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Lynne Featherstone, Lynne, the price of food and heating is rocketing well beyond the government's control- is this no longer a question of politics and in need a cross party solution, based on prgamatism and long term planning? We can't put up pensions by 15% can we?
Asked by evenhand on Aug 08 2008 3:08:45 PM and supported by 21 members
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Answer

I think it's a bit of a myth that taking "politics" out a difficult situation will lead to a better solution. As a Liberal Democrat I do believe more in consensus and political systems that force compromise. But, and this is a big but, you can have as many pragmatic quango councils as you like, but they will amount to nothing until someone has the courage of conviction to follow it through. The New Deal and the setting up of the State Pension are good example where politicians have succeed in making difficult long term decisions in very political situations. The government ignores the plight of pensioners struggling with bumper rise in energy and food at its own peril. I have little doubt people will not be backwards in coming forwards when it comes to the ballot box and punishing anyone who fails to respond to their needs. MORE!

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