So it seems the LibDem are getting their own SNP-like post-defeat membership surge, with 10000 new members since the Election, up to 55000 members. Granted, a lot of these seems to be members that left during the coalition, and they're not up to their pre-coalition total of 65000, but it's still funny how defeat seems the best way to swell a party's numbers.
I've considered joining up this time. The new cabinet, Conservative manifesto and statements since the election
like this new one are making me think we need more and louder liberal voices, and Labour are simply shit on most such issues. Given the party is going to be rebuilding itself in the coming years now is probably the most effective time to sign up. I'll probably wait and see who declares for the leadership election then pay dues if there is someone worth voting for.
Also, that Independent article... fuck.
Britain is too “passively tolerant” and should not leave people to live their lives as they please as long as they obey the law, David Cameron has said.
At the National Security Council today Mr Cameron unveiled a series of measures that he said would crack down on people holding minority “extremist” views that differed from Britain’s consensus.
“For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone',” he said. “It's often meant we have stood neutral between different values. And that's helped foster a narrative of extremism and grievance.”
In more amusing news, there is some serious infighting between UKIP leadership (or at least someone close to Farage) and their one sitting MP. The party is due
substantial money for their MP and votes, but there are arguments over who controls the money and whether they should even claim it. Some vague rumours that Carswell could even leave the party over it, although that has been denied by both sides to my knowledge.
Also some rumours of fraud in Farage's election turned out to be
someone reading rumours and sour grapes on Twitter and sending them to the police.Also Prince Charles' letters to the previous government
have now been published. Nothing shocking other than his being pro-farms, pro-army, pretty anti-science and liking old buildings, which was all already well known.