Comments on: Trident: what the Lib Dem blogosphere’s been saying http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html Our place to talk - an independent website for supporters of the Liberal Democrat party in the UK. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:55:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Angus Huck http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-33746 Angus Huck Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:54:23 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-33746 You're the one whon said it, Dominic. A warning to smart Alecs like you. Some people take jokes seriously (and I don't mean you). You’re the one whon said it, Dominic. A warning to smart Alecs like you. Some people take jokes seriously (and I don’t mean you).

]]> By: Dominic http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-33712 Dominic Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:52:29 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-33712 I'll leave that to you Angus - as the conspiracy theory meister! I’ll leave that to you Angus – as the conspiracy theory meister!

]]> By: Angus J Huck http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-33709 Angus J Huck Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:50:45 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-33709 Dominic at 17: Oh, so you know who murdered Princess Diana? Perhaps you should speak to the coroner as a matter of urgency. Dominic at 17: Oh, so you know who murdered Princess Diana? Perhaps you should speak to the coroner as a matter of urgency.

]]> By: Denis http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-33707 Denis Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:43:30 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-33707 BBC Question time tonight - Huhne by a street. Calm, unflappable, competent and quite prepared to get the knife in - albeit in the most polite way. It's a contest for heaven's sake! BBC Question time tonight – Huhne by a street. Calm, unflappable, competent and quite prepared to get the knife in – albeit in the most polite way. It’s a contest for heaven’s sake!

]]> By: Dominic http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32610 Dominic Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:05:15 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32610 <i>>> Why have the media been promoting Nick so strongly? Ditto, Paddy Ashdown (an enthusiastic cheerleader for US foreign policy)?</i> Presumably it's because The Media (which we all know to be controlled by a single shadowy figure) are running a coordinated campaign a) to ensure that the UK invades Iran b) they think Lib Dem support of such a policy is vital. I expect it's the same people as were behind murdering Princess Diana :roll: Or perhaps you're stretching your argument a teensy-weensy bit? ;) >> Why have the media been promoting Nick so strongly? Ditto, Paddy Ashdown (an enthusiastic cheerleader for US foreign policy)?
Presumably it’s because The Media (which we all know to be controlled by a single shadowy figure) are running a coordinated campaign a) to ensure that the UK invades Iran b) they think Lib Dem support of such a policy is vital. I expect it’s the same people as were behind murdering Princess Diana :roll:

Or perhaps you’re stretching your argument a teensy-weensy bit? ;)

]]> By: Gareth Epps http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32593 Gareth Epps Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:27:07 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32593 I similarly would like to hear Nick spell out more of an agenda on this issue. Like it or not, despite what the media may think, Iraq and our approach to foreign policy and the US, remains an issue of fundamental importance to millions of people including many who may have voted for us in 2005 and may do so again. This is far from being an 'inward-looking' issue. I similarly would like to hear Nick spell out more of an agenda on this issue.

Like it or not, despite what the media may think, Iraq and our approach to foreign policy and the US, remains an issue of fundamental importance to millions of people including many who may have voted for us in 2005 and may do so again.

This is far from being an ‘inward-looking’ issue.

]]> By: Geoffrey Payne http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32591 Geoffrey Payne Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:53:43 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32591 I am pleased that all Lib Dem MPs voted against the war in Iraq, and given the spectacular failure of policy there, I think the party now on will be very wary of how it's foreign policy should relate to the US. I think that applies regardless of who leads the party. With the benefit of hindsight Paddy Ashdown admitted at a fringe meeting at Lib Dem conference that he was wrong to back the war in Iraq, so I would be amazed if any Lib Dem MP would hint that he is travelling the other way. I do sense that Nick Clegg is being vague about what he stands for, but it is early days and hopefully that will change over the next month. Personally I am backing Chris for many reasons, one of which is that he seems to know what he believes already. I am pleased that all Lib Dem MPs voted against the war in Iraq, and given the spectacular failure of policy there, I think the party now on will be very wary of how it’s foreign policy should relate to the US. I think that applies regardless of who leads the party. With the benefit of hindsight Paddy Ashdown admitted at a fringe meeting at Lib Dem conference that he was wrong to back the war in Iraq, so I would be amazed if any Lib Dem MP would hint that he is travelling the other way.
I do sense that Nick Clegg is being vague about what he stands for, but it is early days and hopefully that will change over the next month.
Personally I am backing Chris for many reasons, one of which is that he seems to know what he believes already.

]]> By: Joe Otten http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32586 Joe Otten Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:16:41 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32586 Angus 13. "Why have the media been promoting Nick so strongly?" It's a double bluff to get you to vote for Chris. Angus 13. “Why have the media been promoting Nick so strongly?”

It’s a double bluff to get you to vote for Chris.

]]> By: Angus Huck http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32583 Angus Huck Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:48:57 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32583 Hywel, answer me this. Why have the media been promoting Nick so strongly? Ditto, Paddy Ashdown (an enthusiastic cheerleader for US foreign policy)? As Matthew Huntbach has pointed out, the media don't have a history of supporting the weakest candidates for leadership of anti-establishment parties, they go for those most likely to promote the establishment cause if elected. Mark Oaten would have backed war with Iraq (consider his answer to Bernard Jenkin on "Question Time"), and as leader would have sold the party (and the country) down the river. Nick is no Mark Oaten (more of a management consultant than an insurance salesman). But he is uncomfortably vague on policy, and we know little of his thoughts on international affairs. Hywel, answer me this. Why have the media been promoting Nick so strongly? Ditto, Paddy Ashdown (an enthusiastic cheerleader for US foreign policy)?

As Matthew Huntbach has pointed out, the media don’t have a history of supporting the weakest candidates for leadership of anti-establishment parties, they go for those most likely to promote the establishment cause if elected.

Mark Oaten would have backed war with Iraq (consider his answer to Bernard Jenkin on “Question Time”), and as leader would have sold the party (and the country) down the river.

Nick is no Mark Oaten (more of a management consultant than an insurance salesman). But he is uncomfortably vague on policy, and we know little of his thoughts on international affairs.

]]> By: crewegwyn http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32581 crewegwyn Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:23:39 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32581 @3. Nick has the "backing of the bulk of AMs". Is this true? His listing shows only Peter Black and Kirsty Williams. That's 2 out of 6. @3. Nick has the “backing of the bulk of AMs”.

Is this true? His listing shows only Peter Black and Kirsty Williams.

That’s 2 out of 6.

]]> By: Hywel Morgan http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32579 Hywel Morgan Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:16:40 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32579 Sorry, Iran that should have been. Sorry, Iran that should have been.

]]> By: Hywel Morgan http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32578 Hywel Morgan Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:15:59 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32578 I think Angus if Nick as leader supported a war in Iraq we'd be heading for (yet another) leadership election! I think Angus if Nick as leader supported a war in Iraq we’d be heading for (yet another) leadership election!

]]> By: Iain Rubie Dale http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32575 Iain Rubie Dale Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:47:44 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32575 Six of our 12 Scottish MPs have endorsed Nick and none, yet, for Chris. Five of our 16 MSPs have backed Chris and none, yet, for Nick. MEP still to declare. Six of our 12 Scottish MPs have endorsed Nick and none, yet, for Chris.
Five of our 16 MSPs have backed Chris and none, yet, for Nick.
MEP still to declare.

]]> By: Paul Walter http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32551 Paul Walter Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:27:59 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32551 http://paulwalter.blogspot.com/2007/10/thank-goodness-difference-on-policy.html#links http://paulwalter.blogspot.com/2007/10/thank-goodness-difference-on-policy.html#links

]]> By: Dominic http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32536 Dominic Tue, 30 Oct 2007 05:48:20 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32536 Err, nice try Angus! I know the media are desperate to find some policy differences between Nick & Chris but trying to imply that Nick would somehow diverge from our current approach to the US (which is what Chris has summed up) is pretty creative even by their standards :) I have no doubt Nick would oppose war with Iran just as strongly as Chris but if you're <i>really</i> interested in that, rather than just setting up a straw man, perhaps you should ask him! Err, nice try Angus! I know the media are desperate to find some policy differences between Nick & Chris but trying to imply that Nick would somehow diverge from our current approach to the US (which is what Chris has summed up) is pretty creative even by their standards :)

I have no doubt Nick would oppose war with Iran just as strongly as Chris but if you’re really interested in that, rather than just setting up a straw man, perhaps you should ask him!

]]> By: Peter Bancroft http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32522 Peter Bancroft Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:26:26 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32522 Angus, I really think you need to speak to Nick's campaign or read his website. You obviously have a lot of questions and are surely not just trying to suggest things! For the record, I very much doubt that there's a great degree of difference in the positions of either leadership candidate on the UK's position in the world and vis a vis the US. I'm a fan of Timothy Garton Ash's "Free World" - I suspect that our Lib Dem foreign policy will stay in that general direction for the forseeable future. Angus,

I really think you need to speak to Nick’s campaign or read his website. You obviously have a lot of questions and are surely not just trying to suggest things!

For the record, I very much doubt that there’s a great degree of difference in the positions of either leadership candidate on the UK’s position in the world and vis a vis the US.

I’m a fan of Timothy Garton Ash’s “Free World” – I suspect that our Lib Dem foreign policy will stay in that general direction for the forseeable future.

]]> By: Angus Huck http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32521 Angus Huck Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:22:04 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32521 Dominic says: "and he does seem to have the bulk of the AMs backing him, so Wales looks pretty good for Clegg." Two of the four Welsh MPs are backing Chris Huhne. Remind me how many are backing Nick Clegg? Chris has made is very clear what his position is with regard to our relationship with the United States - an ally but not a satellite. What is Nick's position? What would Nick do if there was a hung Parliament, he was a minister in a coalition cabinet, and Cheney (or Cheney's successor) demanded UK support for war with Iran? I think I know what Chris would do, and I am pretty certain what Ming would do. What would Nick do? Dominic says: “and he does seem to have the bulk of the AMs backing him, so Wales looks pretty good for Clegg.”

Two of the four Welsh MPs are backing Chris Huhne. Remind me how many are backing Nick Clegg?

Chris has made is very clear what his position is with regard to our relationship with the United States – an ally but not a satellite. What is Nick’s position?

What would Nick do if there was a hung Parliament, he was a minister in a coalition cabinet, and Cheney (or Cheney’s successor) demanded UK support for war with Iran?

I think I know what Chris would do, and I am pretty certain what Ming would do. What would Nick do?

]]> By: Peter Bancroft http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32519 Peter Bancroft Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:56:13 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32519 I don't understand how the question of what form our nuclear deterrant takes is significant. It's of course a massive decision as to whether we're a party which believes the UK should have a nuclear option or not, but both candidates think that the UK should do. I can see the argument for submarine-launched nukes, but I can also see the argument for aircraft or silo-launched. Isn't this a technicality? I'm no military expert, but I'd probably have stronger opinions on how many aircraft carriers we should have. I don’t understand how the question of what form our nuclear deterrant takes is significant.

It’s of course a massive decision as to whether we’re a party which believes the UK should have a nuclear option or not, but both candidates think that the UK should do.

I can see the argument for submarine-launched nukes, but I can also see the argument for aircraft or silo-launched. Isn’t this a technicality? I’m no military expert, but I’d probably have stronger opinions on how many aircraft carriers we should have.

]]> By: Dominic http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32518 Dominic Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:41:35 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32518 Quite impressed with what I've seen of Nick Clegg's Welsh launch today. He's even got the speech up in Welsh on his main site: http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66&Itemid=1 Perhaps more interesting that he chose to launch in Swansea rather than Cardiff - and he does seem to have the bulk of the AMs backing him, so Wales looks pretty good for Clegg. Anyone got a feel for how the candidates are going down in Scotland? Quite impressed with what I’ve seen of Nick Clegg’s Welsh launch today. He’s even got the speech up in Welsh on his main site:
http://nickclegg.com/campaign/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66&Itemid=1

Perhaps more interesting that he chose to launch in Swansea rather than Cardiff – and he does seem to have the bulk of the AMs backing him, so Wales looks pretty good for Clegg.

Anyone got a feel for how the candidates are going down in Scotland?

]]> By: Stephen Tall http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32506 Stephen Tall Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:09:30 +0000 http://www.libdemvoice.org/trident-what-the-lib-dem-blogosphere%e2%80%99s-been-saying-1549.html#comment-32506 Fair point, Linda. I've amended it to 're-open the decision'. Fair point, Linda. I’ve amended it to ‘re-open the decision’.

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