is there a need for the EDP ?

rjt · 17-04-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northumbrian

That may be true for Northern Ireland, which has 2 unionist and 2 nationalist parties, but in Scotland and Wales the nationalists are outnumbered 3:1.

But even so, support for a political party can't be totally in line with a referendum question. For instance, 68% of the English public want an English Parliament, but don't back the political party which has this as it's main policy.

The best way to answer the question is via a referendum, but of course the people who oppose independence for these countries oppose the referendum as well.

Well I certainly have no problem with the idea of a referendum and you make a fair point about support for political partys and the referendum question.

Have you thought about why there is only one main nationalist party in Scotland and Wales?

Little Englander (sour) · 17-04-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjt

I certainly am a Unionist and am certainly trying to do something about the mess we are in by campaining for an English Devolved Body.

here is a fact you might consider of those who voted in the elections for the Scots, Welsh, and nothern Ireland devolved Bodies in the recent elections a clear majority voted for partys commited to continuing the Union.

What would be your idea of an "English Devolved Body"?

Whilst formulating an answer to the above please explain how, when the voters of the countries you list voted for devolution, it was in fact a vote to retain the Union.

rjt · 17-04-2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Englander (sour)

What would be your idea of an "English Devolved Body"?

Whilst formulating an answer to the above please explain how, when the voters of the countries you list voted for devolution, it was in fact a vote to retain the Union.

I would favour an English parlaiment elected by PR with the option of tax raising/lowering powers. Westminsiter then could be halved in terms of the number of MPS sitting there and I would favour a fully elected Upper House of arround 60-70 members with the power to block legislation coming from the lower house for the lifetime of a Parlaiment.

Devoultion is about autonomy not seperation. This is witnessed by the electoral results Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which have returned Unionist majoritys after these referndums, people want a more direct say in how there affairs are managed.

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