English Parliament/independence.

[ANGLO-STAFFS]

I wondered where the SDP stood on the issues of an English Parliament or independence.

[PeterSDP]

The Social Democratic Party is committed to and campaign`s for an English parliament within the framework of a united Great Britain. Clearly it can not be considered to be democratic to have Scotch, Welsh, & Ulster M.P`s legislating on matters that affect only the population of that section of these Islands of Great Britain that is called England.

As a party for democracy we do not consider that over centralisation of the administration leads to good fair and honest government. Currently we are in favour of devolving government down to its lowest practical level taking government to the people rather than vice versa.


For this reason we are opposed to Britains continued membership of the European Union which is a top heavy bureaucracy as opposed to a democracy and in this connection we are campaigning as "The Independant Force"

[ANGLO-STAFFS]

Thank you for the reply. With the exception of remaining within the United Kingdom I agree with your points.

[Millennium3]

The Social Democratic Party is committed to and campaign`s for an English parliament within the framework of a united Great Britain. Clearly it can not be considered to be democratic to have Scotch, Welsh, & Ulster M.P`s legislating on matters that affect only the population of that section of these Islands of Great Britain that is called England.

As a party for democracy we do not consider that over centralisation of the administration leads to good fair and honest government. Currently we are in favour of devolving government down to its lowest practical level taking government to the people rather than vice versa.


For this reason we are opposed to Britains continued membership of the European Union which is a top heavy bureaucracy as opposed to a democracy and in this connection we are campaigning as "The Independant Force"

Has David Owen been approached about the revival of the SDP? If so, what was his reaction?

[angelman]

I am just wondering whether the time might not be perfect for the SDP to be revived. With the probable upcoming changes to constituencies, I read something like up to a quarter of the LibDem's seats will disappear. I am not sure whether the LibDem MPs would stick to their convictions or whether they like being King makers. Certainly it seems that the electorate feel betrayed, so the SDP could quite easily offer a perfect alternative to Lab/Con, which would be joyously welcome as I can't really spot the difference between the two. I suppose that they would have to give an undertaking that they would not join any coalition in order to keep their identity and not be like the Lib Dems, which would mean that they would more than likely suffer under the 2 party system.

[Millennium3]

Yes - there is a gaping hole for a balanced center ground party to fill. I cannot see the L/Ds fortune improving whilst they keep Clegg and continue to be the Tory's puppets - and it is not a party that can handle making tough decisions.

I think some kind of Coalition would be possible - but, if it were the SDP, they would have to retain their identity and principles.

[PeterSDP]

We have not directly approached David Owen, primarily because we have changed the constitution by amending principle 3 and creating a new principle 6 of the original Lime House declaration.
This commits the SDP to repeal the European Communities Act 1972
David Owen was sent a complimentary News letter in 2005 and I reproduce an extract of what he wrote.
" When I see the SDP logo my heart stops! There are still a few of you around in the country and I have great admiration for your perseverance and where you have got real local support I can understand why you have kept your local party going".
David Owen

Originally the SDP was warm towards the concept of the European Union. Experience has now taught us it is not for us.
I am encouraged that being questioned on B.B.C`s, Newsnight programme November 15th 2010 His comments would indicate a substantial change of his attitude on the European Union.
It will be the intention at a later date to sound him out, so to speak. However, although we are now recruiting nationaly and have a small nett increase in membership, we shall need to be stronger than we currently are to tempt him.
All I can say is. Watch this space.
Peter J

[angelman]

Peter, can I ask what you taxation policies are?

[Millennium3]

We have not directly approached David Owen, primarily because we have changed the constitution by amending principle 3 and creating a new principle 6 of the original Lime House declaration.
This commits the SDP to repeal the European Communities Act 1972
David Owen was sent a complimentary News letter in 2005 and I reproduce an extract of what he wrote.
" When I see the SDP logo my heart stops! There are still a few of you around in the country and I have great admiration for your perseverance and where you have got real local support I can understand why you have kept your local party going".
David Owen

Originally the SDP was warm towards the concept of the European Union. Experience has now taught us it is not for us.
I am encouraged that being questioned on B.B.C`s, Newsnight programme November 15th 2010 His comments would indicate a substantial change of his attitude on the European Union.
It will be the intention at a later date to sound him out, so to speak. However, although we are now recruiting nationaly and have a small nett increase in membership, we shall need to be stronger than we currently are to tempt him.
All I can say is. Watch this space.
Peter J

There are significant advantages in reviving a previously well known party and, as I have said above, there is a gaping hole in the choices available to anyone who is against our membership of the EU - but centrist minded.

Lord Owen's response is hopeful - there is no doubt that if he could be persuaded to act as Chairman, even in a part-time capacity, it would open the door for the many whose political outlook is not recognised. I joined the L/Ds prior to the last GE because I wanted to be actively engaged in politics at that important time. Then the L/Ds had a commitment to include an in/out referendum on our EU membership in their manifesto, based on their excuse for abstaining from the vote on the LT, however, in keeping with usual concern for honesty since Clegg became leader, it did not appear.

I raise this because during my membership I discovered that around a third of the Party are against our membership and it is very likely that most of the MPs who defied Clegg and voted for a referendum on the LT would like to leave the EU - I think it can be assumed that they would like to see a referendum on our membership at least. If Lord Owen were involved there must be a chance of them leaving the Lib/Dems for, if for no other reason, they must recognise that their chances of re-election, if Clegg remains leader, are diminishing daily.

With the corrupt acts by Blair and the atrocious premiership of Brown bound to be brought to light over the next few years, it is likely that Labour's chances of election will be seriously undermined. There does not appear to be any chance that the Coalitions attempts to revive the economy will succeed, so, taking all this into account - there cannot be a more opportune time for launching a refreshed mainstream party.

[ANGLO-STAFFS]

We have not directly approached David Owen, primarily because we have changed the constitution by amending principle 3 and creating a new principle 6 of the original Lime House declaration.
This commits the SDP to repeal the European Communities Act 1972
David Owen was sent a complimentary News letter in 2005 and I reproduce an extract of what he wrote.
" When I see the SDP logo my heart stops! There are still a few of you around in the country and I have great admiration for your perseverance and where you have got real local support I can understand why you have kept your local party going".
David Owen

Originally the SDP was warm towards the concept of the European Union. Experience has now taught us it is not for us.
I am encouraged that being questioned on B.B.C`s, Newsnight programme November 15th 2010 His comments would indicate a substantial change of his attitude on the European Union.
It will be the intention at a later date to sound him out, so to speak. However, although we are now recruiting nationaly and have a small nett increase in membership, we shall need to be stronger than we currently are to tempt him.
All I can say is. Watch this space.
Peter J

As this coalition plods on towards the next GE I can see a time when some of the MPs on the centre-left of the LDs start to see the chance of holding their seat, as a glove-puppet of the tories, slipping away. I think that this feeling could be reinforced if, as I have urged in the past, in council elections smaller parties concentrate their efforts on defeating sitting LD councillors. In that way the smaller parties may pick up a few councillors and MPs who can see the writing-on-the-wall!
You never know you may even be able to tempt Lord Owen back!