Harriet Harman calls for 50% quota for female shadow cabinet members

carolt

Really2 wrote: »

Could not agree more with your post. Especially the bit quoted.

I would have agreed with Harman more if she pointed out where there where eqalities across the board and how they could be tackled.
But instead only gender was chosen, in my view changes need be made from the roots up, not from the top down or they will end up with a topsy turvy situation and not have enough "new blood" coming in generation after generation.

If they get equal representation at a local level we would hopefully see more people taking the next "step up" and see more full time politicians.
Also if it did not happen after that had happened someone would seriously have to look why the equality at a local level is not being represented in the numbers of MP's.

This is a far more sensible post.

I totally agree that changes need to involve the local level.

I'd probably disagree with you they should start and finish there, though, as otherwise it''l be a decade or so before that filters through to parliament level - and that's assuming it does, and there are not different factors at work there.

In fact, your last paragraph is eminently sensible - and is exactly what this thread is aiming to do - to get at the root causes of why there aren't as many women as one would expect in parliament.

I'm not sure - unlike you - that I know the reasons for that.

I personally suspect the sexism plays a part, as does women's own perception of the work of an MP. Plus probably other factors too.

I'm not even sure we need to know why - I think it's more important to deal with it - and quickly.

Which is why I'd like to see (short-term) positive discrimination introduced.

carolt

Really2 wrote: »

To become an MP you need to win your local MP election and is virtually impossible to do.

It is Far, Far, Far, Far, Far, Far, Far, Far, Far easier to win a seat as a councilor than an MP as they are based on wards of towns and are won on LOCAL ISSUES not the GENERAL ELECTION vote.

Carol I seriously doubt you have no local independent councillors, I used to live in an extreamly rural area and we still had them. I would be shocked if there was not one LG without one independent in the UK.
I thought I would look on line for any county, this council have 2.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:HPCjC_rULb4J:www2.canterbury.gov.uk/committee/mgMemberIndex.asp+canterbury+councilers+local&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk

Anyway, the above.;)

2 out of 50? I don't think that's going to make a huge impact on the number of MPs overall if we have to rely on all our would-be female MPs standing as independents! And why should women have to do it alone, without the backing of the party machine that the men have.

Not sure I get your point here.

Or maybe you have better examples?

(Ps AFAIK they're all bloody Tory here. )

Really2

carolt wrote: »

2 out of 50? I don't think that's going to make a huge impact on the number of MPs overall if we have to rely on all our would-be female MPs standing as independents!

That is not my point carol and you know it. Politics is not about changing the world in general, local politics is usually far more important than national for.
AFIK people go in to politics to make a difference to something not just for power.:eek:

Actually the interesting point in that council was 20 out of the 50 where women so that is not far off equal representation so good on them.:T

Not so sure on ethnic representation though.:eek:

My point would be if you get a 50/50 spit at ground level you are more likely to increase the chances of a female MP standing.

Really2

carolt wrote: »

I'm not sure - unlike you - that I know the reasons for that.

I am not sure, It is a debating forum. All I did was give a possible reason, I am not sure of it at all.
There could be many reasons, but I am sure sexism is not the only one (but I am also sure it happens). I just like people to portray facts in a debate to support an argument, it helps the debate and the chances of me agreeing with your stance.

carolt

Really2 wrote: »

That is not my point carol and you know it. Politics is not about changing the world in general, local politics is usually far more important than national for.
AFIK people go in to politics to make a difference to something not just for power.:eek:

Actually the interesting point in that council was 20 out of the 50 where women so that is not far off equal representation so good on them.:T

Not so sure on ethnic representation though.:eek:

My point would be if you get a 50/50 spit at ground level you are more likely to increase the chances of a female MP standing.

Absolutely.

That would be a good start.

carolt

Really2 wrote: »

I am not sure, It is a debating forum. All I did was give a possible reason, I am not sure of it at all.
There could be many reasons, but I am sure sexism is not the only one (but I am also sure it happens). I just like people to portray facts in a debate to support an argument, it helps the debate and the chances of me agreeing with your stance.

Likewise.

Really2

carolt wrote: »

Likewise.

Mmmm I think I may of backed up my argument (prosumption based on friends) a bit, so we may have to disagree on that one.;)

inspector_monkfish

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Really2

inspector_monkfish wrote: »

Come on ladies & gents
come and join the fabulous MSE Fantasy World Cup comp...

Its just for fun, and FREE to enter

http://worldfantasyfootball.skysports.com/

Once you have picked your team, you will then need the League Pin: 46695
(give me a shout if you need any help joining the League)

You have another.