Grand coalition

Lord Baker’s suggestion of a “grand coalition” of the two largest parties in the event of a hung parliament (your report, 7 March) would have a higher purpose than merely avoiding the situation of the SNP holding the balance of power in the UK parliament through an alliance with Labour.

Such a partnership, if required by law, would be no more than basic democracy in action, as it would accurately reflect the wishes of the electorate as expressed in the distribution of votes cast.

Current coalition arrangements are manifestly bogus, being agreed by two parties, one of which has no electoral mandate to be in government.

Far from being “unthinkable” – according to Lord Baker – a national government comprising members of the two best supported parties would be the logical result of absence of overall majority for either.

It would also reduce the partisan approach to politics in which parties pursue policies 
favourable to their own supporters, with opposing arguments being considered by parties in collaboration, rather than in sterile opposition, as at present.

Robert Dow

Ormiston Road

Tranent