I live in Stoke so this comes as no surprise. I really don't think it is down to a particular party to blame it does seem to be a problem of Government. Labour would have probably worked in a different way but would the result be any different? I voted Lib Dem in the hope that they would get in or form a coalition with Labour. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to find that Clegg and Co have acted no differently than any other political party. Just a bit disgusted.
IF they are diluting the Tory effect one can only dread what things could have been like. IMO though they are simply cow towing to Cameron.
One of the thing that depresses me is the lack of foresight that local and national Government show. If we take North Staffs the councils and agencies such as Advantage West Midlands who provide grants, seem to feel that they are developing the future by building more and more warehouses/logistics centres. Pathetic. This is not encouraging industry really is it? Should be trying to invest in people/businesses who are trying to actually create wealth not simply move it around (and export some of it out of the UK). The banks seem to have put the lid on investing in small businesses.
I hate to be a pessimist (even though that is my nature) but I really think the country is in for a very long slow recovery and when the Gov's spending cuts hit things will get worse before (if) they get better.
Still the banking/finance industry will continue to make money and big bonuses (on the back of the public's investment in them) so who am I to complain on my benefits. I'm dole scum after all. So what if I have worked 30 of the 32 years of my life.