SNP to hold balance of power and the future of Repeal

[Judgemental]

It is becoming clearer by the day that the SNP (Scottish National Party) will hold the balance of power in the next Westminster Parliament.

The recent Scottish referendum, probably the biggest political mistake by a Conservative Prime Minister ever, has caused the Scots to support the SNP in astonishing numbers. It is even suggested Gordon Brown's seat of Kircaldy (majority 23,000) will go to the SNP when he retires at the end of this parliament.

I would be prepared to put very serious money on the SNP returning at least 56 MPs out of the 59

I believe and am reliably informed, that Mr Milliband has done and will do a deal with the SNP. He was forced in the 'Better Together' at the time of the Referendum, which has backfired on the Labour party in Scotland and he wants to be seen to get back on a level playing field in Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon the leader of the SNP is a very capable lady (a solicitor) and can virtually promise the Scots anything they want from a Westminster Parliament, indeed £180 billion is a price tag well touted. Frankly why settle for £180 make it a nice round £200 billion.

When she appeared on Question Time a few weeks ago and was asked by David Dimbleby what matters she would leave to solely English and Welsh MPs (i.e. under the agreement English laws for English MPs) she said simply "Repeal of The Hunting Act".

 

[Alec Swan]

……..

When she appeared on Question Time a few weeks ago and was asked by David Dimbleby what matters she would leave to solely English and Welsh MPs (i.e. under the agreement English laws for English MPs) she said simply "Repeal of The Hunting Act".

The lady's attempting to clasp the fringe vote to her bosom. Neither she nor any other MP gives a stuff about Hunting. Their only interest is in their perceived equanimity and those who may place faith in such, such are their ameliorating platitudes. Trust me, neither she nor they give a **** about Hunting, or our rural lives.

Tasteless carrots appeal to a far wider buying public than do those which are flavoured, and the same can be said of politics.

Good to see you back Jm, you've been missed!

Alec.

 

[Goldenstar]

It makes me feel ill thinking about it .

 

[Merlin11]

It makes me feel ill thinking about it .

Me too and I live in Scotland.

 

[Judgemental]

The lady's attempting to clasp the fringe vote to her bosom. Neither she nor any other MP gives a stuff about Hunting. Their only interest is in their perceived equanimity and those who may place faith in such, such are their ameliorating platitudes. Trust me, neither she nor they give a **** about Hunting, or our rural lives.

Tasteless carrots appeal to a far wider buying public than do those which are flavoured, and the same can be said of politics.

Good to see you back Jm, you've been missed!

Alec.

Alec, thank you, have been on missions abroad.

Interesting the PM said, only yesterday, he would repeal the Hunting Act in the next parliament should the Cons achieve a majority.

That said I was surprised to see a former Tory Chairman, Lord Baker of Dorking suggesting that the Cons and Lab should form a coalition if the SNP hold the balance of power.

Cameron could not do a deal with Clegg over the Hunting Act and he is even more unlikely to do a deal with Milliband.

The chances of a coalition between the two parties is out of the question. Lord Barker is another of the Cons grandees who have suddenly realised how silly it was to grant a Scottish Referendum. They are now trying to find ways out of the inevitable impasse.

The old adage, "when you are in hole stop digging" might be appropriate.

I think it looks very much like a Lab SNP pact at the end of the day.

That said, I cannot help feeling the situation has many of the hallmarks of 1974.

Now I am always reluctant to use history as a yardstick for political events.

However as I am sure you will recall Alec the Lib Lab pact of that year.

That most Machiavellian of Prime Ministers Harold Wilson formed a pact with the Liberals in February 1974 and limped on to the autumn of that year, when he had to call another General Election, which he won with a slim majority. Then he Wilson had to resign in 1976 because of the "way he was doing business with the Soviets", so I believe.

Thus we could have two General Elections this year. However, how that squares with the Fixed Term Parliament Act is an interesting subject of it's own.

I was interested in Jacob Rees-Moggs (Eton and Oxford MP for North East Somerset) support for the PM not to have a debate solely with Milliband. Rees-Mogg has said earlier in the week in the Western Daily Press the Scottish Referendum was a mistake. Must say I rather like Rees-Mogg. He also has a very good tailor. However he is of the Cons grandee stamp and they are being wheeled out to 'put out the SNP fire'.

Bottom line: with seven parties all seeking attention and votes, the wafer thin majorities in both Con and Lab seats, the more the PM trails his arguments the more likely he is to be successful.

So far a promising votes to repeal the Hunting Act 2004, that's just electioneering froth.

 

[LittleRooketRider]

I suppose the hunting communities dream of a repeal under a tory government (we get a little speech most meets about supporting them) goes with the logic that although it is far from teh top of their agenda they are the only party with even the mildest potentoial for repeal, I won't be surprised if it never happens tory gov. or not, but it will definitely never happen with labour, lib dems etc.

 

[Alec Swan]

Anyone who thinks that any political party has either the will or even the ability to repeal the Hunting Act, is living in a dream world. No politician will today dare to raise any contentious issue, and if they're unable to reinforce legislation to protect the youth of our country, from those who would sexually abuse them, then what chance does Hunting stand? None, is the simple answer.

Hunting will continue in its present form, with the Courts taking ever less interest than they do now, I suspect. Our Courts, filled with budding terrorists, drug users, fraudsters and felons, make better use of the facilities available to them, attempting to exorcise those who commit crimes against their fellow man, and view those who object to the curtailment of their previous liberties, with a degree of disregard, especially when we consider that the main prosecuting body, a charity have had their ethics and ethos questioned by presiding Judges.

Alec.

 

[LittleRooketRider]

Anyone who thinks that any political party has either the will or even the ability to repeal the Hunting Act, is living in a dream world. No politician will today dare to raise any contentious issue, and if they're unable to reinforce legislation to protect the youth of our country, from those who would sexually abuse them, then what chance does Hunting stand? None, is the simple answer.

Hunting will continue in its present form, with the Courts taking ever less interest than they do now, I suspect. Our Courts, filled with budding terrorists, drug users, fraudsters and felons, make better use of the facilities available to them, attempting to exorcise those who commit crimes against their fellow man, and view those who object to the curtailment of their previous liberties, with a degree of disregard, especially when we consider that the main prosecuting body, a charity have had their ethics and ethos questioned by presiding Judges.

Alec.

I agree Alec that pigs may very well sprout wings and fly before it is repealed, as it is a highly-strung and divisive subject, but I think many hunt supporters would arther have a "sympathetic" government than one hell-bent on appearing the everyman of society, opposed to supposed "toffs" and "aristocrats".

 

[ester]

Interesting the PM said, only yesterday, he would repeal the Hunting Act in the next parliament should the Cons achieve a majority.

Politicians say a lot of things they don't follow through with actions.
I struggle to see why any parliament would have any more to do with the hunting act, apart from perhaps tidying it up.

 

[Kikicocoa]

I cannot see why there is a problem with the current Fox Hunting legislation. From the farmers'/landowners' point of view a predicted trail protects crops, hedges and fencing in general. Surely sacrificing spontaneity is a small price to pay?

 

[ester]

It depends whether you believe hunting is a better way of fox control than the other methods employed.

 

[Judgemental]

Whilst it is fairly obvious the SNP are going to have a very considerable Crack of the Whip in the next Westminster Parliament, it is debatable as to whether any sort of repeal is either practical or desirable.

It seems the mood in the countryside is one of leave it all alone on the basis of the old adage, if it 'aint broke don't fix it'.

 

[Judgemental]

It makes me feel ill thinking about it .

Goldenstar, time has moved on and we have now seen the very capable Mrs Sturgeon in action.

One has to admit she is very impressive.

So will you be emigrating south of the border?

 

[Penny Less]

Im thinking of going to the southern hemisphere!

 

[Judgemental]

When I started this thread at the beginning of March I predicted that the SNP will have 56 of the 59 Scottish seats.

That figure is now being revised to 57.

In my opinion far too many people are being panicked by their numbers. When they have arrived at the H of C it will take a while for them to settle in and if the Clerk's Department are prudent, they will scatter them throughout the Palace of Westminster.

Indeed they may find themselves about four to an office which, bearing in mind the size of the offices is most unsatisfactory.

If they are co-operative then they might be given more space.

As for repeal, considering I have just been watching two pieces on both the BBC and Sky News about the proposed introduction of Lynx to England and Wales in order to reduce the exploding Deer population.

Seemingly this move is supported by all manner of wildlife experts.

So we have an increasing Deer population which is causing many problems on the grassland farms , in particular the dairy farms of Devon and Somerset. Yet there is the Act.

Interestingly Mrs Sturgeon who is both intelligent and attractive has said the SNP will consider the matter of the Hunting Act 2004 to be an issue encompassed by English Votes for English laws.

 

[hackneylass2]

I fail to see what attractiveness has to do with this or any political issue really

 

[Judgemental]

I fail to see what attractiveness has to do with this or any political issue really

Hackneylass, there are many gentlemen who find Mrs Sturgeon very attractive and I dare say in Scotland they may cast their vote accordingly, irrespective of political issues.

Indeed I am told there are many voters in England and Wales who would choose to vote for her party if that were possible.

I mentioned in my pervious post the matter of the SNP members taking their seats in Westminster.

Bearing in mind The Clerk of the House of Commons is the legal owner of the 'premises' and he works closely with The Speaker It is so I am told, wise to keep on the right side of their respective departments, especially if one is a new boy or girl.

Mrs Sturgeon does not, curiously take a seat in Westminster. I still don't understand why when she is the leader of the SNP and the main driving force behind the party and why she does not have a seat in Westminster.

That said, her views on Hunting are well documented and any repeal may hinge on her directives, bearing in mind she has said English Votes for English Laws and Repeal of the Hunting Act 2004 is one such issue.

On the other hand the SNP could use the matter of repeal for political gain and back the Tories on that subject if Labour will not agree to a Coalition.

Clearly Mr Milliband would be hugely embarrassed to find himself up against the Tories and SNP over The Foxhunting Act 2004 and would almost certainly cave into Mrs Sturgeon's wishes.

That is just an example, there are many other issues that the SNP could support in order to 'persuade' Labour to see things the SNP way.

Personally I am more interested in the use of the Statutory Instrument by the Secretary of State. Of course that, in a free vote would also be interesting where the SNP are concerned. Assuming the Conservatives can muster a majority.

However free votes could generate any result in a fragmented parliament.

 

[Fellewell]

The SNP are firmly against any repeal of Scotland's Protection of Wild Mammals Act (2002) and Mrs Sturgeon is simply playing politics. Perhaps she's trying to further Scotland's relations with Russia and we can expect to see her hunting in Siberia, on a horse, with her sleeves rolled up ;-)

 

[fburton]

Perhaps she's trying to further Scotland's relations with Russia and we can expect to see her hunting in Siberia, on a horse, with her sleeves rolled up ;-)

Alongside a bare-chested Putin... what an image!

 

[HashRouge]

When I started this thread at the beginning of March I predicted that the SNP will have 56 of the 59 Scottish seats.

That figure is now being revised to 57.

In my opinion far too many people are being panicked by their numbers. When they have arrived at the H of C it will take a while for them to settle in and if the Clerk's Department are prudent, they will scatter them throughout the Palace of Westminster.

Indeed they may find themselves about four to an office which, bearing in mind the size of the offices is most unsatisfactory.

If they are co-operative then they might be given more space.

As for repeal, considering I have just been watching two pieces on both the BBC and Sky News about the proposed introduction of Lynx to England and Wales in order to reduce the exploding Deer population.

Seemingly this move is supported by all manner of wildlife experts.

So we have an increasing Deer population which is causing many problems on the grassland farms , in particular the dairy farms of Devon and Somerset. Yet there is the Act.

Interestingly Mrs Sturgeon who is both intelligent and attractive has said the SNP will consider the matter of the Hunting Act 2004 to be an issue encompassed by English Votes for English laws.

I think introducing Lynx is a great idea! They are beautiful animals

 

[GemG]

Hackneylass, there are many gentlemen who find Mrs Sturgeon very attractive and I dare say in Scotland they may cast their vote accordingly, irrespective of political issues.

Oh dear,... ...how disinterested in the political issues and policies are some people? The running of the country should not dissolve into a beauty pageant.

If this is the case, some clearly 'should have gone to Specsavers'.

 

[Penny Less]

I quite admire Ms Sturgeon, although I don't want her dictating to the rest of the UK, she is in the mould of Maggie, who had more balls than the rest of them

 

[Nugget La Poneh]

I personally don't think the law should be repealed.

Not because of the fact it is hunting, but because I think that if it was to be put back to how it was, people that have joined hunts because of the ban could potentially decide to stop attending hunts and supporting financially.

As for the SNP, I've had to unfriend my cousin on FB because of the constant spouting of what basically amounts to the Scottish equivalent of BNP propaganda. I just find it (on the surface) slightly hypocritical that it is not socially acceptable to agree with the BNP, but it is to agree with the SNP despite not living in Scotland.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

As for the SNP, I've had to unfriend my cousin on FB because of the constant spouting of what basically amounts to the Scottish equivalent of BNP propaganda. I just find it (on the surface) slightly hypocritical that it is not socially acceptable to agree with the BNP, but it is to agree with the SNP despite not living in Scotland.

agree with them or not, there's is nothing in the SNP that is similar to the BNP (I am English, living in Scotland). Of course there are ****heads and people's opinion, still doesn't make the SNP the equivalent of the BNP.

 

[fburton]

... still doesn't make the SNP the equivalent of the BNP.

Absolutely not! The SNP policy towards immigration, for example, is the complete opposite to that of the BNP.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

Absolutely not! The SNP policy towards immigration, for example, is the complete opposite to that of the BNP.

people should try some research rather than relying on a mostly Tory media.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Why would the SNP care about Hunting when there are so very few hunts north of the border?

 

[frostyfingers]

"mostly Tory media" I nearly choked on my coffee - have you listened to the BBC recently?! Right wing they are not.

 

[VoR]

This all seems a bit academic now anyway but, the SNP are 'the party for Scotland', their policy is to get 'the best deal' for Scotland and the Scots, that doesn't make them racist unlike some other so called political parties still not a great fan of them and still believe they would have held the UK to ransom if they had the opportunity to get what they feel is that 'best deal'.
As for a repeal of the ban, in a free vote, I'm still not sure there are enough pro hunters in the commons to win!

 

[Judgemental]

This all seems a bit academic now anyway but, the SNP are 'the party for Scotland', their policy is to get 'the best deal' for Scotland and the Scots, that doesn't make them racist unlike some other so called political parties still not a great fan of them and still believe they would have held the UK to ransom if they had the opportunity to get what they feel is that 'best deal'.
As for a repeal of the ban, in a free vote, I'm still not sure there are enough pro hunters in the commons to win!

A majority of only 12 is a very difficult number to work with and it is likely the Conservatives are going to have a very rough ride in the next five years, assuming the Parliament last five years.

Taking all the Blue Foxes into account and assuming all Conservatives voted for Repeal it will be a non-runner. Notwithstanding Ministers who have to be on overseas business, MPs who are off sick etc. The Whips are going to have to be very cunning to run matters generally.

Mrs Sturgeon could do a deal to stand aside as it is an English matter but her price will be very high and exacting.

Billions of additional pounds of Taxpayers money going to Scotland, to give an easy ride for Repeal of the Hunting Act 2004, would be a very interesting scenario but the British public would not be happy bunnies.

So far as the 56 (extremely hostile) SNP members of the House of Commons are concerned, I would not wish to be a Conservative MP.

As Mrs Sturgeon told Mr Cameron in a telephone call on Friday, "it was NOT business as usual".

That means the usual 'courtesies' of Parliamentary agreements, protocol, manners and procedure between parties are put on the back burner.

I found her smart little Black Beret with a wing feather from a Grouse very amusing, when she attended the wreath laying at the Cenotaph to mark the 70th anniversary of VE day.

As I say I would not wish to be a Conservative MP. Not only will the SNP have the right of the third round in all Prime Minister Questions but they will be members of all Select Committees and I dare say some SNP grandees will have to be appointed to the House of Lords.