Alex Massie Alex Massie

Clause 4 Moments

One of my favourite bloggers, Sunder Katwala, has a typically fine post asking if this coalition really is, as some of us think, Dave’s “Clause 4 Moment”. He makes a number of pertinent point, not the least of which is his contention that, actually, it’s Nick Clegg who has imposed such a choice upon his party.

True, Cameron has forced change upon his party and, if it holds and works, the coalition may see some perceptions of the Tory party change but, in this instance anyway, that change has in turn been forced upon him even if I do think that Dave is happier with this arrangement than he would be with, say, having a majority of nine.

But, yes, it’s Clegg who has demanded a “Come to Jesus” moment of his party. You only had to watch Simon Hughes on Question Time tonight to become aware that this was the case. It was evident that Hughes hates – or at least regrets – this deal and that he’d be happier with Labour. But, manfully, he defended it anyway.

And with good reason. Clegg asked his party if they wanted to be serious and if they wanted to be players in the Big Leagues. Was there a walk to go with the talk? Put into such a bind even the Lib Dems couldn’t find a way out of it.

Again, this represents the victory of the classical liberal minority over the muesli-knitting majority. This is a Good Thing for any number of reasons and something proper liberals – that is those of use who prize social and economic liberalism – can be pleased with.

Unlock unlimited access, free for a month

then subscribe from as little as £1 a week after that
SUBSCRIBE

Already a subscriber? Log in

Keep reading with a free trial

Subscribe and get your first month of online and app access for free. After that it’s just £1 a week.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

Or

Unlock more articles

REGISTER

Comments

Don't miss out

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers. Subscribe to leave a comment.

Already a subscriber? Log in