Author Archives: Simon Hughes MP

Simon Hughes writes… Educational Maintenance Allowance: a grown-up replacement

By Simon Hughes MP | Published 29th March 2011 - 4:57 pm

One of the first tasks which the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minster gave me when they appointed me to the job of Advocate for Access to Education was to advise on the replacement for the Educational Maintenance Allowance. Since then I have travelled across the country to listen to young adults in school and further education colleges about how they think students should be supported in education.

The overriding concern that students across the country had was travel. They wanted to know that the money was there to pay for their travel to school or college.

Other important things that students …

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged | 8 Comments

Simon Hughes writes… Why Vote Yes: Believe in better democracy

By Simon Hughes MP | Published 24th March 2011 - 11:55 am

On May 5th our country will have an historic opportunity.

For the first time the people of Britain will have the choice as to how they will elect their Members of Parliament.

Liberal Democrats must take an active role in this campaign, as we should with every opportunity to make our democracy more representative.

Our society and our politics have moved on from the two-party system that existed 60 years ago, when over 9 out of 10 of the electorate voted for one of the two largest parties. Today there is more real political choice and many more people choose to avail …

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged , | 28 Comments

Simon Hughes writes… Why I’ve taken up a government post

By Simon Hughes MP | Published 9th January 2011 - 10:25 am

There are many good and legitimate arguments to be had about tuition fees and whether they are the best way to fund our higher education system. These include the big concerns about intergenerational inequality, and whether the market system is the best way to drive forward excellence in our higher education institutions. Liberal Democrats have long opposed tuition fees for these and other reasons, including of course the additional concern that fees are a barrier to access into higher education.

But the one criticism that cannot be levelled at the government’s proposals is that it will make university unaffordable for future students. The system of financing for the teaching of higher education which …

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

Opinion: Ready for the challenge with energy, enthusiasm and passion

By Simon Hughes MP | Published 9th June 2010 - 12:40 pm

I have now been a political activist for quite a long time! Starting with campaigning for a Palestinian state and against apartheid in my teens, joining the party as a Liberal student, and then elected to Parliament in 1983 when Mrs Thatcher was at the height of her powers. Twenty seven years later, I have never forgotten what I came into politics to do. Fight for social justice, civil liberties, internationalism and a fair and responsible Britain where power is handed back to and not taken from the people.

For many people in our country these are not characteristics which …

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Posted in Op-eds, Party policy and internal matters | Tagged | 34 Comments

Leadership Platform 7: A message from Simon Hughes…

By Simon Hughes MP | Published 11th December 2007 - 8:26 am

Dear Friend,

As I’m sure you know this is the last week of the Liberal Democrat leadership contest. For your vote to count it needs arrive by first post on Saturday. So if you haven’t already voted I urge you to do so now.

We are fortunate to have two excellent candidates to be leader. I would be delighted work with either of them. And I believe this contest has been an excellent showcase for our party.

However my vote in this election has gone to Nick Clegg. I believe he has that ‘X factor’ that means he can reach out to those …

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Posted in Leadership Election, Op-eds | 27 Comments