英语文摘：Britain's Deputy PM: Coalition gov'ts are future for Britain

"Arguably, in my view, this is the most liberal parliament we have had in a generation or two, rebalancing the relationship between the state and the individual, defending not trashing civil liberties, political reform, internationalist in outlook, dedicated to greater green sustainability."

The changes are ambitious and may not come about. Clegg is steering legislation on a new electoral system, called Alternative Vote, but before it can be debated in the House of Commons he must win a referendum of all British voters on whether they want AV.

Clegg's Liberal Democrats will face opposition from their coalition partners the Conservatives in the referendum, although the Conservatives say they will support legislation to allow the referendum to take place.

And the Liberal Democrats may well not have the support of the main opposition party Labor, who would relish weakening or even splitting the coalition by defeating the referendum, leaving the Liberal Democrats with their main policy ditched and wondering if they should stay in coalition.

This makes Clegg's relationship with Conservative leader and prime minister David Cameron very important. The two had not known each other before they formed the coalition.

Clegg said "He and I literally didn't know each other at all. We have had to compress a learning exercise about government of course and about each other. What [we have tried to do - and I hope we have set the tone for the rest of government - is to be open with each other.

"Friendly, but very tough with each other behind closed doors when we have to, when we feel vital issues of principle and policy are at stake."

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