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Strong Local Voice, Strong Local ChampionAnnette Brooke, Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole |
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Explaining the coalition, by Annette Brooke
May 20, 2010 10:16 AM
We have received a large number of emails regarding the new coalition Government in the last few days. We will try and reply to everyone but because of the large volume of emails this may not be possible. We are currently putting out a Focus leaflet with an article explaining why the Liberal Democrats have gone into the coalition, which you can seen below:
May I reiterate my thanks to all those who voted for me and assure you that I am here to serve the interests of all my constituents.
During the recent election campaign I certainly did not expect to find myself a member of a Conservative/ Liberal Democrat Coalition Government. Indeed there were so many messages from my opponent that voting for me would lead to a Labour/Gordon Brown Government this must have come as a great surprise to many electors!
After the election results had been declared it was apparent that no party had won the election. The election had resulted in a hung Parliament and the Liberal Democrats found themselves in the unenviable pivotal position.
There were three options available to my Party 1) do nothing - this would have resulted in a General Election within a few months and would have delayed the tackling of the national economic crisis, which would not have been in the national interest. 2) an agreement or coalition with the Conservatives or 3) an agreement or coalition with Labour and the 'others'.
The last one, in my view, would not have been sustainable for very long. However, for the sake of completeness and the providing of an explanation to all voters of the final conclusion, I believe it was important that this option was explored.
Nick Clegg kept his election promise by speaking to the largest party with the highest number of votes first and it was clear that progress was made with the Conservatives on policy issues.
The Conservative/Lib Dem Coalition does involve many risks but it presents new opportunities for the parties to show that compromising and working together in the national interest can succeed and introduce a new type of politics. I am pleased that there will be an opportunity to implement many Liberal Democrat policies relating to fairness in taxation, pensions, political reform, investing in the green economy and a fair start for all children at school. On this last point there will be extra money for our schools here in Poole and Dorset wherever children from disadvantaged backgrounds attend. This is a Coalition Government not a Conservative Government and policies from either side will be adopted and modified. Most of the policies that I care passionately about are due to be implemented.
Incidentally, the Liberal Democrats polled 23% of the vote but only gained about a tenth of the seats, demonstrating that our current voting system is greatly in need of reform if people's votes are to count equally.
Locally, I remain even more committed to fighting for the interests of our area and the interests of my constituents.
Yours faithfully,
Annette Brooke
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