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The first is the public face of the coalition, but the second is what actually counts. It doesn't matter what Cameron or Clegg or anybody else says unless they can actually deliver the votes.
So I would say that the coalition has already collapsed, but as in the case of the Titanic, it may take the people in charge some time to realize it.
Right now, the leaders would contend that this has been a single vote over a contentious issue that can be fixed. ie keep calm and carry on.
Reality intrudes and points out these two Constitutional changes were the last items on the agreed list and that the two parties do not have an agreed agenda, or even items they might agree upon to form an agenda for the government's future legislative programme.
So, the coalition has collapsed, but whether there will be a formal point where Nick clegg says "we are crossing to the opposition benches and will vote against you from here on" is another thing. Right now I imagine that could well be discussed at the party conference in september, but till then we have a parliamentary recess during which who knows what fun might ensue. keep to the Fen Causeway
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