ID :
154362
Wed, 12/22/2010 - 14:07
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/154362
The shortlink copeid
Divisions exposed in UK coalition
London, Dec 22, IRNA – Britain’s coalition government leaders sought to play down divisions Monday after the most senior Liberal Democrat member of cabinet threatened to resign over 'Maoist' pace of reforms.
Prime Minister David Cameron said that Business Secretary Vince cable was “very apologetic and embarrassed” after threatening to “bring the government down” if he is “pushed too far” during fractious discussions with his Conservative colleagues.
Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said that Cable was “right to be embarrassed” telling undercover newspaper reporters that serving in the coalition was like 'fighting a war'.
Speaking in parliament, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne went as far as describing the business secretary as still a 'powerful ally'.
Cable admitted he was “embarrassed” by his private comments reported in the Daily Telegraph, in which he criticised the speed of government changes in the health service, local government and other areas as a 'kind of Maoist revolution'.
The opposition Labour Party said the undercover report showed the government was 'paralysed' by strains between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems after being in office for seven months.
Cable has previously suggested that he might abstain in the recent vote to implement the government’s controversial plans to treble university fees, when more than 20 of his colleagues voted against,
During their end-of-year joint press conference, Cameron and Clegg defended the coalition, admitting that disagreements existed but insisting that they sought common solutions but neither appeared to give the business secretary their full support.
Asked about his relationship with Cable, the prime minister said that it was “good and business-like” and that they “work well together.”
Clegg admitted that he disagreed with his Lib Dem colleague in describing the pace of government changes as “Maoist.” The last government started reforming too late, he said.
The coalition, the first in Britain in more than half a century, is based upon a pact drawn up after the last general election in May ended in a stalemate, but with the Conservatives the largest party.
But critics have accused the Lib Dems of conceding two many of its left-wing principles, including election pledges, that has led to a dramatic fall in the party’s popularity./end
Prime Minister David Cameron said that Business Secretary Vince cable was “very apologetic and embarrassed” after threatening to “bring the government down” if he is “pushed too far” during fractious discussions with his Conservative colleagues.
Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said that Cable was “right to be embarrassed” telling undercover newspaper reporters that serving in the coalition was like 'fighting a war'.
Speaking in parliament, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne went as far as describing the business secretary as still a 'powerful ally'.
Cable admitted he was “embarrassed” by his private comments reported in the Daily Telegraph, in which he criticised the speed of government changes in the health service, local government and other areas as a 'kind of Maoist revolution'.
The opposition Labour Party said the undercover report showed the government was 'paralysed' by strains between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems after being in office for seven months.
Cable has previously suggested that he might abstain in the recent vote to implement the government’s controversial plans to treble university fees, when more than 20 of his colleagues voted against,
During their end-of-year joint press conference, Cameron and Clegg defended the coalition, admitting that disagreements existed but insisting that they sought common solutions but neither appeared to give the business secretary their full support.
Asked about his relationship with Cable, the prime minister said that it was “good and business-like” and that they “work well together.”
Clegg admitted that he disagreed with his Lib Dem colleague in describing the pace of government changes as “Maoist.” The last government started reforming too late, he said.
The coalition, the first in Britain in more than half a century, is based upon a pact drawn up after the last general election in May ended in a stalemate, but with the Conservatives the largest party.
But critics have accused the Lib Dems of conceding two many of its left-wing principles, including election pledges, that has led to a dramatic fall in the party’s popularity./end
