Apologies if folk think this should be in the Election thread, but I think it's significant and historic enough to warrant a new thread.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/ ... 677933.stm

That's the full text of the Conservative Liberal-Democrat coalition agreement.

I think it definitely deserves a new thread. I'm personally really pleased.

It seems that the LibDems are going to have a great deal of influence, which pleases me.

I particularly like the £10,000 tax threshold which they now say they are going to bring in.

All in all - I think it's a good result.

I watched the press conference earlier. I was impressed.

There was humour, and a genuine feeling that Cameron and Clegg wanted to really make this thing work.

While I don't agree with the Conservatives on so many levels, and there's some doubt as to whether the Lib-Dems have sold themselves out for this, I hope they can make it work for the good of the country.

I watched it too, and had the same feelings.

I'm not a fan of the Tories either, but I think that if you are going to have a coalition, it makes sense to have two sets of people who are different sides of the spectrum (although only just). The result should, could, and hopefully would be a happy medium.

Perhaps a Labour/LibDem coalition would have been a bit too lefty lefty.

I hope it works just so that people can see that politics isn't just red or blue.

that is an understatement
i am/was a die hard labour supporter that moved to the libdems this year, my wife is/was a die hard conservative supporter who moved to the libdems a few years ago

but this is something else
i am a believer of and in PR, that is the future

so for things to change first i must change
(and for a die hard labour supporter that is hard)

so i must support the coalition
because if it fails my dream of PR dies with it …

Agreed.

There is the promise of a referendum on the issue. It's agreed the Tories will campaign against, Lib-Dems for, and presumably the Labour lot will be for as well.

We'll see what the country thinks in due course.

I am also in favour of an elected upper house, though the agreement makes it obvious it will continue to be stuffed with appointees along the lines of the parties in the Commons with most seats. So, full of Tories until it can be reformed.

It's early days yet but I'm actually quite optimistic. I think this coalition could work.

i await the chance, not just for me and mine but for all and everyone, to make a decision on how we elect and have the elected run 'our' country …

ps. forgot to add
i also agree on an elected upper house but i am willing to wait so the lower house can be put into order first …

Hopefully sense will prevail. Though knowing how you can alter the outcome of referendums by the way you ask who knows?


I was not so worried about the hereditary peers. Many were very independent. I was more opposed to the backwoodsmen who turned up when ever the Tories needed a crucial vote blocked. I think that they should actually sit for long enough that the non doms would effectively become resident for tax purposes and so that would exclude any who chose to vote on tax changes yet were not willing to live here and pay tax.

I'm willing to be optimistic about the coalition and coming from my views on the Conservatives that's a big step.

I have been impressed with the willingness to cooperate, by both parties. I am willing to concede that I was wrong in thinking that the Conservatives wouldn't move one inch.

Watching the speech I think we've also got the makings of the first political comedy double act as well.

When asked whether he (Cameron) regretted answering the question some time ago about 'what's your favourite joke?' to which he replied 'Nick Clegg', Clegg asked 'did you say that', Cameron 'afraid so' I was impressed with the comedy of Nick starting to walk off stage with Cameron squeaking 'come back!!!'.

Must be the first time I've actually laughed in a PM speech.

I'm so happy that the personal allowance will be raised, lifting those who earn £10,000 or less out of tax. It should also have a decent effect on those on or below "average" earnings.

not sure if this belongs here, being wholly unserious in nature, but clicky

Also, hopefully, it should then provide a decent incentive to work as it should show that, financially, people will be better of than on benefits.

I agree with both these points.

£700 is a lot of money to see back in your pocket. The only problem is that they are going to increase employees' national insurance aren't they?