The formal Liberal Democrat statement on talks with other parties

The following statement from David Laws about the state of negotiations in Parliament over forming a government has just been released:

We have had a very positive discussion. The Parliamentary party and shadow cabinet have fully endorsed the position set out by Nick Clegg.

We will continue to put the national interest first and play a constructive role in providing the stable and good government people deserve.

We have heard what the Labour Party and Gordon Brown are saying but in line with the position Nick Clegg outlined yesterday we are continuing discussions with the Conservative Party as the party with the most seats and votes.

We want to complete this process as soon as possible but people will recognise that it is also important to get these decisions right in the long term national interest.

Footnote: the party’s formal internal consultative process is currently at work, which includes state / regional party chairs talking to local party officers. If you are involved in a local party, you may therefore want to let your local party officers know your views.