Please Help!

[Moonhead]

I've just had my voting form thingy through the post, and its got in my in a right flap, as I have no idea who I should vote for! I must vote, Emmeline Pankhurst and the like didnt do all they did, so I could cjuck my vote away because i dont 'get' politics. I have googled away for hours trying to research the varius parties, and i have emailed my local party candiates, but I am still finding their answers arent simple enough for me! Basically, i know what my own opnions on current affairs etc are, and I would like an idiots guide to where each of the main parties stand, their views on Europe and the Euro, etc etc. I know it's a lot to ask, but i just want to use my vote wisely, and not plump for someone because everyone else in my area does! Thank you. Moony.

[JohnPPotts]

It would possibly help to know what you're voting for (there are elections for local councils, London Assembly, London Mayor and Europe all upcoming - and possibly Welsh and Scottish elections too) as what you're electing will make a difference to what issues are relevant (eg. the Euro is relevant to the European elections but probably not when it comes to electing a local council). Also, it's quite hard to put in a couple of sentences what all the parties' views are (particularly if you want to know all the minor parties too, eg. Green, BNP, Socialist Labour) but give a few pointers on what you want to know and I'm prepared to give it a go...

[Moonhead]

Thanks JohnPPotts. I realise politics is a very complicated subject, which is probably why it all baffles me so much! I live in Wales, so voting for a party that will benefit this area inparticular appeals to me a lot. The main thing I really want to know, is where the main parties stand on Europe. In lay man's terms, are they for or against it, if it can be as cut and dry as that! And where they stand on this Euro business? Any further help would be much appreciated :)

[tartanwiz]

Best to try to get a copy of the party manifestos either by contacting each party or asking at a newsagents. Basically though - Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats are capitalist (i.e. that the economy should be owned by private business). The main difference is that the Conservatives believe in more cuts in public spending than Labour, while the Lib Dems lie in between. All are in favour of staying in Europe but Labour and Tory do not feel that Britain is ready to join the Euro yet. If you live in England, the Socialist Alliance stands for socialism (public ownership/control of the economy and a fairer distribution of wealth throughout the nation, ending class differences. If you live in Scotland, the Scottish Socialist Party stands for an independent socialist Scotland. The Green Party stands for eco-friendly and environment -friendly policies, animal rights, conservation in both town and country, self-sufficiency and a change in the way we live, getting away from the use of fossil fuels. The UK Independence Party (Joan Collins is a member) want Britain to pull out of Europe. The far-right parties like the National Front and the British National Party also want to pull out of Europe, as well as to stop asylum and immigration, but they are racist and xenophobic.

[tartanwiz]

Sorry, Moonhead - I didn't know you live in Wales. Then you also have Plaid Cymru, who want independence for Wales, and Cymru Goch, who seek an independent socialist Wales.

[tartanwiz]

Incidentally Plaid Cymru (like the Scottish National Party) are pro-Europe.

[Moonhead]

Tartannwiz (if you come back to this q) or anyone else- so where do the Green Party stand on wanting the euro or not then?

[tartanwiz]

Hi again Moonhead. The Green Party are OPPOSED to joining the Euro. Although they believe in being part of Europe, they are against a single currency as they see it as beaurocratic.

[JohnPPotts]

OK (and bear in mind this is my perception of the parties' stance and I may be biased): Labour are broadly pro-Euro, but are scared of the Murdoch press (which is strongly against) so tip-toe very carefully round the issue - additionally, Gordon Brown is thought to be more Eurosceptic than Tony Blair so if he takes over in the near future, it's less likely we'll join the Euro. On the new EU Constitution (a document not yet produced - the last EU Summit couldn't agree on a draft text, but the next Summit in Dublin will try again) TB has promised a Referendum, despite having previously said it was unnecessary. The Tories are broadly Euro-sceptic and have ruled out the Euro "for the forseeable future" (but won't rule it out absolutely as many of their business supporters favour it) - they've also promised a Referendum on the new EU Constitution. The Lib Dems are easily the most pro-Euro party and favour the Euro - I don't know if they favour a Referendum on the new Constitution, but they'd certainly campaign for it. UKIP wants to pull out of the EU entirely, as (I think) do the BNP. I don't know about Plaid Cymru.

[JohnPPotts]

HOWEVER (just to add to the confusion), none of the major issues affecting Europe are decided by the European Parliament (which is modelled on the weak French Parliament), but entirely by our Parliament. It won't matter how many pro or anti Euro MEPs are sent to Strasbourg, it'll be Westminster that decides if we join the Euro or sign up to a new Constitution.

[Lukey]

I'm in Wales as well, maybe i can help. There's 2 elections you'll be voting for (at the same time): European Elections (sends guys to the European parliament to vote on EU issues) and Local Elections (elects our local councillors). In the Euro elections you get 1 vote, and have to choose a party to vote for out of the list. I can't really offer much help without knowing what sort of Europe you want to go for, or whether you want us to get out of Europe. In the local elections you usually get a couple of votes 2 or 3 and get to choose 2 or 3 different candidates. Each party usually has a couple of different candidates up for election. My personal votes will be, for the first time, going to Plaid Cymru as i feel Labour has ignored Wales, and Wales would do so well from joining the EU (like other small countries who have just joined the EU and now have high prospects). Plus i was against the Iraq war, and think our environment needs to be protected. That's just my take though, go for it! :-)