Listening governments can U-tern if they want to!

Every time the government U-terns on a policy or a decision, Labour and their media get all indignant – and portray it as indecisiveness and weakness on the government’s part. Meanwhile, as far as the public and those, whose opinion truly matters, are concerned, it’s neither. Because they regard it as their elected representatives are listening to them and acting on their feedback. Add to that a government that is welling to admit it makes mistakes can’t be all that bad!

Judging by leaders’ approval ratings – it seems the public likes and takes comfort in knowing that their government knows it’s not perfect and doesn’t pretend to be and above that is unafraid to admit it. They also like the power it gives them.

Beside listening and bravely admitting their fault this government is also unique in that it’s a collaboration of two very different groups who came together for the national interest. And although at times they might seem very eager to please each other they mostly want to satisfy the electorate, which in itself is novel. However, that novelty did not come out of void or by accident!

Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have spent a great deal of time in opposition, and closely watched as a young government came into office with an overwhelming unexpected majority, lead by an unseasoned frontbench, who despite the new name continued to use the same old rule book. They learnt from their mistakes to avoid their pitfalls. Hence, what this government is doing is not just innovative but also enlightened.

The question is will it continuo to U-turn on policies after they have been scrutinized in parliament because the public didn’t like the way they look? You bet they will – because it’s one of the Coalition’s strengths and now fast becoming their trademark!