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So much for fairness

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 6:48 am
by David Johnson
We are now beginning to see a fine example of the Lib Dems attitude to "fairness" in British politics.

Previously at Westminster to win a dissolution vote you needed a majority of 50% of the MPs + 1 just as it has been for all Westminster legislation.

The Lib Dems have agreed a deal with the Cons that in order to win a dissolution vote now, you need 55% of the vote in the House of Commons.

Why 55% I can hear you say? Well, the Tories have 47% of the seats so that even if all the other parties got together they would only produce 53%.

The only way there can be a dissolution vote majority is if about 16 Tory rebels vote in favour. So in short, it's a wheeze to keep the coalition together and in power.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/ ... 681624.stm

Cheers
D

"At the heart of the Lib Dems new politics, is fairness" Nick Clegg

Re: So much for fairness

Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 5:23 am
by Georgio
So why is it 60% in Scotland?

Georgio

Re: So much for fairness

Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 6:03 am
by Jonone
Some people's conception of 'fairness' is one that you wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of !

Re: So much for fairness

Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 7:25 am
by David Johnson
Georgio,
Its not. It's 66% in Scotland. However this is a completely different election system and parliamentary system. So you are not comparing like with like.

Iff First Minister Alex Salmond lost a no-confidence motion on a simple majority, 50% +1 , he would have to resign. This does not appear to be the case with the proposals for Westminster.

Cheers
D