What is the different in ideology between the big 3 parties

[rootsnall]

Yes, but the differences are in the size and cost. No one is suggesting that we get rid of it altogether.

It's all or nothing with the NHS.

[Moscow Mule]

All parties are fighting for the centrist ground these days as that is where elections are won.

To me, Labour have shown themselves to be incompetent in the extreme, but that won't stop vast swathes of the country voting for them because of their perceived ideology (being "for the many").

Anyway, back to the point of the post which is to plug my shiny new Plan B Anything But Gord.

Plan C (Anything but Dave - for all you Tory haters) will be up and running once I've done the graphic...

[Peoplesoft bloke]

Given the nature of our electoral system, two parties can win. The difference between them is the difference between tulip and tulipe. Anyone who genuinely thinks that only one party is suitable to govern should be banned from voting.

Elections in the UK hinge on a tiny number of swing votes and the majority always votes for something other than what we get.

[BlackenedBiker]

Moscow Mule - pretty much captures the opposing ideologies.

DimPrawn - quite correctly castigates anyone for not knowing by now.

BlackenedBiker - You appear to be tieing yourself up in knots there.

OK, BTC when one offers up a question for debate that does not mean that they are bereft of any idea of the answer, They just might be interested in someone elses opinion HTH

When one considers the big state (Labour) stance v's the Small State (Conservative) I don't think that there REALLY is much difference between the parties, just tinkering at the edges, no real difference in scale.

We are lacking ground breaking ideas. Politicians really need to do better.

Their job is not about being elected it is about serving the electorate when they are. I submit that they are simply not doing that.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

OK, BTC when one offers up a question for debate that does not mean that they are bereft of any idea of the answer, They just might be interested in someone elses opinion HTH

When one considers the big state (Labour) stance v's the Small State (Conservative) I don't think that there REALLY is much difference between the parties, just tinkering at the edges, no real difference in scale.

We are lacking ground breaking ideas. Politicians really need to do better.

Their job is not about being elected it is about serving the electorate when they are. I submit that they are simply not doing that.

Totally agree, and as I have argued on here before, their "idealogy" is often founded on spin. Thatcher's "small state" included quangos, tax rises and a load of massive new databases and admin for the poll tax. I am not saying she was wrong - but the facts don't fit the revisionist view. Similarly, the rise in inequality during a supposedly socialist government demonstrates they are nothing of the sort.

[DodgyAgent]

There are clear fundamental differences between the two.

The Tories believe in personal responsibility and freedom. The Tories also understand concepts such as choice, markets. They are also proud of being british.

Labour or New Labour believe in collectivism. They believe in the concept of sharing and equality.

The two ideologies have been branded (incorrectly) as being (in the case of Tory ideology) selfish with Labour ideology being branded as morally right. Of course I (as you all know) argue that the reverse is true.

[DodgyAgent]

Totally agree, and as I have argued on here before, their "idealogy" is often founded on spin. Thatcher's "small state" included quangos, tax rises and a load of massive new databases and admin for the poll tax. I am not saying she was wrong - but the facts don't fit the revisionist view. Similarly, the rise in inequality during a supposedly socialist government demonstrates they are nothing of the sort.

What is wrong with "inequality"? in fact what IS inequality? I think you will find that those people who are "less equal" than others have been educated, employed and looked after by socialist institutions.

[vetran]

Anything but Gord needs a diagonal red line through it.

That means its a mandatory direction shown in the circle. The cross through it means a mandatory prohibition.

[Moscow Mule]

Anything but Gord needs a diagonal red line through it.

That means its a mandatory direction shown in the circle. The cross through it means a mandatory prohibition.

I thought about it, but it's not really true and it ruins the graphic of gord.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/dr_consum_d.../dg_070642.pdf

[Peoplesoft bloke]

There are clear fundamental differences between the two.

No there are not. On every major issue they have each turned about and stolen each other's policies repeatedly. Only those mired in blind dogma can't see that.