Out, apparently, doesn't mean Out

[Tom Joad]

"Most of the career politicians work as researchers and SpAds", you make my point so well Fox. If a politician is going to play a part in the legislature mechanism then they should have been part of the civil working society on which they legislate. Until such times as you have held down a meaningful job, supported a mortgage/rent (becoming aware of the interplay between politics and money/interest rates), got by on a monthly budget - then you know jack. The experience and wealth of knowledge it brings doesn't really cement for most until their 4th decade, the 3rd decade is just playing at being and adult, giddy on the freedom and money you earn - look at the voting demographics. So I'm still with 30 and a minimum of 10 year NI contributions.

Tom

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

We do agree on the basic principle, but not on the mechanism. SpAds still make NI contributions.

I would allow anyone in an emergency/essential service the vote immediately they join. Mil, Police, Fire, etc. That includes general nursing (though arguably not geriatrics). I'd also include volunteers like Mountain Rescue and the RNLI. Anything with any risk.

I would allow people doing public service the vote after a qualifying period, earlier than the general eligibility, e.g. St John Ambulance. Problem here is definition-creep; half the charity crowd these days are in it for themselves.

Supporting yourself, and others, is the essential feature.

[Tom Joad]

We've closed a bit of the gap Fox I'm intrigued though - why leave out geriatric nursing?

Tom

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

Depends on the levels of responsibility, expertise and risk involved. There are various degrees of assistants. I'd let the nurses decide what counts.

[Flame Lily FX]

As a born and bred Zambian, where is my 2016 vote there? I left there in 1981 because I was the wrong colour to get a job there. They nationalised all their jobs to go to all their Black nationals. All my knowledge, experience and vote should count there now though in 2016. It's all relevant and current.

I am obviously very stupid and should just leave it up to Tom and his school cult.

How do I join it?

[Tom Joad]

My apologies Lilly, didn't mean to upset you. Re your 2016 Zambian vote, maybe worthy of a new thread, perhaps more relevant there than the Brexit thread.

Tom

[Capetonian]

As a born and bred Zambian. ........... I was the wrong colour to get a job there. They nationalised all their jobs to go to all their Black nationals.

Surely you can see the paradox there if you look at it from a munt's perspective. You're not a 'born and bred Zambian' you're a 'settler'. From their point of view, only they can be born and bred Zambians.

[Flame Lily FX]

My apologies Lilly, didn't mean to upset you.

Tom

Please feel reassured that it takes more than some arbitrary ravings from a keyboard warrior to upset me.

[Tom Joad]

Sorry Lilly, I read your post differently:

I am obviously very stupid and should just leave it up to Tom and his school cult.

Why do you think you are stupid? What do you mean by "his school cult"?

Like I said Lilly my apologies for wherever I have upset you, I am at a loss as to what it was that I posted to cause you such upset.

I'm still not sure though why the electoral process in Zambia should in any way be considered to infer any obligations or reciprocal entitlements in the UK. Not really clear what you were getting at in that post.

Tom

[Tom Joad]

The ability to posit a cogent and coherent argument should also be added to the electoral franchise eligibility criteria.

Tom

[Flame Lily FX]

A rude response is not a substitute for a sound argument.

[Capetonian]

At a rough guess, 50% of the population wouldn't even know the meaning of the word coherent, and cogent would probably eliminate 75%.

[Flame Lily FX]

You're not sorry at all, Tom.

[Tom Joad]

A rude response is not a substitute for a sound argument.

I agree. I wasn't offering an argument, nor responding to anything, merely making a statement. You appear determined to find fault in everything Lilly. Once again I apologise for whatever it is I have said to upset you.

Tom

[Tom Joad]

Comprehension would be another criteria. Too many are all too ready to offer an opinion fuelled by emotion rather than thought.

Tom

[Flame Lily FX]

If you say so.

Carry on. You'll end up talking to yourself.

[Boac]

Desperate and no doubt futile attempt to return to topic from silly bickering:

Talks are beginning between HMG and Indian officials with a view to seeing what trade deals might be possible.

BBC

[Capetonian]

Lilly is best ignored when she has these periodic lapses of etiquette and common sense.

Back to topic, I think many of the UK's traditional trading partners will be wetting themselves to curry favour - pardon the pun - not just India.

[Boac]

"wetting themselves to curry favour" - like it

[Flame Lily FX]

Good luck to the 3 of you.

Interesting UK national perspective and debate you 3 raise here for sure.