MaliA wrote:
The price of that really interesting referendum we had on AV was totally worth the massive erosion of the rights of workers.
Actually, MaliA, I think you'll find that the lib Dems want to do more than that. I've found a blog from
Jeremy Brown responding to this very point. Here's what he had to say:
Quote:
To illustrate my point, here are ten policy areas that (a) are not about constitutional reform or civil liberties, (b) are being enacted by the government, and crucially, (c) would have been enacted if the Lib Dems were in government alone without any coalition considerations:
1. Urgent deficit reduction
To be fair, this is the stated policy of all three parties, unsurprisingly when the government is still borrowing an extra £400 million every single day.
2. Reducing income tax for low and middle earners
More money for millions of people who need it most and who also value the self-reliance that comes from being properly rewarded for their work.
3. Protecting national security
Terrorist threats at home and abroad, plus major concerns like nuclear weapons proliferation, rightly preoccupy government ministers on a daily basis.
4. Reforming prisons to reduce reoffending
Increasing the focus on in-prison rehabilitation and education as well as post-release crime reduction measures.
5. Making healthcare effective and affordable in the longer-term
Keeping a universal health service which is reformed to accommodate an aging population, new treatments and increasing expectations.
6. A higher state pension
Helping to address pensioner poverty by increasing annually the state pension in line with prices, inflation or 2.5%, whichever is highest.
7. Tackling climate change and benefiting the environment
More adoption of renewable energy and investment at home, plus a leading role in international environmental agreements.
8. Improving social mobility and educational opportunity
A pupil premium to help children from poorer backgrounds and new freedoms for schools to increase standards.
9. Modernising public transport
New investment in intercity rail lines and crossrail to dramatically cut journey times and reduce emissions.
10. 0.7% GDP on international aid
Britain becoming the first G8 nation to meet the target for helping the poorest people in the World.
So, left alone, they'd totally be reducing the deficit, dropping taxes, protecting national security, making prisons better for society as a whole, improving healthcare, increasing the state pension, tackling climate change and educational opportunities, modernising public transport and meeting targets for helping other countries. As you can see, the LibDems would be totally forging their own way ahead with this stuff, it if weren't not for the Conservatives doing it with them. And Labour wanting much of that list as well. You shouldn't feel let down, we're getting the stuff that matters done! We even had 75% of our stuff in the agreement compared to the conservatives 60%. Which totally show's them who is boss, too.
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Mr Chris wrote:
MaliA isn't just the best thing on the internet - he's the best thing ever.