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Uk and China

So 2 people have been suspended from the uk parliament for alleged spying

So why is this seen as a massive attack on our democracy but lobbying by businesses or even having an MP on the tories who sold information to Israel, yet again more double standards

So my question is should lobbying be banned as well as any MP whos been found guilty of a crime

Please be sensible no hate

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ninalanyon · 61-69, T

Of course lobbying should be banned. And the tax affairs of all politicians, in fact everyone, should be open to inspection by everyone.

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OldBrit · 61-69, M

@ninalanyon really so everyone knows exactly what everyone earns from where? To be honest therefore you might as well see my bank account really.

I can never see that in the UK happening

Partly as I can see the concerns of creep to other aspects as I've just highlighted above.

ninalanyon · 61-69, T

@OldBrit I agree that creep is an endemic problem in British governance. But that doesn't alter the merits of the specific case.

In Norway you don't get see the fine details any more. But you can see earned, income, investment income, tax paid, total wealth.

OldBrit · 61-69, M

@ninalanyon Holy cow. Personally I'd hate that. As someone who was consistently paid more than I was worth I'd hate others knowing that! 😂

Richard65 · M

There needs to be a closer watch on the successful lobbying of a politician who acts in favour of a lobbyist, but who later on in their career goes on to accept a prime executive position on the board of said lobby interest. I don't like cabinets ministers acting on behalf of companies who they later join as senior executives on significant salaries.

milkymum1 · 36-40, F

@Richard65 well said there's fat too many inside dealings where former pms or former minsters end up when they leave parliament

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milkymum1 · 36-40, F

@jshm2 well the Uk should watch out with the amount that China owns in the UK including MG Rover, London Taxi International , part owns Heathrow, Barclays Bank, BP, Bright Foods, Felixstowe which is a sea port which is also the biggest importer into the UK, 17 Private Schools just for starters

ninalanyon · 61-69, T

@milkymum1 You should watch out for our State Pension Fund (commonly called the Oil Fund) too. It owns a few percent of hundreds of UK enterprises. It also owns a bit of Barclays.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

Nothing new here.
Just an upgrade on the old cold war stuff.

Decades ago foreign usurpers used to find jobs in national newspapers or national banks or stocks and shares dealerships.
These days it's Parliament and media outlets

milkymum1 · 36-40, F

@Picklebobble2 so your ok with interference in parliament by businesses for their gains rather than whats best for the people

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

@milkymum1 it's not interference it's listening and reporting.
If you want to get mad about 'interference' look closely at who FUNDS those MP's pushing for legislation to changes in LAWS that affect how YOU work ! How YOU live !
These people (Lobbyists) are demons !
They get paid by the country AND business AND party in office but rarely benefit YOU !

Yourguyinthecity · 56-60, M

If they took that move in the Canadian parliament, I bet half the seats would be vacated. Politicians of all parties tend to make shady deals with questionable partners. Unfortunately, lobbying is part of most democratic processes to ensure access to the government.
Just my take!

milkymum1 · 36-40, F

@Yourguyinthecity im not saying the opposition are innocent i just mean in general in parliament

The problem is parliament is not working in the interests for the people but for business

Also most in parliament they have more than one job so they are eaisly approachable has been found out recebly some MPs quoting 10k to help a business or corporation

OldBrit · 61-69, M

Not sure on banning lobbying having been involved in it in the past it does some good potentially.

milkymum1 · 36-40, F

@OldBrit what good does lobbying do?

OldBrit · 61-69, M

@milkymum1 gets government interested in new technologies etc. Look at uk expansion in renewable energies would that have happened without lobbying. Also charities often lobby, where I've been involved

SomeMichGuy · M

Yes lobbying is the bane of good laws and a legal pox against the citizenry.

BritishFailedAesthetic · M

Very subtly Pro China, eh? 😉

Philth · 46-50, M

Nail head hit, yet again.

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