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No, you have understood British political history. However when the fixed term Parliaments bill gets through Parliament the chances of an early election will be greatly reduced.

It is precisely to avoid one coalition party betraying the coalition, by forcing an early election, that the coalition agreement included fixed term Parliaments.

by Gary J on Fri Oct 1st, 2010 at 07:30:50 AM EST
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that the larger party will promise electoral reform, and then find a way to renege on it.

I'm talking from bitter experience (PS/Verts in France). I hope I am wrong with respect to the UK : perhaps the Conservatives have more integrity than the PS (not counting on that), but more to the point, perhaps the Libs have the power / the guts to force it through (after reflection, I'm not counting on that either)

It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II

by eurogreen on Fri Oct 1st, 2010 at 09:38:26 AM EST
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At the AV referendum next May it is likely that most Conservatives will vote no and most Lib Dem supporters will vote yes. That was understood to be the position when the coalition agreement was negotiated.

The key to the result is likely to be the way Labour splits. Many Labour activists and politicians love first past the post. It gives them more power than a fairer voting system would.

It is interesting that Ed Miliband, in his big conference speech, announced he would support AV.

It is not certain what the result of the referendum will be. AV is not a lost cause, as some people have feared.

by Gary J on Fri Oct 1st, 2010 at 03:06:34 PM EST
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