Is there any deadline on these talks?

[ilovemydogandMrBrown]

As both leaders have a vested interest, at what stage does someone intervene and say, 'enough is enough?'

[RibenaBerry]

Realistically, pressure from the financial markets will eventually intervene.

That's why we're unlikely to do a Belgium...

[alicatte]

I've got some vague memory that it is something to do with a Wednesday and a Queen's Speech. Or there's an election.

This is because the prime minster - currently GB - can only be removed when either he resigns or he loses a vote of confidence; this includes being unable to get his Queen's speech (setting out his programme) through because that amounts to losing a vote of confidence. Phew amazing what comes back when you start writing.

I might have the details a bit wrong. But I think thats the 'deadline' such as it is.

I hope more knowledgeable members can help with the details here.

[alicatte]

When I said 'Or there's an election.' I meant that after this QS there would have to be an election unless it was successful because the PM would have to resign.

[RibenaBerry]

Oh, yes, that one's 18 May I think, when Parliament is recalled. The confidence vote bit.

[RibenaBerry]

25th. Oops

[MrJustAbout]

Given how unimportant a week's delay would be, anyone who decides to panic and sell assets in the UK deserves to lose their money.

I won't shed too many tears if the FTSE loses a couple of percent on Monday - and if I had the money, I'd invest it and make money off the skittish.

Really, how much difference would a week's delay make ...

[ilovemydogandMrBrown]

Just seems so odd that no one is 'chairing' the talks and while the Queen's Speech is the constitutional time out, Clegg and Cameron are able to talk about forming a government without any consequences if they don't as neither are in government yet.

Wonder if ACAs could be called if they stall?

[RibenaBerry]

God, I hope not. There are some good people, but mostly ACAS is a postbox where the sides aren't speaking.

[Avad]

I thought there was no formal date when this had to be decided by, constitutionally?

[FrakkinTheReturningOfficer]

We're unstable, not passing economic policy and basically in limbo. Not a good place to be. People sell shares, trade against the currency, choose to invest in different (more stable) countries which means we lose international investment or wait to see which way policy will eventually go. The biggest problem is how it will affect the value of Sterling.

It realistically needs to be sorted by the 25th.