Slithy Toves

The Liberal Democrats could have struck a deal with the Conservatives and with the Labour rump party: it is the only explanation for the ridiculousness of imposing a three line whip on an abstention.

For the Conservatives an abstention by the Liberal Democrats provides the opportunity for a principled stand on trying their very best for the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty without the risk of getting one, which would be so divisive for the Conservatives - wins all round with Labour looking what they are, a lying, corrupt reneging, authoritarian junta.

For the Labour rump, the advantage is that there is no defeat, even though a subsequent vote of confidence would put that right (well rightish), and no loss of face and apparent unity under Brown.

For Brown everyone would have been made to do as they are told. For Cameron he could pretend no one needed telling.

The price is the same to both sides: the alteration of the system of election to benefit a minority party, and places in an Executive of either side.

Clegg's, and many members of the Liberal Democrat party's misjudgement is thinking they could look, indeed remain, honourable, and keep their vote in the country, by pretending to another referendum altogether that is neither wanted by the majority, nor needed in this instance.


`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

That'll be the Liberal Democrats.