[A-List] UK political realignment: Liberal Democrats

["Keaney Michael" <Michael.Keaney@xxxxxx>]

'Lifelong believer' Kennedy breaks new ground

David Gow
Thursday September 12, 2002
The Guardian

Charles Kennedy, the Liberal Democrat leader, yesterday wooed the vote
of trade unionists with a spirited defence of strong unions and public
servants and a clear endorsement of the European social model of the
economy so beloved by the TUC.

The Liberal Democrats claim 20% of union members vote for them and Mr
Kennedy, a self- styled "lifelong believer in trade unionism" who is
trying to boost that number, won respectful applause as the first of
their leaders ever to address the TUC's annual congress.

A sober-suited, soft-spoken Mr Kennedy was cheered as he set out his
stall to be treated as a serious, independent partner: "Of course, we're
not going to agree automatically with everything you say. But we'll
listen. You won't catch Liberal Democrats describing trade unionists as
wreckers."

This was a pointed reference to the former transport secretary, Stephen
Byers, who told Labour's spring conference that the drive to modernise
and reform public services would be a "battle between the reformers and
the wreckers".

Placing himself in the tradition of Sir William Beveridge, architect of
the welfare state after drawing on the work of the unions, Mr Kennedy
spoke out against unfettered market forces.

"The American model is looking distinctly shop-soiled and tarnished.
Slowly but surely, the more socially orientated European approach is
coming to be appreciated - not least when it involves a degree of social
and environmental responsibility."

He added: "The European approach to markets is infinitely preferable to
the American model in almost every way. It treats workers decently. It
protects their rights. It delivers quality public services. It's better
at long term planning. And it makes for a more stable economy."

Mr Kennedy insisted that the public sector was not the answer to all the
problems of public services. "I have no ideological hang-ups between
public and private. What I do say is that there shouldn't be an
automatic American-style assumption that the private sector is always
better."

Mr Kennedy's aides insisted he was not out to alter the relationship
between Labour and the unions but to open one up with his own party.
Although there are no plans for a permanent forum for talks, his
approach won warm backing from John Monks, TUC general secretary.