Mathew
08-05-2011, 09:46 AM
Miliband Urges Lib Dem Ministers To Jump Ship
Labour leader Ed Miliband is urging Liberal Democrat ministers to quit the coalition and join him in fighting against Conservative policies.
Mr Miliband's offer came as senior Lib Dems called for a change in the party's relations with the Tories following their disastrous showing in last week's elections.
Business Secretary Vince Cable described his Tory colleagues as "ruthless, calculating and thoroughly tribal", though he insisted their Government partnership would continue.
Speaking to The Observer, Mr Miliband said it was "late, but not too late" for Lib Dem ministers to jump ship.
He said they should ask themselves: "Do they want Tory policies or progressive ones?"
He added: "If they are in favour of new politics they should start by keeping their promises and reflecting the will of those who put them into Parliament.
"If they are not in favour of these Tory policies they should stand up for what they believe or leave the Cabinet. They can come and work with us. My door is always open."
Lib Dem Ministers are expected to take a firmer line over Tory policies which go beyond the coalition agreement, and by claiming credit for any concessions they secure.
Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg have insisted the coalition - which reaches its first anniversary on May 11 - will "move on" and continue to function despite the bruising referendum campaign.
But Mr Cablesaid:"Some of us never had many illlusions about the Conservatives, but they have emerged as ruthless, calculating and thoroughly tribal.
"I think they have always been that way, but you have to be businesslike and professional and you have to work with people who aren't your natural bedfellows and that is being grown-up in politics."
...and pray do tell, what are the so-called "progressive policies" that Mr. Miliband is speaking so highly of? None which are likely to cut down on national debt, that's for sure. None which are likely to get us out of the EU, and none which are going to stop our money being shoved into the back pockets of other countries in order to bail them out. Why don't we sort our own debt before helping others.. :rolleyes:
Of course his "door is always open" for people who leave the cabinet; perhaps he's finally realised that he isn't getting anywhere with his current party and has to turn and scrounge from those in power to get anywhere. He is really turning out to be such a weak leader and always appears to be making digs at the other party rather than showing the public what Labour can do better. Flawed.
Indeed, the Conservatives have their flaws.. but they're making more of an effort than the shy, timid and desperate Ed would do if he was voted as PM. He is weak, to say the least.
What are the chances of a GE being called then? Is it just Ed trying to stir things up?
Labour leader Ed Miliband is urging Liberal Democrat ministers to quit the coalition and join him in fighting against Conservative policies.
Mr Miliband's offer came as senior Lib Dems called for a change in the party's relations with the Tories following their disastrous showing in last week's elections.
Business Secretary Vince Cable described his Tory colleagues as "ruthless, calculating and thoroughly tribal", though he insisted their Government partnership would continue.
Speaking to The Observer, Mr Miliband said it was "late, but not too late" for Lib Dem ministers to jump ship.
He said they should ask themselves: "Do they want Tory policies or progressive ones?"
He added: "If they are in favour of new politics they should start by keeping their promises and reflecting the will of those who put them into Parliament.
"If they are not in favour of these Tory policies they should stand up for what they believe or leave the Cabinet. They can come and work with us. My door is always open."
Lib Dem Ministers are expected to take a firmer line over Tory policies which go beyond the coalition agreement, and by claiming credit for any concessions they secure.
Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg have insisted the coalition - which reaches its first anniversary on May 11 - will "move on" and continue to function despite the bruising referendum campaign.
But Mr Cablesaid:"Some of us never had many illlusions about the Conservatives, but they have emerged as ruthless, calculating and thoroughly tribal.
"I think they have always been that way, but you have to be businesslike and professional and you have to work with people who aren't your natural bedfellows and that is being grown-up in politics."
...and pray do tell, what are the so-called "progressive policies" that Mr. Miliband is speaking so highly of? None which are likely to cut down on national debt, that's for sure. None which are likely to get us out of the EU, and none which are going to stop our money being shoved into the back pockets of other countries in order to bail them out. Why don't we sort our own debt before helping others.. :rolleyes:
Of course his "door is always open" for people who leave the cabinet; perhaps he's finally realised that he isn't getting anywhere with his current party and has to turn and scrounge from those in power to get anywhere. He is really turning out to be such a weak leader and always appears to be making digs at the other party rather than showing the public what Labour can do better. Flawed.
Indeed, the Conservatives have their flaws.. but they're making more of an effort than the shy, timid and desperate Ed would do if he was voted as PM. He is weak, to say the least.
What are the chances of a GE being called then? Is it just Ed trying to stir things up?