BRITISH POLITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23707, 14 January 1939, Page 16

BRITISH POLITICS

The talk of a National Opposition, which has recently be,en discussed in the British press, appears to have little substance behind it. The elements of coalescence are wanting, notes “Janus,” writing in the Spectator. The Labour Party-would presumably supply the main, detachment of the new coalition, but at least half the Labour Party lacks enthusiasm for the new departure, and at least half the other, potential participants lack enthusiasm for partnership with the Labour Party. At the back of all calculations appears to be the hope that Mr Eden may be available as rallying-point. But there is little prospect of that—less, indeed, than there was, for it becomes increasingly clear that Mr Eden has no idea of severing his connection with the Conservative Party. Moreover, anything deserving of the style of National Opposition must have a better basis than a mere desire to get the ins out. To justify it." formation it must have, a definite and clear-cut programme, and in the present state of the world such a programme is peculiarly difficult: to emulate, for any national policy must be affected, sometimes funda-, mentally, by the policies other Governments may see fit to adopt.