Nick Clegg says it is 'right' to open talks with Labour
Nick Clegg defends decision to seek parallel talks with Labour over formation of coalition government
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By inthenews. |  |
Monday, 10, May 2010 07:00
By Matthew Champion.
Nick Clegg has defended his decision to seek talks over the formation of a coalition government with Labour while at the same holding negotiations with the Conservatives.
With Britain still without a new government four days after Thursday's elections, events accelerated this evening when Gordon Brown announced the start of talks between Labour and the Liberal Democrats, as well as his impending resignation as prime minister and Labour leader.
Full story: Gordon Brown says he will resign as PM and Labour leader
Both Lib Dem and Tory negotiators had reported good progress after days of talks, but on Monday Mr Brown redrew an already fractured political landscape by announcing the imminent commencement of parallel talks between Labour and the Lib Dems.
Defending his decision to undertake talks with both the major parties - neither of which won enough seats in Thursday's election to govern independently - Mr Clegg said: "We have had very constructive talks with the Conservatives and we have made very positive progress. But we haven't yet reached a comprehensive party agreement.
"Given the urgency and need for a resolution, the right thing to do now is open talks with Labour on exactly the same basis as we did with the Tories.
"We will of course be continuing negotiations with the Tories."