OPINION - The Standard View: Lib Dems are on the march — but what do they stand for?
It isn’t easy being a Liberal Democrat. For decades the third wheel in British politics, the party was relegated to fourth place following its disastrous 2015 election result and the simultaneous rise of the Scottish National Party. But under Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dems are enjoying something of a revival.
If the polls are correct, the party is set to pick up dozens of seats, many in London, the South-East and the South-West. One MRP survey even placed them above the Tories, meaning Sir Ed, interviewed in today’s Evening Standard, could be an unlikely leader of the Opposition.
The advantages for the Lib Dems in this election are obvious. The Government is historically unpopular, and in seats where Labour is a distant third, the lever to pull to kick the Tories out is painted yellow-y orange. At the same time, the party is being more realistic in its targeting of seats. In 2019, then-leader Jo Swinson was declaring herself a candidate to be prime minister. Sir Ed would simply like to smash the Blue Wall.
Which does lead to a somewhat churlish question. Given that they share many of the same broad beliefs as Labour, and seem so scarred by experience in the coalition that they’ll never do it again, what is the point of the Lib Dems?
Take the deal, doctors
They are at it again. The latest junior doctors strike began at 7am today and is set to run until July 2. The medics’ demands — a 35 per cent pay rise — are clearly unworkable. But their union hopes a Labour government may be more sympathetic and flexible.
Yet it is not immediately obvious — at least going by his public statements — what, as prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer would offer to end the strikes that Rishi Sunak could not. When questioned on this, Sir Keir simply speaks of the importance of negotiation. That line to take is barely worth the space on a debate prep cue card. It is utterly vacuous in government, where actual decisions must be taken.
Ultimately, other parts of the public sector, from consultants to teachers, have struck a deal with the Government on pay. The junior doctors are already an outlier. Even with a new party in office, they must recognise the impossibility of their demands and take a deal.
Squat cuisine
Can’t get a table at your favourite dining spot? One alternative is to simply move in. Squatters have taken over the San Lorenzo site in Knightsbridge, formerly known as a favourite of Princess Diana.
Our chief restaurant critic, Jimi Famurewa, is yet to taste the delights. Diners should try now — before the court orders are enforced.
