First reactions of Liberal Democrats to 7 Labour MPs forming the Independent Group
Here are the initial reactions of a range of Liberal Democrats to the departure of seven MPs from Labour (whose policy statement you can read here):
The Liberal Democrats are open to working with like-minded groups and individuals in order to give the people the final say on Brexit, with the option to remain in the EU. We will be engaging in talks to progress both that campaign and a wider political agenda. #LabourSplit
— Vince Cable (@vincecable) February 18, 2019
It is not unexpected, or unwelcome, that a group of Labour MPs have decided to break away from Corbyn’s Labour; in part motivated by his refusal to follow the party’s policy on Brexit. #LabourSplit
— Vince Cable (@vincecable) February 18, 2019
A very brave group. Anyone who left Labour for the SDP knows how difficult such a decision is. https://t.co/Zmpv1oW7fe
— Dick Newby (@RichardNewby3) February 18, 2019
(Dick Newby was National Secretary of the SDP 1983-8 and is now the Liberal Democrat leader in the House of Lords.)
To those former Labour MPs who resigned today. You are brave. This must have been an incredibly difficult step. Look forward to (continuing) to work with you in Parliament. Especially towards delivering a People’s Vote and a more fair and equal Britain.
— Layla Moran (@LaylaMoran) February 18, 2019
This must have been a difficult decision for each of them in what is a significant moment both for Labour and British Politics. It’s early days but I’m confident we will find ways to work together on concerns we share https://t.co/YgbZ9MWzhY
— Christine Jardine MP (@cajardineMP) February 18, 2019
The #LabourSplit is the clearest sign yet that Labour and also the Tories are broken. Lib Dems stand ready to work to address the issues both parties choose to ignore, starting with stopping the #BrexitChaos
Britain deserves better from this opposition and from this Government— Tom Brake MP (@thomasbrake) February 18, 2019
Courageous move by the Independent Group MPs. We absolutely do need to #changepolitics – and it can be done. As @LibDems we will always work with people who share our vision for an open, inclusive, liberal society. pic.twitter.com/C0Lyb2BBP4
— Jo Swinson (@joswinson) February 18, 2019
The 2 big parties today combine extremism with incompetence just at a time when we need something far better. The 7 MPs forming @TheIndGroup have shown real courage, they deserve respect, I look forward to working with them
— Tim Farron (@timfarron) February 18, 2019
A noble and brave decision from the #LabourSplit MPs. The @LibDems will work with anyone who shares our vision of a tolerant and welcoming society as part of the European Union. #changepolitics
— Wera Hobhouse MP (@Wera_Hobhouse) February 18, 2019
It's been a long time (too long) coming but I have a lot of respect for the 7 MPs who are standing up for their core values today and resigning from the Labour Party. #laboursplit
— Siobhan Benita 🔶 (@SiobhanBenita) February 18, 2019
Well done to the honourable seven Labour splitters for putting principles first – noble and brave!
— Lynne Featherstone (@lfeatherstone) February 18, 2019
I fought @ChukaUmunna in the 2015 General Election. But today, I am impressed at his bravery, and that of his 6 Labour colleagues, who resigned from the Labour Party due to Corbyn's position on Brexit and the party's antisemitism. Work with us @LibDems to deliver a fairer society
— Amna Ahmad (@amnajahmad) February 18, 2019
Also worthy of note given how bitter Labour-Liberal Democrat rivalry has been in Liverpool over the decades:
An incredibly brave move from @lucianaberger – punctuated by a powerful and moving speech. We look forward to continuing to work alongside you in the interests of the people of #Liverpool https://t.co/tA7KFLeIfj
— Liverpool Liberal Democrats (@LiverLibDems) February 18, 2019
The #LabourSplit shows the frustration within Labour ranks with a leader who has helped enable this disastrous Brexit.
Britain deserves better from the opposition. Liberal Democrats have fought this disaster for over two years – join our fight back now >https://t.co/Mp2XkNJx4v— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) February 18, 2019
As for how the Lib Dems should react to this, my view is still very much rooted in the lessons we can learn from previous episodes.
One other important thing to note:
Chris Leslie says those breaking away from Labour won’t be triggering by elections in their seats
— Chris Mason (@ChrisMasonBBC) February 18, 2019
I was pleased that in their interviews at least one of the seven said that society is much more complicated than the socialist view of workers versus owners. I have been concerned about Vince’s approach towards the rebels but having heard what they have to say I thinkI’d be happy to be in the same party with them.
These MPs have my utmost respect and I entirely recognise their values.
It makes no electoral sense to split the vote between candidates that largely share values, albeit possibly in a different order of priority.
We should be open to a tactical electoral alliance with them – much as is already the case with the Greens.
I agree with the above two comments.
There is no requirement for them to stand down and cause by-elections, as in our system we vote for the individual candidate, not the party flag or the leader personality – or we are supposed to. Perhaps some voters may learn from this…
We now have to think even harder as to why we LibDems have not become the natural home for Centrist views. Not only these 7 MPs but much of the country also look for a pro-European and open party like ours but we must be honest and ruthless with ourselves as to why we haven’t delivered. We might pat ourselves on the back with our hundreds of new members and supporters, but opinion polls keep us firmly third and not first place and we must be brave like these MPs and see what to do?