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03/09/2007
Brown Dismisses Early Election Speculation
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has played down speculation that he may call a general election for October.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Mr Brown said that he was "getting on with the business of government". He said: "There will be a time and a place for a general election, but it is not now."
Meanwhile, a poll in 'The Independent' put Labour neck-and-neck with the Conservatives on 36%, with the Liberal Democrats on 15%. Labour had a 3% lead over the Tories in the same poll last month.
However, a YouGov poll for GMTV put Labour on 38%, the Conservatives on 35% and the Lib Dems on 15%.
Mr Brown, however, has pledged "a new type of politics" as he also announced plans to broaden consultation in government decisions.
Speaking to the National Council of Voluntary Organisations in London, the Prime Minister said that it could no longer be "business as usual" when parliament returns after the summer recess on October 8.
Mr Brown said: "I believe that Britain needs a new type of politics which embraces everyone in this nation, not just a few. A politics built on consensus, not division. A politics that draws on the widest range of talents and expertise, not the narrow circles of power.
"Whether it is crime and gang violence, the future health of the nation or climate change, the solutions will not come simply from a narrow debate between states and markets."
The Prime Minister also announced plans to involve opposition MPs, citizens’ juries and a citizens' summit in government and promises a cross-party Speakers' Conference to tackle the issue of low voter turn-out.
The first citizens' jury will meet later this week to discuss youth and children's issues.
Mr Brown also announced that Conservative MP Patrick Mercer has been asked to advise the government's security minister, Lord West, and that Conservative MP John Bercow is to lead a review of services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Taylor would advise ministers on land use through the planning system to support sustainable rural communities.
(KMcA/SP)
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Mr Brown said that he was "getting on with the business of government". He said: "There will be a time and a place for a general election, but it is not now."
Meanwhile, a poll in 'The Independent' put Labour neck-and-neck with the Conservatives on 36%, with the Liberal Democrats on 15%. Labour had a 3% lead over the Tories in the same poll last month.
However, a YouGov poll for GMTV put Labour on 38%, the Conservatives on 35% and the Lib Dems on 15%.
Mr Brown, however, has pledged "a new type of politics" as he also announced plans to broaden consultation in government decisions.
Speaking to the National Council of Voluntary Organisations in London, the Prime Minister said that it could no longer be "business as usual" when parliament returns after the summer recess on October 8.
Mr Brown said: "I believe that Britain needs a new type of politics which embraces everyone in this nation, not just a few. A politics built on consensus, not division. A politics that draws on the widest range of talents and expertise, not the narrow circles of power.
"Whether it is crime and gang violence, the future health of the nation or climate change, the solutions will not come simply from a narrow debate between states and markets."
The Prime Minister also announced plans to involve opposition MPs, citizens’ juries and a citizens' summit in government and promises a cross-party Speakers' Conference to tackle the issue of low voter turn-out.
The first citizens' jury will meet later this week to discuss youth and children's issues.
Mr Brown also announced that Conservative MP Patrick Mercer has been asked to advise the government's security minister, Lord West, and that Conservative MP John Bercow is to lead a review of services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Taylor would advise ministers on land use through the planning system to support sustainable rural communities.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
