Let Tories and Lib Dems talk first, says Brown

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown awaits the outcome of his constituency’s votecount at Kirkcaldy, Scotland, on Friday. Brown said he would let the Tories and Liberal Democrats hold power-sharing talks first.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Friday he was ready to talk to the smaller Liberal Democrats about forming a government in the “national interest.” Mr. Brown, whose Labour Party came second in the inconclusive general election, said it was his “duty as Prime Minister” to resolve the unprecedented situation.

However, he respected the position of Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, who had made clear that he would speak to the Conservatives — as the biggest party — first.

If the talks between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats “came to nothing”, he was ready to meet Mr. Clegg to discuss areas in which agreement could be reached.

The election, which resulted in a hung Parliament, had brought an “outcome unknown to this generation of political leaders,” Mr. Brown said. Neither of the two main parties would be able to govern with a majority of their own.

Mr. Brown cited the “immediate economic challenges,” including the Greek crisis and the “deteriorating situation in the euro area” as reasons why a quick solution to the stalemate must be found. These included the economy and electoral reform, on which early legislation was “essential.”