Whatever happened to the 'grand, continental-style' coalition?

Musings for Centrists

I vaguely remember in 2015, when UKIP were barely polling above 15%, many commentators became outright ecstatic at the idea of a big, ‘continental style’ coalition between Labour and the Conservatives. That such a deal was completely unnecessary did not impede an outright wistful tone from entering these speculations: if only, some seemed to be saying, UKIP were actually a serious threat.

Now that Reform are a serious threat, it is noteworthy that nobody from the centre has actually voiced the easiest and most sensible way of stopping them: a grand, ‘continental style’ coalition of Tories, Lib Dems and Labour. There has never been a better time for such a deal because, while political debate has never been vitriolic, the four parties have never been more in agreement about the main issues.

At this point let me remind readers I write all ‘normal’ political commentary from a position of absolute neutrality only committed extremists may hold. What I write here is aimed at ‘centrists’ themselves as the best course of action for them. It has nothing to do with my own views. Both Reform U.K and SW1 are personally and ideologically hostile to Meritocracy, I have no dog in the fight. I write this because I am surprised nobody from the centre has written it yet.

Disclaimer out of the way: all three parties want something, currently impossible, which a coalition would give them. Labour want the political headroom to abolish the HRA and solve immigration without alienating their base: blaming such an act on their Tory partners would be an excuse capable of washing away the sin within one 5 year spell in opposition. The Conservatives want to regain relevance by simply being in government again and know their brand – irrespective of leadership – is too tainted for this to happen; if they don’t start racking up solid achievements they will become a localist party. The Lib Dems want to deliver planning reform desired by all of their younger researchers but detested by their voter base of provincial NIMBYs.