TheCapedPillager on 30/4/2010 at 16:55
One of the things that the average voter won't realise, but would like about Clegg's amnesty plan is that a large portion of those who would claim amnesty wouldn't qualify, but at that stage we'd know who they were so they could be deported. Given this, and the obvious benefit to the economy that legalising many of these people who are here already would have, it's galling to see how both cameron and brown attacked clegg on this issue, as if ignoring the problem was a better solution.
jay pettitt on 30/4/2010 at 17:44
Quote:
One of the things that the average voter won't realise, but would like about Clegg's amnesty plan is that a large portion of those who would claim amnesty wouldn't qualify, but at that stage we'd know who they were so they could be deported.
Which sort of makes you wonder why anyone would come forward.
As a general point, I like immigration. And as long as there is transport, people will move about. Perhaps I'm way too middle class, but I think multiculturalism is one of the things that makes the UK worth sticking with.
TheCapedPillager on 30/4/2010 at 18:12
Quote Posted by jay pettitt
Which sort of makes you wonder why anyone would come forward.
I'd imagine that's why this particular 'benefit' to the idea hasn't been trumpeted by the Lib-Dems. :D
Quote:
As a general point, I like immigration. And as long as there is transport, people will move about. Perhaps I'm way too middle class, but I think multiculturalism is one of the things that makes the UK worth sticking with.
I'm an immigrant, so I completely agree that multi-culturalism is important, and history has shown us this, from Ancient Rome to America in the early 20th century. I'd prefer to live in a world where there weren't any borders and people could choose to move around as much as they like without restrictions. We're all residents of a planet after all, and all that separating us does is lead to conflict.
But, since this is an impossible dream in the world we live in today, I think the idea of improving the lives of those 'living in the shadows' as Clegg has proposed is a worthwhile ambition. Concerning those that don't qualify (if they can't prove they've been here 10 years for example), it seems only fair that they be deported, but they should still be given the chance afterwards to apply through legal channels (unless they've been involved in certain criminal activities for example).
David on 6/5/2010 at 06:43
Well, the polls are open for the next 14 hours and 20 minutes, and I have cast my vote into the modified waste-paper bin.
There were a surprising about of people at the polling station when I arrived (about 7:15). I've voted in two general elections and both times there was only one or two people in the building (other than the polling staff). This time there were about 20, which bodes well for turnout.
I'll probably end up watching (
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/channel-4s-alternative-election-night) Channel 4's Alternative Election Night this evening.
Kaleid on 6/5/2010 at 06:49
Why do you vote on a weekday? Doesn't saturday or sunday make more sense?
driver on 6/5/2010 at 07:06
The party in power gets to chose the date of the election (Within 5 years of the last), today is the very last day that Gordon Brown could have picked.
Matthew on 6/5/2010 at 08:42
I'm very torn on whether to vote on principle or tactically.
SubJeff on 6/5/2010 at 08:46
Also you get a break from work to go vote.
I'll be watching that too Dave.
Brian The Dog on 6/5/2010 at 09:46
Quote Posted by Kaleid
Why do you vote on a weekday? Doesn't saturday or sunday make more sense?
The polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm, and since most people are around home sometime during the day, they should be OK to vote - more so than weekends when many people are likely to be away travelling etc. Anyone who is away with work, vacations etc can have a postal vote. Turnout should be quite high this time round due to the expenses scandal and the perceived closeness of the result.
If anyone's forgot to send their postal vote in, they can take it along to the station. Also, the BBC has a good article on what you (
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8661984.stm) can and can't do in the polling station.
David on 6/5/2010 at 10:09
I think they're missing a trick by not allowing topless women in the polling stations.
