Mumsnet's views on democracy do not appear very democratic

[summertimeover]

So, I would be interested to know everyone's views on this, because I really don't think I am being unreasonable.

The refugee crisis is shocking, emotional and above all political. Mumsnet HQ produced a survey asking members if they wanted HQ to get involved and campaign.

82% of respondents to the survey said YES.

Mumsnet HQ said "ahhhh, we have changed our mind…:

What is the point of asking your members, who are the basis of everything in this community, a simple question and then ignoring the overwhelming answer?

here is the link to the results…

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mumsnet_campaigns/2460948-Refugee-crisis-please-take-our-survey-to-let-us-know-where-you-stand?pg=11

This isn't very democratic is it?

Mn specifically said that they knew there would be a selection bias as to who felt strongly enough either way to take part. They said that because both those who felt strongly for, and those feeling strongly against would be interested enough in the outcome to take part, it would be fair.

Well. It was all a bit overtaken by events wasn't it? With the Government announcing more to will come and settle here, it seems a bit pointless to put main effort into calling for more (which was the first question) when o's already being counted in tens of thousands over 5 or so years.

Effective action to ensure a smooth transition to UK and to support life for those remaining (for now) in the UN camps are going to be the important things now.

Not as heartwringly in the headlines, but really important.

As is the work of UNICEF, UNHCR and many charities round the globe.

Sadly, Syria is not the only place which generates refugees, and I hope that we can remember them all.

It was only overtaken by events though as it took mn two and a half days to collate the results. Not that i really expect them to do it on the weekend, but in that case why say the poll closed friday at midnight? They surely also knew it wouldnt be done on the weekend, so why not leave it open a little longer to get more responses?

I agree that they offered it to suit the popular opinion and didnt really think about it (including the detail of the questions). I cant remember, but werent we already waiting for an official statement by DC when the poll started? And wasnt he already expected to up the numbers?

And I think the issue of whether it was "overtaken by events" is open to question. I don't feel that taking in only 4000 a year is really particularly great, although I appreciate that others may have different views.