UK Politics 22/10/13

But First  An IR Bible

What is a UK Politics debate?  1) A topic of contemporary significance in current affairs: THW opt out of the European Union.  2) Positing a specific policy to address an issue within the political framework: THW abolish the whip.  3) Evaluating whether a particular actor, say a political party, should follow a particular policy

Topics of contemporary significance  European Union  Austerity – Growth, Welfare  Devolution, Scottish Independence  Banking, Energy companies: reform  Big Society policy  MP’s salaries

Issues within UK Political system  Whips  Technocrats G03wR6aE G03wR6aE  Political parties – race to the bottom  Elections: Safe seats – FPP.  Elitist, White and Hetronormative  Peers, Funding and

Evaluating Policies a Party should take  Example: “THB the Conservative party should allow mp’s a free vote on gay marriage” – Manchester 2013 “THB the Labour part should abolish all ties the Trade Unions” – York  1) A debate about the merits of the actual policy. Is it good vs. bad per say.  2) A debate about he image it will give the party and the consequences for that party – usually with regard to elections.

Evaluating Policies a Party should take  Strategic understanding of current party positioning and policy decisions  Right, Left  Conservative: Modernising streak (dependent on Ed, and austerity), UKIP  Labour: Blairites, Milibites. Significant socio-political change post 2008? Thus squeezed middle rhetoric  Lib Dems: Coalition failure?  UKIP: How many votes can they get off the tories

Debate THB the conservative party should reintroduce the 50p top rate of income tax.