Coalition Leaks
Editor’s reaction
23rd DECEMBER 2010
Responding to the latest disclosures from The Daily Telegraph, the editor of The Liberal magazine today criticised as absurd Norman Baker’s claim that the Lib Dem position in coalition was comparable to that of the late liberal anti-apartheid activist Helen Suzman, a contributor and advisory board member of The Liberal. Benjamin Ramm said: “Helen Suzman was not “in” the apartheid regime; she fought it passionately, and often effectively, in the face of extreme hostility. Norman Baker’s vain, careless comments are a cheap distortion of history, and show how divorced from reality the Lib Dems have become”.
In addition, Ramm questioned Mr Baker’s claim that he “almost resigned” over the matter of a three-fold increase in tuition fees – a policy the MP pledged against, and describes as “pretty horrific” – when Baker did not even take up the option of abstention, as offered in the coalition agreement. If Mr Baker is sincere in his opposition to higher tuition, what assurances did he receive in return for his vote?
For further comment, or to speak with the editor, call (020) 8444 1944 or 07812 650 399.
The Liberal is an independent publication dedicated to the revival of liberalism. It has no affiliation with the Liberal Democrats, although previous contributors include Nick Clegg, Vince Cable, Chris Huhne, Simon Hughes, Menzies Campbell, Shirley Williams and Paddy Ashdown.
Click here for ‘Remembering Helen Suzman’ (1st January 2009).
ENDS
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