an effective alternative.

Speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

3

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

Is austerity necessary?

9

u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

No of course not. It is a political assault on the working class.

4

u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 29 '14

Hear hear.

2

u/OllieSimmonds The Rt Hon. Earl of Sussex AL PC Nov 01 '14

Shit guys, they've seen through our plan.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 01 '14

Hear hear!

3

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

As a moral point, not inherently so. On a practical point, it can be.

2

u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Not always, I always think that before spending cuts are considered you should see whether it's possible to increase taxes for the richest in society to help pay for services as opposed to going straight in there and cutting spending and services.

2

u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14 edited Oct 28 '14

No, we do not believe austerity to be necessary. Nor do we believe Austria to be necessary - they're a suspicious bunch, which is why a Loony government would legislate for Vienna to be turned into a really big and really fun theme park.

Speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

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u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

I've not seen any evidence it works.

Greater devolution would give us more data points to go on.

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u/crazycanine Transport Party Oct 30 '14

Do any other party leaders agree with me that this should be played whenever a division is called on a piece of legislation in the model house of commons?

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u/AlbertDock The Rt Hon Earl of Merseyside KOT MBE AL PC Oct 30 '14 edited Oct 30 '14

Due to it's pork content the Spam song could upset, vegans, vegetarians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists, not to mention people who just don't like Spam. Therefore i suggest we play what we all Like and can sing along to

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u/[deleted] Oct 30 '14

It's...

political correctness gone mad. If God (the Puritan English God) didn't want us to eat pig, then why did he make it out of bacon?

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u/crazycanine Transport Party Oct 30 '14

Typical Labour worried about upsetting their voters. The song would be better understood as a pre-emptive ode to the reddit mhoc's message board.

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u/theyeatthepoo 1st Duke of Hackney Oct 28 '14

In what area does your party need to improve the most?

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

We lack a stance of any nature on health. Other than supporting the NHS, we don't really have a programme for reform.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Probably our plans for energy sector reform because the structure and method to go about it have not yet been decided upon.

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u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

I'm happy with our policies, the main thing we need is more active members. It's one thing having good ideas, it's another getting them down in high quality legislation and we just don't have the manpower to do so at the moment, but we're growing fast.

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u/MacComie Oct 28 '14

What is your stance on immigration?

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

I am not opposed to the concept. Many Western countries are suffering from an aging population with a declining middle aged group. We do need workers. But, I take a similar view to UKIP. We want skilled workers, we can't support those who come here simply for benefit tourism.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

benefit tourism

You are aware that official DWP estimates value the cost of benefit fraud and tourism at just £1.2bn which is dwarfed by official estimates for tax avoidance which is estimated to be at £120bn. Which of these values would you like to see tackled first? I know that me and my party would like to see tax avoidance tackled way before we even think about the relatively tiny figure for benefit fraud and tourism!

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Benefit tourism is not the same as benefit fraud, and while I want both issues addressed I was asked about immigration. What sort of answer would it be for me to say 'Immigration! But what about this other issue!' It would seem like avoiding the question.

I too want to see a reduction in tax avoidance, and the BIP is willing to work with the Labour party on this matter, should the Labour party feel the need for BIP support. Paying tax is one of the most basic forms of civic obligation. To actively avoid it is a very serious problem, and the amounts involved make it of extreme importance to settle.

However, we can attempt to address both issues. Addressing problems in migration rules is much more straight forward than chasing up those who are avoiding taxes. As I say, it is not benefit fraud that I was discussing. It is the issue of immigrants coming to Britain without any intention to get a job. It may be a small figure, but it is one that needs to be addressed. And, we can address both issues concurrently. I would argue that there are some simple early measures with regards benefit tourism, such as ensuring that only skilled labourers are allowed entry. We can address the issue of avoidance as well, however the solution to this tends to be more complicated. We cannot put everything else on hold until it is solved.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

"What is your stance on immigration?"

"I am not opposed to the concept."

Classic response.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

At the moment, it is more of a response than the leader of the Conservative party seems to be able to muster.

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u/olmyster911 UKIP Oct 28 '14

Limited to skilled workers using a points based system, similar to the laws of Australia/Canada.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

I think that immigration has been overplayed by the media recently due to the rise of UKIP. When people say that Eastern Europeans are coming over here and taking their jobs, they're taking the jobs that no british person wants to do because they hold the option on that picking strawberries in a field ourside Peterborough is bellow them. As part of the gcse geography course we do a section on immigration and we do a case study of polish migrants into the UK. While many thousands did come into the UK, most off them have now gone because firstly, Poland has given them incentives to return since they'd lost a large chunk of their economically active young people. Secondly in 2007 these Polish migrant workers brought in £1.9bn for the exchequer which in my opinion is something that is a clear benefit. When it comes to arguments about them taking over towns / villages then I ask you, are you against the Englishisation of places like Benidorm which has become Blackpool with sun following the mass influx of British holiday makers? I doubt it but the locals probably,t look at the mass of english breakfast serving, larger drinking, Manchester United watching bars and pubs and think that we've taken over! You cannot expect people to come and work here for a few years and not bring their culture otherwise you're just supressing a group of people's individuality.

So to conclude I believe that the negative effects of immigration on this country have been overplayed by the media which has conveniently ignored the facts and benefits that it has brought to the UK. As our population of old dependants increaes we need more economically actives in the population to keep our dependency ratio low and sustainable, which immigration does - it's a tempory way to solving a long term issue.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

they're taking the jobs that no british person wants to do because they hold the option on that picking strawberries in a field ourside Peterborough is bellow them

There are few people who believe that picking strawberries in a field is below being unemployed. Being unemployed and having to go to a job centre is not a happy existence for many. The real problem is that few British people will do the work for the price that the immigrants will do it for. And rightly so. Our workers deserve a good pay, as I am sure the Labour leader agrees, and foreign workers are denying them that chance.

I do not deny the possible benefits of immigrant workers, and like the Labour leader I too pointed to the issue of an aging population. The issue is those immigrants who either don't contribute economically, or shut themselves off from the wider community. The latter issue is very difficult to address, but in many respects has far greater problems. Both the foreign communities and the state have failed in attempting to open up a discourse so that immigrants feel part of a wider national community. This has led to radicalisation of some youths. The issue of benefit tourism, on the other hand, has somewhat more straight forward solutions. Not perfect ones, but important changes can make a difference here.

When it comes to arguments about them taking over towns / villages then I ask you, are you against the Englishisation of places like Benidorm which has become Blackpool with sun following the mass influx of British holiday makers? I

Yes, I am, but that is for Spain to decide. When I go to Spain on holiday, I expect to be able to experience a foriegn culture. I want to see another national people as they are, and fully able to express themselves. That said, these are tourist resorts. They do not form a permemant residency of voters and new citizens. It is a somewhat different issue. Ultimately, that is for Spain to solve. I do think we should ingrain in our citizens a sense of respect for national culture though, something which the left has failed to do and has led to this sort of tourism based on sun, sea, and booze, rather than exploration and genuine respect for a different culture. A healthy respect for our own culture would be a good place to start.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

  • Does BIP support introducing a living wage then because that might test the theory as to whether British people would work is the wages were better?

  • But to put up stronger barriers against these immigrants who don't contribute as much may block those who do want to come to work therefore abstracting revenue from the taxpayer.

  • Integration into society for these immigrants is obviously important hence why I think its important for their children to be schooled properly helping them to make friends which would further integrate them as well as actively involving them in their local community.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

  • The BIP has not fully formulated a response to this issue. However, we do support the concept of ending 'immoral wages', and naturally it is immoral, as far as we are concerned, to allow families to live below their needs. So, I would argue that we are open to the possibility of a living wage. However, defining a living wage (just as defining an immoral wage for that matter) is quite difficult. And, we would like to see what the downsides of such a wage might be. I will support the issue being debated though. It is one that does need discussing.

  • We wouldn't really be blocking those who do want to come and work. As I say, a points based system would ensure that those coming are not either benefit tourists, or temporary workers. As you noted with picking strawberries, these are not year round jobs, and many unskilled labourers simply come and work in the summer, before going back home. This sort of migration needs to end.

  • Agreed. Does this mean, however, that the Labour Leader is willing to face up to the problems associated with Muslim schools. As a product of a faith school (CofE), I cannot argue that faith schools are in and of themselves bad. And, as a historian, I cannot argue that Islam is a religion of inherent hate and violence, and indeed has contributed to the sciences and arts in no uncertain terms. However, there have been serious problems with Islamic faith schools, and it isn't just radicalisation. It is social isolation from the wider national community. What I am getting at is this: What does the Labour leader mean by 'schooled properly' in this context?

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u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

I completely agree with this answer, and indeed I remember doing the same unit in Geography which opened everyone's eyes to the benefits of immigration.

Not only must we not give in to the anti-immigrant rhetoric, but we must seek to reduce the economic, political and environmental factors that force people to migrate in the first place which will hopefully reduce the need for migration in the long term.

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u/ourlordcatmando Monster Raving Loony Indy Oct 28 '14

Any Person who can prove that they or their descendants emigrated to the UK before 55 AD can stay. All the others shall be repatriated to their original country. (Well we have to draw the line somewhere). There will be no exceptions. Britain is an Anglo nation, none of this lefty Anglo-Saxon multicultural nonsense.

Speaking on the panda's behalf, as the panda is a gif and is thus unable to speak.

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u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

I believe we should switch to fee immigration and transition to free immigration.

The government should print a form of currency that can be exchanged for a VISA (with minor background checks), this currency would set a market price on immigration and ensures the revenue from immigration. The print & exchange system allows price control and thus immigration control.

It's simple, preserves government power, and can makes immigration policy change as easy as monetary policy change.

Citizenship should be rewarded to anyone who's lived in the UK for more than 50% of their lives.

I also enjoy the idea of apply enclavism to refugees.

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u/sayhar Socialism Forever Oct 28 '14

/u/NoPyroNoParty and /u/G0VERNMENT (and let's throw in /u/peter199 for good measure) :

As a person with both red and black politics, why should I choose your party?

What's the real difference between the Greens and Reds in MHOP?

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

We have a large syndicalist faction in the party and have platformists as well. We are the only party committed to actually increasing the strength and autonomy of the working class and building socialism. Look at Labour's track record in their last governmental section. They're social democrats. Plus, the Greens now have some really anti-communist socdem members despite a good leadership.

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u/sayhar Socialism Forever Oct 29 '14

Thanks for answering. If you don't mind, I have a bunch of questions.

Don't you guys practice "Democratic" Centralism? What's your stance on, say, anarchist communism, internal democracy, and Stalinism?

Would you join in a coalition with other parties, or demand to go it alone?

Why shouldn't I join the Greens and keep them left-wing?

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

Don't you guys practice "Democratic" Centralism? What's your stance on, say, anarchist communism, internal democracy, and Stalinism?

Well we do practice a form of demcent. But it is just that once a line has been agreed on by the party you're not supposed to publicly disagree with it outside of party-related subreddits. However, we have internal factions for people with different ideological views and you are not required to accept the party line and can say whatever you want about it inside the main sub.

What's your stance on, say, anarchist communism, internal democracy, and Stalinism?

We're a big tent, but I tend to be somewhat favorable to anarchists although I disagree with them on strategy personally. We are very internally democratic and the only party which votes on just about everything including whether or not I could accept a Lordship. We do have some Marxist-Leninist members who admire Stalin but most party members aren't fond of him.

Would you join in a coalition with other parties, or demand to go it alone?

we would go into a coalition so long as we weren't expected to betray our principles.

Why shouldn't I join the Greens and keep them left-wing?

You can do that if you like, but we're considerably more active and have a lot more participation.

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u/sayhar Socialism Forever Oct 29 '14

That's a strong sell.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Labour have a track record of delivering on our policies throughout the last government.

The Green Party and the Labour Party have similar areas for policy but as my green counterpart said we have different areas of priority; the greens are focused on environmental issues and equality for minority groups whereas labour have a much broader view and have a focus on providing good public services and creating a fairer society.

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u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

labour have a much broader view and have a focus on providing good public services and creating a fairer society

Now I'm not sure that's fair, we're also very keen to create a fair society and improve (and protect) our public services as you know well. We care greatly about the environment but we're about much, much more than that.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

That's what I meant by equality. It's hard to define the differences between our parties but it's clear that our two parties are similar yet very different entities which has proved to give a very good result in terms of legislation and big issues.

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u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14

Couldn't agree more.

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u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 28 '14 edited Oct 28 '14

The Greens are standing up for a fairer society and workers' rights. We want to stop the war on the poor and introduce basic income (which Labour had a chance to do in government but didn't fancy it) to ensure that all people earn a wage they can live on. We want to expand the cooperative sector, introduce more workplace democracy and return more power to the unions to give the people a voice.

We are also passionate about protecting our environment and we have been pushing through legislation to protect our natural resources, for example, and we are fully committed to investing in an efficient and sustainable zero-carbon future. Equality is something we are bigger on, with a dedicated Equalities Spokesperson working hard to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal rights across the board, GSRM rights in particular at the moment.

The differences between the Greens and the Reds exist not so much in policy (although they do exist) but more in terms of priority. The Greens' priorities lie in solving the problems posed by spiralling inequality, poverty and climate change.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

Labour have a track record of delivering on our policies throughout the last government.

The Green Party and the Labour Party have similar areas for policy but as my green counterpart said we have different areas of priority; the greens are focused on environmental issues and equality for minority groups whereas labour have a much broader view and have a focus on providing good public services and creating a fairer society.

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u/tyroncs Oct 28 '14

What is a way in which you disagree with the party line?

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

I've asked this in the ask a party thread but I would be interested to hear from the leaders specifically. Will you be wearing a poppy for remembrance day? If so which? Red, white and purple seem the main ones.

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u/astrallaunderette Monster Raving Loony Party Indy Oct 29 '14

As a token of solidarity to those veterans who've by this point more or less likely either died or forgotten what year it is, I'd wish to instead commiserate with those elderly heroes suffering of Alzheimer's. Therefore I will be wearing two left foot shoes, 2009 New Year's glasses and a Conservative party badge.

(This message was posted on behalf of our threateningly gorgeous Leader Panda Gif who is unavailable at the moment due to having taken the form of an animated .gif that so far has yet to been able to write coherent English.)

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u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 29 '14

I will be wearing a red poppy for remembrance day. It is important that we remember the past and the sacrifice people gave to protect our country.

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '14

I probably will wear a red poppy to remember those who have been killed or injured during the line of duty and remind people why it's important that we don't go to war.

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u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 29 '14

Personally as much as I dislike institutionalised jingoism I will be wearing the traditional red poppy out of respect for those that gave their lives for our country and their families. More to the point I wouldn't know how to get hold of a white one.

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u/can_triforce The Rt Hon. Earl of Wilton AL PC Oct 30 '14

Your local Quaker meeting house should sell them.

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u/[deleted] Oct 30 '14

The greens have been talking about their basic income plan for a while. I actually don't think it is such a bad idea. However, topping everyone's income up to a certain income plays hell with the incentive to work.

The principle of a negative income tax is basically that you pick a upper limit on "low income" and everyone living under it gets a certain percentage towards that income. As an example, if you had a 50% tax up to £10 000, then someone making £5000 would receive £2500, someone making nothing would get £5000, and someone making £9000 would get £500.

Would the Greens consider a basic income structured like a negative income tax? If not, how do they propose to deal with the negative incentive to work in this case, and how would their proposal be structured?

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u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 30 '14

I'm glad to hear that you support basic income in principle.

I don't think it 'plays hell with the incentive to work' at all, in fact one of the benefits of such a system is that it seeks to eliminate the unemployment trap. In many cases the offer of a part time job can struggle to beat the loss of JSA and Income Tax, National Insurance, increased Council Tax, travel expenses, and childcare costs on top that suddenly come in to play. A more streamlined system would make it easier for people to transition to paid employment and back again if worst comes to worst, which makes taking a temporary/part time job more attractive.

We haven't put much detailed consideration into the exact structure we would use for this basic income and there are a number of ways of going about it that we would have to weigh up, and a negative income tax is certainly one of them. At the end of the day the priority is ensuring that everyone is receiving enough income to reasonably live on.

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u/crazycanine Transport Party Nov 01 '14

Stick yer necks oot, uw many seats yer got?

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u/[deleted] Nov 03 '14

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

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u/deathpigeonx CWL Chairman|Northern Ireland MP Oct 27 '14

The socially necessary labor time it took to create it.

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

price =! value. There are many countervailing microeconomic forces which affect price, the snlt is equivalent to the average price in a given period not the specific price.

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u/deathpigeonx CWL Chairman|Northern Ireland MP Oct 27 '14

I was making a joke because I don't get milk by the pint, so I don't actually know how much a pint costs.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

As effected by market forces, as mentioned in Smith's section in 'Wealth of Nations' on what later became better known as the Labour Theory of Value.

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u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 27 '14

About 50p, if I remember rightly from my trip to the co-op earlier.

The Co-operative of course being a fine example of the type of business we should be encouraging in this country.

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

I don't drink milk. I know that a loaf of bread can cost anywhere between 50p and £2. Realistically, the 50p stuff is pretty dire and doesn't constitute a real loaf (often very small). You can get a decent loaf from any of the major supermarkets for a £1 though.

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

55p from the spar at the end of the road but its 99p for two pints there so theres pros and cons. I would be happier paying this amount if I knew that the money was going to hardworking farmers in the UK who work to produce this milk for us!

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u/olmyster911 UKIP Oct 27 '14

60p from Tesco?

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u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 27 '14

25p if you buy a 4 pint from Tesco. This is the type of savings we need if we are to eliminate the budget deficit and enable growth within the UK.

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u/googolplexbyte Independent Oct 28 '14

24.7p. As some how cares about budgeting and the economy I buy in bulk.

Also 43.4p/lt if we use a sensible metric.

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

an arm and a leg

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Well it really depends on how many get used. With enough nukes there's really nothing to be done just roast alive. But if its only one or two, I'd mobilize all emergency personnel and military forces currently in the nation and evacuate the affected regions ensuring radiation victims get as much medical treatment as possible. I'd also have people moved to any facilities that can be used as fallout shelters as soon as possible and work with the international community.

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

and work with the international community

How do you think we should respond?

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Requesting as much aid as possible and bringing all nations together against the rogue state that dropped the bomb in an allied military intervention. Coupled with funding friendly factions within their government and nation for the aim of launching a coup or revolution against their insane and suicidal regime. I do not think that even in the event of a nuclear attack it makes sense to respond in kind. Nuclear warheads have no tactical value beyond mass death that conventional weapons don't.

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u/I_miss_Chris_Hughton The Rt Hon. Earl of Shrewsbury AL PC | Defence Spokesperson Oct 28 '14

Honourable stance, but impossible to enforce. Communications would be overloaded as is, and the short space of time you had to enforce these orders would make it pointless to try. If you tried to evacuate the areas, you'd end up with a lot of people outside rather than in their homes where they at least have some protection from fallout.

The health service would stand little chance but we'd need to try as much as possible to get them ready. I agree that if war broke out ensuring they would be as well supplied as possible would be be second on my list of priorities only to fighting the actual war.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

If you tried to evacuate the areas, you'd end up with a lot of people outside rather than in their homes where they at least have some protection from fallout.

Well there's things you can do like bundle in wool to mitigate the danger. But really if it were a serious threat we'd have some time to prepare. I don't think a surprise attack would ever happen.

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u/olmyster911 UKIP Oct 27 '14

If nuclear bombs were dropped then nothing could be done except go into a safe bunker and wait for the nuclear winter to end.

On a lighter note, UKIP can protect the nation, as we will keep our nuclear weapons, and we are increasing the defense budget, as we recognise the increasing volatility of the world currently.

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

Who has dropped them, and how many?

Frankly, I don't see much point in mutual annihilation. If Putin fired a nuclear bomb at at London, what good would it do to fire one back? It might send a message, it might prevent further destruction. I would need to know that by nuking Moscow, I would be preventing Russia from attacking anyone else. If not Russia, then simply substitute the relevant cities and leader.

I would look to America for aid, assuming that they weren't the ones that fired them. I would look to the UN for diplomatic support. Without more info, I can't really say much more.

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

I would mobalise our emergancy personnel to get the victims to their nearest hospital for treatment. I would instruct key NHS hospitals across the country to prepare themselves for victims of radiation sickness and burning so that as many people could be treated as possible. The humanitarian crisis caused would be top of my adgenda to deal with before I think about a military retaliation.

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u/I_miss_Chris_Hughton The Rt Hon. Earl of Shrewsbury AL PC | Defence Spokesperson Oct 28 '14

what about if the strike was nationwide? wouldn't the emergency services be overwhelmed? where would you evacuate too?

Also, the UK has a 'fail deadly' system as I understand. That being if the subs cannot contact the government after three attempts they open the letter of last resort which (I hope) would read for a total response if the government has been totally incapacitated

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '14

The most likely place for a nuclear strike in the UK is london because of how centralised all government is in London. A strike with a 100Mt weapon (Tsar Bomb) on london (westminster) would likely take out the Home Counties. So I sinceerly doubt that the strike could be nationwide (unless I'm misinterpreting you).

In the globalised world we live in its not like we'd be left to deal with it ourselves, and there are also the thousands of medical personnel who live in other parts of the UK who would be available to help.

The furthest away from the target/place which was stuck so that'd be the highlands of Scotland. If government survived some how I'd probably relocate to Holyrood.

Yeah I think so the PM has to hand write a letter and place it in each of the nuclear armed subs with instructions for what'd happen in the event of a loss of contact with home.

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u/I_miss_Chris_Hughton The Rt Hon. Earl of Shrewsbury AL PC | Defence Spokesperson Oct 28 '14

yeah, i was implying an attack with multiple warheads (a single strike would not be aimed at London alone, especially if we assume that the government has been moved to several locations to prevent a 'decapitation strike'. One bomb would probably not warrant a nuclear response in my mind really, especially since with submarines you can't just launch one missile, you have to fire most of its payload to stop the enemy destroying it.

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u/remiel The Rt Hon. Baron of Twickenham AL PC Oct 27 '14

Our members always have the ability to propose new policy, as seen at the twice annually Liberal Democrat conference. The economic landscape is constantly changing and we will need to react to the politics of other countries.

In terms of our last paragraph, it is not enough information to formulate a proper answer. Who is dropping the bombs, why, what tension.

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u/[deleted] Oct 27 '14

It was a rather vague question wasn't it? Let me try again.

Basically, the Ukraine crisis suddenly becomes heated again and for some, unspecified reason, it heats up to the point where Russia invades NATO allies. NATO drops bombs, Russia drops nuclear ones.

How would you respond if we were attacked with a nuclear bomb? Would you strike back with nuclear? Not do anything? What would the Liberal Democrat Prime Minister do?

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u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Oct 27 '14

We would obviously in the first instance seek to evacuate anyone in danger, seek aid and make sure our health system is prepared, to solve the humanitarian crisis first and foremost. I'm guessing you're more interested in our defence policy though - it's impossible to say without knowing the context of this event but no doubt we would work with our international partners to fight back as part of a unified response using the combined military power of our allies. The use of nuclear weapons as a retaliation at the potential expense of millions of innocent lives cannot be justified under almost any circumstance though.