A final thanks to all those who have contributed to today’s focus on Youth Justice. I trust, dear readers, you have found the debate enlightening and challenging and those of you heading for Sheffield will join us for the debate on Saturday afternoon. We have a fringe event on Friday evening at 8pm in Suite 5 in Jury’s Inn. Peter Oborne will be chairing a debate with Tom McNally, Simon Hughes and others on Youth Justice in an Age of Austerity.
In the midst of all that I personally find unpalatable about the Coalition this is one area where I have just a modicum of hope. With Ken Clarke at the helm and Tom McNally at his side I believe we have a real opportunity to influence future youth justice policy for the good. One of the highlights of my week is representing the Federal Policy Committee (FPC) on the Home Affairs, Justice and Equalities Parliamentary Committee – I always leave being reminded just why I am a Liberal Democrat and feeling incredibly proud that we have so many parliamentarians who are such advocates for sensible, liberal, evidence based justice policy.
Passing our motion on Saturday will give us a strong platform from which to ensure all future Coalition justice policy reflects much more closely our approach. And I assure you I will do my utmost to ensure that happens!