The third TV party leader debate is now over and the final week of campaigning is here. If you like what the Lib Dems say and would like to see a fairer, more liberal Britain, vote for us, and join us.
Third and Final Party Leaders’ TV debate: The Economy
On Thursday 29th April from 8.30pm, BBC One will host the final live Prime Ministerial Debate of the General Election from the Midlands. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in the run up to the General Election next Thursday.
The first half of the 90 minute programme, chaired by Question Time host David Dimbleby, will debate the economy, with the remaining time to discuss other election issues. The debate will also be broadcast live on BBC Radio 4, with coverage starting at 8pm. You can submit your own question to the debate on the BBC website at http://tinyurl.com/yasmba5
With Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg widely believed to have won the first two debates, this is the final opportunity to see the three leaders debating issues together directly before the General Election.
Nick Clegg launches Liberal Democrat environment manifesto
The Liberal Democrats have set out radical plans to protect the environment and set the economy on a path to a zero carbon Britain. The proposals include a £3.1bn green economic stimulus package, plans to slash energy use and improve energy efficiency, and a UK Infrastructure Bank to embed green investment for the long term.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:
“This election is not like any other.
“Climate scientists tell us that the next government will be the last that can stop dangerous climate change.
“That is a huge responsibility for the party that wins this election. But it’s an even bigger responsibility for the voters that will choose them on May 6.
“So my message is this: don’t settle for a Labour party that has had thirteen years to deliver on the environment and has failed. Don’t settle for a Conservative party that talks the talk on green issues, only to align themselves with climate change deniers in the European Parliament. And don’t give your vote to a Green Party that cannot make a difference in Westminster.
“Instead, choose the only party that was taking a stand on saving the planet well before it became fashionable. The only party that has led the way on tackling climate change, from championing the 10:10 campaign in our councils, to setting out radical plans in Parliament to cut Britain’s carbon emissions. Choose the only party that in the wake of the economic crisis is setting out a credible vision for a new and sustainable economy.
“Something really exciting is happening in British politics. This is a huge opportunity to set Britain on the road to a prosperous and green future.
“We should seize it.”
Another chance to quiz the candidates
Join Lib Dem candidate for Denton & Reddish Steve Broadhurst at a Hustings Meeting this Friday, 30 April. The hustings will begin at 7.00pm at St Lawrence’s Parish Church Denton (on Stockport Road, 200m south of Crown Point).
The hustings has been organised by Denton Churches Together, and we understand it will have a “Question TIme” type format.
Show YOUR support!
Want to show your support for the Lib Dems in this election? You can do so easily by displaying a window poster in your house – and what’s more, you can now get a poster design quickly over the internet to print at home.
Just use the link below to download an Abode “pdf” file of a Liberal Democrats poster. You can print this in colour or, if your printer only does black-and-white, print on yellow / orange paper. Trim down the dotted lines, add a little sticky tape to the corners to hold it in place and you’re away!
Let’s make it a Bank Holiday
Steve Broadhurst, Lib Dem candidate for Denton & Reddish, today observed: “After walking around Tameside, Denton and Reddish and whilst meeting with the constituents, I was dismayed to see the lack of patriotism on this of all days. St. George’s day indeed, if you didn’t know you wouldn’t have known. The only two things I saw was a ‘court jester’ outside Tameside Council Offices (they were also flying the Union Flag at half mast) and two ladies on a hen night with the George Cross painted onto their ‘wedding’ dresses.
“Scotland and Northern Ireland have a Bank Holiday for their patron saints. Why can’t England do the same? St. George’s Day is a brilliant opportunity for our country to come together and show the pride we have in our culture, society and history and fly the English flag with pride. I think a new Bank Holiday for St. George’s Day would be a great way to celebrate our wonderful country.
“I for one have decided to follow the American example and have started to wear our National flag in my lapel. Please click and register your support for a Bank Holiday to celebrate St. George’s Day.”
Find out more about the campaign to make St George’s Day a bank holiday here
Clegg Scores Second Win in Party Leaders Debate
An average of five polls conducted immediately after the Sky TV Leaders Election debate on Thursday night put Nick Clegg as the winner, with all instant polls showing him ahead of Gordon Brown. After the Foreign Affairs-led debate from Bristol dominated by issues like Iraq, immigration and climate change, Nick Clegg won 3 of the 5 polls on the night, building on his position after the first debate.
The five “instant” poll results on the night:
- Guardian/ICM: Clegg 33%, Cameron 29%, Brown 29%
- YouGov: Clegg 32%, Cameron 36%, Brown 29%
- ComRes: Clegg 33%, Cameron 30%, Brown 30%
- Angus Reid: Clegg 33%, Cameron 32%, Brown 23%
- Populus: Clegg 36%, Cameron 37%, Brown 26%
- Poll Average: Clegg 33.4%, Cameron 32.8%, Brown 27.4%
The election has been thrown wide open by Nick Clegg‘s first debate win. A number of polls have shown that the Lib Dems and the Conservatives are neck and neck, with Labour trailing in third. BBC journalist Michael Crick said on Newsnight “The momentum is still with Clegg.”
Another take on the manifesto
Have you seen “Believe in Fairness” yet? At Tameside Lib Dems we love this animation of the key points of the Liberal Democrat manifesto.
We hope you’ll take five minutes out to watch it — there’s music but no speech so if you do not have speakers on your PC or have hearing difficulties you don’t miss out on any of the important stuff.
Second debate shows it’s a three-party contest
Once again Nick Clegg was judged the winner, following the second TV debate between the three party leaders last night. The debate focused on foreign affairs issues such as the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the EU and our role in the world. Most polls reflected Nick as winning the debate.
With two weeks to go, Nick said that the election campaign is proving “one of the most exciting elections we have had in a very long time. People are beginning to hope we can do something different this time. Don’t let anyone tell you this time it can’t be different: it can.”
Taking Back Power
The latest Lib Dem video is a short film about Nick Clegg‘s public meetings. Since becoming Leader of the Liberal Democrats he has held over 100 up and down the country. They are open invitation with no spin, no carefully crafted soundbites for the TV cameras, just people in a room asking any questions.