Q&A ยท 1:54:32-1:55:08

Could a junior coalition partner scrap nuclear submarines?

An earlier British coalition provides a comparison for the limits on a junior partner's defense policy.

Question

If the Greens joined a Labour-led coalition, would Labour allow them to scrap nuclear submarines?

Short answer

Junior coalition partners can surrender policies, so participation in government would not ensure that the proposal was implemented.

Notes

The follow-up changes the premise from a party governing alone to participation in a coalition. The Liberal Democrats' experience with the Conservatives provides a caution about how much a junior partner can secure. The argument is that surrendering prominent policies in office can damage that party's subsequent electoral support. On that reasoning, a Green commitment to scrapping submarines would not determine the policy of a coalition government.