Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg this evening delivered the Hugo Young lecture - you can read it in full below.
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Hugo was the great anatomist of British politics of his generation, with a particular passion for civil liberties, European cooperation, government transparency, and pluralism in politics. Tonight, I will argue that progressive politics is undergoing a period of reinvention; a reinvention that would have mostly met with Hugo's approval.
"Is it possible to be progressive when the public coffers are empty? My answer is yes. Certainly the crisis in the public finances means making some sharp choices. But it also forces us to be clearer about what it really means to be progressive. With less money, we need more focus.
The need to make choices is revealing an important divide between old progressives, who emphasise the power and spending of the central state, and new progressives, who focus on the power and freedom of citizens. Labour risk being on the wrong side of this divide. They are becoming the conservatives of British politics, defending outdated approaches rather than looking forward to a new, progressive future."
Liberal Democrat Communities Minister, Andrew Stunell today launches "Local Decisions: A Fair Future for Social Housing", the Coalition Government's consultation document on reforms to social housing.
The proposals will give councils more flexibility to maximise the use of their social housing stock and drive down waiting lists. The plans will also allow for more flexibility to tackle the twin problems of under-occupation and overcrowding.
Liberal Democrat Education Minister Sarah Teather outlines the benefits the Pupil Premium will provide and talks to parents in her constituency for Channel 4's Political Slot.
Liberal Democrat Party President-Elect Tim Farron has written to the General Secretary of the Labour Party, Ray Collins, asking him to clarify the Labour Party's position on Phil Woolas following criticism of Harriet Harman's decision to suspend him by a number of backbench MPs.
Commenting on the news that Sheffield Wednesday FC has avoided a winding-up order by being granted a 28-day adjournment by the High Court, Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield Hallam MP, Nick Clegg said:
"Today's adjournment is welcome news for Sheffield Wednesday and will hopefully give the club the time it needs to attract the required investment.
Commenting on severe flooding in Cornwall, Liberal Democrat MP for St Austell and Newquay Stephen Gilbert said:
"The last 24 hours have been very difficult for many people.
"The way the community has pulled together in true Cornish spirit has been fantastic and our thanks and praise should go to the emergency services and other authorities who continue to do a fantastic job.
Liberal Democrat Health Minister Paul Burstow has written to party members following the announcement that the Coalition Governent is to guarantee respite care by making an extra £400m available to carers.
Read the message to members in full below.
Dear friend,
Social care is essential for most people at some time in their life. It embraces the most intimate care for people, often at times of great distress. It is about helping people and their carers to live independent lives. This isn't happening at the moment. That's why the Coalition Government is moving away from the "business as usual" mentality of the last Labour government to tackle the broken system of how we care for our older and disabled people.
