UK General Election

   

Today is the General Election in the United Kingdom. Regular readers of my rants – and I thank you both – may realise my dream is for an independent Scotland. Whatever your political leanings, if you are able to vote today I urge you to do so.

We live in a democracy - we have the right to vote for whoever we want to in free and fair elections, many other countries do not allow its citizens this right.

Voting gives the Government legitimacy - meaning they have the people's support to make decisions. So if you’re unhappy with the government’s decisions which may affect you, if you haven’t bothered to vote you really shouldn’t complain.

The more young people vote the more likely politicians are to make policies that benefit us - every vote is important so many politicians are inclined to try and do as much as they can to help and win your votes.

Your local MPs can help fight important issues for you such as planning - voting for them can help them keep their jobs and continue their positive work in your community.

Even if you live in a safe seat voting is important - living in a safe seat constituency doesn't mean your vote won't make a difference. Remember Tory MP and cabinet member Michael Portillo losing his seat in 1997? If one just 'gives up' change will never happen. 

In the 1950s, much of Scotland voted Conservative. Margaret Thatcher’s period in power in the 1980s changed that as she and her policies tried to destroy Scotland. For much of the 1970s, 80s, 90s and noughties, the Labour Party dominated Scotland. However, Scots have now realised that even if the whole country votes for Labour, they will get the government England votes for. All Scotland can do is have its voice heard at Westminster – and the latest opinion polls suggest the Scottish National Party may take as many as 50 of the 59 seats north of the border.

I shall be voting today and will stay up most of the night to watch the results unfold. It may be a historic election today. Don’t miss your opportunity to make history for Scotland.