Since the first leader’s debate was broadcast last week, I have heard a great many people suggest that perhaps a hung parliament would be good for Britain. These people point to the fact that the parties will need to cooperate to pass policy and that consensus politics will replace the adversarial politics to which we have all become accustomed.
I strongly believe that such ideas are wrong and though most likely born out of a desire for a better type of politics, they would leave Britain’s financial recovery in great jeopardy and its democracy in tatters. Although it is true that a hung parliament on May the 7th will require the parties to build consensus to move forward, it is also true that the policy pledges made before the election will be watered down or abandoned. Back room deals and horse trading will become the new political currency and the wishes of the electorate will be relegated to second place.
Not only will a hung parliament cause a democratic deficit of epic proportions, it will cause the financial markets to seriously question whether Britain is able to tackle the massive debts that have been run up under the current government. Should we lose our triple A credit rating the resulting increase in interest payments on the country’s debts will be crippling. Unless we ensure that the next government has a clear majority in parliament allowing it to implement its manifesto commitments, we risk falling back into recension and economic instability.
So how can you ensure that the next government sets about reforming our political system, improving our front line services and acts to bring the deficit under control? It will not be to vote for Gordon Brown who as Chancellor and now Prime Minister has presided over years of gross financial mismanagement. Nor will it be a vote for Nick Clegg which only make the prospect of another 5 long years of Labour more likely. No, to get the country moving again it needs a Prime Minister with energy, leadership and values. It needs David Cameron and a working Conservative majority which can only be achieved with your support.
So my message to you is quite clear; if you are fed up with the direction in which Britain is going then you can turn things around.
Vote for change: Vote Conservative on May 6th.
