Brown "respects" Clegg's talks with Tories
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Prime Minister Gordon Brown says he understands and respects Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg’s desire to speak to the Conservative party first about a possible pact, but is keen to form a coalition should talks between the Tories and the LibDems break down.
Brown gave a priministerial speech outside Number 10 this afternoon, saying a hung parliament leaves this generation of politicians in a “position unknown”.
He said: “What we have seen are no ordinary election results. People have been talking for some time inside and outside governments about the possibility of a hung parliament. That possibility has now become very real and pressing. The question for all the political parties now is whether a parliamentary majority can be established that seeks to reflect what you the British people have told us.
“I understand and completely respect the position of Mr Clegg in stating that he wishes first to make contact with the leader of the Conservative party. Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg should clearly be entitled to take as much time as they feel necessary. For my part, I should make clear I would be willing to see any of the party leaders. Clearly should the discussions between Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg come to nothing, then I would of course be prepared to discuss with Mr Clegg the areas where there may be some measure of agreement between our two parties.”
Brown said his discussions with the LibDems would focus on plans to ensure continuing economic stability and to carry through political reforms, including changes to the voting system.
He said: “Both of us have made clear our commitment to this in our manifestos and the electorate has sent us a very strong message which must be heard.”
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