It’s not quite the West Wing, but the UK election and subsequent coalition negotiations have turned into a fascinating drama (mind you, I’m a politics graduate, so perhaps I’m biased, and a little sad).
There has even been a bit of humour. At their first joint press conference, Prime Minister David Cameron and his Liberal Democrat deputy Nick Clegg stood side-by-side in the garden at 10 Downing Street to set out their coalition stall. It was followed by a question from a journalist: “Prime minister, do you now regret when once asked what your favourite joke was, you replied ‘Nick Clegg’?” he asked.
Cameron looked suitably embarrassed, but Clegg took it in good heart. Indeed, it even revealed the relaxed camaraderie that seems to be burgeoning between the two leaders. Is this politics growing up at last? A recognition that people from different parties can work together in that stock phrase of the last few days, the National Interest?
There is certainly a lot to do, as the new government’s agenda shows. And from an expat perspective, it reveals some important choices and changes.
A notable one is immigration. It was a big area of difference during the election campaign. But the Conservatives’ proposals have now won out. As a result, the government will introduce an annual cap on the number of economic migrants from outside the European Union that are allowed into the country.
As for what happens to tax levels and spending on core services such as education we will have to wait for the upcoming Budget, which will offer the first detailed breakdown of the government’s programme.
The question then will be can this historic coalition succeed in making the UK a better place to live, both for people thinking of moving to the country and those already there? I can only hope so.
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