New Politics: Nick Clegg’s speech on constitutional reform

Nick Clegg: New Politics

Nick Clegg: New Politics

Today Nick Clegg Leader of the Liberal Democrats gave his first official speech as Deputy Prime Minister on constitutional reform and the ‘New Politics’.

Speaking at his first major speech as Deputy Prime Minister, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: “I have spent my whole political life fighting to open up politics. So let me make one thing very clear: this government is going to be unlike any other.

“This government is going to transform our politics so the state has far less control over you, and you have far more control over the state.
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Rainbow flags fly

Sarah Ludford MEP

Sarah Ludford MEP

Today was the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). At the Town Hall in Ashton-under-Lyne and around the country, town halls, businesses and other properties flew the rainbow flag to raise awareness of prejudice and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.

Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman Sarah Ludford MEP, a Vice-Chair of the Liberal Democrat LGBT group Delga and an active member of the European Parliament lesbian & gay rights intergroup said, “Homophobia is still widespread in the 21st century and the fight against it must be reinforced. It can be vicious and life-threatening, as in aggressive legislation abroad; prejudiced, as in attitudes even in EU countries; or insidious as in football or the media here. Whatever from it takes, it is unacceptable.”

“Just recently the courts in Lithuania – an EU country – almost prevented Baltic Gay Pride celebrations citing ‘security’ concerns. Neighbouring the EU, Belarussian police in Minsk just last Saturday broke up a Slavic Gay Pride event, tearing away their flags and arresting a number of the marchers.”

“The Liberal Democrats and our ALDE group in the European Parliament have always led the way in campaigning on LGBT rights, both in our home countries and abroad.”

Nick Clegg welcomes conference vote

Nick Clegg MP

Nick Clegg MP


Liberal Democrat Special Conference in Birmingham today overwhelmingly approved the party’s Coalition Agreement with the Conservative Party.

Speaking after the vote, Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said: “It is five days since I accepted the position of Deputy Prime Minister.

“Just five days, and we now know there will be no ID cards, no third runway at Heathrow, no more fingerprinting in schools without parents’ consent, no more child detention.
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Special Conference passes ‘Building a fairer Britain in government’

The Special Conference of the membership of the Liberal Democrats today passed ‘Building a fairer Britain in government’. The conference is the third stage of the ‘triple lock’ process whereby the Lib Dems, as a democratic party, give the membership and Federal Executive a say in any coalition agreement as well as the MPs and Party Leader.

The motion as agreed reads: Continue reading →

ID cards: gone

No to ID Cards

Labour's ID card system - scrapped!

Labour’s ID Card system and related National Identity Register are to be abolished.

This is one of many pieces of good news for Lib Dem members and supporters from the new coalition government agreement. The Lib Dems have campaigned against ID cards and the related register from the start, it was a multi billion pound scheme forever in search of a reason to exist, and now at last we have been able to put an end to them.

The ID card scheme was first rolled out across Greater Manchester, but very few people volunteered for one. Labour were spending hundreds of thousands of pounds every day on the unpopular scheme.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP on the coalition

Nick Clegg MP

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg MP

Nick Clegg MP, Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister in the new government last night welcomed a change in government that will bring fairer taxes, a fair start in life for every child, green growth, reformed banking and a new open politics to rebuild public trust.

He said, “Tonight the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party and the Federal Executive of the Liberal Democrat party have overwhelmingly accepted my recommendation that we should now enter into a coalition government with the Conservative Party.”

“Before I say anything more about that coalition government I would like to express my thanks and admiration for Gordon Brown. He has been a towering figure in British politics for well over a decade. And the manner in which he has acted over the last few days has demonstrated immense dignity, grace and a profound sense of his public duty.

“We are now going to form a new government More importantly than anything else, we are going to form a new kind of government; I hope this is the start of a new kind of politics I have always believed in. Diverse, plural, where politicians with different points of view find a way to work together to provide the good government for the sake of the whole country deserves.

“That was what we were asked to do by the people of Britain in the General Election last Thursday and that is what we will deliver.

“I want to thank David Cameron for the very open, constructive and workmanlike way in which we have come together to make this agreement on how we can come together in this coalition government. We are obviously politicians from different parties. I believe we are now united in seeking to meet the immense challenges that now face the country and to deliver a fairer, better Britain.

“Of course there will be problems along the way; of course there will be glitches. But I will always do my best to prove that new politics isn’t just possible – it is also better.

“I’d like to say something directly to the nearly seven million people who supported the Liberal Democrats in the General Election last week. I am now acutely aware that I carry your hopes and aspirations into this coalition agreement.

“I am sure you have many questions, maybe many doubts. But I can assure you I would not have entered into this agreement unless I was genuinely convinced it was a unique opportunity to deliver the changes you and I believe in.

  • Fair taxes.
  • A fair start in life for every child.
  • A new approach to our discredited banking system and the prospect of green and sustainable economic growth.
  • And new, open politics which you can trust once again.

“So I hope you will now keep faith with us let us prove to you that we can serve this country with humility, with fairness at the heart of everything we do. And with total dedication to the interests and livelihoods of everyone in this country.”

Thank You!

In Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton & Reddish, and Stalybridge & Hyde, the Lib Dem vote increased last night despite starting in third place. Thank you to the voters across all three seats who have given us their support in a remarkable election, the full results of which are still not yet known. If you supported us, if you want to see a more liberal society, now join us.

Love Democracy – You CAN Make The Difference

love democracy hate apathy

Vote on May 6th

“In your heart of hearts you know that if either of the two old parties win this election, nothing will really change,” said the Liberal Democrat Leader this morning. Addressing a rally in Eastbourne this morning, Nick Clegg said: “In 24 hours we can change Britain forever.

“Change is possible and change is coming, if you choose it.

“Your vote can make the difference.

“In your heart of hearts you know that if either of the two old parties win this election, nothing will really change.

“You’ve been let down by them a hundred times before, you know how little to expect.

“We cannot let that happen.

“We cannot let politics as usual triumph.

“We can choose something different this time and we will choose something different this time.

“If change is what you want, don’t let anything or anyone stand in your way.

“It may be just a small cross on the ballot paper but it is a big opportunity.

“Yours may be just one vote but it could be the one that makes the difference: so use it.”

Undecided voters swing to Lib Dems following final Leaders Debate

Last night was the final of the three televised Leaders’ debates. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, debated with Gordon Brown and David Cameron about the economy. Subjects discussed included breaking up the banks, creating more jobs and reinvigorating the British economy.

Most post-debate polls scored this final debate to David Cameron, but again put Nick Clegg clearly ahead of Gordon Brown. An analysis by pollsters Angus Reid of previously undecided voters who watched the debate gave Nick Clegg 37%, David Cameron 25%, Gordon Brown 22% and Not sure 16%. Angus Reid found that 32% of undecided voters say they are now more likely to vote for the Liberal Democrats after watching the final debate, with just 18% Conservative and 15% Labour.

In his closing statement at the final leaders’ debate, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

“Everything I’ve said during these three television debates is driven by my simple belief that if we do things differently this time, we can create a fairer, better Britain.

“As you decide how to cast your vote, of course you’ll be told by these two, that real change is dangerous, that it can’t be done.

“Don’t let anyone scare you from following your instincts. Together next week we can change Britain for good.

“Just think how many times you’ve been given lots of promises by these two old parties – only to discover when they get into Government that nothing really changes.

“We can do so much better than that this time.

“Of course I can’t guarantee that every problem you face will be solved overnight. But I can guarantee that I will work tirelessly to deliver greater fairness for you.

“Fairer taxes, so that you pay less but people at the top pay their fair share.

“A fair start, smaller class sizes, for your children.

“A different approach to the economy.

“And open, decent politics which you can trust once again.

“I believe all this can happen. This is your election. This is your country.

“When you go to vote next week, choose the future you really want. If you believe like I do that we can do things differently this time, then together we will really change Britain.

“Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t happen. It can. This time, you can make the difference.”