Labour fights off bid to dissolve parliament
Time for dissolution, nationalists say
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Wednesday, 10, Jun 2009 08:14
By politics.co.uk staff
Nationalist parties have failed in their attempt to have parliament dissolved this afternoon.
Their motion was supported by both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, but the government defeated it by 340 votes to 268.
The Scottish National party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru (PC) used their opposition day debate to press for the dissolution.
"The recent reshuffle shows Gordon Brown has lost his grip on his own government, but he does still have the power to request the dissolution of parliament, and he should use it," SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson urged.
Click here for interview with Angus Robertson
The nationalists called for an early general election as the best way of giving the public an immediate say on the expenses furore.
"The expenses scandal has discredited parliament, while Labour's European election results show Gordon Brown's government is without authority or credibility," Mr Robertson added.
"We need a general election so that we can restore trust and confidence in parliament and politicians, and let people have their say."
The nationalist parties had mixed fortunes in this year's local elections. PC came third in Wales, where Labour lost the popular vote for the first time since 1918.
The SNP won the most votes in Scotland with a 9.4 per cent swing towards them, giving them their first electoral victory against Labour ever.