EU Brexit - How will you vote given the latest "news"

[andyb]

Well my little vote has gone into the envelope and into the post-box. :wink_smile::44::smug:

Which side did you come down on MW?

(It's a big vote BTW)

 

[sparksburnout]

What nonsense, from the first word to the last.

Why cant vote leave tell us what they see as our relationship with the EU will be after a vote to leave? They must have at least a semblance of an idea as to what they want, and if they say they haven't then any one who believes them is a mug. I'm not asking how it will all pan out in the long run, (I think I know the answer to that) but merely an idea of what we replace membership with.

I certainly do not see the negative effects the same as you seem to, what there are, are clearly outweighed by the benefits.

You may be correct about our attitude 50 years ago but you'll have to remind me exactly happened in the mid sixty's to underpin that boast.

No one has ever said that we will not be able to trade with the EU after exit and we already do a lot of trade with the rest of the world.

I have immense belief in ourselves to prosper in and out of the EU, that's not the question. It's whether we will be better off in or out.

As to why you get an image of Sepp Blatter when you picture an EU commissioner, that might go along way to describing your lack of grasp or reality.

I sometimes wonder what planet some people are on, I really do. If you still cannot see them after all the comments and evidence that has been put forward to date, then I guess you never will.

 

[Darkwood]

The EU is a massively corrupt empire hence it couldn't give a audit clean bill of health to at least 100billion, we are not talking a few million here, If my tax is to go into the EU they need to be held accountable but guess what, they are legally protected and you cannot remove them from power. Take a look at this link about the underhand shady goings on within the EU, a study into the level of corruption believed to be throughout the EU - its gobsmacking and even if the figure were a little high then still we are talking of a system that is corrupt to its core.. ever wondered why massive UK based contracts end up going to EU members rathers than our own workforce, ever wonder why the government cannot give any credible answers well have a gander at this recent study... Corruption costs EU ?up to ?990 billion a year? ? POLITICO

 

[andyb]

The EU is a massively corrupt empire hence it couldn't give a audit clean bill of health to at least 100billion, we are not talking a few million here, If my tax is to go into the EU they need to be held accountable but guess what, they are legally protected and you cannot remove them from power. Take a look at this link about the underhand shady goings on within the EU, a study into the level of corruption believed to be throughout the EU - its gobsmacking and even if the figure were a little high then still we are talking of a system that is corrupt to its core.. ever wondered why massive UK based contracts end up going to EU members rathers than our own workforce, ever wonder why the government cannot give any credible answers well have a gander at this recent study... Corruption costs EU ?up to ?990 billion a year? ? POLITICO

You're mixing two things up there DW.
The piece by Politico is about corruption within the EU not by the EU. It was commissioned by the EU. There is corruption everywhere, try looking at the US. There is corruption in this country, not only within the UK but the bribing that goes on around the world by British companies.

The accounts not being signed of are an old myth. The last fully audited accounts (2013) were passed correct for the seventh year in a row, accounting for every euro spent.

 

[andyb]

I sometimes wonder what planet some people are on, I really do. If you still cannot see them after all the comments and evidence that has been put forward to date, then I guess you never will.

What I'm saying Sparks is that I don't see what you perceive as the negatives in the same light as you.

 

[Darkwood]

You're mixing two things up there DW.
The piece by Politico is about corruption within the EU not by the EU. It was commissioned by the EU. There is corruption everywhere, try looking at the US. There is corruption in this country, not only within the UK but the bribing that goes on around the world by British companies.

The accounts not being signed of are an old myth. The last fully audited accounts (2013) were passed correct for the seventh year in a row, accounting for every euro spent.

I know it 2 seperate issues, I tried making it clear I was talking 2 points but was showing the level of corruption from both sides of the coin, the EU itself cannot balance its books to the tune of 100billion and it basically is sitting back and doing little to stop the indepth level of curruption amongst it members. In leaving we are not throwing money at a system that cannot account for itself and also we raise a barrier and reduce the likelyhood of said corruption rife throughout the EU effecting us direct. You are right we have it in the UK too but it will be easier to control or stop if we get back all the powers that are currently held by brussels and stopping us from dealing with it.

 

[silverfox1]

[h=2]Oliver Cromwell - Dissolution of the Long Parliament 1653[/h] [h=3]Dissolution of the Long Parliament by Oliver Cromwell given to the House of Commons, 20 April 1653.[/h] Speech


It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.


Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?


Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors.

In the name of God, go!

Oliver Cromwell - April 20, 1653


Some things never change do they.

 

[Midwest]

Which side did you come down on MW?

(It's a big vote BTW)

Now that would be telling, and in the perquisite of the importance of encouraging people to vote, I ain't gonna tell ya, but I could be persuaded. :flowers:

 

[sparksburnout]

Now that would be telling, and in the perquisite of the importance of encouraging people to vote, I ain't gonna tell ya, but I could be persuaded. :flowers:

As a democratic comment, I think it is pretty obvious how MW has voted. I am on holiday on the 23rd, so I have already cancelled him out..........

 

[Midwest]

As a democratic comment, I think it is pretty obvious how MW has voted. I am on holiday on the 23rd, so I have already cancelled him out..........

Oh no I cancelled you out :yesnod:

 

[sparksburnout]

Oh no I cancelled you out :yesnod:

No, I cancelled YOU out!!

 

[Midwest]

No, I cancelled YOU out!!

That's of course we voted differently :juggle2:

 

[sparksburnout]

That's of course we voted differently :juggle2:

I know we did!!

 

[Octopus]

A clip of the late Right Honourable Tony Benn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0wFii8klNg

A politician I admired - he didn't change his spots to get new votes!

 

[Besoeker]

Did anyone else catch the Andrew Neil/Hilary Benn interview this evening?
The Andrew Neil Interviews: Hilary Benn dragged out Remain?s immigration agony | Coffee House

 

[stevethesparks]

Yes, I don't think Benn answered one of his questions directly.
I particularly liked the one about the statutory holidays.

 

[Besoeker]

Yes, I don't think Benn answered one of his questions directly.
I particularly liked the one about the statutory holidays.

I did too.
Just goes to show that we are being fed bulldung........
Richard Dawkins (article reported in the Independent) made what I think was an important point.

'Brexit is much too difficult and detailed to be left to voters who know no economics,'

Is the electorate, in general, sufficiently knowgelable to make the decision that has such far reaching consequences?

 

[Midwest]

I know we did!!

Typo error, left out IF! But a bit irrelevant now.

 

[andyb]

Oliver Cromwell - Dissolution of the Long Parliament 1653

Dissolution of the Long Parliament by Oliver Cromwell given to the House of Commons, 20 April 1653.

In the name of God, go!

Oliver Cromwell - April 20, 1653


Some things never change do they.

I think the dissolving of parliament is for another thread SF.

Mind you, I think you've nicely summed up the 17th century mind set of a lot of the Brexit camp.

 

[Midwest]

Oliver Cromwell - Dissolution of the Long Parliament 1653

Dissolution of the Long Parliament by Oliver Cromwell given to the House of Commons, 20 April 1653.

Speech


It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.


Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?


Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors.

In the name of God, go!

Oliver Cromwell - April 20, 1653


Some things never change do they.

Yep, then he went on to become Lord Protector, or dictator! The Royals were so grateful, when they got back into power, they dug up his body and chopped off his head. How times change.

 

[Darkwood]

This is floating around facebook and is clearly anti EU but raises some interesting points of the damage the EU does to the UK.

Let's stop second guessing on what might happen if we leave the Eu or stay . But let's have a look at what this amazing position in the EU you are talking about has already done for our economy ?? People need stop looking in the future for the answer but in the past. Here are a few things the EU did to our economy; you can decide if they were good or bad but I know where my vote is going! Please SHARE!
Jaguar Land Rover stops making its Defender in the UK because of EU laws on fuel emissions. It is now set to be built abroad outside the EU.
In 2007 the Peugeot factory in Ryton, Coventry closed down (2,300 job losses) and moved to Slovakia with the help of £78m EU funding.
Britain's remaining ferry service to Scandinavia (DFDS Harwich to Esbjerg) ended in 2014 after 140 years service because of an EU Directive.
'3000 police cars foreign made'. Police say they are powerless to offer contracts to British car factories because of EU procurement rules.
Before the UK entered the EEC/EU, unemployment stood at 2.6%. It is now 5.6% (1.85 million - May, 2015).
Norway, Iceland and Switzerland are thriving because they are not encumbered by Euro bailout costs and extortionate EU membership fees.
There were 25 EU Free Trade Agreements in force in 2012 while the Swiss (non-EU) had independently negotiated 26.
The EU's Landfill Directive has been responsible for some councils ending their weekly bin collections.
EU specified light bulbs cost 500% more than filament bulbs. Some people complain that the EU specified light bulbs produce a lesser quality of light and cfl's contain mercury, a poisonous neurotoxin and phosphors. Health issues affecting those that suffer from light sensitivity.
It's been suggested that VAT on domestic fuels should be cut from 5% to zero. But 5% is the minimum allowed under EU law.
Less than 10% of Britain's GDP represents trade with the EU yet Brussels regulations afflict 100% of the UK economy.
Britain will pay £100 million a year more to the European budget over the next five years. (Telegraph: 03/12/2014)
Article 42 3. gives the EU the power to begin the process of standardising the military forces of the member states via the EDA.
Britain receives just 49p of every £1 paid to the European Union. (Sunday Express & Business for Britain, 12/07/2015)
TTIP will undermine data privacy by making it easier for companies to gain access to individuals’ personal details for commercial purposes.
EU Commission will block public access to all documents related to TTIP negotiations for 30 years. (EU/US negotiator Ignacio Garcia Bercero)
TTIP will downgrade food safety rules (including restrictions on GMOs), regulations on the use of toxic chemicals and data protection laws.
TTIP will allow corporations to sue the UK under the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) clause.
European crime gangs are operating here with impunity due to EU open borders. Gov't estimates there are 13k trafficking victims in the UK.
The UK may withdraw from the obligations of any (EU) treaty under Articles 56,65,66,67 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
The EU isn't in the top five issues people are most concerned about. But those five issues are affected by the EU - like immigration.
HoC library's 13% UK laws made in Brussels figure doesn't include EU reg's which are transposed into law without passing through parliament.
The House of Commons library say 13.3% of UK laws now come from Brussels. European Commissioner Viviane Reding says it's 70%.
Our future does not depend on our membership of the European Union, it rests on our abilities to progress in the world outside of it.
Net EU contributions together with the adverse impact on business here of EU regulations will cost the UK more than £20billion in 2015.
There's no economic benefit in the UK remaining in the EU. EU regulations cost our businesses alone over £9.4bn, according to the BIS.
There was NO 'free movement' for Brits to the EU (EEC) before we joined in '73. Yet we lived, studied, worked, holidayed and retired there.
The EU is NOT "Europe". It's 56% of Europe's countries, 68% of the continent's population and just 43% of its land mass.
UK membership of EU: "Perhaps surprisingly, it's virtually impossible to find hard proof of any net benefit" — Carsten Volkery, Der Spiegel
UK has LOWER GDP ppp per head than:
Australia
Canada
HK
Iceland
Norway
Singapore
Switzerland
Taiwan
USA
Countries THRIVE outside the EU!
Britain’s future outside is bright, while the ‪#‎EU‬ is anti-democratic, anti-growth, and holding Britain back | via E21 http://t.co/fuFrsSuDHs
EU commits €267.6m for Denmark, €129.6m Estonia, €284.6m Germany, €172.9m for Sweden to boost fisheries & aquaculture. Nothing for the UK.
Top importers into the EU, by proportion of total EU imports:
18% China
12% USA
11% Russia
None have Free Trade Agreements with the EU!
'Britain had regular manufacturing & service trade surpluses with the rest of W Europe before joining the EEC (EU) in 1973' — Lewis Abbott
Well over a third of EU citizens reaching the UK in the year to March 2015 (39%) had no job arranged prior to their arrival here. ONS
In the past four quarters the EU exported £84.935bn more goods to the UK than we did to it. The EU cannot afford to stop trading with us!
The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th biggest economies can survive and prosper outside the EU. So can the 5th: the UK.
Switzerland, Canada, South Africa, Chile, Mexico and South Korea have free trade agreements with the EU. So would the UK when we leave it.
UK Net Contributions to the EU budget:
£11.3bn 2015 (OBR estimate)
£11.0bn 2014
£ 8.6bn 2013
£ 8.5bn 2012
£ 8.1bn 2011
£ 7.4bn 2010
Elected MEPs cannot initiate legislation, propose legislation or even repeal legislation. All that is done by the unelected EU Commission.

 

[telectrix]

and there's the stealth issues as well. apart from all the economic arguments, how many have you have spotted those motorway signs that have sprung up over the last 10 years.each sign being 0.5km apart.metrification by stealth.next thing is the EU will make us drive on the wrong side of the road. :33:

 

[silverfox1]

Yep, then he went on to become Lord Protector, or dictator! The Royals were so grateful, when they got back into power, they dug up his body and chopped off his head. How times change.

[FONT=&quot]You are quite correct MW, [/FONT]On 30 January 1661, Cromwell's body was dug up by the new monarchist regime, symbolically executed and then buried at Tyburn by a vengeful parliament.


He certainly is a divisive character in British history depending on your outlook, by destroying the power of the king he is sometimes called the 'father of democracy’.


Just as a footnote in the BBC poll of 2002, Cromwell was placed as the third greatest Briton of all time, behind Winston Churchill and IK Brunel.


FYI I am not religious or in any way a puritan just interested in history.

 

[Darkwood]

The Un-elected elite have just been caught hiring this beast to railroad in all the new rules and regulations if we vote to stay, by the time we read it all and work it out we will already be a member of a super-state with a full blown army and no democratic systems.

[video=youtube;BjLG4lGc5Zc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjLG4lGc5Zc[/video]

 

[Octopus]

No to a Federal States of Europe

No to a single EU Army

No to mandatory membership of the Euro - for new joiners or existing members

No to the commissioners being the ONLY ones who can propose laws and changes

No to benefits being paid to anyone outside the country where its paid

Yes to treaty change so that the existing Euro countries have full fiscal and Political union - which the Germans and French are desperate to AVOID as it will mean changes for all.

Yes to a strong EEC.

Yes to mass redundancies in Brussels

Yes to stopping the STUPID Brussels to Strasbourg move once per month (what a colossal waste of money)

Yes to an end of freedom of movement for ALL convicted criminals (return to the country of origin and no movement for 3 x the jail sentence served)

Yes to big changes to the CAP

Yes to freeing Greece, Portugal, Spain and possibly Italy from the Euro

 

[silverfox1]

This 10 year old BBC 4 documentary is well worth watching it gives a real historical time line to the relationship between Britain and the EU from Ted Heaths treacherous first signature in 1973.


[video=youtube;cTH0UrpSu2s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTH0UrpSu2s[/video]

 

[stevethesparks]

All I can say about the so called debate tonight on ITV is that IMO Nigel Farage answered every question superbly and had much applause from the audience. David Cameron's questioners appeared to have more applause than himself, and most of his answers were the same repetitive answer regardless of the question.

 

[Octopus]

What I REALLY want to know is why Norway and Switzerland pay their fees to the EU, accept most of the rules but stay on the "outside"

Both countries are doing really well too.

 

[andyb]

What I REALLY want to know is why Norway and Switzerland pay their fees to the EU, accept most of the rules but stay on the "outside"

Both countries are doing really well too.

So is that the system you want for us if we vote out Murdoch?

 

[sparksburnout]

The Un-elected elite have just been caught hiring this beast to railroad in all the new rules and regulations if we vote to stay, by the time we read it all and work it out we will already be a member of a super-state with a full blown army and no democratic systems.

[video=youtube;BjLG4lGc5Zc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjLG4lGc5Zc[/video]

Its the EU gravy train!

 

[Octopus]

So is that the system you want for us if we vote out Murdoch?

Not sure to be honest but you don't need to be a member of a club to trade in this century......

 

[Darkwood]

Last nights debate.... would seem that ITV are coming under some scrutiny regarding their balanced audience of the general public, it would seem Farage was kind of set up with well known left wing activists to attack him and even call him racist, given that he couldn't get a word in edgeway until another audience member told her to pipe it she still refused to listen and ask the same question again that had been answered... looks like she was there to make a statement of her own far left opinions.

Im not saying Cam' got away lightly as it was nice to see him squirm too although he still hasn't answered how you would control immigration, he just side swings the question with a non direct response.

 

[stevethesparks]

I understand that one of the girls that questioned Farage is a left wing journalist for the Huffington post.

 

[Octopus]

For me the remain camp just bring up immigration so they can make it all the leave camp are right wing thugs. This is rubbish and many on the leave side don't fit their profile, as the questioner last night to David Cameron proved.

 

[andyb]

I understand that one of the girls that questioned Farage is a left wing journalist for the Huffington post.

If true, what's wrong with that Steve? Assuming it was a legitimate question.

 

[andyb]

For me the remain camp just bring up immigration so they can make it all the leave camp are right wing thugs.

It's not the remain camp that brings up immigration Murdoch, it's the leave camp. It's all they have.
The remain camp would rather immigration was not discussed at all, it's the one point that they do not do well in the polls on.

 

[Darkwood]

For me the remain camp just bring up immigration so they can make it all the leave camp are right wing thugs. This is rubbish and many on the leave side don't fit their profile, as the questioner last night to David Cameron proved.

I don't mind that because its ultimately an own goal as it focuses the attention on the one thing Cameron is trying to avoid answering, agree the future of the UK shouldn't be decided on just one factor but you cannot educate the public to 40yrs of politics to make a balance judgement so the only tool you have is to use your best resources and tools you have at the time.

 

[stevethesparks]

If true, what's wrong with that Steve? Assuming it was a legitimate question.

I cant confirm or deny if she is or not, but if she is it might have been a more honest approach to have been introduced as such rather than as an ordinary member of the public.

 

[Darkwood]

If true, what's wrong with that Steve? Assuming it was a legitimate question.

The media has to present the argument with neutrality, it is required to select the audience and check there background and ensure they provide balance and use representatives of the general public and its views, in selecting this women they must have been well aware of her position and views thus could be looked on as not remaining impartial.

The question itself was a legitimate one to which I'll agree, the way she blocked response and talked over Mr Farage and refused to listen to him was exactly the reason that she should never have been selected to put a question forward, and exactly why ITV have questions to answer. This wasn't just a passionate audience member, this was a career left wing blogger with what I class looking at her history, some extreme views.

 

[Spoon]

For me the remain camp just bring up immigration so they can make it all the leave camp are right wing thugs. This is rubbish and many on the leave side don't fit their profile, as the questioner last night to David Cameron proved.

I got this at work a few days ago. I got told that us 'out' people are just about immigration. He wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[andyb]

The media has to present the argument with neutrality, it is required to select the audience and check there background

Neutrality yes, ask their voting intentions and select a balanced audience based on that most certainly, check their background? No. That's a step too far. What do you propose they check and who would do the checking?

I must admit I thought it was on Sky, now I know it was on ITV I'll try to see it in itvplayer so I have a better idea what I'm discussing.

 

[Darkwood]

Neutrality yes, ask their voting intentions and select a balanced audience based on that most certainly, check their background? No. That's a step too far. What do you propose they check and who would do the checking?

I must admit I thought it was on Sky, now I know it was on ITV I'll try to see it in itvplayer so I have a better idea what I'm discussing.

The BBC was pulled over this very same fact during the general election when it was claimed the audience was biased, it was explained then that the audience were selected to give a balanced view across the whole audience thus applause and questions which all influence the viewer are balanced, as we have politians and prime ministers on the stage, a security check is done on all audience members anyway - this and a general background check is standard to ensure members are not lying to media about their sway or if they are part of some far right or left movement.

If you think it goes to far to be checked then it really comes down to the choice of not applying to be a member of the audience.

 

[Midwest]

You are not going to get a balanced audience for a discussion (its not a debate, with only one speaker) on EU ref' on these tv programmes. Farage got barracked (didn't catch he's myself) and Cameron got swiped by that young woman on Sky. Don't know how the selection process works, but a small audience like that, you'll only get people applying, who won't to have a pop at the speaker.

Look at Question Time, which has numerous speakers, it still ends up with a one sided audience. Very few people will ask a question the speakers going to agree with.

As for Farage, can't understand why he's popular, when as only an MEP he want's to leave his parliament, but can't seem to get elected as an MP and so would have no position in a leave parliament. Think UKIP should bin him and find someone else, but I suppose that's a debate for somewhere else.

Few, that's the longest I typed out here, thing I'll go and have a lie down.

 

[Midwest]

Screwfix sent me an email to take part in a poll on the EU ref', with a chance to win some vouchers. I did. Hope I don't get banned from the store, to fill up on my expanding foam and me Turbo Golds. :crazy:

 

[andyb]

The BBC was pulled over this very same fact during the general election when it was claimed the audience was biased, it was explained then that the audience were selected to give a balanced view across the whole audience thus applause and questions which all influence the viewer are balanced, as we have politians and prime ministers on the stage, a security check is done on all audience members anyway - this and a general background check is standard to ensure members are not lying to media about their sway or if they are part of some far right or left movement.

Over time the BBC is accused of being biased by both the left and right.
I understand that the BBC should ask questions about your political leaning, who you voted for or who you are likely to vote for, or if you belong to a political party to get a balanced audience. I don't think they should, and I'm sure they do not do any background checks, how could they? Who you voted for is not known, party membership is not open to the public, there really should be nothing public to judge you on.

If you think it goes to far to be checked then it really comes down to the choice of not applying to be a member of the audience.

I don't think they do any checks DW, I'm sure there is a lot of security on the night, the normal stuff like bag checks, sniffer dogs and the like.
And yes I do think it goes too far to look into your personnel life just because you want to go on a TV show.

 

[Darkwood]

You are not going to get a balanced audience for a discussion (its not a debate, with only one speaker) on EU ref' on these tv programmes. Farage got barracked (didn't catch he's myself) and Cameron got swiped by that young woman on Sky. Don't know how the selection process works, but a small audience like that, you'll only get people applying, who won't to have a pop at the speaker.

Look at Question Time, which has numerous speakers, it still ends up with a one sided audience. Very few people will ask a question the speakers going to agree with.

As for Farage, can't understand why he's popular, when as only an MEP he want's to leave his parliament, but can't seem to get elected as an MP and so would have no position in a leave parliament. Think UKIP should bin him and find someone else, but I suppose that's a debate for somewhere else.

Few, that's the longest I typed out here, thing I'll go and have a lie down.

Maybe that has something to do with the suspected electoral fraud been investigated in his home turf that the conservatives tried blocking the investigation, if it is found to be true then I'm not sure how it works but either there is a re-election for that seat or Farage gets it as he was the runner up, also you forget UKIP won the European vote and hold that position now. Plus he tells it as it is as most people on the street can relate to.

 

[Darkwood]

Over time the BBC is accused of being biased by both the left and right.
I understand that the BBC should ask questions about your political leaning, who you voted for or who you are likely to vote for, or if you belong to a political party to get a balanced audience. I don't think they should, and I'm sure they do not do any background checks, how could they? Who you voted for is not known, party membership is not open to the public, there really should be nothing public to judge you on.



I don't think they do any checks DW, I'm sure there is a lot of security on the night, the normal stuff like bag checks, sniffer dogs and the like.
And yes I do think it goes too far to look into your personnel life just because you want to go on a TV show.

I understand what your saying but I believe it is more than an 'on the night' security check, when you have a front row of people 10ft away from the PM or whoever is on stage then they need to make sure there are no wacko's invited, you don't need a gun or knife to cause alot of security problems, you are required to apply to be in the audience and you are selected and whether they admit it or not they do check you out, this isn't Jeremy Kyle where a criminal record is prefered, it is well respected or equally hated politicians, PM's etc who I suspect due to there position have alot of people who given half the chance would happily do time to get a chance at causing some harm.

 

[andyb]

Maybe that has something to do with the suspected electoral fraud been investigated in his home turf that the conservatives tried blocking the investigation, if it is found to be true then I'm not sure how it works but either there is a re-election for that seat or Farage gets it as he was the runner up, also you forget UKIP won the European vote and hold that position now. Plus he tells it as it is as most people on the street can relate to.

They are being investigated in 29 Tory seats according to John Rentoul of the Independent. I wouldn't get your hopes up though, if guilty it will probably be fines or slapped wrists. I doubt the Labour party are squeaky clean.

 

[Midwest]

I understand what your saying but I believe it is more than an 'on the night' security check, when you have a front row of people 10ft away from the PM or whoever is on stage then they need to make sure there are no wacko's invited, you don't need a gun or knife to cause alot of security problems, you are required to apply to be in the audience and you are selected and whether they admit it or not they do check you out, this isn't Jeremy Kyle where a criminal record is prefered, it is well respected or equally hated politicians, PM's etc who I suspect due to there position have alot of people who given half the chance would happily do time to get a chance at causing some harm.

You are not a Mossad agent in disguise DW? There's quite a lot of Cameron detractors in the front row of the Commons. You don't see empty seats there.

 

[silverfox1]

The woman who asked Farage about immigration was Imriel Morgan, the “CEO and co founder” of the Shout Out Network and blogger at the Huffington Post.
When asked by radio host Jon Gaunt as to whether ITV did any background checks of her, or her “clear political agenda,” Ms. Morgan admitted to having been hand picked by ITV.
The revelation comes as it was also revealed that ITV hand selected the audience rather than relying on a reputable pollster to ensure demographic representation last night.