Agreeing with Nick

Former Member

I've been a member of the Conservative party since I was a student, but I am seriously considering defecting to the Liberal Democrats. Here's Why:

1. I disagree with the tory decision to cancel the loan to the Sheffield Steelmasters. We should have learned from the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders fiasco that it is incredibly damaging to pull the rug from under our heavy industries. And this comes after all Cameron's talk of suppporting British manufacturing.
2. My attitude towards the EU has mellowed over the last few years. Despite the Greek debacle, I'm coming round to the idea that we should be at the centre of European affairs rather than on the fringes. We aren't the only former colonial power in the EU. If Spain, France and the Netherlands can be comfortable with EU membership, why can't we?
3. I'm coming round to the idea that we don't need nuclear weapons. There are plenty of other world powers, including Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and the Scandinavian countries that live peacefully and prosperously without them.
4. I'm against a lot of the privatisation of public services. I believe that the privatisation of British Rail was a mistake, and I'm opposed to Public-Private Partnerships in the NHS and schools.
5. I agree with the Liberal Democrats' stance on civil liberties. Scrapping the ID cards was a tory policy as well as a Lib Dem policy, so there's some overlap between the parties here.

I have enjoyed my time in the Conservative party and I have made many friends. I remain a staunch Unionist and monarchist, but I feel that the economic and foreign policies of the Liberal Democrats are the way forward.

Former Member

Any step away from the Tories is a good one.

Though this is where your journey should eventually take you to...

Former Member

Speaking of the Labour Party, is their leadership contest over yet? It seems to have been going on now for 400 years to my knowledge - and the best they can find is the banana-waver David Miliband and Andy Burnham, a man who has done more for mascara than Boy George back in the day. Oh, and the token woman candidate - Diane "I have nothing to say" Abbott.

I'm standing by my choice when the contest started all those centuries ago. Edward Michael "Blinky" Balls is my choice. Aside from looking conspicuously similar to Adolf Hitler, he is the ideal candidate to finally destroy the Labour Party completely. Vote Blinky!


"And this is what I shall be doing to the voters when they put me in charge..."

As for membership of the Conservative Party, God only knows why you joined in the first place. The only bigger mystery is why you'd want to join Nick Clegg and the bloggers piñata of the moment, Vince Cable.

Former Member

As a matter of interest, SG, just what are your political views? You're neither Tory, Labour or Lib Dem.

Or if there is no UK party that accurately describes your political tendencies, which party in any country would be closest to your views?

Genuine question.

Former Member

Aladdin wrote: »

Any step away from the Tories is a good one.

Though this is where your journey should eventually take you to...

Former Member

Teagan wrote: »

As a matter of interest, SG, just what are your political views? You're neither Tory, Labour or Lib Dem. Or if there is no UK party that accurately describes your political tendencies, which party in any country would be closest to your views?

I'm not sure if any one party exists which comes close to what I believe. I'd consider myself a right-of-centre libertarian, with some elements of social democratic thinking getting in there every now and then. Whilst I believe that the markets are better at doing most things than the state, I'm not blind to its faults. I know that the capitalist system is far from perfect, and I've spoken many times here about its problems - shameless, greedy bankers paying themselves handsome bonuses for failure, for example. I think we have a duty of care towards one another as individuals in society - I just don't think the state should be trying to assume that role.

Besides, even if a party that reflected my thinking did exist, I wouldn't join it. Aside from the fact I'd be a serious liability in any party - can you seriously see me agreeing to just trot out a certain line because I was told to? I can't - I think the party political system gives a rather artificial impression that we have genuine democracy in this country. We don't. No matter which one of the three parties you vote for, all believe in fairly similar things. Hence why the so-called bonfire of Labour laws and regulations we were promised has not materialised and never will, with this lot in charge.

Former Member

Thanks SG. It just gives me a slightly better understanding as to where you are coming from - or not, as the case may be.

Former Member

stargalaxy wrote: »

I'm not sure if any one party exists which comes close to what I believe.

Time to form one?

Former Member

Aladdin wrote: »

Any step away from the Tories is a good one.

Though this is where your journey should eventually take you to...

Even though the policy on Nuclear arms and ID Cards is at odds with the personal preference outlined in the OP.

Have to admit, I'm a little in the SG camp here. None of the parties major policies conform with my own range. Not for the same reasons as him though, obviously.

Former Member

MoK wrote: »

Even though the policy on Nuclear arms and ID Cards is at odds with the personal preference outlined in the OP.

That is why, you might have noticed, I ensured I posted the logo of Old Labour

Former Member

If you want to support Forgemasters you probably won't want to move to the Lib Dems, they were as keen as the Tories to cut it

At £80m for 400 jobs or £200,000 per job its not exactly value for money and if such a great project they should either get a loan or raise equity.

Former Member

MoK wrote: »

Even though the policy on Nuclear arms and ID Cards is at odds with the personal preference outlined in the OP.

Have to admit, I'm a little in the SG camp here. None of the parties major policies conform with my own range. Not for the same reasons as him though, obviously.

This. I would never, ever vote for the great clunking socialist fist of Labour. They have ruined the economy by frivolous overspending, they have brought us the surveillance state and they wrecked the house of Lords (yes I realise the LibDems want further reform, but as of now, there's no going back and the status quo is worse than before, so the only option is to go forward).

God only knows why you joined in the first place.

Because I was very sceptical of the EU at the time (as I say, my views have softened over time) and I was against devolution and Lords reform. Now these things have come to pass, the best we can hope for is to make the system we're lumbered with work properly. So I'm now supporting an elected senate and devolution for England.

Former Member

I used to be very socialist and progressive in my views. Honestly, I was.

Then l encountered reality. Whilst I don't agree with all Tory policy, I agree with more of theirs than of anyone else.