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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Nick Clegg's tax cut speech at the Resolution Foundation [Jan 26]
January 28, 2012 11:09 AM
• [Jan 26] Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg: TODAY I want to make clear that I want the Coalition to go further and faster in delivering the full £10,000 allowance. Because the pressure on family finances is reaching boiling point.
Yesterday's GDP figures remind us that the road to the UK's economic recovery will be long and progress will be uneven. Those GDP figures remind us that we cannot simply ride out these troubles. Waiting for the good times to roll around again, nor can we return to business as usual. The financial crash and the recession that followed were unprecedented, and they were global. But the UK's weakness in the face of those events was a damning indictment of the way our economy had been run. An economy that became closed, elitist, driven by vested interests. Where we prized recklessness and short-term gains, and undervalued stability and hard work.
. . So, to finish as I began: we are living in tough times. And many families are feeling the pinch. We need more of those who can work in work, and real rewards and incentives for those who are. It is often said that to govern is to choose and, in particular, to choose whose side you are on. That is especially true when there is no money around. My choice - the Liberal Democrat's choice - is clear:
I want to help the hard-pressed and the hardworking. If that means asking more from those at the top - so be it. We are committed to eliminating the deficit, and eliminate it we will. But I am determined that we do so in a way that is fair. That rebalances our economy. That gives the right people their dues.
People look to the Liberal Democrats to keep this Coalition anchored in the centre ground. They want economic competence, but they want compassion too.
It is our job to make sure this Government delivers both.
Thank you.
• Nick Clegg's tax cut speech at the Resolution Foundation [LD Press Office Jan 26]
• Clegg gets best leader ratings in nearly a year [PB.com Jan 29]