Chatter

British General Election

Just after Easter, on Tuesday April 18, Theresa May called a press conference, outside
Downing Street. The Prime minister announced, she would ask The House of Commons,
to approve her plan, to hold a General Election on June 8 th. The last Government, had
brought in legislation, to enshrine fixed term Parliaments, of five years, into law. Since the
last General Election was in 2015, Mrs May was asking, for the approval, of at least two
thirds of MPs, to call one early, the only way, she would be able to do so. The last
Conservative Government, won a working majority of 12 seats, enough to govern
independently, without the need of support, from any other political party; a small number,
compared to other victories in the past, but enough to pass manifesto promises.

So what exactly were the reasons, the Prime minister called the Election, when she did;
what had changed? Brexit was the official reason behind, Mrs Mays call for an early vote:

The country is coming together but Westminster is not. she claimed, speaking outside
her official residence. "Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success
of Brexit". She continued.

Is there more to this, than at first meets the eye; what are the real motives, behind Theresa
Mays election call? It is true to say, that Brexit, is the underlying factor, behind this
dissolution of Parliament. Article 50, the mechanism used for withdrawal from the
European Union, was triggered in March of this year. The time scale for withdrawal is
estimated at two years, which would bring us up to 2019, only a few months away from the
official date, of the scheduled next election. At the most crucial stage, the winding up of
negotiations with the EU, the UK, would be thrown into election mode. This could
influence any deals done, as part of the process, while politicians and political parties,
make a play for power. The finalisation of any delicate dialogue, between two opposing
groups, is the hardest, the last leg, where any faults are ironed out. The distraction of a
General Election at this time, could have been catastrophic.

You have to remember, we are deciding on everyones future, the risks involved, in
diverting attention, away from the most important decisions of a life time, is too much to
comprehend. For this reason alone, the Prime minister was right, in calling for an election.
A positive outcome for Britain, with the right settlement, guaranteeing a bright future for us
and the EU, is dependent on focused intercession. An election, cementing whichever
parties manifesto, to carry their policies forward, is in my view necessary. Presently Mrs
May, remains an unelected Prime minister. If she, or whoever wins, does so resoundingly,
it can only strengthen their hand.

The Labour Party and Liberal Democrats, have also been signalling, their intentions, to
disrupt, any necessary legislation, with regards to Brexit, passing through Parliament.
With a slim majority, the Conservative Government, may well have come up against some
difficult challenges. At a time when all politicians, from whichever party, should be working
together, for the good of the country, the spectre of disunity, was another factor, when
deciding to go to the country and get that mandate needed, for robust, decisive
Government at a time of National importance.

Finally the opinion polls; of course Theresa May has studied the political atmosphere. She
is riding high in the polls, at the same time Labour is suffering from a lack of firm
leadership and an inappropriate master at the helm, who has clung on to power, by the
skin of his teeth. His ineffectual, weak and lackluster approach has left the Labour Party
languishing, with low approval ratings, across the country. As an opportunist, Mrs May,
would have been foolish, not to take advantage of her poll position. The general public,
currently see her, as a firm, strong and secure pair of hands, when we need such a
person. Theresa seems balanced and measured, at least where Brexit is concerned.

As an Expat, I have already voted in the Election, I have done so, in every vote, local,
national and European, since I was able to put a cross, on the ballot paper. People fought
for the right to express their opinion; we should never sit idle, without a voice, letting others
decide the direction, we should take. Although living in Europe now, I believe it is more
important to vote than ever. For the first time in a generation, a General Election in the UK,
will ultimately, directly and absolutely affect our status as Expats. My only concern is for
my future, living in Spain, as selfish as that may seem and I voted for the party, I believe,
will get the best deal for me.

As one would expect, there has been a lot of chatter, from my neighbours, with regards to
the up coming election; for those of us who live here, it is yet another vote, to determine
our destiny. The common train of thought is, how forgotten we are, as voters. No one
represents us, in the same way an MP, represents his constituency. Decisions are being
made in Westminster, that will influence all our lives, living on the continent and we, as
individuals, have very little say in that process.

Expats are pretty conservative as a rule; most have still got firm links with the UK, through
family and friends; many return on a regular basis. We celebrate the holidays Britain
celebrates and express our Britishness, far more vocally than those back home. In many
ways, as I discovered when I moved here, small enclaves like Gran Alacant, offer a way of
life, long since gone in the UK. Expats respect their roots and want to see the best for their
country. Many Expats voted for Brexit, because of their belief in self determination, which I
believe, to be a very British trait. The majority of my neighbours will vote in this General
Election, probably a higher percentage, than those who actually live in the UK, yet we are
heard least; that is a terrible indictment, on how we are treated as individuals, just because
we decided to move abroad.

In a weeks time, Britain will have decided on a new Government, possibly a different
direction, most certainly a landmark vote, that will ultimately decide our future living in
Spain. Of course there are important issues back home, that we play no part in, but our
mark on the ballot paper, counts equally, more now than ever. If you havent voted, cant
be bothered or believe it doesnt matter or relate to you, then you cant complain, if
circumstances dont go your way. I come from a very politically aware family; my father
stood for election many times, in the small market town, where I grew up and although we
didnt always see eye to eye, we both have the same political blood running through our
veins; believing everyone who can vote, should. Look around the World, look at those who
have no voice. We, unlike them, have opportunities to change what we dont approve of;
our voice matters. The people spoke up during the EU referendum and they changed
Britains fate; elections do matter, can change a countries direction fundamentally, crown a
new Prime minister and above all, give power to a party, that will use it to change lives;
lives will be changed after June 8!