I was hoping to see the ‘new politics’ on show yesterday in the Queen’s Speech debate. For me – the way politics is conducted with jeering and negative point scoring – has always seemed an odd showcase to the world if we want to look like grown ups making and taking grown up decisions.
It was marginally good humoured (at times) but there was quite a lot of the old politics on show. One of the advantages of coalition politics – it has always seemed to me ( a natural supporter of consensus politics) is that we seek to find the good in each other’s policies rather than the negatives. Our more extreme ends are rubbed off – and the common sense and agreed ground moves forward.
In this brave new world – I was/am hoping that perhaps the conduct and manner of politics can keep up with the change. Perhaps today at Prime Minister’s Questions we will see a matching change in behaviour? I live in hope !
Lynne Featherstone 
> Perhaps today at Prime Minister’s Questions we will see a matching change in behaviour?
Unlikely – PMQs don’t start until 2nd June. You’re debating the Queen’s speech today…
I always live in hope that people’s behaviour will change, I used to be disappointed when it took so long for people to accept a new way of working but have realised now that any change in behaviour does take time. This new style of politics is very young and as yet people with the old style of politics have not made any of the necessary transitions, it will take people like yourself to lead the way. So be patient and I am sure it will change eventually!!!
The adjournment debate on the 55% rule on the other hand was hugely constructive, it is such a shame that it isn’t available on the Democracy Live website!
THanks Chris – yes I realised that after I posted above. I just thought – Wednesday – it’s PMQs – but it was as you say the Queen’s Speech. However, when it is PMQ’s – I post the same issue.
Does this mean you’ll be vocally condemning David Cameron every time he indulges in the “Punch & Judy Politics” he once claimed to be against? Or, like your party’s leader, have you sold out your principles in exchange for a red box and a shiny ministerial Prius? I shan’t hold my breath…
Two must-read blogs by Lib-Dem Minister posted on the same day http://bit.ly/bEKYMW http://bit.ly/9GSi0x New politics? Hypocrisy more like.
Lynne – for once, I couldn’t agree more; there really is no room for negativity and jeering in the new politics. It’s just so demeaning. I mean, look what this person said: http://bit.ly/bEKYMW
Despicable, eh?
I was hoping to see the ‘new politics’ on show yesterday (Thursday) too.
Some sort of debate on the Queen’s Speech perhaps.
But it seems like ‘new politics’ from the Conservbrals isn’t about debate, isn’t about ‘openness’, isn’t about analysis. It seems already to be firmly planted in more spin and control.
For your coalition to pull out front bench representation because they didn’t fancy debating with Alastair Campbell was a disgrace, arrogant, high handed and cowardly to the extreme.
If your government can’t defend their actions so early on in government I worry how it will conduct itself further down the line.
Good programme, but a thoroughly poor show.