Tories, Lib Dems in talks to end deadlock
Monday, 10 May 2010
LONDON, May 9 (AFP): Britain's two main opposition parties dug in for post-election talks on forming a government Sunday, fighting to overcome policy differences and break a stalemate which has left the nation in limbo.
Conservative and Liberal Democrat negotiators held a fresh round of talks after Thursday's vote ended in a hung parliament, though a deal is not expected before markets open Monday, prompting fears of trading floor turmoil.
Both sides stress their willingness to do a deal, with Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg -- whose third-placed party could play kingmaker -- hinting they may even compromise on the key policy of electoral reform.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is still leading the country, despite the fact that his Labour Party crashed to electoral defeat and he is facing calls to step down, because no single party has an overall majority.
His Labour party could yet make an agreement with the Lib Dems and smaller fringe groupings if their talks with the Tories collapse.
Speaking outside his London home before joining the talks, Clegg said he was "keen that the Lib Dems should play a constructive role at a time of great economic uncertainty".
He also indicated his party could be willing to compromise on one of its key policies, electoral reform. Listing key priorities, he stressed simply "extensive fundamental political reform".
Conservative and Liberal Democrat negotiators held a fresh round of talks after Thursday's vote ended in a hung parliament, though a deal is not expected before markets open Monday, prompting fears of trading floor turmoil.
Both sides stress their willingness to do a deal, with Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg -- whose third-placed party could play kingmaker -- hinting they may even compromise on the key policy of electoral reform.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is still leading the country, despite the fact that his Labour Party crashed to electoral defeat and he is facing calls to step down, because no single party has an overall majority.
His Labour party could yet make an agreement with the Lib Dems and smaller fringe groupings if their talks with the Tories collapse.
Speaking outside his London home before joining the talks, Clegg said he was "keen that the Lib Dems should play a constructive role at a time of great economic uncertainty".
He also indicated his party could be willing to compromise on one of its key policies, electoral reform. Listing key priorities, he stressed simply "extensive fundamental political reform".