Call for Lib Dem coalition policy veto
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.Liberal Democrat MPs should get a veto on policies from the coalition Government, the party's deputy leader said today.
Simon Hughes said his party should be able to tell the Conservatives: "No, we can't go down this road."
He also indicated that a partnership between the Lib Dems and Labour was still possible, as early as the next general election.
Mr Hughes told the BBC: "If the coalition wants to deliver (parliamentary) votes, neither party on its own has a majority, so we have to make sure everyone is brought into that.
"As matter of practical politics... the parliamentary party on behalf of the wider party on big issues has to be able to say, 'No, we can't go down this road'."
He added that a coalition between Labour and his party was still "on the agenda", perhaps by the time of the next general election in 2015.
His comments come amid falling poll ratings for the Lib Dems and concern among rank-and-file members over some of the policies being pursued by the coalition.
Mr Hughes, who is not a government minister, is on the left of the Lib Dems and was thought to have favoured a deal with Labour in the aftermath of the election in May.
Last weekend he ruled out any pact with the Conservatives at the next general election.
Mr Hughes rejected suggestions that they could agree not to run candidates against each other in seats which were clearly winnable for one or other of the parties.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments