Tories reject Clegg proposal of Independent Reform Convention

4.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 11th Jan 2008

Claims by David Cameron that the Conservatives are interested in being part of a "progressive alliance" in British politics look less convincing than ever today, after Mr Cameron's rejection of a proposal put forward by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg for an independent convention on how Britain is governed. The Tory leader proposed at the time of Mr Clegg's election as Lib Dem leader that the two parties should forge a "progressive alliance". Mr Clegg replied by proposing an independent convention involving all parties and all parts of society. But Mr Cameron has rejected this, instead proposing more limited co-operation between the parties issue by issue. In a sharply-worded letter to Mr Cameron, Mr Clegg made clear that he regarded that as "old politics", and accused Mr Cameron of missing the point of his plan for a convention.

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said "These are not issues which can be resolved in closed meetings between just two parties examining a narrow range of issues on a piecemeal basis. That is the old way of doing politics, which I am determined to change. The political renewal of Britain will only occur when all political parties come together to agree on an extensive programme of constitutional and institutional reform."