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Hmm, so conquering lands from other countries is a legit reason to claim the won land as an integral part of your nation?
WHY DID WE THEN GIVE UP INDIA DUH
India is not, nor has it ever been, part of the United Kingdom. It's like saying why Bayern shouldn't be independent of Germany? Bayern is Germany.
[I'm thinking of playing as them on KR. See if it's possible to win against Germany and Canada controlling three separate countries.
Write an AAR about it.
Aam 'spikin intellectually. Yoo're as welsh as pootine an' jist a gravy.
(I'm speaking intellectually. You're as Welsh as poutine and just a gravy.)
The Election of 1949
Four years on from the watershed 1945 election and the government was embattled by threats from Right and Left alike with the Labour Left and their Communist allies as well as the Conservative-National Liberal alliance both confident of their chances of winning victory at the polls.
This Election features the use of ‘Factions’ and an ‘Electoral Pact’. For details of these features find the appropriate section in the rules here.
Labour Party (Moderate)
- Leadership Faction
- Leadership Faction
Political Position: Centre-Left
Ideology: Social Democracy
Description:
Having dominated the coalition governments of the previous four years, the Labour party attached itself more closely to the government’s record than any other party. Achieving virtually all of its campaign promises, the party none the less faced growing divisions as the moderate leadership came into conflict with the Left. Based around the Prime Minister, Clement Attlee, the moderate wing of the party was eager to defeat its opposition both within the party and parliament and continue on the government’s present course into the 1950s.
Party Leader: Clement Attlee
Faction Leader: Clement Attlee
Having led the Labour Party since 1935 and the government since 1945, there was no figure on the British Left with the statesmanlike authority of the Prime Minister. Although the violence that followed the British withdrawals from India and Palestine had stained decolonisation and economic problems still persisted, Attlee confidently relied upon the government’s record as justification for another term in office and his continued leadership of the party.
Foreign Policy:
From Eastern Europe through Asia and beyond the spectre of Soviet expansionism haunts the free peoples of the world. Our former allies have shown their true nature in Eastern Europe – where the free governments that arose following the end of the War were one by one taken over by Moscow directed Communist conspirators and turned over to Soviet slavery. There is now a clear division in the Europe between the states ruled by Soviet controlled Communist Dictatorship and Democratic regimes under American protection. Without American aid our economic reconstruction would still be a in a state of economic ruin, without American protection Stalin’s armies would have already swept across Western Europe and combining with his sympathisers established Communist regimes on the Eastern European model.
It is clear than only through a close alliance with the United States can Britain’s freedom remain secure and can our nation perform an invaluable role alongside our American, European and Commonwealth Allies in standing against the spread of Communist Soviet tyranny across the globe.
Imperial Policy:
Whilst the process of decolonisation must continue, it shall do so at a much more gradual pace. It is clear that the risk of violence, and Communist infiltration, remains great within the colonial world. Only when countries are capable of forming stable and reliable governments will they be granted independence. In the meantime, the Labour Party shall support the granting of partial autonomy to those colonies that desire it.
Domestic Policy:
Much has been accomplished over the past four years, yet there remains much more yet to do!
Since 1945 a full 1/5 of the economy has been nationalised and further nationalisations will be more difficult. However, the Labour Party remains committed to extended collective control over larger parts of industry.
Reforms to rationalise industry and government and increase their efficiency shall continue at pace, however the focus of the next Labour government will be economic development. In the next term we shall commit ourselves to ending rationing, securing higher incomes for the entire population, make great strides forward in the development of housing and ensuring that the British economy stands as the most vibrant in all Europe!
Labour Party (Radical)
- Opposition Faction
- Opposition Faction
Political Position: Left
Ideology: Democratic Socialism
Description:
The Leftists within the Labour Party began to organise following the abandonment of the Popular Front alliance with the CPGB in early 1948 – forming a coherent and powerful opposition within the Party by the end of the year. Demanding working class unity – in other words, an alliance with the Communist Party – and more radical policies the oppositionists had high hopes of capturing the party leadership and control of government thereafter.
Party Leader: Clement Attlee
Faction Leader: Aneurin Bevan
First elected as a Labour MP in 1929, the son of a Welsh miner had been a radical supporter of the Labour Party and the working class for his entire political life. Celebrating the Popular Front’s stunning 1945 electoral victory, he became Minister for Health in Attlee’s government and was responsible for organising the creation of the National Health Service – seen by many as the post-war government’s greatest achievement. He began to clash with the party leadership on both domestic and international issues from as early as 1947 – with domestic reform slowing and the conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States beginning to emerge he called for continued socialist change at home and pacifist neutrality abroad.
Foreign Policy:
It has not yet been four years since the guns finally fell silent at the end of the War. Now, men in both the government and the opposition seem committed to a policy that would lead our people into another conflict – even greater than the last War. After a conflict that claimed the lives of untold millions and laid waste to Britain, Europe, Asia and North Africa we are now faced with an even more terrifying prospect – nuclear holocaust. Britain cannot, it must not, allow itself to be drawn into another conflict. Our nation should instead stand as a bastion of peace, neutrality and international solidarity the world over!
We desire friendly relations with the Soviet Union, the United States, Europe and indeed the emerging nations of Asia and the Middle East. Let Britain struggle for peace and arbitration in international affairs.
We demand the abandonment of the nuclear programme. Britain shall have no hand in the proliferation of weapons capable of destroying mankind.
No more wars!
Imperial Policy:
The age of European colonial Empires is coming to an end, let Britain not stand on the wrong side of history. Events in Palestine and India were untold tragedies – but we cannot allow them to sway us towards the equally violent policies of the Dutch and French towards their colonial Empires. Let the process of decolonisation continue at pace and the peoples of Africa, the West Indies, Pacific and Ceylon enjoy freedom.
Domestic Policy:
Great strides have been made under the present government – yet its political will to push on towards a more democratic and egalitarian future appears to be wavering. The dilution of the working class Popular Front alliance form 1948 has undoubtedly played a disastrous role on this front. For this reason, we call for the integration of the Communist Party into a single party of British labour – ensuring the unity of the working class just as the bourgeoisie unite in their Tory-National alliance.
We call for the continuation of the process of placing larger parts of industry under collective ownership – this gradual but unwavering process shall allow us to establish socialism and the rule of the working class in this country without the need for the travails of violent revolution and without the anti-democratic measures employed by the Soviets.
Undoubtedly, the rebuilding of the economy must remain a high priority as well – especially in regards to housing situation where our efforts must be redoubled – and the regards to rationing which still blights our country.
Although not necessarily in favour of devolution, we must open ourselves to a questioning of the present constitutional arrangements in Britain –in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland reforms may be necessary.
Full steam ahead!
Conservative Party
The Conservative Party has an Electoral Pact with the National Liberal Party
Political Position: Centre-Right
Ideology: Conservatism
Description:
In 1945 the Conservative Party was a shambles. The election had gone far worse than even the most pessimistic analysts had feared and for well over a year the party appeared to be on the brink of oblivion. However, behind the scenes a group of modernisers established control over the party and started to make it a viable political force once more. Benefitting from growing anger at the government’s failings and the rise of anti-Communist sentiment the party put itself forward as the natural leader of the opponents of socialism – forming an iron alliance with the National Liberal Party in 1948.
Party Leader: Winston Churchill
Since the conclusion of the war in Europe Winston Churchill’s esteem has flagged alarmingly. Humiliated in the 1945 election, where the Conservative Party lost more than half its vote and two thirds of its seats, Churchill refused to step down from the party leadership. Rather than appear a dynamic leader he instead left the day to day process of running the party to his deputies – most prominently Anthony Eden – whilst he spent extensive time abroad and even when in the United Kingdom practised a very low intensity style of leadership. None the less his prestige from the War ensured that the party did not challenge him form a sense of loyalty and a feeling that he remained an electoral asset and a much loved figure across the country.
Foreign Policy:
Three years ago the Former Prime Minister warned the world of the ‘’Iron Curtain’’ drawing across Europe – today his words have been proven prophetic. The world now stands divided. On one side stand the free peoples of the West, on the other the enslaved masses of the East. As Communism strides ever further forward Britain must reassert itself as the international force the Left no longer believes it is. Alongside our American allies we shall once again take upon ourselves the role of the arsenal of democracy against tyranny! It is nine years since Britain was left alone to face the awesome power of the National Socialist war machine – then our only friends were the Commonwealth Realms and the United States, and these nations remain our most important allies to this day.
The Conservative Party demands a proactive policy in struggling against Soviet-Communist expansionism across the entire world. It calls for close economic and diplomatic integration with the United States, our most important ally, and the Common Wealth Realms. The English speaking peoples of the world must stand as one against this new foe!
For Democracy and Freedom!
Imperial Policy:
The Labour Party and their Communist and Liberal allies have abandoned Asia and the Middle East. In doing so they have robbed Britain of invaluable economic and political ties – reducing her ability to stand against the Red threat the world over, they have callously failed to prevent the twin catastrophes of the Arab-Israeli War and the Indo-Pakistani War and they have opened up these nations to Soviet influence. Today Israel and India have come under Muscovite influence – how long until Malaysia, Pakistan and Iran follow suit?
The Conservative Party stands firmly against the dissolution of the British Empire and will oppose the independence of any further colonies. Britain must stand alongside her Empire and the Commonwealth Realms not abandon them to the evils of Soviet Communism and internecine violence.
Domestic Policy:
Britain’s march towards socialism must be halted here and now by the restoration of responsible government. It is clear to all the works of the past government have provided many benefits – the creation of the National Health Service now provides a direly needed service to our poorest citizens. But it has taken its ideological commitment to nationalisations too far! The Conservative Party advocates the limited reintroduction of private ownership into elements of industry that are clearly more effectively run in such circumstances but will not dispute the majority of the nationalised firms which have dealt an important blow against monopoly – a force weakening the productivity of capitalism in this country. However, the Conservative Party will stand firmly against any further nationalisation in any circumstances!
With all its reforming zeal, the Popular Frontists have singularly failed to properly rebuild this country. As rationing disappears across Europe from the Volga to the Atlantic – here in Britain it has intensified! Promises of new and better homes have gone unfulfilled for millions, in part due to the government’s insistence on spurning private firms. Our debts have grown beyond control through inefficiency and overzealous spending. It is time for responsible governance, proper budgeting and a government capable of brining stability to this country.
Communist Party of Great Britain
Political Position: Far Left
Ideology: Communism, Stalinism
Description:
The Communist Party gained more votes on its previous performance than any other party in 1945 – seeing only the Labour Party gain more seats. Indeed, the party emerged from the election as a mass movement entering government in a wave of enthusiasm for the first time in its history. As the party’s membership soared as high as 300,000 at its 1946 peak (a similar number to the Labour Party) things began to worsen from the Communists thereafter. Cold War politics and the Red Scare saw the party’s popularity waver and its position in government fall away. Now reliant upon cooperation with the Labour Left, the CPGB is hopeful that a new – even more radical – government can be ushered in by the new elections.
Party Leader: Harry Pollitt
From 1945-1948 Harry Pollitt served as Deputy Prime Minister in Clement Attlee’s cabinet, along with four other Communists. After the ejection of the CPGB from government in 1948 Pollitt was forced out of government – believing the move to be only temporary he quickly moved to work alongside Labour dissidents to undermine the party’s leadership and restore the alliance with the Communists. This strategy remained Pollitt’s and his party’s primary focus up to the election.
Foreign Policy:
Much has been said these past years about the Soviet Union and Comrade Stalin. Many lies have been spread in the name of Anti-Soviet, Anti-Working Class ideology. It is the role of the Communist Party to stand as the bearer of truth, the defender of the socialist camp and the champion of the workingman in all countries.
Since 1945 the Soviet Union has not shown a single aggressive impulse – its position has merely been defensive. It is the United State who has been the aggressor – the United States that attempts to turn Britain into its sock-puppet, reliant upon Washington’s gold and robbed of its freedom of action. The Communist Party of Great Britain stands against war, against American aggression and hand in hand with the socialist camp led by our Soviet Comrades, the heroes of Stalingrad and vanquishers of Hitler-Fascism.
The CPGB calls for distancing of Britain from the United States, no more military cooperation and a lesser economic dependence and fraternal relations with the Soviet Union and the socialist camp, but also with the states of Western Europe. Communists stand against the division of Germany supported by the Americans and instead call for the unification of the entire country – but its permanent disarmament. Plans to give arms to the ‘reintegrated’ Hitler-Generals being groomed by the Americans are absurd in the extreme. The creation of a disarmed and neutral German nation shall allow for an easing of tensions improve the world’s hopes of peace.
Let peace reign across Europe and American aggression be opposed!
Imperial Policy:
The achievements of the past government in withdrawing from virtually all of our East Asian colonies were impressive in the extreme! Let decolonisation continue at full pace! The Communist Party calls for the end of British imperialism entirely and insists upon the rights of all peoples to self-determination and independence.
Domestic Policy:
The achievements of the past government have been tremendous, but they are not enough. The Communist Party calls upon a government that will work hand in hand with the Labour movement. The Communist Party aims to bring unity to the labour movement – let us unite the Labour and Communist Parties into a single party committed to Socialism and the Working Class and let us restore the no-strike pledge under a new government of the working man. We shall no slow the programme of nationalisations but proceed even more rapidly as we seek to create a vibrant planned economy – taking inspiration from the awesome achievements being made in the Soviet Union. Under a planned and rationalised economy we will be able to make great forward strides economically – finally rebuilding our nation and making it far wealthier than it was before the war.
The class struggle continues, the British working class cannot lose!
National Liberal Party
The National Liberal Party has an Electoral Pact with the Conservative Party
Political Position: Right
Ideology: Conservative Liberalism, Market Liberalism
Description:
1945 marked an impressive turning point for British National Liberalism. Having been seen to be in gradual decline through the 1930s and into the War, in 1945 the party secured more votes than the official Liberal Party, and noticeably more seats in the House of Commons, even as it was forced into opposition. With the Conservative Party only faring slightly better the National Liberals were able to secure an alliance with the Tories in 1948 that saw the National Liberals treated as equal partners and promised half of the positions in cabinet in the event of a victory for the Conservative-National Liberal alliance.
Party Leader: Ernest Brown
Having led the National Liberal Party through its late 1940s revival, Brown was untouchable within the party. Emphasising the party’s distinctive commitment to an unrestricted market economy and its opposition to socialism, Brown hoped to the National Liberals overtake the Conservatives as the leading party of the Right.
Foreign Policy:
Only a delusional fool could doubt the danger the world now presently faces, so soon after the defeat of Fascism. Soviet Communism has enveloped half of Europe and stand perched to swallow up Asia and even Western Europe. This cannot be allowed! Britain must stand firmly to its alliance the United States – the only country capable of defending the free world from Communism.
Britain must remain a loyal and effective ally of our American friends, we cannot allow ourselves to be drawn into petty adventurism or independent action without our allies’ aid – such actions would sow discord within the Western alliance and allow the Soviets to make advances. Let us stand alongside America and the free peoples of Western Europe in the coming confrontation between the Free West and Enslaved East.
Imperial Policy:
The manner of the socialists’ withdrawal from both India and Palestine was embarrassing for this great nation. With our tails between our legs we made pitiful attempts at partitions than only resulted in bloody conflict and genocide. The National Liberal Party shall pursue a policy aimed at retaining as much as the Empire as possible, but which is flexible enough to allow for the granting of autonomy or independence when necessary. Let us follow the example of the French in Indochina, not the Dutch in the East Indies, in Indochina the French relinquished direct control of their colonies but assisted the new regimes in crushing Communist insurgents whilst maintaining economic and political ties to their ex-colonies. This should be the model for all future British decolonisation.
Domestic Policy:
Socialism marches forward from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and indeed in Britain itself. Let us fight against it!
The National Liberal Party utterly opposes the nationalisation of industry and any limits of the freedom of the market. The Party proposes the gradual privatisation of all industries nationalised by the past government, the withdrawal of all subsidies (including food subsidies), and all bureaucratically imposed limits on the market. The lives of all Britons will be enriched, not by allowing the socialist state to shackle us and by following Hitler-Stalin economic policies; they shall be enriched by the energetic economic development that only an unrestricted market can provide.
As Communism enhances its insidious grip over a large part of our population it may be necessary to take political actions to limit the abilities of Communist revolutionary groups to operate within our country. As servants of a foreign master – Stalin – they are liable to treacherous acts and the wrecking of our country’s progress. The National Liberal Party proposes that action be taken both against the Communists’ political organisations and their trade union activities.
Let freedom reign once more in Britain, let socialism be destroyed!
Liberal Party
Political Position: Centre
Ideology: Liberalism, Social Liberalism
Description:
Although secure far fewer seats that the other major parties, 1945 was a highly successful election for the official Liberal Party. Entering government within the Popular Front form 1945-1948 and then exclusively alongside Labour form 1948-1949 the Liberals made clear their status as a party of government. During this time, the party also began to develop for itself a distinctive political programme with an emphasis on devolution attracting support in its Scottish and Welsh heartlands.
Party Leader: Archibald Sinclair
In 1945 Archibald Sinclair held onto his seat in the Commons by just 300 votes, surviving this test by the narrowest of margins he entered government as Foreign Secretary and from 1948 Deputy Prime Minister as well. Of the 34 seats the Liberals won in 1945 just 11 came from England – giving the parliamentary party a distinctively Welsh and Scottish appearance. With this in mind, Sinclair shifted the party’s emphasis beyond mere moderation towards major political reforms including devolution and a new voting system.
Foreign Policy:
The troubling events of the years since the War have on the one hand shown the true nature of Soviet Communism and on the other presented the world with the threat of nuclear Armageddon and a new war. Both of these new threats must be combatted through the strengthening of international rule of law and cooperation within the free world.
Britain is uniquely positioned within the free world as the point of linkage between its three main components – the United States, the British Commonwealth and Western Europe. The strengthening of ties with one part is certainly not mutually exclusive to the strengthening of ties with other parts of the free world – but only makes Britain a more attractive partner! Let us integrate with Europe, inviting the soon to be independent West German state into the European community, let us remain close to our Commonwealth and let us never waver from our link to the guardian of freedom – the United States of America.
Imperial Policy:
The Liberal Party demands that Britain remain responsive to any and all calls for self-government from her colonies. However events in India and Palestine cannot be repeated. In future Britain shall support a more phased withdrawal and maintain close links with her former colonial subjects – offering military support for arbitration and economic support for development.
Domestic Policy:
Britain has become a far more equitable nation since the conclusion of the war and election of the last government. Monopolies have been broken up, workers’ rights ensured, universal healthcare established. However, the fervour of the Left places our nation at a risk that henceforth the government shall pursue nationalisations for nationalisations’ sake and that the drive towards socialism shall trample upon Britain’s prosperity and the freedoms of the individual. The Liberal Party shall oppose any attempts to roll back the reforms, even nationalisations, carried out by the past government that it was a part of but shall oppose any further expansion of the government controlled sector of the economy.
Likewise, our deficits have grown worryingly large and it may be time to tighten the belts of state, withdraw subsidies and reign in public spending on welfare and public works alike. It is time to place a lesser reliance upon the British state to rebuild this country and a greater emphasis on the people.
Although amongst the freest and most democratic in the world – the British constitution retains numerous flaws that can and must be reformed! The Liberal Party calls for the abandonment of the anti-democratic and polarising ‘Westminster System’ and the adoption of Proportional Representation as many European nations have. PR is more conducive to compromise and stability, and a far more democratic system. The Liberal Party also strongly supports the formation of devolved parliaments in Scotland and Wales with full powers to deal with issues that affect these countries exclusively whilst the Westminster government continues to deal with national issues.
‘’ When voting for a specific faction of a party either by placing the initial or the full title of the faction listed at the top of its manifesto. If you fail to do so and only list the party then your vote will be counted as a vote for the leadership faction. Therefore, for a Labour vote either write:
Labour (M) or Labour (Moderate
Or
Labour (R) or Labour (Radical)
All readers may vote either:
Labour (M) / Labour (Moderate)
Labour (R) / Labour (Radical)
Conservatives/Tories
Communists
National Liberals
Liberals
! You may write the full name or shortened name of any party, so long as it is clear to me who you are voting for!
Please place your vote in a separate post or bold it within your post so it is easier for me to keep a tally.
Vote changing is not allowed. If you attempt to change your vote this will be ignored and your original vote shall continue to be counted.
Once again, spamming is not tolerated, you may not campaign outside this thread and I ask that you remain civil with each other.
Voting will close on Friday at 10AM, I will post in this thread to officially close the polls and return with the results shortly later.''
If anything, my Honourable Friend from Norfolk is British. Therefore he is an Englishman an Welshman a Scotsman and an Ulsterman in equal measure. Isn't Unionism wonderful?
Few things to say:
For the new NLP logo I took Lobenswert's bulldog design but removed the dog and gave them a Latin motto (I don't speak Latin so do tell me if I made an error).
This election of course includes new concepts - for information on them check the second post of the AAR. For voting for one of the Labour faction I placed information at the end of the post but will reiterate it here in case it was missed:
When voting for a specific faction of a party either by placing the initial or the full title of the faction listed at the top of its manifesto. If you fail to do so and only list the party then your vote will be counted as a vote for the leadership faction. Therefore, for a Labour vote either write:
Labour (M) or Labour (Moderate
Or
Labour (R) or Labour (Radical)
Now, very quick turnaround from the last election - time to get voting again!
For the new NLP logo I took Lobenswert's bulldog design but removed the dog and gave them a Latin motto (I don't speak Latin so do tell me if I made an error).
This election of course includes new concepts - for information on them check the second post of the AAR. For voting for one of the Labour faction I placed information at the end of the post but will reiterate it here in case it was missed:
When voting for a specific faction of a party either by placing the initial or the full title of the faction listed at the top of its manifesto. If you fail to do so and only list the party then your vote will be counted as a vote for the leadership faction. Therefore, for a Labour vote either write:
Labour (M) or Labour (Moderate
Or
Labour (R) or Labour (Radical)
Now, very quick turnaround from the last election - time to get voting again!
You stole that red flag pic from meadow, didn't you? :glare:
Labour (Attleeite/Moderate) - because the new NL logo sucks and Randy Churchill is a shit.
Labour (Attleeite/Moderate) - because the new NL logo sucks and Randy Churchill is a shit.
If anything, my Honourable Friend from Norfolk is British. Therefore he is an Englishman an Welshman a Scotsman and an Ulsterman in equal measure. Isn't Unionism wonderful?
British is fake. Th' repression ay th' Scots an' Welsh. He is a product ay thes perfidioos machination. Death tae unionism! FREEDOM.
(British is fake. The repression of the Scots and Welsh. He is a product of this perfidious machination. Death to Unionism! FREEDOM!)
In real life I would naturally vote Liberal, but now that they support PR I don't think i'll ever be able to vote for them in this AAR... I like the exciting FPTP mechanics.
Also I like to piss off Dadrian. (yes, that was intentional.)
Also, I fiercely retain my right to be both English and Welsh. (I'll have to disappoint My Honourable Friend from Devonport and say that I can't claim any Scottish or Ulsterman ancestry. )
)
Only th' Radical Laboor an' Communist seek devolution? Shit.
Tories an' Whigs, wa shoods a proper Scot vote fur ye?
(Only the Radical Labour and Communist seek devolution? Shit.
Tories and Whigs, why should a proper Scot vote for you?)
Tories an' Whigs, wa shoods a proper Scot vote fur ye?
(Only the Radical Labour and Communist seek devolution? Shit.
Tories and Whigs, why should a proper Scot vote for you?)
In real life I would naturally vote Liberal, but now that they support PR I don't think i'll ever be able to vote for them in this AAR... I like the exciting FPTP mechanics.
I'm disregarding that unfortunate element of the manifesto safe in the knowledge that we won't win an outright majority.
Also, I fiercely retain my right to be both English and Welsh. (I'll have to disappoint My Honourable Friend from Devonport and say that I can't claim any Scottish or Ulsterman ancestry.
You probably could if you went back far enough.
In real life I would naturally vote Liberal, but now that they support PR I don't think i'll ever be able to vote for them in this AAR... I like the exciting FPTP mechanics.
You like pissing off Dadarian?
Well then hop on IRC and I'll teach you the ropes.
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