Humiliating coalition climbdown over 55% rule

Yesterday Nick Clegg announced a major coalition climbdown by making it possible for a simple majority of MPs to dismiss parliament (Nick Clegg retreats on no-confidence votes).

On the positive side it is at least reassuring that our lords and masters are willing to respond to widepsread criticism.

But isn't it extremely concerning that this highly educated elite lacked the foresight to realize that a government that couldn't command a majority would effectively be unable to function, they would be useless but immovable.

The 55% trick

With the sleight of hand of Derren Brown the sanctimonious Mr Cameron preaches how he has given MPs the right to dissolve parliament. The only trouble is that to do so needs a majority of 55%. Which coincidentally is just too big for the combined other members to bring down the Tories.

Of course MPs should have the right to kick out a failing administration, but simple democracy demands that this should happen on a majority of 50%+1.

The argument about preventing frivolity in exercising the right holds no water, since EVERY MP would have to face their electorate, and those that were felt to have acted irresponsibly would be judged accordingly.

Thus the move can only be perceived as political expediency to prop up the Tories whoc ouldn'tr achieve a parliamentary majority against a sitting government that presided over the worst economic conditions for generations.