Tuesday 25 May 2010

"A big, open, and comprehensive offer", err get on with it

Written on 08/05/10

302, 258, and 57. It was these figures that put the whole country into a state of excitement and uncertainty yesterday. What is certain however that is the electorate has spoken and a hung parliament is here to stay. Britain now faces the opportunity of a new kind of politics but now it is our political leaders who appear hesitant, Nick Clegg in particular. Faced with the opportunity to create a coalition government with David Cameron, Clegg appears to be in quandary in what is the best opportunity of power the Liberal Democrats have received in over 80 years.

Gordon Brown has only helped to exacerbate Clegg's doubtful state by offering him, the big red juicy apple of an immediate parliamentary referendum- something the Liberal Democrats have been fighting for desperately. Clegg however would be stupid to entertain his offer. The reality of an immediate referendum being offered is highly unlikely, given that many Labour MP's would not agree to back a new political system that would jeopardise the future of their party. If Clegg were to prop up Brown there is no doubt that the electorate would never forgive him. He would be helping an unpopular, unelected Prime Minister remain in power of a government unsupported by the Constitution. Brown has clearly shown that unlike Cameron he is unable to act in the nation's interests, but rather that of his own, desperately clamouring on to power.

One thing that has been highlighted through the electoral results and televised debates is that a new form of politics is emerging. We the electorate, like never before are tired of politicians promises and are prepared to go against our voting traditions to see change, but will the actions of our politicians, mirror that of our own? Will tradition and routine be put aside to welcome change? Clearly the events of the past few days have forced Clegg and Cameron to view things differently and it is becoming increasingly apparent that Brown's archaic view of politics has not been progressive. Cameron has offered Mr Clegg "a big, open, and comprehensive offer" and it is time for Clegg to accept. Despite the ideological differences of both parties the two leaders appear to be mindful of new politics and its demands.

More importantly the markets will not hold out where uncertainty looms, indeed as the FTSE 100 demonstrated on Friday falling by 2.6 per cent against the dollar. Although the comments of one hedge fund manager that prolonged political uncertainty could lead the banks to insolvency should be ignored, it is in times like these where John Major appears to be attuned to current situation. The former Prime Minister encouraged Cameron to offer
some cabinet seats to the Liberal Democrats, "If that's the price to ensure we have economic stability, then that's the way I think we should go." Indeed the markets will not wait for up to a week.

What seems certain however that is the electorate and politicians alike must put pessimism and ideological differences aside for the time being and remember that the country is facing the biggest deficit since World War Two. Clegg must accept Cameron's offer for Britain to move ahead and be legitimately governed. We are entering a new phase in politics and our politicians must rise to the challenge.

5 comments:

  1. I am probably one of the few who were disappointed that the conservative party got a majority vote; and I question whether a hung parliament would mean a dawn for the political situation at the moment. To be honest I think hung or not I question what active changes will be made to better our society.

    I feel there is little trust and confidence for our politicians in our country. And coming from a recent graduate I'd say it's because there is very little change happening. Especially, for instance, in terms of the rising costs for higher education fees and the very little help from the government in providing services for graduates looking for employment. There should be more encouragement for prospective employers to take on graduate schemes and such to help the FUTURE politicians, and working people.

    I can only hope that this new, hung parliament looks to resolve this matter which is close to my heart.
    I can only hope ...

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  2. I think a coalition is a nice idea. I like that your writing a blog. Alex Saxton should comment on the above.

    As for the below, I hope that the cuts are not too drastic. I think that with the conservative ideology there will be more inequality in the economy and in education.

    In the economy, the free economic policy with a 25% cut in corporation tax will bring back the days of the city boys, bonuses and monopoloy of markets which was what we have been trying to move away from.

    In education, the creation of academies/free schools may create a middle class of schools which can choose their pupils. This may result in all the progress over the recent years being reversed.

    Basically, the way I see it is that labour were doing a good job curing poverty in london and the UK and I think a conservative government along side what seems a very conservative liberal party will not keep the momentum going.

    Who knows! Oh and why did you delete the post before? Free speech and all that?

    Safe!
    Alex Jones

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  3. As a non-British citizen who followed the election from a distant point of view, I can't really react on this !!!
    But a coalition isn't that bad !!! We had one in France when I was younger & even if it took time to make any action, when a reform was definitely needed & agreed by both parties, it speeded things up !!!
    Anyway, I hope this change will bring a fresh start to Britain because times are tough baby !!!
    S.

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  4. How has Cameron shown he is able to act in the nation’s interests? He is a conservative politician.
    The marriage between the conservatives and the liberal democrats is a very peculiar one especially in the face of a fiscal crisis. Don’t these two parties directly oppose one another on economic issues? Ideologically, shouldn’t the liberal democrats be for the Keynesian fiscal spending to push us out of recession whereas the conservatives are more along the lines of austerity measures to cut spending and reduce the deficit and stimulate the economy that way? Basically, tax cuts for rich people to stimulate business to hire and grow? More properly, doesn’t this philosophical difference manifest itself further with regard to social policy? If you think about it, when these austerity measures are put into place, where do you think most of the spending is going to be cut? Social welfare programs; and where do you think liberal democrats want more spending? Social welfare programs; it’s a match made in hell.

    Raj

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  5. Opinion from Spain:

    I think that it's not a good idea trying to find the victory by joining the opposition. In Spain it's impossible to think of these kind of pacts, but, however, it's not a bad idea putting two different politic ideas together to find the best solution for the country. A country which is going through a dificult situation needs a political change. And what's better than joining right and left wings looking for the best solutions for the country? If they can get to put aside their differencies, they could be able to find a way to help the country to get over it and try to grow up after all.

    Besos y abrazos, Vicente y Lucas.

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