Nick Clegg 'won't pull plug' on coalition

Nick Clegg is to insist the Liberal Democrats will not "pull the plug" on the coalition government ahead of the next general election.

In a speech at Westminster, the deputy prime minister will say he and David Cameron remain "absolutely committed" to maintaining their partnership.

But Mr Clegg will accuse some Tory MPs of "game playing" over issues such as Europe and same-sex marriage.

The election is scheduled to take place in May 2015.

In an interview with Total Politics magazine, published at the weekend, Mr Cameron said maintaining the coalition remained the best course of action over the next two years, but added that "if that wasn't the case then we'd have to face the new circumstances in whatever way we should".

'Distinct vision'

Delivering his speech, Mr Clegg is expected to criticise the "rather creative coverage" of those comments, saying: "He echoed exactly what both of us have always believed. This coalition has been remarkably radical; it still has work to do; and the best way for us to serve and improve Britain is by finishing what we started.

"I am absolutely committed to this coalition lasting until 2015 - as is the prime minister."

He will suggest that claims it would be in either or both parties' interests to "prematurely pull the plug" are wrong.

Voters "will not forgive either party if we call time ahead of the election that has been legislated for in 2015 - destabilising the nation in the vague hope of short-term political gain", Mr Clegg will say.

It would not work for the Lib Dems to try to "pull the wool over people's eyes" and win back critics of the coalition deal by quitting six months early.

"And, frankly, that isn't what we want. The Liberal Democrats look forward to fighting the next election as a party of government, on our record in government, and with a distinct vision of our own for the next government - having seen this one through until the end."

BBC