Cameron pleads for coalition unity (From York Press)

Cameron pleads for coalition unity

1:37am Sunday 15th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

David Cameron has issued an appeal to warring Tories and Liberal Democrats to unite behind the coalition not descend into "division and navel-gazing".

Following last week's Conservative revolt over Nick Clegg's plans for House of Lords reform, the Prime Minister frankly acknowledged there were "profound areas of disagreement" between the two parties.

But in a letter to The Sunday Times, he said it was essential that these differences did not stop them working together in government in the national interest.

"These differences matter and at the next election they will help define us. But we're not in an election, now. We're not even close," he said.

"People see riots and financial instability across Europe on the television news. They will tolerate tough choices if they see that you stand up for the right things together. But they will not tolerate division and navel-gazing. They know that the problems are big and they do not want to see politicians fall out in the process of dealing with them.

"That is why we must rise to the challenge, recognise the extraordinary and challenging nature of the times we live in - and serve the national interest by delivering a strong, decisive and united government."

Mr Cameron did offer an olive branch to Conservatives who feel that he has given too much ground to the Lib Dems - spelling out some of the areas where they will campaign on different policies at the next election.

"On Europe, for instance, we British need a fresh settlement - and a fresh mandate. Work on that can begin now but it is an issue to deal with in the next parliament, under a majority Conservative government," he said.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said the Tories and Liberal Democrats were parties with different values and histories.

But he defended the coalition in the wake of this week's Conservative rebellion on Lords reform - and insisted the plans were not dead.