Coalition review – fine words, but any parsnips buttered?

clegg cameron rose gardenDavid Cameron and Nick Clegg have just presented their mid-term coalition review. You can read the full document here. As a taster, here are the ending words of the foreword:

Today, at the half-way point in this Parliament, we are taking stock of the progress we have made in implementing the Coalition Agreement that we signed in May 2010. But we are also initiating a new set of reforms, building on those already under way, to secure our country’s future and help people realise their ambitions.
We will support working families with their childcare costs. We will build more houses and make the dream of home ownership a reality for more people. We will set out plans for long-term investment in Britain’s transport infrastructure. We will set out two big reforms to provide dignity in old age: an improved state pension that rewards saving, and more help with the costs of long-term care. And as we take these steps to reshape the British state for the 21st century, we will take further steps to limit its scope and extend our freedoms. We will be making announcements about each of these policy initiatives in due course.

Our mission is clear: to get Britain living within its means and earning its way in the world once again.

Our approach is consistent: to help hardworking families get by and get on, so that everyone can reach their full potential.

And our resolve is unwavering: we will continue to put political partisanship to one side to govern in the long-term interests of the country.

* Paul Walter is a Liberal Democrat activist and member of the Liberal Democrat Voice team. He blogs at Liberal Burblings.

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10 Comments

  • Tony Dawson 7th Jan '13 - 3:34pm

    This is quite a long document and will take some time to assimilate.

    I wonder (a) who REALLY wrote it and (b) who saw it in draft before it went to the printers. Did it get seen by (c) the Lib Dem Parliamentary Party? (d) The National Executive? (e) the Policy Committee? (f) Rebekah Brooks/ Wade? (g) Sam Cameron (h) Prince Charles?

  • “Today, at the half-way point in this Parliament, ”

    At the risk of having an “Unfunded mandate is two words, not one big one” moment – the half way point of this Parliament was in November.

  • “Our approach is consistent: to help hardworking families get by and get on, so that everyone can reach their full potential.”

    Thankfully at least one Lib Dem MP sees through the BS that comes from planet Cameron….

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20936827

    Hard working families get benefits too, and not everyone without a job is a work shy scrounger I hope more join her…

  • Peter Watson 7th Jan '13 - 4:47pm

    @Hywel “the half way point of this Parliament was in November.”
    I assume that this week was chosen because it chimes with the start of a new year, turning over a new leaf, renewal, resolutions, etc., and is more about PR and news management than it is a half-time team talk.
    Though didn’t we already have a renewal of vows last year?

  • David Allen 7th Jan '13 - 5:21pm

    “didn’t we already have a renewal of vows last year?”

    Time for an eternity ring?

  • David Allen “Time for an eternity ring?”

    No.

    If you were recommending a divorce then you’d get my support but this for eternity – Eurghhh, no thanks !

  • Peter Hayes 7th Jan '13 - 6:54pm

    Motherhood and Apple pie, a total waste of press time. Ignoring the problems in the past and weasel words with no details about the. Future. Only reason I am still an active member is my local council members and MP as the alternative is a Tory.

  • Peter Hayes 7th Jan '13 - 6:55pm

    What a joke after posting the advert following it was for insolvency practitioners.

  • David Allen 7th Jan '13 - 11:25pm

    Martin B: I was failing at sarcasm, sorry. It’s my nightmare too. Seems to be coming true I’m afraid.

  • James Baker 8th Jan '13 - 3:02pm

    Er… Where were civil liberties in this mid-term review? It appears those were ditched in favour of the communications data bill and secret courts!

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