Torys, Lib Dems race to thrash out deal
Source: Agencies |
May 10, 2010, Monday
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SENIOR party leaders from Britain's Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were scrambling to hammer out a new government yesterday, following an election that failed to produce a clear winner.
Negotiating teams from both parties met for power-sharing talks at central London's Cabinet Office. Leaders from both sides said talks so far were "constructive and respectful," but they're also keenly aware that a deal must be brokered soon - market jitters over Britain's economic stability are putting increased pressure on the parties to make an announcement before trading begins today.
David Cameron's right-of-center Conservatives won 306 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons in the national election last Thursday, but they need 20 more to gain a majority. They are hoping to reach a deal with the center-left Liberal Democrats, whose 57 legislators could give them a comfortable cushion for passing legislation.
But to form a coalition or strike a deal to enable a minority Conservative government, the two parties must compromise on crucial differences over electoral reform and foreign policy.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg gave little away on whether a deal was likely, but said his party was focusing on sweeping voting reform - a key sticking point in the talks.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown - whose Labour Party suffered a heavy defeat in the election - has offered to negotiate a coalition with Clegg if talks between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives collapse.
Negotiating teams from both parties met for power-sharing talks at central London's Cabinet Office. Leaders from both sides said talks so far were "constructive and respectful," but they're also keenly aware that a deal must be brokered soon - market jitters over Britain's economic stability are putting increased pressure on the parties to make an announcement before trading begins today.
David Cameron's right-of-center Conservatives won 306 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons in the national election last Thursday, but they need 20 more to gain a majority. They are hoping to reach a deal with the center-left Liberal Democrats, whose 57 legislators could give them a comfortable cushion for passing legislation.
But to form a coalition or strike a deal to enable a minority Conservative government, the two parties must compromise on crucial differences over electoral reform and foreign policy.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg gave little away on whether a deal was likely, but said his party was focusing on sweeping voting reform - a key sticking point in the talks.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown - whose Labour Party suffered a heavy defeat in the election - has offered to negotiate a coalition with Clegg if talks between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives collapse.
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