Forum Topic

The game is not worth the candle

"A majority of voters in England, Wales and Scotland believe that violence against MPs is a “price worth paying” in order to get their way on Brexit, an academic survey has found.The poll from Cardiff University and the University of Edinburgh asked respondents what they would be willing to see happen in order to leave or remain within the European Union.Most leave voters who took part in the Future of England study thought violence towards MPs was a “price worth paying” for Brexit to be delivered – 71% in England, 60% in Scotland and 70% in Wales.The majority of remain voters felt that potential violence was worth it if it meant we would stay in the EU – 58% in England, 53% in Scotland and 56% in Wales.""Flabbergasted". Understatement.https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/oct/24/majority-of-voters-think-violence-against-mps-is-price-worth-paying-for-brexit------------------------------"You arrogant ass. You've killed us!"(The Hunt for Red October)

David Ainsworth ● 2575d9 Comments

This must be "fake news".This country cannot possibly have changed to the degree of the 1930s Germany.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2575d

I'm not sure, I don't think the blinkered parliamentarians we have really understood the amount of bad feeling this whole thing has unleashed.Just as Cameron never thought there would be a pro Brexit vote and nobody could be bothered to educate the public on the advantages/disadvantages of free movement to this small country and how it may affect people living in and out of London.Westminster has no finger on the pulse of the country and the fact that people left rudderless may actually revolt.

Bunny Payne ● 2575d

I don't think that it is fake news, whatever else it is.A fuller report:-https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/1709008-future-of-england-survey-reveals-public-attitudes-towards-brexit-and-the-union

David Ainsworth ● 2575d

Yes, it does seem like a valid academic survey. However, I suppose there's  a difference between "thinking" something is acceptable if someone else does it as opposed to actually doing it oneself? After all, the three remain marches over the past six or so months seem to have all been peaceful. 

Michael Ixer ● 2574d

"However, I suppose there's  a difference between "thinking" something is acceptable if someone else does it as opposed to actually doing it oneself?"Yes, and probably much of this is a willingness to face violence if it happens, in order to support one's cause, rather than inflict violence on others.

David Ainsworth ● 2574d

David. I guess that's the corollary of what I stated. Such is the appalling situation that Brexit  seems to have created.

Michael Ixer ● 2574d

Just as bad is the view that Brexit - which very few now deny will make us weaker and poorer as a nation - is worth breaking up the UK to achieve.  Just how did we get to this point?  To me it is all totally irrational.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2574d

"Just as bad is the view that Brexit - which very few now deny will make us weaker and poorer as a nation - is worth breaking up the UK to achieve.  Just how did we get to this point?  To me it is all totally irrational."I guess that it is the equivalent of drawing your sword and throwing away the scabbard. "Whatever it takes".Which makes even weirder how little of a problem the EU was seen as in 2015.It was 17th in the list in the December 2015 IPSOS MORI Issues Index, and seen as a problem by a very small percentage of people.

David Ainsworth ● 2574d

Unfortunately logic and rationality didn't always apply; prejudice and groups with vested interests inject a level of irrationality - and we may all be guilty of that that to some extent? Some disruption may be good for innovation but destroying the foundations can be a major step backwards. (Schumpeter, the "gale of creative destruction".)

Michael Ixer ● 2574d