An Historic Vote

[poliphilo]

Cameron watered down his motion on bombing Syria but lost anyway. This is the first time since the 18th century that a British Government has lost a vote on a question of war and peace. Polly Toynbee in the Guardian says it marks the end of our belief in ourselves as an imperial nation. I think she's right.

Comments

[ingenious76.livejournal.com]

I think it more reveals MPs are wary after Iraq, and aware of public divisions on the issue. Plus, Milliband is trying to prove he's not another Blair. I think it more marks the end of the belief that we should join America in everything. So, yep, much as it pains me to say it (I can't stand Toynbee and her sanctimonious stance on everything) I do agree with Toynbee.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

The MPs have been listening to their constituents. The PM- on the other hand- seems only to have been listening to his own wonks- evidence- I suppose- of how how much a person becomes insulated by high office.

Re: Taksım

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Everything has changed. The Special Relationship has been dented, Cameron's authority has been compromised, we're not going to war and the England of Palmerston and Disraeli is dead.

[veronica-milvus.livejournal.com]

I bloody hope so. Let's just get on with being a middle sized rather wonderful place with a rather too gung-ho past.

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

I hope she's right and that we can stop playing at being a world power.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Exactly. We're a bit special, but not because of our army or our navy or our nukes.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

And maybe for starters we can cancel the replacement for Trident.

[wyrmwwd.livejournal.com]

I wish we (the U.S.) would.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

This vote in our parliament has shaken the White House. This'll be the first time since VietNam we've missed out on an American war.

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

And downsize the military to a defence force.

[wyrmwwd.livejournal.com]

Good.

[davesmusictank.livejournal.com]

Totally right.Common sense has prevailed!