Author Archives: The Voice

Nick: “Today’s the day we can deliver fairness for Britain.”

A ‘virtual’ Good Morning leaflet arrived in Lib Dem members’ email inboxes this morning from Nick Clegg:

Dear Friend,

Today’s the day we can deliver fairness for Britain.

But we need your help today to make it happen.

I know we’ve all worked so hard in this campaign already. You might already be out and about delivering “Good Morning” leaflets. If so – thank you!

But votes don’t count until they’re in the ballot box.

Everything you can do today will make a huge difference. Every door you can knock on or leaflet you can deliver will be vital.

And don’t forget to vote yourself!

Thank

Posted in General Election | Tagged | 1 Comment

Nick Clegg’s personal message to Lib Dems: “We are rewriting the election script”

I’ve just finished a great day campaigning in Liverpool, Glasgow and London. Everywhere I go, and especially in our key seats, it is obvious our support is growing by the day.

Volunteers are walking in off the streets to offer to deliver leaflets, knock on doors and make phone calls – doing their bit to make change happen.

Experienced campaigners across the country are telling me this is an election like never before for our party. The old rules have been torn up and we are rewriting the election script.

Everybody

Posted in General Election | 3 Comments

Nick launches “My personal guarantee”

Nick Clegg has just launched ‘My Personal Guarantee’, a pledge that will run in leaflets and newspaper advertisements ahead of polling day. Here’s what it says:

This is my personal guarantee that I will use all the support you give me on Thursday to deliver fairness in Britain.

“We need a fairer tax system. I will use your votes to cut taxes for those at the bottom and in the middle and close the loopholes for those at the top.

“We need to support our children. I will use your votes to ensure

Posted in General Election | Tagged | 1 Comment

Paddy & Nick slam retired defence chiefs’ Lib Dem slurs

Nick Clegg and Paddy Ashdown united today in condemning three retired members of the defence establishment who have a letter published in today’s Times attempting to frighten voters away from voting Lib Dem with crude warnings what perils await Britain if the party gains power.

The letter has just three signatories: Peter Clarke, Sir Richard Dearlove, and Lord Guthrie. Former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown issued a masterly put-down of the trio in the Times:

Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, the former Lib Dem leader who helped to draw up the party’s defence and national security policies, responded to today’s letter, saying:

Posted in General Election | Tagged , and | 12 Comments

LDVideo: “A liberal believes quite simply in fairness”

Nick Clegg addressed CitizensUK in London this afternoon, an event designed to bring together organisations campaigning for enhanced civil society. Here’s an extract of what he said:

Posted in YouTube | Tagged and | 2 Comments

“A once in a generation chance for real change”

That’s the message from Nick Clegg to voters in an interview in today’s Independent on Sunday:

Nick Clegg makes a final appeal to voters today to seize the “once-in-a-generation chance” for real change to Britain’s unbalanced voting system by backing the Liberal Democrats on Thursday. … Mr Clegg, trying to cast the final week of campaigning as a two-horse race between his party and the Tories, claims that Gordon Brown has “written himself out of the script of change” and that the Labour Party is in a fight for its very existence. …

In a direct pitch to voters, he

Posted in General Election | 2 Comments

Happy birthday Iain

Any political activist or their offspring who is unlucky enough to be born in April or early May is going to find that their birthday most years is subsumed by election campaigns, even if it’s a special one with a zero in it.

Today Iain Smith, Liberal Democrat MSP for NE Fife, turns 50. Instead of being feted with champagne and cake, he is out and about campaigning to re-elect Ming Campbell, or maybe even Willie Rennie in Dunfermline and West Fife.

While we’re sure that Iain would much rather that the election disrupted his birthday than the Test Match series, we …

Posted in News | Tagged | 2 Comments

Why I am voting Lib Dem after 52 years supporting Labour

Today the Voice received the following email from a voter in Bristol, which we want to share with our readers:

I have always voted Labour (for 52 years), not blindly but considering the situation carefully over the years. But this time, I am voting Lib Dem, because they are a breath of fresh air compared to the others.

My local contact has been refreshing, both in the literature coming through my letterbox and in the media. There is an elememt of positiveness and hope in the message of the Lib Dems, yes times will be hard. But I do not

Posted in General Election | 10 Comments

Clegg wins the ‘Mumsnet vote’

Back in January, Nick Clegg took part in an online chat with the readers of Mumsnet. It seems to have paid off, according to today’s Times:

The Liberal Democrats have won the Mumsnet vote, according to a poll for the parenthood website.

Nick Clegg was supported by 43 per cent of members of the network, compared with 26 per cent supporting Gordon Brown and 22 per cent David Cameron. Five per cent did not know whom to support.

The poll of 1,000 Mumsnet users — who have been wooed assiduously during the general election campiagn — found that 40 per cent

Posted in General Election | 1 Comment

“It is my job to see that Cameron f****** well gets into Downing Street” – Sun’s political editor

Full marks for frankness if not for political independence:

“It is my job to see that Cameron f****** well gets into Downing Street,” proclaimed Tom Newton Dunn, political editor of the Sun, to a group of journalists from rival papers, recently.

Newswer has more.

Posted in News | Tagged and | 5 Comments

Nick: our Armed Forces deserve better pay and homes

Nick Clegg will today set out plans to improve family homes for the Armed Forces and make troops’ pay fair.

Announcing the plans, Nick said:

The brave men and women of our Armed Forces have been left under-equipped and under-paid by Labour. The Liberal Democrats will change this. Gordon Brown has failed to give our troops all the kit they need to do their job. And he has failed to give them a decent wage for the work they do and a decent home to raise their kids in.

“Someone spending six months fighting half way around the world to keep us safe should not have to worry about leaving their family in a shoddy, run-down home. They should not have to worry about whether they are paid enough to provide for their loved ones.

“The Liberal Democrats will bring forces family homes up to standard in half the time the Government plans, and we will increase the salary of our lowest paid troops by £6,000. We are committed to a fair deal for our Armed Forces. These changes are affordable because we have proposed £15bn of cuts and savings elsewhere in government each year, including cutting waste in the Ministry of Defence.”

Here’s the detail of the proposals from the party’s press release:

Posted in General Election and News | Tagged and | 1 Comment

A message for candidates from They Work For You

Are you a Parliamentary candidate? Do you know one? If so here’s a handy reminder:

TheyWorkForYou.com has sent online surveys to nearly 3000 candidates  across the UK, including most of your party’s candidates. If you don’t know it, TheyWorkForYou is probably the largest politician transparency website in the UK, with about 3m visitors last year.

The survey we’ve sent is a rigorously neutral attempt to clarify candidates positions on many of the biggest national and local issues at the election. It is also a long-term document – the data that comes from candidate responses will be viewed millions of times between now  and the general …

Posted in General Election | Tagged | 1 Comment

Vince on 0.2% growth: “the promised recovery is barely visible”

It’s official: the UK economy has enjoyed a second quarter of growth, as the BBC reports:

The UK economy continued to recover from recession in the first three months of the year, according to official estimates. GDP grew by 0.2% between January and March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

Here’s what Lib Dem shadow chancellor Vince Cable had to say – in text:

These figures show that the promised recovery is barely visible. There is a real danger of the UK going into a double dip recession. As people deal with their own debts and as the banks continue to strangle good British businesses by starving them of credit the recovery will remain fragile.

“The British economy has had a massive heart attack – it has just emerged from the intensive care unit into the recovery ward. The worst possible action is the Tory proposal to pull out the drip-feed when the patient is still in a critical condition.

“Not only must we tackle the deficit in a considered and rational fashion, we must also ensure that we support jobs and infrastructure as well as making sure businesses get the credit they need to drive growth in the economy.”

And on video:

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Can the surge last? Lib Dem bloggers give their views …

Lib Dems leading the election race, and polling above 30% – that’s not a line (m)any of us expected to be able to type with a straight face. But it’s the present reality. The questions is: can the Lib Dem surge last? Here’s what a handful of Lib Dem bloggers think …

James Graham

Anyone who claims to know what will happen electorally next month simply doesn’t know what they are talking about. But there are a number of reasons to suggest that the Liberal Democrats’ poll leap over the weekend might last.

Firstly, polls tend to be mutually reinforcing. This is why some countries ban them during election time. The same factor which has reinforced the Lib Dems’ image as no-hopers in the past might well work in our favour now, especially since it is such a dramatic development.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged , , and | 49 Comments

The Cut-Out Debate Question … How would you change a broken light bulb?

The Voice is grateful to Saoirse Cathal Kavan – a member of the Facebook group We got Rage Against the Machine to #1, we can get the Lib Dems into office! which is growing at a quite astonishing rate (over 80,000 members) – for allowing us to publish this alternative take on the leaders’ debate …

Tim from Bristol: If you were to come into power, how would your party change a broken light bulb?

Nick: We’d ensure that the people have the power to replace light bulbs when they break and also see to it that replacement light bulbs are

Posted in Humour and Op-eds | 1 Comment

Mick Bates to face assault charge

WalesOnline reports:

LIBERAL Democrat AM Mick Bates has been suspended by the party after it was confirmed he will face prosecution for assault following a late night incident in Cardiff city centre.

Joanne Foster, chief executive of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, issued a statement which said: “This afternoon, Mick Bates was told by South Wales Police that he will be summonsed at a future date for various offences following an incident in Cardiff on January 20. The Welsh Liberal Democrats regard this matter with the utmost seriousness. Therefore, Mr Bates’ membership of the Welsh Liberal Democrats has been suspended, pending the

Posted in Wales | Tagged | 7 Comments

Okay, we can breathe again: who do you think won?

Time for the post-match spin – what did LDV’s readers make of it all?

Update: Sun/YouGov poll result puts Clegg on 51%, Cameron 29%, Brown 19%
ITV poll shows same result: Clegg 43%, Cameron 26%, Brown 20%

Posted in General Election | 32 Comments

Lib Dem manifesto launch: Clegg’s speech and BBC video

In case you missed yesterday’s launch of the Lib Dem manifesto – and want to catch up ahead of tonight’s first debate – here are two treats for you. First, the BBC report of the launch. And then Nick’s speech at the launch … in full.

Lib Dems to unveil ‘fair’ pledges – The Liberal Democrats present their election manifesto, saying it is a “serious” plan for government voters can “trust”.

And now here’s Nick’s speech launching the manifesto:

Posted in General Election | 2 Comments

Photo evidence – Geoff Hoon for sale!

Last month Geoff Hoon was one of a clutch of Labour MPs caught on film by Channel 4’s Dispatches selling their services. It would appear from this photo that he’s now taking this very literally …

PS: what does this say about Labour’s confidence in their chances of holding onto Geoff Hoon’s seat of Ashfield? The Lib Dems’ Jason Zadrozny is mounting a strong challenge – you can visit his site, and find out how you can help Jason’s campaign here.

Posted in General Election | Tagged and | 10 Comments

Clegg on bankers’ bonuses clampdown

If you missed LDV’s coverage of Nick Clegg’s plans to bring the bankers’ bonus culture under control this morning, then why not catch up with the BBC coverage of the announcment:

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BBC: ‘Lib Dem candidate withdraws amid police probe’

The BBC reports:

A Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate has withdrawn from the general election amid a police investigation, the party said. David Murray was standing for The Wrekin seat in Shropshire.

A Lib Dem spokesman confirmed he was no longer contesting the seat but said he could not comment further “due to an on-going police investigation”.

West Mercia Police said it could not comment or confirm if Mr Murray was being investigated.

The Lib Dem spokesman said: “Mr Murray, on the advice of the party, has withdrawn as the candidate in the forthcoming election. We are unable to comment further due to

Posted in General Election | Tagged and | 1 Comment

Andrew Rosindell runs into a spot of bother with his posters

Conservative MP for Romford Andrew Rosindell has again raised doubts about his team’s tactics and ability to run a joined-up campaign.

In March, Left Foot Forward asked Did Rosindell deliver the leaflets he denies approving? – leaflets which included alarmist comments about immigration.

Now the Romford Recorder reports:

Romford’s Tory parliamentary candidate, and sitting MP, has been breaking the rules while canvassing for the May 6 election, says a political opponent.

Andrew Rosindell was accused of fly-posting in Havering-atte-Bower – pinning election posters and placards to trees on the highway without permission – and parking unauthorised with two wheels on the pavement while

Posted in News | Tagged , and | 3 Comments

How you can help Liberal Democrat Voice

The Voice is only a success because of the interest and support from our readers. For many people just lurking and reading the site is all they want to do – and that’s fine, we’re grateful for people taking the time to read the site.

You can though help us continue to produce interesting content for a growing audience. Here are three simple ways:

1. Let us have your tips for stories. Perhaps there’s something outrageous going on in your local council? Or you’re an expert in a particular area and have spotted a story other people have missed? Or you’ve seen …

Posted in Site news | 1 Comment

Harris and Huhne question legality of Labour’s ‘meow meow’ ban

With just a fortnight until the Government’s mephedrone ban comes into effect, Lib Dem MPs Chris Huhne and Evan Harris have challenged the legality of the move (though the party has supported the ban itself). Today’s Guardian reports:

Dr Evan Harris, the Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said the six resignations from the government’s advisory council on the misuse of drugs had left it inquorate and legally unable to issue formal advice to the home secretary. He also questioned how a decision to ban mephedrone without first publishing the council’s report on its potential harms complied with

Posted in News | Tagged , , and | 9 Comments

Lib Dems launch ‘Enterprise in a fair society’ plans to boost business

Want to know what the Lib Dems will do to boost the enterprise culture here in the UK? Well, Nick Clegg and shadow business secretary John Thurso this week launched their programme in keeping with the party’s campaign emphasis on fairness, Enterprise in a fair society.

Here’s the party’s news release announcing the programe …

The proposals include:

    * Restoring a public interest test for regulatory authorities to consider when takeovers are proposed and changing the rules on which shareholders can vote on takeover proposals

Posted in News | Tagged , , and | 2 Comments

Matthew Taylor signs up to South West Water board

Matthew Taylor, Lib Dem MP for Truro and Falmouth, is one of seven Lib Dems standing down at the coming election. After more than two decades in Parliament, he’s been considering what to do next – and now we know at least part of the answer, courtesy of The Western Morning News:

A CORNISH MP and critic of unfair water charging has been made a non-executive director of South West Water. Matthew Taylor, who is standing down at the next election after 23 years as the Liberal Democrat MP for Truro and St Austell, has been a vocal critic

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Lib Dems set pace in signing up for Royal British Legion pledge

The Royal British Legion is asking candidates from all parties to sign up to its manifesto ahead of the coming election campaign. Nick Clegg, along with the other two party leaders, has signed up to the Legion’s pledge, meeting recently with its Director General; while defence spokesman Nick Harvey has spoken at Legion fringe events.

The Legion has been keeping a tally of the proportion of MPs from each of the parties who have signed up to its manifesto – and as they comment, “Lib Dem MPs are setting the pace!”

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Earth Hour 2010 – Tonight at 8:30pm

Marcus Hickman, from wearesocial.net, highlights the aims of Saturday night’s Earth Hour, and how everyone can get involved …

Tonight at 8:30 pm people, businesses and iconic buildings around the world will switch off their lights to show the support for WWF’s Earth Hour. Participating is easy; all you have to do is sign-up and join others across the UK as they switch off for an hour tonight at 8:30pm.

Last year Earth Hour saw hundreds of millions of people across 3,000 cities and towns in 83 countries participate to show the world’s governments that climate change needs to be addressed urgently.

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Nick & Vince’s Budget 2010 response in full

Missed the Budget? Well, you didn’t miss much. But if you’re wondering what the Lib Dems have to say about it, then look no further.

First up, here’s Vince’s instant vdieo response:


(Also on YouTube here).

And now for the detail, as provided by Nick Clegg’s instant response to the Commons after Alasdair Darling’s budget statement:

Mr Speaker, this Budget has been billed as the preface to the Labour manifesto. Based on what we have seen today. It won’t be a manifesto but an obituary. The Prime Minister may have wanted a “giveaway budget”. What we got was a “given up budget”.

Posted in News | Tagged , and | 1 Comment

The Budget 2010: open thread

Alistair Darling has delivered his last budget as Chancellor, and what may prove to be the last Labour budget for many years. It was deeply, deeply dull, not aided by Mr Darling’s sonorous delivery. The Guardian has a summary of the key points – here are my subjective top 5:

    • No further announcements on VAT, national insurance and income tax. By freezing personal allowance, this is a real terms increase in income tax – as Mark Pack was quick to tweet, and as Nick Clegg was on-the-ball to note in his budget reponse. David Cameron, by contrast, seemed

Posted in News | 6 Comments
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