Britain8217;s new Prime Minister David Cameron said on Wednesday the countrys first coalition government since 1945 will be strong enough to survive a full five-year term and tackle the worst economic crisis in decades.
The proposal came as the two men leading the alliance of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats,David Cameron and Nick Clegg,appeared side by side at their first joint news conference as the leaders of government to declare the partnership would inaugurate a grown-up era in British politics.
Britains new Prime Minister Cameron and his newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Clegg joked with each other and put on a performance brimming with bonhomie one reporter called it a love-in as they promised to tackle the problems facing Britain,including its huge deficit,national defense and a range of other issues.
Cameron promised that the coalition would include important Liberal Democratic voices in his cabinet,and characterised the partnership as joint endeavour,not two competing teams trying to occupy office at the same time.
Clegg seconded the fraternal sentiment. This is a government that will last, he said.
The men have acknowledged that the awkward partnership could be problematic,given that they ran heated campaigns against each other in last weeks elections,which ended with the ruling Labour Party being swept out of power after 13 years.
On Wednesday,a reporter reminded Cameron that when asked what his favourite joke was,he had responded,Nick Clegg. Cameron admitted he had said as much,prompting Clegg to jokingly pretend to stalk away from his lectern.
The strength of their alliance will face immediate tests as Britain tries to cut its high unemployment rate and add momentum to an uncertain economic recovery.
The new government sought to show it was already at work on Wednesday morning,announcing a steady stream of other cabinet appointments and the creation of a National Security Council,as Britain woke up to its first Conservative-run government in 13 years.
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats said they would soon offer legislation setting the next election date in May 2015 a shift from the current system,in which the Prime Minister can call elections at any time.
While Liberal Democrats filled at least five cabinet slots,most of the main posts went to Conservatives : George Osborne as Chancellor of the Exchequer; William Hague as Foreign Secretary; Liam Fox as Defence Secretary,Theresa May as Home Secretary and Ken Clarke as Justice Minister.
In his remarks,Cameron made clear that fiscal toughness would be a hallmark of his government. We are going to have hard and difficult things to do, he said.
He asked fellow Britons to turn their backs on a culture of selfishness,indiscipline and reliance on state benefits.
And I want to help try and build a more responsible society here in Britain one where we dont just ask,What are my entitlements? but,What are my responsibilities? Cameron said,When we dont ask,What am I just owed? but more,What can I give?