"In a fair society it is simply not right that innocent people can have their DNA stored by the state.

"That is why Liberal Democrats are restoring basic rights to millions of people.

"Under Labour, the Government collected the DNA of millions of people who had done absolutely nothing wrong. From children to witnesses, British citizens DNA was collected and stored.

"Astonishingly, the Labour Party still think it's right that the Government should hold such personal information, even if you've done nothing wrong.

"DNA is critical for police investigations, but only suspects and those convicted should be profiled. That's why this month, following the Liberal Democrat-led Protection of Freedoms Act, the Coalition Government will begin destroying six million unnecessary DNA records."

"The largest recorded fall in unemployment for over a decade is very welcome news. It shows that the Coalition Government is on the right track to get more people into work so that we can leave these difficult times behind us.

"The fall in unemployment was driven by the biggest drop in youth unemployment on record. Liberal Democrats have always been clear that getting young people into work is crucial to build a stronger economy.

"Youth unemployment can be devastating to the long-term career prospects of young people and that is why Liberal Democrats have put in place a £1bn Youth Contract to give young unemployed people a chance to earn or learn."

"Following a discussion of the parliamentary party, there was agreement to have a free vote at the second reading stage of the bill to deliver equal marriage. There was agreement that the overwhelming majority of the parliamentary party wanted to vote in favour of the legislation because it is the right thing to do and not just because they were whipped to do so. Therefore it was agreed a free vote was the best way to highlight this."

"There were significant concerns about the draft bill, which is why I insisted that it be put before the Joint Committee.

"This is a very difficult issue and I welcome the Committee's thoroughness.

"Their report makes a number of serious criticisms - not least on scope; proportionality; cost; checks and balances; and the need for much wider consultation.

"It is for those reasons that I believe the Coalition Government needs to have a fundamental rethink about this legislation.

"We cannot proceed with this bill and we have to go back to the drawing board.

"We need to reflect properly on the criticisms that the Committee have made, while also consulting much more widely with business and other interested groups.

"The Committee did not, however, suggest that nothing needs to be done. They were very clear that there is a problem that must be addressed to give law enforcement agencies the powers they need to fight crime. I agree.

"But that must be done in a proportionate way that gets the balance between security and liberty right. Any modernisation of the powers, including possible new legislation, must meet the concerns of the Joint Committee by having the best possible safeguards and keeping costs under control."

'The Commission President's comments are not surprising. We have said for some time that if Scotland were to leave the UK the most likely is that it would need to seek EU membership on newly negotiated terms while the rest of the UK would continue as a member state.

'That would mean Scotland needing to negotiate from a position of weakness, with all the implications that would have for agriculture, fisheries, and the economy. These are risks we do not face as part of the UK, a current, large and influential member.

'And there is a bigger lesson here: the Scottish Government's assertions on this issue have been exposed. This debate must be based on robust evidence and fact. Our view has been based on legal and academic evidence while their position has been based on nothing. That is why we are where we are.'

"I'm a supporter and always have been of same sex marriage, because I think marriage is a wonderful thing, a wonderful institution.

"It's a demonstration of a couple's commitment to each other, of their loving relationship.

"Every couple, gay or straight, who wants to celebrate that in the eyes of society should be able to.

"It's very important to remember that under our plans we're not going to force any church or any religious denomination to hold same sex marriage ceremonies if they don't want to.

"But I do think it's time that we allow any couple that want to, no matter who they are, to enjoy civil marriage."

"I am glad that Starbucks has finally given in to public outrage and agreed to pay a fairer share tax in the UK. Other companies should follow suit. Over 12,000 people have joined my campaign for fairer taxes which called on a boycott until Starbucks took responsibility for its tax affairs.

"I look forward to seeing the detail of the proposal but welcome this first step. Reports of £10m are better than the zero pounds they paid for the last three years, but let's be clear - companies must pay their fair share of tax, not however much they feel like.

"The Coalition Government is taking a tough approach, investing heavily in clamping down on tax avoidance. For every £1 we spend on tackling avoidance we will get £7 back.

"Our message is clear: everyone, no matter how wealthy the company or individual, must play by the rules and pay their fair share. Those who don't will not get away with."

"It's fantastic the Coalition has recognised the importance of manufacturing to the British economy and is supporting businesses by introducing a 100% allowance on capital purchases up to £250,000.

"This will particularly benefit small and medium-sized businesses and investment in new machinery will in turn help to boost the economy.

"Increasing productivity in the manufacturing sector is hugely beneficial to the economy and will provide more jobs. Giving companies an incentive to invest is immensely important and I am pleased the Coalition Government is getting behind industry.

"Liberal Democrats are committed to closing the skills gap, increasing apprenticeships and delivering key initiatives to help businesses of all size across the country grow and succeed.

"As a party, Liberal Democrats have always supported manufacturing and engineering in the UK. In the Coalition Government, Liberal Democrats have made it a priority to increase manufacturing as a percentage of GDP and address the issues which have slowed manufacturing down in recent years."

"Liberal Democrats are working for a stronger economy and a fairer society, so that everyone can get on in life. That's why we are cutting taxes for working people.

"Today's announcement means that by April, Liberal Democrats will have cut your income tax bill by £600 a year.

"Liberal Democrats want fairer taxes, which is why we made raising the tax-free allowance our number one priority at the General Election - so important that we put it on the front page of our manifesto.

"When times are tough, with rising bills and wages not keeping pace with inflation, we want to give people real, practical help.

"Cutting Income Tax will not deal with all of those problems, but it will help. And I hope it will make a big difference to every family in this country."