UK politics

[akarunway 1]

Can someone edgejumacate me here. They don't have set dates for elections in the UK?http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7031749.stm Just looking for answers.

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

[DZJ 0]

Election dates aren't necessarily set. They're normally every four or five years but the government of the day can call an election whenever it wants. In that case the PM requests a dissolution of Parliament from the Queen, there follows a set period of campaigning (17 days I think), an election is held and the leader of the largest party is invited by the Queen to form a government.

[CornishChris 5]

I would prefer it if we were in a similar position to the US with fixed terms - that way the party in power can't just wait until the time is right to call an election (or not), as has recently happened....

CJP

Gods don't kill people. People with Gods kill people

[DZJ 0]

Maybe, but I'd imagine that fixed dates would have similar effects, like legislation being rushed through or delayed at some points in the cycle, or other pieces of legislation being timed for tactical effect. Not sure it would make an awful lot of difference.

[shropshire 0]

Cameron was a fool.... he played his hand way too early. Labour was leading the polls (just) until last week and Gordie may well have called an election... If he had, Cameron could then have played his Tax card to boost his rating... But now the Jock twat gets to play with our countries politics for another few years.

(.)Y(.)
Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome