UK Politics!

jabbergahMember

This topic has absolutely NOTHING to do with Auction Sniper, so skip over it if you're looking for AS tips or tricks.

However, I know there are some Brits that frequent this forum, so I'd like to ask a question about UK politics if I may.

I was doing some TV channel surfing tonight, and stumbled across CSPAN2 broadcasting the proceedings in the House of Commons today -- questioning the Prime Minister. It was actually rather entertaining compared to some of the garbage that gets televised these days as "entertainment". I would also note that at least that aspect of the House of Commons proceedings seems a lot less boring than USA congressional proceedings. Wow! Ol' Blair did a heck of a lot of standing up (to speak and answer questions) & sitting down! No wonder he's so skinny!

The specific question I have is regarding all the standing up and sitting down? I noticed that after ANYONE spoke, several House members would stand up for a few moments and then sit back down. This occurred not only when someone would be asking a question, but also when PM Blair gave an answer. What is the meaning/purpose of the brief standing?

11/10/048:59 PM

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region2Member

They are indicating that they want to speak - it's like raising your hand in school. You were lucky, usually they are asleep and don't move - it must have been an emotive subject like voting for a pay rise for govt.

11/10/0411:07 PM

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gardengnomeMember

In the Australian parliament they'd probably be trying to see if our short-arsed PM was still in the room or not, before sneaking off down the pub!

GGG

11/11/0412:59 AM

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jabbergahMember

quote:
They are indicating that they want to speak - it's like raising your hand in school.

I initially thought that might be the case, but then I thought maybe it indicated agreement or support for the preceeding speaker. Now that I reflect on it, it seemed the same people did all the standing/sitting -- they obviously wanted a turn to say/ask something, and so indicated after EVERY speaker so that the meeting chairman would know that they hadn't changed their mind about speaking.

quote:
You were lucky, usually they are asleep and don't move - it must have been an emotive subject like voting for a pay rise for govt.

Sleeping is GOOD! That way they aren't passing some cockamamie law that doesn't make any sense in the real world! Topics ranged from the international (Iraq) to the local authorities. Seemed not just a few were hyped up about the prospect of the "black squadron" being disbanded, although I haven't a clue what that is or the significance thereof.

Thanks for the explanation, R2!

11/11/0411:23 AM

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