Fred ,'A Hole in the World'
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From the BBC article:
If Mr Blair goes ahead with a Commons debate on military action, MPs warn they will table an amendment stating there is no moral justification for war without a new resolution.
Caught my eye because it's not often that the UK/US "table" confusion pops up in the wild in a way that's not immediately obvious from context. Of course, it would be pathetic and sad if they meant it in the US way, but still an interesting example.
Tabling an amendment allows MP's to vote on a specific text- so if (theoretically) 51% of the House supported the amendment, then there'd be no mandate for war. Which wouldn't stop a declaration, as the PM's power to declare war flows direct from the Queen, not from Parliament, shockingly enough. Cookie's resignation is huge, though - he's probably the third most powerful person in the Labour Party, and has been a hardcore Blairite from day one. He's the equivalent of (say) the Majority Leader in the Senate - so imagine the effect HIS resignation would have on Bush.
. Of course, it would be pathetic and sad if they meant it in the US way, but still an interesting example.
What is the US meaning of the word?
Here (U.S.), we use table to take something off of the table (put a hold on discussion), as opposed to bringing something to the table.
Here (U.S.), we use table to take something off of the table (put a hold on discussion), as opposed to bringing something to the table.
Where we'd use shelve in the UK?
We also use shelve, but yes. It's actually probably better explained as leaving something on the table, rather than bringing it up or taking it off. You're putting it aside for later.
Right. As I think Jim said, it's an interesting difference in usage.
I didn't say it was interesting - not that it isn't, of course. Anyway, the debate this afternoon should be a doozy.
the PM's power to declare war flows direct from the Queen, not from Parliament,
So does that mean Her Germaness (house of Hanover yada yada yada...) is pro-war?
No (she might be, but she's politically "neutral") - the Crown reserved certain rights to itself following the Restoration - declaring War, appointing ministers, appointing Archbishops, calling elections, naming Lords.... However, by pretty much unbreakable convention those Royal Prerogatives are wielded by the Prime Minister. It's why the British PM, with a strong majority, is about the most powerful leader of a democratic country - he has all the powers of the US president and the US Congress combined.