John Kampfner, journalist and former New Statesman editor, has a Comment is Free piece on the Guardian website explaining why he’s backing the Lib Dems.
My decision to back the Liberal Democrats in 2010 is based on a more fundamental appraisal of Labour’s record, together with a positive assessment of the Lib Dems’ platform.
Their analysis of the failures of the deregulated market has been consistently, and painfully, accurate. Their tax reform plans, taking 4 million low-paid workers out of tax altogether, are the most redistributive of any party, alongside green taxes, a “mansion tax” on high-value properties and the closing of tax loopholes (on pensions and capital gains) exploited by the rich. The Lib Dem approach to criminal justice, human rights, foreign and social policy is close to mine.
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Can I add: there is a publication on CentreForum’s website that explain’s John’s views in greater depth. You can download it from there or from my blog (clickthrough here).
Also (I appreciate and this is late) there should be more spaces available if anyone wants to come at 11:30 to see Nick Clegg and John Kampfner debate his pamphlet, it is in the Council Room, 1 Birdcage Walk today.
The pamphlet is really beautifully written. Well worth getting, even if you don’t agree with all of it.