DAVID HEATH SPEAKS OUT AGAINST GOVERNMENT

5.01.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Jun 2009

David Heath MP yesterday evening called for Parliament to be dissolved and a general election to be held. The debate, called by the Scots & Welsh nationalist parties, came after a devastating week for the government after many ministerial resignations and poor Local and European election results. Mr Heath, who is the shadow Leader of the House for the Liberal Democrats, argued that the government lacked leadership. "As Members of Parliament face scrutiny over their expenses claims the 'collapse in respect' amongst the public is damaging for democracy, it is at this time that greater leadership is needed."

Mr Heath told the House that a cabinet reshuffle, which includes seven unelected members, will not be enough to win back the trust of the public. He continued by saying "there is a conspicuous lack of talent in the elected house...or perhaps those who have the talent will not serve in [Gordon Brown's] cabinet". Mr Heath challenged Mr Brown's view that he is the man to reform the house. He cited the many times that Mr Brown had been an "obstacle to reform".

Mr Heath said: "There is a clear conclusion that we can draw from last week's election results and ministerial walk-outs, it is that the Prime Minister lacks the confidence of his colleagues and more importantly of the people of Britain. This is a crucial time and what we need is strong leadership on matters of public policy as well as internal House issues and we have yet to see this from Brown's government."