I welcome Nick Clegg’s apology for the tuition fees pledges. He is to be applauded on this. And I think it will “clear the air” and allow us to make something of a fresh start.
It is a tad late, though, and I think Nick has got himself into such a pickle that he had no alternative but to make this apology.
I take exception to Nick’s use of the word “we”.
We made a pledge and we didn’t stick to it
- he says in the broadcast. He is conflating two groups there, and in the video as a whole.
“We” – Nick and the 35 other MPs who signed the pledge and didn’t stick to it – yes, you need to apologise on behalf of yourselves individually. Indeed.
“We” – the Liberal Democrat party as a whole did not sign a pledge (Nick signed the pledge as an individual MP not as party leader) and, indeed, 21 Liberal Democrat MPs, including Charlie Kennedy and Menzies Campbell signed the pledge and stuck to it. Neither they, nor the party as a whole, needs to apologise. Indeed, stand up and take a bow Charlie, Menzies and the other 19 MPs who voted against a rise in tuition fees.
But yes, Nick, you needed to apologise. Thank you for doing so.
Apology accepted.
Now, as they say on “Family Guy”, here’s Mr Conway Twitty Mr Elton John:
September 19, 2012 at 10:36 pm
It’s time for Farron and Cable…..god please!
September 20, 2012 at 9:43 pm
Recall that increased tuition fees were anticipated in the Coalition Agreement, which was approved by the parliamentary party, the federal executive, and a special conference. “We” is not confined to 36 MPs.
September 21, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Christopher. He specifically said he wasn’t apologising for voting to increase tution fees, but for making the pledge, which was before the election.
September 22, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Yes, the pledge was signed by all MPs, and all MPs agreed to the coalition agreement, which paved the way for increased fees. The entire party, through a special conference, supported the MPs’ decision to break their pledges. I happen to think that the pledge was a stupid thing to do, but it’s unreal to maintain that the Liberal Democrats as a political force didn’t make a promise and then break it.