In reply to Greenbanks:
> Simply, that if the chips were down an MP would be inclined not to proffer support for a locally-based arms-manufacturer in the face of the a risk of being unseated.
Yes, and I am saying that is a function of democracy. An MP, within the bounds of the law, is primarily responsible to his constituents. If his constituents believe that he should act to protect their jobs then that is not "feathering his nest" or corrupt. It is doing his job.
I am asking you which particular points in your link are pertinent to your point.
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> Ultimately, the main issue that I was raising about this extremely sad episode is that superficial itch-scratching is doing very little to address a major problem in today's world: that of a widespread (and avoidable) proliferation of weaponry capable of doing this kind of stuff. I simply feel it is the resonsibility of MPs to lead by example.This might be a far-fetched notion.
Well, they have, by passing large amounts of legislation on the subject, albeit may be not always as effectively as one might like.
The problem is that the desire to limit sales of defence equipment is ultimately at odds with the economic benefits the defence industry brings to the country not least terms of employment. Whilst initially recognising this problem you then apparently blame the result on MPs "feathering their nests" and, despite having it pointed out to you, don't address the point that the MPs are protecting the interests of their constituents, which is what they elected to do.
Post edited at 15:07