The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments

NorthernMonkey Thu Dec 27, 2007 at 09:46:51 PM GMT Print-friendly version Facebook

Just to draw your attention to a new blog set up by Iain Dale which campaigns for fixed term Parliaments.



http://www.fixedterm.org.uk/

Now as we know, Mr. Dale is a Tory but since this is a cross-party initiative, I thought it's appropriate to mention it here.

It is simply undemocratic in this day in age that a PM can call a general election at a whim to suit his or her re-election.

Ideally I'd like to see fixed four-year terms for the House of Commons and fixed four-year terms for a new democratically elected Senate - with elections alternating between the two chambers every two years.

If you'd like to express your support then click on the link above.

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The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments | 11 comments (11 topical)

Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#1)

by swatantra on Fri Dec 28, 2007 at 09:41:40 AM GMT

Agree to fixed term Parliaments, but only to a 80:20 elected Second Chamber; but would add PR for all elections. Lets make it a complete overhaul of the Constitution by also have a written Constitution. And a limiting age for all elected officials at 73 years, and that would also include the Monarch, then everybody knows where they are in the great scheme of things.


Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#2)

by jkitleft on Fri Dec 28, 2007 at 12:51:23 PM GMT

We have term limits- they're called elections.

Don't people think that if a PM can call an election at the time of best suiting, that they can manipulate their agenda at the time of a fixed election?


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Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#3)

by swatantra on Fri Dec 28, 2007 at 01:09:45 PM GMT

And most do. Just look at the USA. Advice : Get the most unpopular things out of the way over and done with in the first two years(you can always blame the other Party for the mess they've left behind). And in the last 18 months, ease up, and show you've got a social conscience and legislate to that effect. And cut inheritance tax. If you are lucky enough to be re-elected: Repeat.


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Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#4)

by laurencemarshall on Sat Dec 29, 2007 at 02:45:16 AM GMT

"We have term limits- they're called elections."

West Wing quote!!!!!!! Didn't you get caught out before?


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Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#7)

by jkitleft on Sat Dec 29, 2007 at 10:32:31 PM GMT

indeed, but the show is full of some excellent political arguements, and I think have slipped into my subconscious


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Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#8)

by laurencemarshall on Sat Dec 29, 2007 at 11:48:09 PM GMT

You'll get no arguement from me there!


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Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#5)

by repub on Sat Dec 29, 2007 at 02:07:49 PM GMT

"limiting age for all elected officials at 73 years"


Nonsense.
And, unless i'm wrong, illegal.



"that would also include the Monarch"

An elected head of state is hardly ever discussed yet the commetariat always moans about the lack of checks on the Prime Minister...



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Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#6)

by NorthernMonkey on Sat Dec 29, 2007 at 10:02:58 PM GMT

I don't think we should ever use old age to discriminate against elected officials - we're supposed to be against ageism.

Just because someone happens to be 74 years old does not make them incompetent.

I don't believe in term limits full stop.


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Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#9)

by swatantra on Sun Dec 30, 2007 at 11:02:23 AM GMT

Well, wait till you get to 74 or 64 and you find for yourself faculties waning; most people realise its time to hang up their boots; unfortunately some politicians don't. They need to see the stark writing on the wall.


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Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#10)

by NorthernMonkey on Sun Dec 30, 2007 at 07:08:10 PM GMT

People should retire when their 'faculties are waning' but that should always be their choice.

It's wrong to assume that just because someone is aged 74 that they're automatically losing the plot. Some OAP's are more 'with it' than others.


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Re: The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments (#11)

by jkitleft on Sun Dec 30, 2007 at 07:57:55 PM GMT

Term limits in America were introduced, because Republicans were worried that the Democrats would find a Roosevelt like figure, and vice versa. So what? That was an amendment introduce bceause politicians were scared, so I don't know how people can bleat about people not having faith in politics, if politics doesn't have faith in them.


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The Campaign for Fixed Term Parliaments | 11 comments (11 topical)