Failed marriage? Tories and Lib Dems in row over riot response

[marmar]

from the Guardian UK:



Coalition efforts to present a united front over the riots have come under strain as senior Liberal Democrats call for an end to "kneejerk" reactions by politicians and warn that stripping those involved of their benefits could worsen crime on the streets.

In a clear sign of tensions between the governing parties, the Lib Dems' deputy leader, Simon Hughes, insists that long-term solutions lie in supporting communities by offering opportunities and redistributing wealth, not slashing help from the state and cutting taxes for the rich.

Writing in the Observer, he says: "We need to demonstrate ambition to have a responsible society where all people understand and are aware of their obligations to each other. This means we must not cut taxes for the rich or take away public support for the needy."

Referring to plans, backed by many Tories, to cut benefits and evict families of rioters and looters from their homes, Hughes, whose south London constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark has one of the highest concentrations of council homes, adds: "We should be careful not to rush into kneejerk solutions including over-hasty moves to change the social contract and approaches to sentences which may have the reverse effect to that intended." .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/aug/13/england-riots-coalition-response

[LeftishBrit]

1. Wow. Maybe finally some of the LibDems may start to show signs of a spine instead of being jellyfish

We can but hope...

[rurallib]

2. well, libdems, you wanted to be part of the conservative coalition

and who would have ever guessed this could happen?