UK New Government Leaders Vow United Collaboration for Changes

For the first time in over 60 years, the Rose Garden of the Downing Street has seen two leaders of a coalition government giving a joint press conference. The leaders of the newly formed British government said they would work together to bring changes to the country. CRI's London correspondent Tu Yun reports.

Being the country's youngest prime minister in nearly two hundred years, David Cameron of the Conservative Party says his party will work with the Liberal Democrats to make the coalition work in the national interest.

"We have a shared agenda, and a shared resolve, to tackle the challenges that Britain faces. To safeguard our national security and support our troops abroad. To tackle the debt crisis. To repair our broken political system. And to build a stronger society."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg of the Lib Dems outlined his ambition.

"I want this to be a bold, reforming government that puts fairness back into Britain. A government that restores our faith in what a healthy, strong society can achieve. A government that takes power away from politicians and gives it back to you. A government that hands back your liberties and your privacy."

Just days ago, the two men were attacking each other during the TV debates, and Cameron once asked what his favourite joke was. Replied: Nick Clegg.

"I'm afraid I did. (I'm off.) Come baaaack."

But all this has been put behind them and seems no obstacle to the alliance.

"We're all gonna have things that we said thrown back at us. But we are looking at a bigger picture. If it means swallowing some humble pie and if it means eating some of your words, I cannot think of a more excellent diet in which to provide the country with good government."

And Clegg says they'll beat the skepticism over the coalition despite of some risk there.

"Both our parties are taking a very, very big step, which is historically utterly different to what has happened to the parties… because we'll collectively recognize it's the right thing to do for the country at this time and we could do it together."

The Conservative-Lib Dem alliance will be for 5 years.

Of the new 22 cabinet members five of these will be Liberal Democrat MPs.

Tu Yun, CRI news, London.