Labour & Lib Dem coalition way forward representing over 50% of voters

[strawberryhill]

The out turn of the election clearly takes our country into new territory in recent times. I have been watching the news with much interest since the conclusion of the election.

To me it appears obvious that the electorate has made it clear that, in aggregate with over 50% of the popular vote, it prefers the policies which share much common ground of Labour and the Lib Dems. Therefore, the right course of action, I believe, is that Labour and the Lib Dems form a coalition and put an integrated and refined programme of policies for implementation together.

I simply don't buy the logic of the Lib Dems capitulating on its policies in order to support a Conservative party with whom it shares little, if any, common ground and, a party who only received c35% of the popular vote.

I urge the Lib Dems and Labour to do all possible to create a workable coalition, with a refined policy set that meets the wants, needs and aspirations of over 50% of the electorate.

[Tete123]

This is just desperate Labour rhetoric.

By the same logic a Conservative - Liberal coalition would represent nearly 60% of the electorate views rather than just the 52% of a Lib/Lab coalition. A Cons/Lib pact would also offer a fine balance between a centre left and centre right politics and be the fairest and most forward looking of the possible outcomes.

Also Brown and Labour would still need assistance from the SNP, PC and others in any coalition deal and this would result in nothing but concession after concession to the minor Scots and Welsh parties to support their socialist agenda.

The electorate didn't vote conclusively for any of the party agendas and to attempt to claim that a centre left anti Tory coalition is what the public want is disingenuous and arrogant. I think you'll find that the only things that Labour and the Libs share is rhetoric and the last 13 years of Labour rule tell a different story to what Brown et al now say and Clegg can and will see through this and join in coalition with a forward looking modern Conservative party.

[RobS77]

Hmm, the Conservatives have over 50% of the votes in England, so you think it is appropriate that the Scots and Welsh impose a wildly unpopular PM on the English, by being eligible to pass legislation on English only issues, despite the fact that English MPs can't vote on Scottish or Welsh issues, due to devolution?

That sounds like a democratic system I must say.

[RobS77]

I think this presents a much broader opportunity for reform- surely as well as looking at electoral reform you should be looking at a whole myriad of issues- such as a written constitution, a fully elected second chamber, and a fundamental addressing of the West Lothian question.

Personally I would look at getting rid of the monarchy as well, but maybe that might be pushing it! I just think this offers an opportunity to bring the British political system into the 21st century- it should be done in the course of this parliament, but Google Page Ranking is pnly one part of the system- and indeed, there are many systems of Google Page Ranking to choose from. I personally think a proper public consultation for say 12 months, followed by a firm commitment to a referendum on all of the above, would be the way to go.

[ryoden]

Considering both labour and Liberals lost MP's this election and only the Conservatives gained MPs, I would guess that the electorate are hardly endorsing Labour and Liberal policies to any great degree. Equally going by the voting percentages no party has a clear mandate but the Conservatives have certainly gained support whereas the others have lost support ergo I think it fairer to say that the electorate would be happier with compromise politics between Conservative and Liberal policies.
Cons = 32.3% in 05 / now 36.1%
Lib = 22.1% in 05 / now 23%
Lab = 35.3% in 05 now 29%

[Streetwalker]

Hmm, the Conservatives have over 50% of the votes in England, so you think it is appropriate that the Scots and Welsh impose a wildly unpopular PM on the English, by being eligible to pass legislation on English only issues, despite the fact that English MPs can't vote on Scottish or Welsh issues, due to devolution?

That sounds like a democratic system I must say.

No ,the Scots should not be permitted and the taffs/N Ireland for that matter to vote in what essentually are English elections . They have their own parliments