The road to Copenhagen
‘The fate of every nation on earth hangs on the outcome of
Copenhagen. It is too important to play the cards close-to-your-chest
poker games that marked diplomacy of the 20th century. Just as we are
realising that the way we do politics has to change at home, so it has
to change in international negotiations.’ – Ed Miliband, Comment is free
‘The Prescott school tour is part of the run-up to the UN Climate
Change Conference in Copenhagen in December. As the Council of Europe’s
rapporteur on climate change, Mr Prescott is also seeking to have the
right to “live in a healthy and viable environment” enshrined in the
European Convention on Human Rights.’ – Andy McSmith, The Independent
Voting reform
‘A giant “gravy train” sets off today on a tour of marginal constituencies where MPs have abused their expenses, demanding a referendum on electoral reform. The Vote for a Change coalition for proportional representation makes the crucial link between the scandal and the need for a Westminster clearout: safe seats for life create a culture of complacency and corruption.’ – Polly Toynbee, The Guardian
‘Campaigners for electoral reform have been pushing for a referendum by election day in the Vote for a Change coalition, arguing that it is a last, best hope to seize the once-in-a-generation moment in a political crisis. The smoke signals from Downing Street see the government inching towards change, with some unsure if it could distract from the economy.’ – Sunder Katwala, Comment is free
Lib Dem conference day 2
‘Nick Clegg’s gamble to woo the left of his party and attract disillusioned Labour voters by announcing a new tax on properties worth more than £1m came undone today with criticism and confusion over the detail of the policy.’ – Allegra Stratton, The Guardian