Should Politicians Be More Honest And Accountable?

Jae Swift · 11-11-2007, 23:40

I found out recently that there isn't a law to prosecute politicians who knowingly deceive the public. In my mind this amounts to a fundamental gap in our constitution.

Thoughts?

andrewb · 12-11-2007, 00:01

How exactly would this be enforced? If any high profile MP lied to the public knowingly and it was proved, then his position would be unattainable anyway

blazey · 12-11-2007, 00:04

Politicians probably need to lie sometimes, and even if they do, I dont think we're suffering that much from it, so I dont think anything needs to be altered.

Bonnyboy · 12-11-2007, 00:12

I think we all expect to be deceived by our politicians, it’s par for the course. Mostly it’s over stuff that passes over our heads or we don’t hear about. If it’s something major and causes someone’s death ( god forbid another War ) then I feel deception on that scale should be accountable in front of a court of law.

Jae Swift · 12-11-2007, 00:12

Well, Yeah I do think something should be done.

You heard of The Misrepresentation Of The People Act?

This is the law that The Ministry of Truth are looking to get through parliament, here's the link:
:: The Ministry of Truth ::

The only section I have a problem with on there is section [1]4 - I think this gives them an easy get-out without having to face any real consequences for their actions. (Apart from humiliation, but I'm not sure that most politicians feel that)

blazey · 12-11-2007, 00:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jae Swift

Well, Yeah I do think something should be done.

You heard of The Misrepresentation Of The People Act?

This is the law that The Ministry of Truth are looking to get through parliament, here's the link:
:: The Ministry of Truth ::

The only section I have a problem with on there is section [1]4 - I think this gives them an easy get-out without having to face any real consequences for their actions. (Apart from humiliation, but I'm not sure that most politicians feel that)

It probably wont get through parliament. Also its not an Act until its been through parliament and given royal assent, its a Bill.

I cant seem to find it on the publications website for some reason.

blazey · 12-11-2007, 00:22

That link isnt a proper bill, so I doubt thats going to get anywhere near parliament any time soon.

What exactly is 'the ministry of truth'?

Bonnyboy · 12-11-2007, 00:28

I cant fig out section 1.4(b) had no part in causing or permitting the statement to be published;............Does that mean if they get caught deceiving by some press release by a 3rd partythen they are OK??

Hardly gonna bubble themselves are they.......maybe Im readin it wrong

Jae Swift · 12-11-2007, 00:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazey

That link isnt a proper bill, so I doubt thats going to get anywhere near parliament any time soon.

What exactly is 'the ministry of truth'?

:: The Ministry of Truth :: Lol.

Jae Swift · 12-11-2007, 00:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonnyboy

I cant fig out section 1.4(b) had no part in causing or permitting the statement to be published;............Does that mean if they get caught deceiving by some press release by a 3rd partythen they are OK??

Hardly gonna bubble themselves are they.......maybe Im readin it wrong

' had no part in causing or permitting the statement to be published; '

Exactly what it says really, if they had no part in permitting the false statements being published then they won't be prosecuted?

blazey · 12-11-2007, 00:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jae Swift

:: The Ministry of Truth :: Lol.

Doesn't even look like an official organisation though. And the bill doesnt exist on the publications website and it'd be much more than just that one little page long.

Dont think thats a vaulable source if that bill does exist.

Jae Swift · 12-11-2007, 00:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazey

Doesn't even look like an official organisation though. And the bill doesnt exist on the publications website and it'd be much more than just that one little page long.

Dont think thats a vaulable source if that bill does exist.

Google it, lol.

blazey · 12-11-2007, 00:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jae Swift

Google it, lol.

Its not on the official publications website, which has all the bills that are awaiting and are going through parliament, and all the acts, and its not on there.
Its not even got a citation, so how exactly did you find out about it?

Jae Swift · 12-11-2007, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazey

Doesn't even look like an official organisation though. And the bill doesnt exist on the publications website and it'd be much more than just that one little page long.

Dont think thats a vaulable source if that bill does exist.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazey

Its not on the official publications website, which has all the bills that are awaiting and are going through parliament, and all the acts, and its not on there.
Its not even got a citation, so how exactly did you find out about it?

Documentary on BBC in October.

blazey · 12-11-2007, 01:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jae Swift

Documentary on BBC in October.

And what was that called?

See if you can find it on an official government website, there has to be more to the bill than that. I have public law at 9am, so I'll ask my lecturer what it is, I'm sure she'll be able to give me the proper citation so i can look it up and post the whole thing up.