Letter: What the Lib Dems need from Labour
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What the Lib Dems need from Labour
Sir: John Rentoul ("Blair to come out for voting reform", 11 November) should not get too excited. The sort of practical co-operation he describes between Liberal Democrats and Labour is a sensible means to the efficient conduct of business and happens between more parties and at more times than the public is ever likely to be told about.
At present the muffled drumbeat of Labour retreats on such issues as devolution, a Bill of Rights, minimum sentences, and now the Social Chapter, is doing nothing to encourage Liberal Democrats to make that collaboration any closer. As a party we do not regard the Alternative Vote as a proportional system and it is unlikely that any Labour commitment to it would change our inclinations.
Our position remains as stated by Paddy Ashdown at Brighton: "Nothing ruled in and nothing ruled out." As to how we might apply that position, Shirley Williams at Brighton said that our bare minimum terms for closer co-operation should be a fully proportional system of voting and a massive increase in funding for education. The electric enthusiasm which greeted that remark is something from which Tony Blair should take warning.
Earl RUSSELL
(Liberal Democrat Social Security Spokesperson)
House of Lords
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments