If the Liberal Democrats cannot reach a deal with Conservatives now, then when? The answer to this question must be never.
- The Conservative manifesto was liberal. It contained an honest commitment to protecting civil liberties. The ‘Big Society’ idea is all about empowering those who have been left behind. Lib Dems may think the idea unworkable but the sentiment, that all of us in society need opportunity and protection, is one we both applaud.
- The Labour Government is on its knees. During 13 years of power they over-borrowed, lead us into numerous wars and increased the reach of the state. Those Lib Dems who believe that they are philosophically a lot closer to Labour should look at ALL the legislation passed.
- The parliamentary arithmetic makes a ‘rainbow coalition’ at best unwieldy and at worst unstable. The amount of negotiating and bartering that will have to go into every piece of legislation is the stuff of civil service nightmares.
The British electorate is a sophisticated beast. The current predicament reflects the will of the nation. If a Lab-Lib pact is formed we will be living in a two party state. A vote for the Lib Dems will be a vote for Labour. The Conservatives will offer the only alternative choice of Government. The price of having a coalition including nationalists is not ideological but financial. Will Lib Dem voters in Sutton, Carshalton, Cambridge ect be happy to subsidise a ‘progressive’ coalition? A Lab-Lib coalition would unite the Conservatives in a fight against a perceived injustice. As soon as any deal is done the Tories will start campaigning for the next election. The narrative will be “Vote Liberal, get Labour. Get Labour, get economic hardship.”
The Labour Party will not necessarily embrace the Lib Dems. Many members are bitter towards the ‘Liberals’. Bitter about the SDP split in the 80s. Bitter about joining forces with those who try to undermine them in election battles and local government. Bitter that the Lib Dems are now trying to call the tune. Gordon Brown has not yet tried to sell any deal to his party. Those who think that there will be unanimous agreement are living in fantasy land. There is probably a significant minority who would defy a party whip and vote against any form of PR. Labourites on the left of the party will be fearful that any deal today will usher in a permanent Lab-Lib pact in the future.
With power comes responsibility. Governing is about making tough choices. When Nick Clegg next meets his MPs he should say: “Those of you who want to join Labour, join Labour. Those of you who want to join the Conservatives, join the Conservatives. Those of you who want to be in a centrist party that will act flexibly for the national interest, stay with the Lib Dems.” Otherwise it won’t take the electorate long to realise that the ‘new politics’ image was just old politics spinning.
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