Talk:Lib-Lab pact

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When people say "Lib-Lab pact" they usually mean 1977. [1] gives some clues as to its use pointing at David Steel, UK general election, 1979, James Callaghan, as well as Labour Party (UK) and Liberal Democrats (UK). Why can the article not say so? --Henrygb 12:19, 16 May 2004 (UTC)

Because they don't, especially if they are in Scotland (and earlier, in Wales). In Scotland the "Lib-Lab Pact" is still very much a matter of current discussion so to state it as being all about the 1977 one is very much a England-centric POV. I only created the page recently so haven't started going around to see what else should link here (although did add a couple of more obvious ones). There is certainly an opportunity to add in the earlier links (which were a surprise to me when I started creating the page!). As an encyclopedia we should give weight to all historical and current events rather than just ones in our lifetime (imho, anyway) and there is also an education element here to let people know that it wasn't the first time the two parties got very close. --VampWillow 19:57, 2004 May 16 (UTC)

I agree with Henrygb. In Scotland when referring to the ruling coalition they don't use the words 'Lib-Lab Pact'. They call it a coalition. I agree that most people would assume it refers to the situation in 1977 where the Liberals supported the Callaghan Government but did not become part of the government. The current situation in Scotland is different as the Lib Dems form part of the Scottish Government which gives them a say over policy, and collective responsibilty holds them to it. Catchpole 19:38, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Marginals

I think it would be a good thing if they didn't oppose each other on some Tory strong hold where the left split their vote now, Wantage) for example.