Order! Order!?

UK Politics and Current Events

A Pre-Departure Orientation Program on Contemporary British Culture

Flags of the U.K.

Saint George (England)

Saint Andrew (Scotland)

Saint Patrick (Ireland)

Saint David (Wales)

Political Culture in the U.K.

Institutions of UK Government
Empire and Commonwealth Party System Parliamentary System

Major Issues Youll Hear About

Domestic Policy Differences The UK and the EU

The sun never sets on the British Empire.

The British Empire: North America

Lands claimed by Britain in North America were amongst the earliest to become British colonies.

The British Empire: The Caribbean

Risking life for glory and riches Sugar peaked economic interest Slave trade between Britain, Africa, and the Americas

The British Empire: South America

American dominance prevented British influence Powerful British economy allowed for the informal Empire

The British Empire: Africa

First and final British colonies Transatlantic slave trade Gold and ivory as attractive trade goods

The British Empire: Middle East

Gulf, East Africa, and West India trade Indian dominance regional control and access to communication and supplies

The British Empire: Asia

Fortunes made in spices from the Orient European state rivalry strengthened Britain Markets in tea, textiles, and opium Economically successful

The British Empire: Oceania

Supported the Royal Navy Land for undesirables Immigrants to New Zealand

The British Empire: Europe to Commonwealth

The British Empire: Rise of Commonwealth

Succeeded the British Empire Preserved economic and political links Formalized in 1931 Association of free and equal states

The British Empire: The Commonwealth Today

Voluntary association 50 member states 1.8 billion people Promotes democracy and good governance Sport, education, and cultural ties

The British Empire: The Commonwealth Today

Citizens have some rights in each others countries
Citizens can register to vote in other Commonwealth countries

Share imperial traditions

Love of cricket and rugby Driving on the left Boxing Day Wigged court judges British English

Political Culture in the U.K.

Institutions of UK Government
Empire and Commonwealth Party System Parliamentary System

Major Issues Youll Hear About

Domestic Policy Differences The UK and the EU

UK Party System

UK Party System

UK Party System

UK Party System

Political Culture in the U.K.

Institutions of UK Government
Empire and Commonwealth Party System Parliamentary System

Major Issues Youll Hear About

Domestic Policy Differences The UK and the EU

British Government

Distinguishing features Legislative: House of Commons & House of Lords Executive Judicial Role of the Monarchy Devolution: Government in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Distinguishing Features
Parliamentary Sovereignty No separation of powers Absence of a single, written Constitution Ceremonial role of the Monarchy

Parliament: House of Commons

Lower chamber 659 democratically elected MPs Functions:

make laws, scrutinize the government, safeguard rights of individuals exclusive power over money bills

Parliament: House of Lords

711 members: life peers,
hereditary peers, 26 bishops of Church of England and law lords

Functions:
make laws, scrutinize government, safeguard rights of individuals, perfect laws passed in the House of Commons no taxation or finance matters

Executive: The Government

Formed by majority party in House of Commons Consists of prime minister, cabinet, and ministerial staff Prime Minister: Tony Blair 22 Cabinet Members Over 100 MPs in House of Commons on ministerial staff

Prime Minister Question Time

Accountability to government 1990 Example: Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher answers question about Britains role in the European Community

Monarchy
Lacks political power Ceremonial head of state Traditional powers are now exercised by Prime Minister and ministers on behalf of the crown

Judicial
Appellate Committee in House of Lords is the highest court Prime Minister appoints judges to Appellate Committee Lord Chancellor makes other judicial appointments

Devolution: Scotland
Scotland Act of 1998 129 member Parliament First Minister and cabinet Control over most primary legislation

Devolution: Wales
Government of Wales Act of 1998 60 member Assembly First Secretary and Cabinet Control over only secondary legislation

Devolution: Northern Ireland

Good Friday Agreement of 1998 Power sharing design 108 Member Parliament First Minister and Cabinet with unionist and nationalist members Control over primary legislation

Graphic Sources
The United Kingdom of Parliament. http://www.parliament.uk/ 10 Downing Street. http://www.number10.gov.uk/output/Page1.asp The British Monarchy. http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page1.asp The Scottish Parliament. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/home.htm

Political Culture in the U.K.

Institutions of UK Government
Empire and Commonwealth Party System Parliamentary System

Major Issues Youll Hear About

Domestic Policy Differences The UK and the EU

Healthcare
The United States vs. Britain

The United States

42.6 million without healthcare Universal health care is not a right of citizenship Only industrialized nation that does not guarantee access to health care as a right of citizenship 28 industrialized nations have single payer universal health care systems, while 1 (Germany) has a multipayer universal health care system

The United States (contd)

Most expensive health care system in the world Spends at least 40% more per capita than any other industrialized country with universal care Based on private insurance coverage related to employment, public insurance for the elderly (Medicare), the military, veterans, and the poor and the disabled (Medicaid) System creates many gaps in coverage

Britain
Healthcare is a basic human right National Health Service (NHS) is 56 years old Provides healthcare to all citizens based on need (not ability to pay) 2-tiered system with private service option One of the largest organizations in Europe Funded by taxpayers; managed by the Dept of Health

Britain (contd)
Dept of Health distributes funds to health authorities in each region Government ensures high standard NHS receives appropriations annually
98% funded by income tax and National Insurance contributions 2% funded by patient charges (i.e., prescriptions, dental care)

Public Opinion (contd)

I prefer the UK's NHS to the nightmare of red tape, expense and iniquitous medical resourcing that is inherent in the US private system. I cannot imagine how anybody, including Blair, can consider a private healthcare system that diverts precious financial resources to profits as being "efficient". - Dr Eric Bowman, St Andrews, Scotland

Public Opinion (contd)

American healthcare is dictated by insurance companies whose boards are occupied by political heavyweights, ensuring that both economic and political power remains corporate. Individual choice only exists for those who have financial independence, since US healthcare is tightly linked to employment. The unemployed, chronically sick or between jobs are uninsured - about 40m Americans have no health insurance. And private insurance systems are unlikely to cover the costs of chronic illness. The UK has universal healthcare with 100% coverage, free at the point of access and independent of health status, employment or socioeconomic class. If you corner most US doctors in a dark room they are really rather envious of the NHS. -Darren Fowler, Boston, USA

Public Opinion (contd)

I feel that the NHS desperately needs to be overhauled. It is not 'free at the point of delivery' for many who need treatment. People who need to wear glasses have to pay for examinations and the spectacles they wear (even though their standard of living would be greatly reduced if they had no glasses.) If more employers were to offer healthcare schemes, perhaps there would be more money to be directed towards where it really needs to go. - Philip Edwards, Taunton Somerset England

Public Opinion (contd)

I firmly support some sort of individual accountability for medical costs. Lifestyle choices strongly influence the cost of care. I highly resent being forced to pay for someone else's poor lifestyle choices when I take good care of myself. When someone can come up with a solution to that dilemma, I'll support their system. -Marten King, Portland, Oregon, USA

Employment Services
The United States vs. Britain

The United States

Unemployment results from lack of work; no fault of your own States administer federal unemployment insurance Department of Labor governs federal rules Payments based on percent of the last 52 weeks earnings, not exceeding maximum

The United States (contd)

Maximum benefit period is 26 weeks (government may extend) In many states compensation is of earnings, up to a certain limit

The United States (contd)

Circumstances that may disqualify person from collecting unemployment
Quitting without good cause Fired for misconduct Resigned because of illness Left to get married Self employed Involved in a labor dispute Attending school

Britain
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) is government unemployment benefit for people who are unemployed but seeking work JSA is part of the social security system JSA is meant to cover cost of living expenses No time limits on JSA Department of Works and Pensions funds JSA

Britain (contd)
2 forms of unemployment benefit
Contribution based (CBJSA) Income based (IBJSA)

Entitlement for CBJSA requires

Adequate national insurance contributions during 2 previous tax years Proof they are available for work Proof they are actively seeking employment

Britain (contd)
If person does not qualify for CBJSA and has little/no income, they receive IBJSA Must prove they are available for and actively seeking work IBJSA means tested for each individual person Benefits lower for those younger than 25 years old To continue receiving benefits, must visit job center every 2 weeks, give details about their job search and sign a declaration they are following their Job Seekers Agreement

Political Culture in the U.K.

Institutions of UK Government
Empire and Commonwealth Party System Parliamentary System

Major Issues Youll Hear About

Domestic Policy Differences The UK and the EU

Beginnings
Aftermath of World War II, animosity between European nations Originally an economic arrangement between France and Germany: united through industry Brains behind it were French 6 countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, the Netherlands, France and West Germany whos missing?

Progress towards European Economic Community

The 6 strengthened their economic cooperation and the EEC

known informally as the Common Market born in 1958.

Same 6 countries, and lots of Frenchmen in the driving seat

Britain tries to join!

Britain applies for entry in 1961, but is blocked bya Frenchman. De Gaulle famously said NON! Still part of the British collective consciousness

1973: Britain becomes a member

Cracks show immediately

all decisions had to be voted unanimously UK vetoes decision after decision after decision. In 1972, EEC attempted to pass a law regulating sugar in jam UK objected on grounds that marmalade (traditional British jam made with oranges) should not be classified as jam so vetoed, vetoed and vetoed, until the law was passed in 1988.

Example:

European Monetary System

Agreed in 1979: 8 countries IN, one OUT

This is why you wont be taking euros with you.

Blair committed himself to a referendum on the issue, but has recently moved closer to the Bush administration than to his European allies.

(And hes committed himself to a lot of things before.)

The European Union

1991 Maastricht Treaty

single currency social charter abolition of borders European police

UK hostile and insists on opt-out clause Commission President: Famous integrator Jacques Delors (French)

vilified by the British press; The Sun printed on its front page UP YOURS, DELORS!

Into the 21st century

Challenges for UK/EU relations

Single currency European Constitution UK/US special relationship European expansion and immigration UK media and United States of Europe

6 December 2004

NHS Revolution: _______ to train as surgeons

A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

6 December 2004

NHS Revolution: Nurses to train as surgeons

A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

7 December 2004

Mother of 6 living on 20,000 --------__ has twins on the way

A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

7 December 2004

Mother of 6 living on 20,000 benefits has twins on the way

A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

7 December 2004

Med schools paid to take -------- students

A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

7 December 2004

Med schools paid to take inferior students

A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

5 December 2004

Gloria was close to death. The problem wasn't AIDS or poverty... it was that the NHS had stolen all the ------.
A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

5 December 2004

Gloria was close to death. The problem wasn't AIDS or poverty... it was that the NHS had stolen all the nurses.
A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

5 December 2004

Outrage over new 'fasttrack' ---------------- for teens... no questions asked

A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

5 December 2004

Outrage over new 'fasttrack' contraception for teens... no questions asked

A prominent Labour politician will announce today that he is defecting to the Liberal Democrats in protest at Tony Blair's "lies" over Iraq. The defection of Brian Sedgemore, who is standing down after 27 years as a Labour MP, threatens to upset Mr Blair's apparently unstoppable campaign for a historic third term. Declaring that "enough is enough", Mr Sedgemore also reveals that a small group of unnamed fellow MPs who are standing down are secretly planning to leave the Labour Party in protest at Mr Blair's leadership after the election. His decision to defect will intensify the escalating row over the legality of the war which was yesterday thrust to the centre of the election campaign. A defiant Mr Blair insisted he would not apologise for the war when he came under sustained criticism after the leaking of the Attorney General's advice questioning the legality of the conflict. But Mr Sedgemore , who has been a Labour Party member for 37 years, yesterday blamed the Labour Party's policies on Iraq for his decision to join the Liberal Democrats. Writing in The Independent, Mr Sedgemore says: "I voted against the war on Iraq and it becomes clearer every day that Blair decided to go to war after meeting Bush on his Texas ranch in 2002. After that, he lied to persuade the country to support him. "The stomach-turning lies on Iraq were followed by the attempt to use the politics of fear to drive through Parliament a deeply authoritarian set of law-and-order measures that reminded me of the Star Chamber. The Star Chamber used torture but at least they allowed a proper trial before throwing someone into prison. That is when I decided enough was enough. "For some of us it's not just about the war, it's about top-up fees and privatising the health service. We were going to issue a joint statement. That would have been the easiest thing for me to do but I believe I owe it to voters to speak out now," he says. Labour's spin machine may dismiss Mr Sedgemore as a maverick

Political Culture in the U.K.

Are you politically savvy?

Quiz & Raffle

Are you politically savvy?

When did Britain join the European Union?

1973

Are you politically savvy?

Who is the leader of the Conservative Party?

Michael Howard

Are you politically savvy?

How many MPs are in the House of Commons?

659

Are you politically savvy?

Who has been tipped to be the next Labour leader after Tony Blair?

Gordon Brown

Whats Next?
Please join us for the next Mind the Gap session:

Part 1 - Traveling Roundabout the UK: Discovering England, Scotland & Wales Part 2 - Minding the Gap: A Panel Discussion on UK/US Differences Tuesday, May 31 Same time & place