The devastating results show an electoral system in disarray and a Britain at odds with its own best interests. While Scotland and SNP came out firmly against austerity and Westminster politics resulting in them sweeping the board, Labour counted on middle England and left the base of its roots. Today disabled people, the unemployed, the low paid, the old, and children face more uncertainty and fear. Yet, in this election we have also seen new smaller parties rise up, these parties are going to get stronger. The political landscape is changing, not as fast as we would like, but its changing.
There were some good points McVey lost her seat, Farage resigned. The Lib Dems were almost wiped out, and Clegg has gone as leader. This is without doubt a comment on their collusion with Tories as they took a lot of Labour voters in the 2010 election. The polls were staggeringly wrong, with the first sign of this unbelievable result coming in the exit polls last night.
But disabled people are proud and strong, we will not give up. DPAC will increase its fight, its protests and improve its methods, because now we’re at war, fighting for our lives and futures. The Tories now have to back up their ‘growing economy’ myth, the right wing press will continue to be challenged with more alternatives and social media becoming the commentary that people trust. The much publicised UN inquiry will focus on the Tories and we will show the devastation and erosion of rights that the Tories have caused to an international platform. We can’t give up, but must fight harder, until every hardship, every death and every misery has been exposed and accounted for. It’s not the end-this is a new beginning-and we’re ready but we need all disabled people and our allies to stand firm and fight back even harder than you have done in the last five years. Apathy is not an option any of us can now afford
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I am gutted and shocked by this result. I am also very frightened at what is next. Our money is so tight now, my husband has been made redundant because of the cuts so I have no idea how we will manage if they cut my disability money any more. It is shocking to think that this comes from a man who fully understands what being disabled really means.
Those who Voted Tory have Betrayed this Country Shame on Them
It is Very Important that the Tories are Opposed
It is Time that the Underdog had a Proper Voice instead of being just Kicked
I posted tho sto Aavaaz Actually Andrea… 80% voted in Scotland … hence the LANDSLIDE. but you are correct abELECTIONSout the system not fit for purose: TOTALLY UNDEMOCRATIC AND THE LAST GOVERNMENT WAS MADE UP FROM THE TWO LEAST POPULAR PARTIES.
A FEDRATION WOULD ALLOW A STRONG UK BUT ALSO GUARRANTEE FAIR
ELECTIONS AND ADMINISTRATION.
e.g.
a) THE SCOTTISH NHS can NEVER INDEPENDENT DUE TO CONTROL OF ENGLISH QUANGO ‘NICE’.
b) ISSUES LIKE the ‘bedroom CHARGE (NOT A TAX BYTW) and local COUNCILS COLLECTIONG WTER CHARGE (ALSO NOT A TAX) WHICH PENALISES UNEMPLOYED AND DISABLED. THIS ECHOES THE ILLEGAL POLL TAX WHICH BREACHED THE ARTICLES OF UNION BY BEING IMPOSED IN SCOTLAND BEFORE ENGLAND.
ONLY FEDERATION CAN ENSURE PEOPLE ARE GOVERNED BY THE PEOPLE THEY VOTE FOR.
AND NATURAL JUSTICE DICTATES THAT ONLY DEVOLUTION FOR EVERY UK NATION STATE COULD BE FAIR.
WIth SCOT ONLY LETTING IN THREE NON SNP CANDIDATES< NO OTHER WAY FORWARD WOULD BE LEGALLY JUSTIFIED.
A BRITAIN WHERE EVERYONE GOT THEIR WISHES HEARD AND ADDRESSED WOULD BE BOUND TO BE STRONG AND A GREAT GLOBAL EXAMPLE OF DEMOCRASY …. THE ONE THING WE MOST CERTAINLY DO NOT HAVE UNDER THE PERSENT SYSTEM
KEVIN G CAMPBELL
On Friday, May 8, 2015 6:50 PM, Andrea Boyle – Avaaz wrote:
Today’s results show that we have an electoral system that is no longer fit for purpose. Call on MPs to fight for electoral reform now. Sign now:
SIGN NOW
Dear friends,
Many of us have woken up this morning in a state of shock. Opinion polls predicted a very different election result — but the reason the polls misjudged this so severely is because we have an electoral system that simply isn’t fit for purpose.
The first past the post system is designed for two-party politics. But that’s just not on our landscape any more. Over 1 million voted for the Green Party and got just one seat and whether you agree with them or not, UKIP also suffered from this yawning democratic deficit.
With 1 in 3 people not bothering to vote, we need to reconnect politics back to the people. Let’s end the era of ‘wasted votes’ and create a system where every voice in Britain matters. Let’s call on all our MPs to fight for an electoral review as soon as parliament reconvenes. Sign now:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/uk_electoral_reform_locb/?bwOpddb&v=58070
In 2011 we held a referendum that decided not to pursue a different voting system. But politics has changed since then. Multiple political parties backed up by popular vote — but this isn’t being reflected in the seats. Public outrage at such a screwed system can force the Conservatives to at least conduct a review into a new system. Which is a first step.
It’s true that a proportional representation system would lead to more seats for UKIP. But without proportional representation we will never see the growth in the smaller progressive parties that offer so much hope for Britain.
Many individuals complained of having to tactically vote or feel that their vote would be wasted, and many students were automatically taken off the ballot. This isn’t a competition — this is a democracy. There should be no such thing as a wasted vote. Call on MPs now to fix a system that is long past its use by date. Sign now:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/uk_electoral_reform_locb/?bwOpddb&v=58070
Yesterday we stood on the cusp of a brand-new era of multi-party politics. Based on today’s results we risk falling back into an outdated two party race — with people forced to vote out of fear of the alternative. Together we can create a system where everyone can vote with hope.
With hope,
Andrea, Sam, Mike and the whole Avaaz team
More Information
Square pegs, round hole (The Economist)
https://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2015/05/britain-s-election-2015-seats-votes-calculator
The election when first past the post lost (The Spectator)
https://www.spectator.co.uk/columnists/politics/9521812/the-election-when-first-past-the-post-lost/
Five million votes but just two seats. UKIP and Green set to campaign for electoral reform (Yorkshire Post)
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/election-politics/politics-and-election-news/five-million-votes-but-just-two-seats-ukip-and-green-set-to-campaign-for-electoral-reform-1-7251337
Avaaz.org is a 41-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world’s people shape global decision-making. (“Avaaz” means “voice” or “song” in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 17 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz’s biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
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Brilliant post Debbie.
Thanks
I wish I could do something but I can’t handle confrontation without having a panic attack. It has taken a lot out of me to write this. I have chest pains, a shortness of breath, confusion, and now feel deeply depepressed that I am notale to stann up for mysel. i am a faliure.
you are not a failure at all but unwell at the moment. The attacks against us have made many people unwell and in need of support from others to help them take action,
Damn right Linda. Different people will be able to protest in different ways at different times. And there will be times when people are too unwell to protest. There is no shame in that. The important thing is that as a movement we give the Tories hell from now until the next election. And that in the process we change attitudes. And that those in need are supported.
Brian, please take consolation that none of us failed, we took the message to the British people, and they have failed us. I’m in a deep state of shock, too, and am finding it very difficult to face a very uncertain future, but I will. DPAC fought a good fight, but the brutal reality is that too many of the British eleectorate didn’t listen to us, didn’t listen to a voice of fairness, but were won over by the voice of greed. I honestly believe we should all be proud of ourselves, we didn’t give up the struggle, and we shouldn’t for one minute doubt our commitment to our cause.
I felt numb with shock at the terrible news that the Conservatives got in with a majority. The shock turned to despair last night and I must say thank dpac for this rousing and encouraging piece.
Like thousands upon thousands of disabled people I went through hell to get ESA and DLA. It seems extraordinary that so many British citizens either through ignorance or
prejudice have turned their backs on fellow citizens who are suffering such appalling treatment at the hands of the government.
We must be incredibly brave and determined to fight the cruel and greedy lie that only austerity (for those who are least able to afford it) will tackle the deficit. I hope the UN can act against Tory discrimination and contempt. Does anyone know what powers they have?
ieunderlay that only austerity will bring down the deficit.
Have now wrote too my Labour M.P Expressing how I really feel & will post a copy on Dpac email
Extremely disappointed and worried. I’ve just had to hand in my resignation due to ill health – fibromyalgia. Just because I look fine, am I going to be told me benefits etc for me? Am I going to have to fight for every little thing I’m entitled to? The more stress, the more pain… All those who suffer from an invisible illness are struggling and it seems as if it us only going to become worse. I sincerely hope not.
I feel better having read your article and the replies. I am impressed. Thank you everyone.
Every single Tory candidate was repeatedly asked exactly where these £12 billion of cuts were to fall. Not one of them answered the question. However, disabled people did not need a reply – they already knew who the Tory’s main target would be. Beautiful as it is, I have the misfortune to live in the one Tory constituency left in Scotland. I asked their candidate the same question. Yet again no direct answer. Instead he said “well welfare issues are being transferred to Scotland anyway” This is true, but it was a slippery and disingenuous reply, because he knew just as well as I did that by the time DLA/PIP is transferred to the Scottish Government, every single DLA recipient will have already been switched over to PIP!
I think a lot of young people voted tory. They don’t remember the last time they were in government and have been brainwashed by propaganda. Maybe we need to target them with info?
fear and greed have won the day!, im not sure I have the will to fight it anymore, I don’t know how or what we can do..they have a mandate for their cuts?im sorry to say we have a lot of sleepless nights and horror days ahead…I don’t belive in god..i wish I did I might have hope…I don’t know what will aid our cause that has not been done already…..? but we have to try
Like many disabled people I am reeling from the shock election result
What is especially alarming is at the moment there is no opposition as the cruel regime have a majority
I find it incredible that despite the Tories not revealing the full extent of the cuts to come people voted for them
I fully support DPAC and I will not give up without a fight against the cruel regime
The one good thing about the result was that the LibDems paid for their arrogance and vanity into going into Coalition with the Tories.
I too will do all I can. This has to be our top priority .
Damn straight. As I have been saying today, the bruises on my arm from yesterday’s seizure prove that I can get up again when I fall down. I am lucky enough to have a body that can fight, so fight I must. All of us who are able to stand against the oncoming tide of cuts and legislative bullying need to band together.
I am still in shock at the moment, and anger, and sorrow after that terrible night last night. But your rousing commentary is dead right. I will bounce back, disabled people all across the country must and will fight these fucking Tories. First they must not repeal the Human Rights Act.
This is like having just served and miraculously survived 5 years in the concentration camp and getting condemned to 5 more! (just for spitting at the camp-commandant’s pitbull!) All we can hope for is they now ruin themselves with criminal corruption from their overconfidence, or there is an inside assassin.
Right behind you. It’s a disgrace that the Tories got back in but that is the will of the people. The Tories have caused people’s suicide, deaths etc through IDS’s constant attack on the most vulnerable, yet for most of the British public they don’t know or don’t care.
A stirring, rousing commentary, I am with DPAC one hundred percent and will endeavour to do all I can, within my limited mobility restrictions, to be beside you in future actions. Solidarity.
The Tories inflicted terrible damage on this country in the last five years and I fear that they could now have a free hand to ransack and pillage what is left. I think that with TTIP, and the planned abolition of the Human Rights Act, our liberal democracy itself is in very real danger. For me, now is a brief time to grieve for the better future that could have begun yesterday. But I think that the stakes are so high, for those alive today and for future generations, that all progressive forces need to regroup and fight to defend every inch of ground.
I know many will worry about their own futures. But I think with mutual support, passion, organisation, and a peaceful anger the likes of which the country has not seen, we can help those who are suffering, discredit government lies, and begin to change attitudes. I think the better future is still there and waiting. Its just a bit further than I thought it was when I found my self whistling the Red Flag yesterday afternoon. Screw the Tory scum. Thanks to evryone who has campaigned so hard. And good luck to all those facing difficult times.
Cheers
Rupertbh
PS sorry this is bit of a stream of consciousness rant. Just wanted to say something before dashing out.