Lib Dems aren’t modifying Tory policy. They are allowing it.
As the European elephant in the cabinet room finally rears and strains the Clegg-Cameron bonds, many Liberal Democrats are once again questioning why they are in government at all. And the response is the same as ever: “We had to go into coalition” they are told “because if we didn’t, the Tories would get to [...]
Greens Set the Agenda for Scottish Coalition Government
The Scottish Greens today set out their ‘red lines’ for any coalition. These lines are policies that the party won’t cross to enter government. it’s almost certain the next Scottish Government will be led by either the SNP or Labour. These red lines mean that a coalition including the Greens will be radically different to [...]
On Coalition, Compromise, and Cable
So, Vince Cable has ruffled a few feathers by claiming that the Lib Dems have not gone back on a promise on fees. Given that every simple MP signed a specific pledge to vote agaist a rise in fees, this seems a little odd. His argument, put simply, is that the Lib Dems didn’t win [...]
If the Planet had Been a Bank it Would Have Been Saved Years Ago – Scottish Greens Conference Day 2
The second and final day of Scottish Green Party Conference was marked by two fantastic speeches, and two debates on Greens’ participating in coalitions. The speeches one by Caroline Lucas and one by Andy Wightman were stirring and sent everyone away thoroughly inspired. The debates provided an interesting insight into the party’s hopes and fears [...]
Sweden Update: Greens hold position of unprecedented strength
by Dominic Hinde The day after the Swedish general election, the results were the most read story on the BBC News website. The entrance of the hitherto unknown right-wing Sweden Democrats, Sverigedemokraterna, to Sweden’s national assembly seems to have struck a chord amongst a European and North-American public whose main contact with the country comes [...]
Behind the Smokescreen on Student Fees
This guest post by the ever excellent Sarah Morrison first appeared at http://srmorrison.wordpress.com/ Nick Clegg told Britain that he wanted a “clean, open, plural politics that…you can put your faith in,” when he spoke at his first press conference at Number 10. While the footage streamed onto our screens might not have been reminiscent of [...]