Wed 14th May 2008:

Nick Clegg publishes his Parliamentary expenses.

Nick Clegg has today published his Parliamentary expenses for the financial year 2007/08 and his submission to the Members Estimate Committee review of MPs’ pay and allowances.The Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet has also made a commitment to make rolling quarterly declarations starting from July, until the House authorities put such a scheme in place.You can view/download:Nick Clegg's review submissionNick Clegg's expenses

Tue 13th May 2008:

One million still losing out despite Chancellor's by-election budget - Cable.

Commenting on the Chancellor's plans to compensate low paid workers who lost out when the 10p income tax rate was abolished, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said: "This Government's tax policy has descended into a complete farce. "The abolition of the 10p rate was designed to help Labour win the election that never was. Now this by-election budget is designed to help them cling on to Crewe in next week's vote. "The Chancellor is desperately trying to backtrack from the disastrous decisions of the Prime Minister but has still hasn't managed to get it right. This u-turn leaves 1.1 million of the lowest paid workers losing up to £100 each. "We can have no confidence in either a Prime Minister or a Chancellor who continue to make tax policy on the hoof, while still leaving the poorest out in the cold."

Sat 3rd May 2008:

Elizabeth Shenton stands for Crewe Nantwich.

Elizabeth Shenton is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Crewe & Nantwich by-election.She has had a successful career working for two of the country’s largest banks, where she has also played a leading role in ensuring effective trade union representation for staff.Elizabeth Shenton has a strong record of achievement both as a councillor and as an active supporter of animal welfare and community groups.As the new MP, Elizabeth Shenton will work to cut crime, improve schools and protect the character and environment of Crewe and Nantwich.You can find out more about Elizabeth Shenton on her website, www.elizabethshenton.com and on Facebook. You can also follow her on Twitter.To help her campaign, please come to the Campaign HQ or make a donation online.

Tue 13th May 2008:

Stephen Kearney: I will be a local MP for Henley.

Henley Liberal Democrats have selected Stephen Kearney to be their candidate for the expected Henley by-election. Stephen Kearney, 49, is Chief Executive of an international development charity that works in Africa and the UK.Stephen Kearney said:"I want to be a very energetic and local MP taking up the concerns of people across the whole of the area. As the local MP I will keep in touch with local people all year round and hold regular advice surgeries across the area. I will be a strong local champion for our local communities. I will speak out on the issues that matter to local people such as the loss of local Post Offices, policing and the environment. I will be a full-time MP for this area, living and working in its communities and fighting to safeguard local services."People feel let down by a Labour Government that is out of touch. Gordon Brown's Government simply doesn't understand how the loss of vital services such as local Post Offices harms the community. People have told me that they are very concerned about the economy, policing and the threat to local services."The by-election will be a close fight between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. Everyone knows that Labour cannot win here in Henley. Labour finished in a poor third place last time."The Liberal Democrat campaign is already off to a flying start we already have a headquarters in Thame and will campaign in every part of the constituency. Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has already written to thousands of local residents asking their views on key issues such as crime, our environment and local health services."Now all we are waiting for is for Boris Johnson to keep his word and stand down as the MP for Henley. The Liberal Democrats are ready whenever he decides to do that and we will be fighting to win."Mr Kearney pledged at a local party meeting in Benson last night to make a permanent move to the Henley constituency if he is elected as MP.

Mon 12th May 2008:

Liberal Democrats launch New Deal for the City.

The Liberal Democrats today launched their manifesto for the City of London entitled A New Deal for the City: Liberal Democrat Proposals. Click here for the full paper (PDF) The document sets out the party's plans to create a new relationship between the Government and the City by reforming the regulatory structure and simplifying the tax system. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said: "The City of London is one of the most dynamic and creative parts of the British economy, but as the credit crunch has shown it is by no means perfect. "For too long the Government has refused to stand up to or consult with the City when there are problems. "The success of the financial sector and the wider UK economy is dependent on the Government creating a stable environment which encourages innovation but protects against abuse of the system. "It is critical that the Government creates a more intelligent system of regulation which prevents the boom and bust excesses which threaten the economy as a whole. "Ministers must recognise that slapdash tax changes have already damaged the City and that knee-jerk reform can only do more harm. "I want the Liberal Democrats to be the party that the City can trust, but also the party that will take on injustices and bad practice, for the benefit of the country and the economy as a whole." Click here for the full paper (PDF)

Thu 15th May 2008:

Prime Minister must lose power to fix election dates - Howarth.

On Friday the Liberal Democrats will propose a Bill to introduce fixed term Parliaments, ending the power of the Prime Minister to choose the timing of elections. The Fixed Term Parliaments Bill proposes that General Elections should happen every four years, regardless of whether the government of the day wants an election. Under the present system the Prime Minister can call an election whenever he wants, up to five years after the previous election. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson, David Howarth, who is tabling the Bill, said: "The present system gives a totally unfair advantage to the party in power, by allowing Prime Ministers to take advantage of temporary popularity to keep their jobs for up to another five years. "Just imagine that Gordon Brown had called and won an election last year - we would now be stuck with him until 2012. "A system that is both unfair and inefficient has to go. Fixed terms work well in other countries and in local government.  "This is an opportunity for Gordon Brown to prove that he is not the power-hungry control freak he appears to be."A link to a copy of the Bill is below:http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmbills/030/08030.i-i.html

Wed 14th May 2008:

Brown scraping legislative barrel to save himself - Clegg.

Responding to the Government’s Draft Pre-legislative Statement published today, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg accused the Prime Minister of scraping the legislative barrel to save himself. Nick Clegg said: “We already knew that the Tories will say anything to get elected – but now it’s clear the Prime Minister will try anything to cling to power. “These proposals are just not credible. It’s clear he’s really scraped the legislative barrel to try to save himself. “He’s either addressing things the Government said weren’t a problem, like the economy, or trying to turn around problems the Government created, like over-centralisation.” ENDS

Mon 12th May 2008:

Tributes paid to Ray Michie.

Warm tributes have been paid to Ray Michie, Baroness Michie of Gallanach, who died at her home on Tuesday May 6th. Ray Michie was MP for Argyll and Bute from 1987 until she stood down from Parliament in 2001. She then became a member of the House of Lords, and was the first peer to pledge the oath of allegiance in Gaelic. Former Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy said: “Ray Michie was one of my closest friends and professional confidantes in politics. The very sad news of her passing leaves public life much the poorer. “Alongside her personal charm and tremendous sense of humour and fun was a first-class political brain which was able to judge individuals and issues with great shrewdness. “She was never taken in by exaggeration and had a knack of getting right to the genuine heart of the matter. Her advice was always worth having. “I was sorry when she decided to retire from the Commons but delighted when she accepted - after a little persuasion - my offer of a life peerage.” He added: “We have all lost a true friend of principle and of people.” Nicol Stephen, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said Ray had been one of the leading figures in the Scottish Liberal Democrats for many years. “I can still remember the huge excitement when she was first elected as MP for Argyll and Bute. She always fought tirelessly for her constituents and for Scotland. "We shared an office in the House of Commons and she always gave the very best of advice. "She always fought tirelessly for her constituents and for Scotland. "Ray was much loved by those inside and outside politics and will be very greatly missed." Ray's successor as Argyll and Bute MP, Alan Reid, said: "The people of Argyll and Bute will always have a special place in their hearts for Ray Michie." Current Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg expressed his sympathy and condolence to Ray's family and friends during Prime Minister's Question Time on May 7th. Prime Minister Gordon Brown echoed his words, saying Ray had been "a very distinguished Member of this House". Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond also paid tribute to Ray, saying: "It is a measure of the calibre of Ray Michie that when I asked if she would serve on the Broadcasting Commission, she insisted on doing so despite her battle with cancer. It is a measure of her own personal courage and her commitment to the interests of Scotland."

Rules must be tightened to prevent repeat of Farepak Collapse - Burt.

Commenting on the announcement that the investigation into the collapse of hamper company Farepak has been completed, Liberal Democrat Small Business Spokesperson, Lorely Burt said: "There is an obvious inequality between the protection given to people who save with high street banks and those who put their money into schemes such as Farepak. "If any wrongdoing can be proved, ministers must ensure that those responsible are brought to book. "In these harsh economic times, when food and fuel prices are skyrocketing, it is crucial that the rules are tightened to ensure small savers are never again left high and dry in this way."  

Fri 9th May 2008:

Government failing to grasp the seriousness of flooding - Webb.

Commenting on today’s [Wednesday] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report on last summer’s flooding, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Steve Webb said: "This report shows that the Government is failing to grasp the seriousness of the situation. With severe floods likely to become more common due to climate change, we need a real strategy and real investment to protect high-risk areas. "Current funding is totally inadequate. The ABI, the Government’s own Foresight report and the agency responsible for flood defences are all calling for spending to be increased to £1bn, but their advice is falling on deaf ears. "The £200m increase the Government announced last year does not stand up to scrutiny when inflation and rising costs in the building trade are taken into consideration. It is too little to cope with the increasing risks the country faces, and doesn’t even come fully into effect for another two years. "The £34.5 million the Government has set aside to implement the recommendations in the interim Pitt Review looks like the money they’ve got left over. The Government has failed to provide any details about how this money will be spent, or about how the Pitt Review will be funded in the future. "The report also reveals that no one is responsible for protecting people and properties from surface water, which caused around two-thirds of the flooding last summer. "It is time for the Government to clarify who is responsible and ensure that all sources of flooding are properly addressed, so that thousands of people are saved from a repeat of the misery still being suffered by so many after last year’s floods."

Government's strategy on data protection a shambles - Alexander.

Commenting on reports that staff at the Department for Work and Pensions have been sending out highly sensitive data in packages that include the passwords, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Danny Alexander said: "The Government’s strategy for protecting citizens’ personal information is a shambles. "We’ve had mislaid CDs, lost laptops and now passwords are being circulated with the information they are supposed to protect. "Data protection is being undermined across Whitehall - the very idea that this Government could be responsible for an ID card database is a joke."

Repossessions on course to be highest since 1991 - Cable.

Commenting on the 17% rise in repossession orders in the past year in England and Wales, announced today by the Government, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said: "The number of families threatened with repossessions is on course to be the highest since 1991, at the height of the Tory recession. "Repossession claims have skyrocketed since last year. Many families could well end up losing their homes in the months ahead. "The Prime Minister's pride and stubbornness has made him completely unwilling to recognise the dangers in the housing market. It is overstretched households that will pay the price.   "This Government must stop having vague discussions with mortgage lenders and instead clearly lay out the procedures which must be followed before a property can be repossessed. "Repossession must only ever be a last resort. Lenders must seek all possible alternatives before taking such action."

Darzi's pledges no more than vacuous spin - Lamb.

Commenting on Lord Darzi’s five NHS pledges that were published today [Friday], Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said: "These pledges are nothing more than vacuous spin. "This document talks about change being locally led, yet the Government has already ordered all Primary Care Trusts to open a polyclinic, regardless of any local need for one. "No amount of desperate dressing-up can conceal the fact that the forthcoming Darzi report is set to ride roughshod over the wishes and needs of many local areas."

Thu 8th May 2008:

Royal Mail left to fall apart at the seams - Teather.

Commenting on the announcement that Royal Mail's profits have fallen by almost a third, Liberal Democrat Shadow Business Secretary, Sarah Teather said: "It's no coincidence that news of Royal Mails plummeting profits comes just a day after the Government's own review body said that liberalisation of the market has produced no benefit. "The Government has allowed this great British business to fall apart at the seams. Royal Mail can be turned around, but only if it is given the freedom to innovate and attract new customers. "Unlike its private sector competitors, Royal Mail has been starved of investment. Selling off 49% of Royal Mail's shares would release the cash needed to modernise the business, without having to ask taxpayers to pick up the bill."

Penny drops for ministers after 12,000 ASBOs - Huhne.

Commenting on Jacqui Smith's speech, in which she called for early intervention to tackle the first signs of problem behaviour, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said: "The penny has finally dropped with evidence-immune ministers that ASBOs should only be used as a last resort. They are far more costly and less effective than alternatives such as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, pioneered by Liberal Democrat councils. "It has taken ten years and more than 12,000 ASBOs for ministers to recognise their mistake." Notes   1. New ASBOs fell from 4,123 in 2005 to 2,706 in 2006, a drop of 35%. Wider anti-social behaviour tools such as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts were up 258% from 2003-4 to 2006-7. 2. Only last month, in the run up to the 2008 local elections, Labour campaigned on the fact that 'Labour-controlled Manchester [Council] issued over twice as many [ASBOs] as nearby Lib Dem Liverpool.' http://www.labour.org.uk/safer_cleaner_streets

Government clueless about cutting travel costs or emissions - Baker.

Commenting on today’s [Thursday] Tandberg report, which shows that most Government departments are failing to reduce unnecessary travel or investigate green alternatives to flying, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said: "This Government simply doesn’t understand how to cut carbon emissions or control costs. "Today’s report shows that basic steps are not being taken to reduce the need to travel. The taxpayer and the environment are paying the price for the Government’s extravagance. "Ministers clearly prefer jetting around the world to using less glamorous but more sustainable alternatives, such as video conferencing." Notes 1. The report found that: - There is a clear problem with government departments not recording travel adequately, with only four departments able to provide details on the number and cost of flights taken to overseas destinations in response to parliamentary questions. - Government departments do not routinely record the amount spent on travel, and rarely ask civil servants to justify their travel by stating that they have looked at alternatives such as tele or video conferencing - The Treasury spent over £1m on just 753 flights at an average cost of £1397 per flight in one year.

Government's failure to meet green targets astonishing - Webb.

Commenting on today’s [Thursday] Policy Exchange report, which shows the Government is likely to miss more than half of the green targets it has set since 1997, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Steve Webb said: "For more than a decade, the Government has made big promises on the environment. Yet this report shows they have completely failed to deliver. "It is astonishing that even when the Government sets its own green targets, it consistently misses them. "It is vital that ministers stick to the targets in the Climate Change Bill to prevent looming climate chaos."

Government's top down management failed doctors - Gidley.

Commenting on today’s [Thursday] Health Select Committee report that criticises the Department of Health for ‘totally inadequate’ leadership in the 2007 crisis over junior doctor reforms, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley said: "This was yet more botched project management from the Government coupled with poor leadership from doctors’ representatives. "It was an example of top down management having a dramatic effect on doctors’ lives. Nobody involved with the process came out covered in glory. "The chief medical officer should have taken more responsibility for his actions."

UK's failure in stroke care scandalous - Lamb.

Commenting on a report released today that reveals the UK is lagging behind other developed nations on stroke care and is far from meeting its targets, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said: "It is scandalous that, despite spending a lot more than other European countries on stroke care, UK recovery rates are so much worse. "Lives are being lost and recovery is severely impeded by the failure to act quickly enough to improve the service. "Despite the recent stroke strategy, it’s taking unacceptably long to modernise the service."

Local councils need the powers to tackle chronic bus delays - Baker.

Commenting on today’s Department for Transport statistics on bus punctuality, which show that one in six buses is late before it even starts its journey, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said: "It’s a complete transport shambles that so many buses are late even before the journey starts. How will we persuade more people to use public transport if they can’t rely on it being on time?"Instead of providing a public transport system we can be proud of, this Government has presided over rising fares and poorer services. "The Local Transport Bill should give councils much more power over bus services than what is currently proposed."

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