David Cameron has made a “big, open and comprehensive offer” to the Liberal Democrats. It included the possibility of all party committee of inquiry on Electoral Reform. Will it be enough for the Lib Dems?
Lib Dem Voice say “Cameron offers … er, not very much really”:
“Cameron looked to be offering only one new proposal: a cross-party commission on electoral and political reform.
“That of course was Blair’s offer in 1997 which subsequently turned to dust.”
Nothing yet from Lib Dem Voice (which seems to have fallen over) but Meanwhile, a range of other Lib Dems have set out their opinion:
• Lib Dem councillor and prominent tweeter, Sara Bedford says: “The LibDems are looking for a meaningful relationship, not a one night stand. Looks like we might be remaining single, then?”
• Blogger Mark Thompson replies to a question on his views: “Sounds like change from FPTP is being ruled out if I am reading this right. Not near a TV though. Just basing on tweets.”
• Lib Dem Alex Wilcock: “Cameron promises “committee of enquiry” on electoral reform. That’s what Heath said in 1974. We told him to sod off, too.”
• Alix Mortimer says, “Uh-oh. Long grass on PR.”
• Another Lib Dem, Matt (@Kopmatt88) says, “Completely against. Electoral reform is a must for any lib dem support.”
At Next Left, the Fabian Society’s Tim Horton (not a Lib Dem incidentally) says:
“For many progressive voters who voted Lib Dem on the grounds that they believed them to be a progressive party, a Lib-Tory coalition would be an outrage. (It certainly makes a mockery of the rather sanctimonious commentaries we have had in the liberal broadsheets, casting the Lib Dems as somehow more progressive than the Labour Party.) For many voters who believed Nick Clegg when he toured the country claiming to be the party of fairness, falling in with the Tories would be a betrayal.
“The real point to make in advance of any coalition talks is this: the Lib Dems should not entertain the idea that they can be part of a de facto coalition-by-abstention with the Conservatives whilst avoiding political fallout from the resulting Conservative actions. If they are tempted down this route, I suspect the Labour Party, together with many progressives up and down the country, would work very hard to ensure the Lib Dems paid a heavy political price for such behaviour amongst voters on the centre-left.”
UPDATE 15.35:
@JoChristieSmith: “Cameron come much further than expected; could be a trap but lets see how the negotiations go before dismissing the idea of them”
@SamJordison: “”No, no, no.” Better to make a deal with an adder’s fangs. He offered nothing real.”
@mrrmooseface: “No way dude! Hope Nick Clegg won’t betray us all – we need proportional representation”
@alexwilcock: “And after 13 years of Labour lying about it we’d be mad to trust them either!”
55 Responses to “Will the Lib Dems accept Cameron’s offer?”
Arron Penman
If the Lib Dems decide to do a deal with the Tories Cameron will surley make scrambled Clegg of the Lib Dems
Isabel Izzy O'Connor
RT @leftfootfwd: Will the Lib Dems accept Cameron's offer? Reaction from the web http://bit.ly/95NuF4
Craigam
Lib Dems cannot support (actively or by abstention) a Tory government committed to cuts in 2010. Otherwise they’ll be lucky to have 15 seats come the next election. But has all the power and influence gone to Clegg’s head – the man is a likeable lightweight and I for one am very worried for Britain.
Richard Gadsden
Do us a favour, spell Alex Wilcock’s name correctly.
Tina Parton
Deal or no deal – no deal with Cameron