Labour pulls out of talks with Lib Dems

clock

Labour have pulled out of talks with the Liberal Democrats in their effort to forge a "progressive coalition" as the stalemate following the UK hung parliament looks set to end with a Tory/Lib Dem coalition.

Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders have reportedly been holding talks in the cabinet office for a number of hours as Labour looks set to declare an end to negotiations. According to Sky News sources, talks between Labour and the Lib Dems "never got off the ground". One reason the talks failed, it has been speculated, is a belief amongst Labour figures that the Lib Dems were pushing for "unaffordable" tax and spending pledges. Labour MP Kate Hoey recognised Labour had reached the end game and said: "I think it's time to accept that we lost the election. We should lose graciou...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Lowest level in two and a half years

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 August 2025 • 4 min read
Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Government not on track to meet ‘stability rule’

Sorin Dojan
clock 06 August 2025 • 1 min read
Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

'So, Sir Keir, if you're reading, I do genuinely hope Rachel is doing okay. And my number's still the same. So, you know, call me'

Laith Khalaf
clock 25 July 2025 • 5 min read