News stories December - May 2010:

Note: this page is very long: it contains c. 400 items and 25,000 words. It has been created from the weekly email alerts sent out by the page management system to serve as a partial 'contents page' in the absence of any archiving system at present. The best way to search it is to use Find [Cd-F] in your browser. This website comprises c. 3,400 pages, going back, with varying degrees of completeness, to 2002. So the 400 items listed here are only c.1/8 of the whole.

Borough news stories only

December

• Clegg confirms end to child detention: [Dec 16] Nick Clegg: TODAY the Coalition Government is making an important announcement. We are setting out, for the first time, how we are ending the detention of children for immigration purposes in the UK. How we are ending the shameful practice that last year alone saw over 1,000 children - 1,000 innocent children - imprisoned. 7,000 children during the last five years of the Labour Government. Children literally taken from their homes, without warning, and placed behind bars. Locked up, sometimes for weeks, sometimes for months, in one case for 190 days; something no innocent child should ever have to endure. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3176.html

• Huhne: The biggest energy market shake-up in 25 years: [Dec 16] Chris Huhne* writes: BRITAIN'S electricity market faces three challenges. First, our demand for electricity could double by 2050 as we shift from fossil fuels to electricity for our vehicles and our residual home heating. Secondly, around a quarter of our generating capacity is ageing plant that will shut down within 10 years, and has to be replaced. Thirdly, that replacement cycle - entailing some £110bn of investment, or more than double the normal amount in the next decade - must be in low-carbon and secure sources like renewables, nuclear, clean coal and gas if we are to meet our climate change targets. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3175.html

• Vince Cable takes to the dance floor for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special: [Dec 14] Laura Roberts writes: VINCE Cable's Christmas appearance on Strictly Come Dancing sees the Business Secretary looking remarkably at home on the dance floor . . - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3174.html

• London Assembly Lib Dem List Announced: [Dec 14]: LONDON Liberal Democrats have today announced their team of candidates for the London Assembly top-up list in 2012: - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3173.html

• Dan Rogerson writes: the Pupil Premium is launched [Dec 14] Dan Rogerson* writes: YESTERDAY the Government announced the details of the brand new Pupil Premium which will make available £2.5 billion a year to children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds by the end of this Parliament. In doing so the coalition is delivering one of the key Liberal Democrat manifesto policies.€¨Schools will now be able to work out exactly what they will be receiving from next April and how they will be able to use this to help their most disadvantaged children. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3172.html

• Andrew Stunell writes€¦ Localism Bill and finance settlement are defining moment for local government: [Dec 14] Andrew Stunell* writes: YESTERDAY was an important day in local government as I and my ministerial colleagues were able to announce the two big planks of our approach to local government over the coming years - the Local Government Finance Settlement and the Localism Bill. They are huge milestones in the Coalition's programme of reform, and will impact on councils in many important ways. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3171.html

• Cable on Higher Education Fees: [Dec 09]: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable): ' . . THERE have been difficult choices to make. We could have made a decision drastically to cut the number of university students; we could have cut student maintenance; we could have cut the funding to universities, without replacing it. Instead, we have opted for a set of policies that provides a strong base for university funding and makes a major contribution to reducing the deficit, while introducing a significantly more progressive system of graduate payments than we inherited. I am proud to put forward that measure to this House.'[Interruption.]' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3158.html

• Leech on Higher Education Fees [Dec 09] Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): I WELCOME the opportunity to speak in the debate, although, like my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds North West (Greg Mulholland), I wish that the Government had been persuaded not to press ahead with the plans, and that they had not been necessary. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3157.html

• Hames on Higher Education Fees: [Dec 09] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): IN the debate since the Browne proposals were published, and so far today, many have found it easy to reject what is proposed, but there has been too little presentation of alternatives. I have attempted to bring constructive criticism and fresh ideas to bear on the Government's proposals during the past few weeks. In the House, just over a month ago, the Prime Minister agreed with me that if graduates are to make a greater contribution to the cost of their education, contributions should be related to ability to pay. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3156.html

• Mulholland on Higher Education Fees: [Dec 09] Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): I RISE to speak in a debate in which I do not want to speak. I do not believe that this debate should be happening today, and I do not believe that it should be happening in the way that it is. It is only seven months since the general election and the Government were formed; it is less than two months since we saw the Browne report for the first time, and it is a month-a month-since the Government announced their proposals on higher education. Yet, today, we are being forced to hold the significant vote, without considering the other proposals, with a mere five-hour debate. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3155.html

• Webb quizzed on Benefits Uprating [Dec 08] Steve Webb (Minister of State (Pensions), Work and Pensions; Thornbury and Yate, Liberal Democrat): WITH permission, Mr. Speaker, I should like to make a statement about the uprating of pensions and benefits for 2011-12. I shall place in the Vote Office full details of the new rates that are due to come into force from the week of 11 April 2011 for each pension and benefit, and arrange for the figures to be published in the Official Report. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3169.html

• Bruce, Swales and Foster quiz Cameron at PMQs: [Dec 08] Malcolm Bruce (Gordon, Liberal Democrat): VOLUNTARY Service Overseas provides valuable experience opportunities as well as giving people a connection with development. I welcome what the Prime Minister has said, but can he give an assurance that VSO's current concern that its budget might be cut will be overcome by giving it access to other budgets within the Department for International Development? - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3168.html

• Burstow on Patient Confidentiality (Mentally Ill): [Dec 09] Paul Burstow (Minister of State (Care Services), Health; Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat): I CONGRATULATE my hon. Friend Dr Lewis on securing this debate. Having had the opportunity to deal with two Adjournment debates this week, I reflect on the fact that this was an entirely fitting and appropriate way to raise very serious matters, which was not entirely the case in the debate that I replied to yesterday. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3167.html

• Burstow quizzed on Preventive Health Care: [Dec 07] Toby Perkins (Chesterfield, Labour): WHAT recent representations he has received on the effect of the abolition of primary care trusts on the co-ordination of preventive health care. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3166.html

• Farron on the European Union Bill, [Dec 07] Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale, Liberal Democrat): ' . . THE Bill's crucial task is to democratise and make transparent and trustworthy all our dealings with the European Union and to do so in a way that is pragmatic and positive for our immensely valuable relationships with our EU partners . . I think the coalition has succeeded in meeting those challenges and I look forward to continuing this formalised outbreak of accountability and reason towards our membership of the European Union.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3164.html

• Featherstone quizzed on the Criminal Records Bureau: [Dec 06] Marcus Jones (Nuneaton, Conservative): WHAT her most recent assessment is of the performance of the Criminal Records Bureau in undertaking checks. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3163.html

• Hughes on local government funding: [Dec 06] Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark, Liberal Democrat): I AM pleased to have this opportunity to speak in a debate on local government. As I said in an intervention on the shadow Secretary of State, local government is very important, as is funding local government properly, and I think it is perfectly proper for the Labour Opposition to choose the funding settlement for local government as the general subject for an Opposition-day debate. The title of the debate is therefore entirely appropriate; we should debate the distribution of local government funding and the effects of changes to it. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3161.html

• Featherstone quizzed on Young People (Sexualisation) [Dec 06] Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland, Labour): WHAT progress she has made on implementing the recommendations of the review of sexualisation of young people undertaken by Linda Papadopoulos. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3162.html

• Stunell on Gypsy and Traveller Sites: [Dec 07] Andrew Stunell (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Communities and Local Government; Hazel Grove, Liberal Democrat): ' . . WHETHER we have strong central policy or a locally based policy, the answer has to be the same; we need to have more suitable legal accommodation for the Gypsy and Traveller communities. . .' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3165.html

• The Independent View: Advice for the Lib Dems - be strong, but also be selfish: [Dec 09] Jason O'Mahony* writes: WATCHING the Liberal Democrat angst over tuition fees takes me back to 1989, when I was a young, considerably trimmer and clean shaven young Progressive Democrat activist. There had just been an Irish general election, and we had been devastated, dropping from 14 seats to just 6, which in Westminster terms would be like dropping from 50 odd seats to the early twenties, so you can imagine the howls of anguish. But that wasn't even the worst bit: we were now faced with the nightmare scenario of entering coalition with Charles Haughey's Fianna Fail, which in British terms was like asking David Owen to provide the final vote to elect Tony Benn prime minister. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3170.html

• Foster on the Daylight Saving Bill [Dec 03] Don Foster (Bath, Liberal Democrat): ' . . IF we move in this direction it is likely that there will be safer roads, a reduction in the NHS budget, a reduction in crime, improved health and well-being, a boost to UK tourism, a reduction in our energy bills, a reduction in our carbon footprint, and increased international business and trade . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3160.html

• Cable announces improved higher education package: [Dec 08]: SECRETARY of State for Business Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable writes: I AM today announcing further improvements to the proposed package of reforms to higher education funding and student finance in England. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3154.html

• Jeremy Browne writes€¦ Given citizens control over future proposals to give the EU more powers: [Dec 07] Jeremy Browne* writes: TODAY the Coalition will bring forward legislation to allow every British citizen to have a say on future changes to the EU Treaties where those changes transfer power or competence from Britain to the European Union. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3153.html

• Clegg: Fairer Britain: [Dec 06] Nick Clegg writes: THE argument over the funding of higher education has generated more heat than light. Students and young people are angry. The government's proposals are controversial. But I am convinced that they are the fairest way to keep Britain's higher education sector strong, even as we cut the deficit that endangers our economy. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3152.html

• Poor kids could get two free years at university: [Dec 06]: CHILDREN on free school meals and other disadvantaged groups could get up to two free years at university under ambitious new proposals aimed at getting the brightest and best into higher education, the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Business Secretary Vince Cable proposed today. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3151.html

• Steel and Rennard on the House of Lords Reform Bill [HL]: [Dec 03] . . Lord Steel of Aikwood: MY Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. The rules of the House require me to begin in that way, but it might be more accurate if I were to move that the Bill be now read for the umpteenth time. In fact, this will be the fourth debate that we have had on this, as the Bill is substantially the same as the one that I first introduced way back in July 2007. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3150.html

• Davey on the Daylight Saving Bill (Second Reading): [Dec 03] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): I CONGRATULATE the hon. Member for Castle Point (Rebecca Harris), because in my many discussions with her during the past few weeks she has shown a huge amount of knowledge and passion about this issue, and enthusiasm for it, and she displayed that again when she opened this Second Reading debate.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3149.html

• Now Vince Cable rows back after saying he WOULD vote for tuition fee rise : [Dec 04] The Daily Mail writes: ' . . BUT when challenged on student radio last night, he insisted: 'I didn't announce anything. I think there might have been some slight misunderstanding . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3148.html

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November

• 2,000+ sign petition to save Tangley Hall intensive day centre : [Nov 29]: OVER 2,000 residents have signed a petition against Conservative plans to close Tangley Hall intensive day centre in just two weeks. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3147.html

• Council must fund Hampton Children's Centre : [Nov 29]: FOLLOWING months of pressure from the Liberal Democrat opposition, Richmond Council has finally decided to fund the Croft Centre project for children with disabilities. However the Conservative controlled Council has failed to agreed the funds needed to complete the Children's Centre for Hampton. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3146.html

• Council's damning U-turn on funding for London's voluntary groups [Nov 29]: CONSERVATIVE run Richmond Council turned its back on hundreds of voluntary sector organisations yesterday. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3145.html

• Ham Youth Centre under threat : [Nov 29]: THE future of Ham Youth Centre is under threat as 10 of its current 15 activity programmes are set to be scrapped from the end of March, due to Council funding cuts. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3144.html

• Social Engineering In Tories' New Planning Policy [Nov 29]: LIBERAL Democrat Councillors are putting in objections to Housing Policies in the published Development Management Document which water down previous Council policy to provide more small housing units to match the growing number of small households. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3143.html

• Tories do 3-point-turn on Heathfield Library consultation : [Nov 29]: AFTER first promising that the closure of Heathfield Library would be subject to public consultation, then refusing to consult, now Conservative-run Richmond Council has been forced into an embarrassing 3-point-turn and agreed to consult the public after all. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3142.html

• Two new Lib Dem Baronesses congratulated : [Nov 29]: THE Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Richmond Council has congratulated two distinguished local Liberal Democrats on their appointment to the House of Lords. Former Richmond Park MP Susan Kramer and London Assembly Member and former Richmond Councillor Dee Doocey are shortly to become Baronesses. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3141.html

• An Open Letter to MPs from 'Students in Favour Of Tuition Fee Reform' [Dec 03] Dear Lib Dem MPs: WE, the undersigned students, recognise the benefits of tuition fee reform and urge you to vote for it.We see that our annual loan repayments will fall due to the substantial rise in the loan repayment threshold, and that the grants system will become more generous. We see that part-time students will no longer be forced to pay up-front fees and that poorer graduates will benefit from a rise in the repayment threshold. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3140.html

• Russell and Hames on the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority: [Dec 02] Duncan Hames (Chippenham, Liberal Democrat): ' . . AS I believe I have set out, there is an alternative way forward whereby Members should have more time to spend on their constituents, . . Basic office accommodation, equipment and HR administration should be provided directly and Members of Parliament should let go and get out of the way.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3139.html

• Heath on the Publication of Information about Complaints against Members: [Dec 02] David Heath : ' . . WE have had enough of this House appearing to be a cosy club for its own benefit. The previous Parliament took steps towards improving the situation. What we are debating today is a continuation of that process, and I commend it to the House.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3138.html

• Featherstone quizzed on Women and Equalities [Dec 02] Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock, Conservative): WHAT plans she has to increase the number of female company directors. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3137.html

• Brake, Williams and Russell quiz Cameron at PMQs: [Dec 01] Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington, Liberal Democrat): DOES the Prime Minister agree that when this Government are devising policy they should look at the evidence of what works in tackling reoffending, substance abuse and youth crime, rather than relying on the tub-thumping, shroud-waving, ambulance-chasing antics that pass for a policy-making process in the Labour party? - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3136.html

• Clegg quizzed at DPMQs: [Nov 30] Nick Clegg: ' . . I CERTAINLY agree that in other democracies in Europe and elsewhere the idea of two parties compromising with each other in the national interest is considered to be a good thing. Only backward-looking Opposition Members regard every compromise as a betrayal.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3135.html

• Burstow on Breast Cancer Screening (Young Women): [Nov 30] Paul Burstow (Minister of State (Care Services), Health; Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat): It is a delight to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Betts, and I congratulate Pat Glass on securing this important debate. As others have said, it is important that we do everything possible to increase awareness of breast cancer so that people are more aware of signs and symptoms and are able to present themselves at an earlier time and thus make the chances of survival much greater. I also congratulate the hon. Lady on the work that she does in raising funds and increasing awareness of the issue, as she has done today. I note the personal experience that she draws on. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3134.html

• Leech, Bruce and Willetts on Tuition Fees: [Nov 30] John Leech (Manchester, Withington, Liberal Democrat): I WELCOME the opportunity to speak in this Opposition day debate. When I heard that it would be on the important issue of the future of higher education funding and the contribution that graduates will be expected to make, I thought that we would finally get to hear what the Labour policy on that is. The Leader of the Opposition supports a graduate tax, and the shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer does not support that, so this was Labour's first opportunity to make it clear how it would fund higher education. What a disappoint the Opposition motion is. It is bluster and waffle, and contains absolutely no policy. It is yet another example of shameless opportunism and opposition. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3133.html

• Cable on Tuition Fees: [Nov 30] Vincent Cable (Secretary of State, Business, Innovation and Skills; Twickenham, Liberal Democrat): ' . . I HAVE made it absolutely clear in all the interviews that I have given today that my wish and strong inclination is to vote for a policy that I believe in passionately- [Interruption.] This is a policy that I believe in. It is a significantly better policy than I inherited. It is right. The hon. Lady knows, because it operates in her party as well as in mine and in the Conservative party, that decisions on who votes are taken collectively. We will take a collective decision- [Interruption.] The hon. Lady asked me a question. I am trying to give her an answer. [Interruption.] Does Karl Turner want an answer or not? We will make a decision based upon the coalition agreement as it affects my colleagues and our Conservative coalition partners. That is how we will vote, and we will do it in a disciplined way, but my own views are clear. [Interruption.] . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3132.html

• Browne on Christians in Iraq: [Nov 30] Jeremy Browne (Minister of State (South East Asia/Far East, Caribbean, Central/South America, Australasia and Pacific), Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Taunton Deane, Liberal Democrat): I am grateful to have this opportunity to respond to this important debate. I pay tribute to the many Members who have attended and contributed. By so doing, they have indicated and demonstrated their interest in this important matter. I congratulate my hon. Friend Andrew Selous on securing this debate. He raises an important issue that enables me to set out not only the Government's policy towards the protection of Christians in Iraq but our firm position against religious persecution worldwide. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3131.html

• Swinson quizzes Doran on the Speaker's Conference Parliamentary Representation and on taking babies into the Voting Lobbies Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire, Liberal Democrat): What progress the House of Commons Commission has made in implementing the recommendations made to it by the Speaker's Conference on Parliamentary Representation. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3130.html

• Heath quizzed on Orientation Programmes (General Election): Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham, Conservative): ' . . HE must agree that existing Members should not be overlooked. I note that there is one Member who has spoken here only once since the election, has tabled no questions, and has made only five of the 131 votes that he might have made. Will my hon. Friend agree to have a word with Mr Brown, assuming that he can be found, and perhaps suggest that some orientation might be needed?' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3129.html

• Heath quizzed by Hames on Private Members' Bills: [Nov 29] 'Duncan Hames: . . WITHOUT a sufficient number of Members on Fridays, private Members' Bills are at the mercy of obfuscation, filibusters and even poetry - tactics that only damage the reputation of the House. Will the Leader of the House explore ways to protect private Members' Bills from such antisocial behaviour?' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3128.html

• Paul Burstow writes€¦ Healthy lives, healthy people: [Nov 30] Paul Burstow* writes: BRITAIN is now the most obese nation in Europe. We have among the worst rates of sexually transmitted infections on record. Rising levels of harm from alcohol, and over 80,000 lives lost every year because of smoking. These are the public health challenges the Coalition Government faces. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3127.html

• Student fees: Cable explains his position [audio] [Nov 30]: BBC 4 World at One: 11.04 - 17.05. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3126.html

• The case for the Alternative Vote: [Nov 28] Andrew Rawnsley writes: ' . . PROPONENTS of change will contend that first past the post awards parliamentary seats in a way which is wildly out of proportion with votes cast and that weakness has become so pronounced in recent years that MPs can now get elected with the support of fewer than three out of 10 voters . . [and] that AV gets rid of tactical voting, forces candidates to seek support from at least half their electorate and gives everyone the chance of their vote counting for something. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3125.html

• Crockart and Huppert quiz Cameron at PMQs Nov 24] Michael Crockart (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat): I AM sure that the Prime Minister is aware of the Movember campaign, in which men grow moustaches for the month of November to advance awareness of prostate cancer. Will he join me in congratulating the almost half a million people worldwide, many in the UK, who are on track to raise £25 million this year in sponsorship? Given how good we look, will he consider joining us next year? - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3124.html

• Webb on housing benefit: Nov 22] Steve Webb (Pensions), Work and Pensions; Thornbury and Yate, Liberal Democrat): I CONGRATULATE Lyn Brown on securing this important debate and on her track record of raising such issues in the House-as she said, from the Government Benches, which are indeed still here. I agree with a good deal of what she has said in the past about the issue. Two years ago she told the House: "My message is that the housing benefit system is in desperate need of reform." - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3123.html

• Teather quizzed on the Pupil Premium: Nov [15] Sarah Teather : ' . . IS it not true that the right hon. Gentleman's Government left a legacy of the poorest children doing significantly worse than the wealthiest children right across the country . . ? That is their legacy; that is the truth. His Government would never have implemented the pupil premium, and I am proud to say that we are implementing it.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3122.html

• Vince Cable's speech on 'responsible capitalism' at Marlborough House: [Nov 23]: Vince Cable: SOME may feel the term "responsible capitalism" is supposedly something of an oxymoron, like bureaucratic efficiency or indeed liberal conservative. Capitalism, after all, is meant to be the remorseless pursuit of higher returns on capital, exerting a continuous pressure on every other part of society. What room is there for something as unprofitable-sounding as responsibility? - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3121.html

• In Government for all the right reasons: the David Laws interview: [Nov 23] Helen Duffett writes: YESTERDAY I interviewed David Laws, on the day his book 22 Days in May was published. I asked him about the book, his views on the Coalition Government, as well as about the focus of his current work, plus his thoughts on the Ireland bailout. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3120.html

• Andrew Stunell MP Writes: Your Chance to Influence Coalition's Housing Policy: [Nov 22] Andrew Stunell* writes: THERE have been plenty of Housing posts on Lib Dem Voice over the past few months. Social and affordable housing is rightly a hot issue and has been the subject of much debate. I have been keen to get stuck in myself, so I've had face-to-face meetings with party members, conference calls with my local government colleagues, and been online in this forum, all aimed at us having an informed and full dialogue. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3119.html

• Lib Dems broke no tuition fee promise - Vince Cable [Nov 21] BBC: VINCE Cable has denied breaking promises on university fees, saying the Lib Dems are bound by the coalition deal - not pre-election pledges. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3118.html

• David Laws' book: Part 2 [Nov 21] The Mail on Sunday writes: LAST week David Laws exclusively revealed how his party rejected desperate pleas from Gordon Brown and reached a Coalition deal with the Conservatives. Now, in the second extract from his new book, he tells how the Lib Dems reacted to the agreement - and describes the 'toughest time' of his life as he resigned from his Treasury post after just two weeks . . - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3117.html

• Williams on the Council's redundancy fund: Cllr David Williams writes: THE article in last week's Richmond & Twickenham Times [Nov 12] about the Council redundancies contains two very loaded statements about the Council's finances. Cllr Samuel says correctly that the Government has cut the Council's funding by £906,000. What he doesn't say is that the Government, in the same announcement, froze most salaries saving £600,000, and reduced the National Insurance liability by another £600,000. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3116.html

• Phillips, Roberts and McNally on the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill: [Nov 16] Lord Phillips of Sudbury (Liberal Democrat): ' . . THAT figure of £600,000 [for the organisers of the referendum campaign] was established in 2000. Can the Minister assure the House that that figure will be increased, so that the task of the organising designated bodies can be fully and well undertaken? I repeat: to have a referendum with a poor turnout would be the worst of all worlds . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3115.html

• Stunell on Houses in Multiple Occupation: [Nov 18] Andrew Stunell: ' . . IT is certainly not the Government's intention to give a charter of immunity to unscrupulous landlords. On the contrary, we have introduced a targeted process of control that is available to local planning authorities . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3114.html

• Featherstone quizzed on Custodial Sentences for Women: David Mowat (Warrington South, Conservative): WHAT recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the number of women given custodial sentences. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3113.html

• Featherstone quizzed on trafficking: [Oct 28] Alison McGovern (Wirral South, Labour): WHAT discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on the co-ordination of member states' action against human trafficking of women? - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3112.html

• Featherstone on the Socio-economic Equality Duty: [Nov 18] Fiona Mactaggart (Slough, Labour): (Urgent Question): TO ask the Minister to make a statement on the announcement yesterday outside Parliament that the Government intend to drop section 1 of the Equality Act 2010, which places duties on public bodies to act in respect of socio-economic disadvantage. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3111.html

• Cable and Davey quizzed: [Nov 18] Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree, Labour): WHETHER his Department intends to sell assets in its ownership to provide finance for the proposed green investment bank. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3110.html

• Davey on the future of the Post Office Network: [Nov 18] Bob Blackman (Harrow East, Conservative): WHAT his Department's policy is on the future of the post office network. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3109.html

• Strathclyde on the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill - Motion to refer to the Examiners [Nov 15] Lord Strathclyde (Leader of the House of Lords, House of Lords; Conservative): ' . . THE noble and learned Lord [Falconer ] built up an unparalleled reputation in the long years of the previous Government: whenever there was a dud case to be put or a hopeless position to be defended, the cry went up from his old flatmate, then in No. 10, "Send for Charlie". Whatever it was, up he popped at this Dispatch Box to put the case. His charms unfurled, his words dripped honey, but somehow we all knew that he knew what we knew-that the case he was arguing was built on straw. Your Lordships were never fooled then and will not be fooled today . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3108.html

• Stunell on Sheltered Accommodation: [Nov 17] Andrew Stunell (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Communities and Local Government; Hazel Grove, Liberal Democrat): ' . . I HOPE that I have been able to show the House that the Government take the problem seriously and will be listening hard over the coming months to ensure that residents of sheltered housing get the service for which they have paid and which they thoroughly deserve.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3107.html

• Burstow on NHS Reorganisation: [Nov 17] Paul Burstow (Minister of State (Care Services), Health; Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat): THIS has been a revealing debate. Labour has come to the House today to make the case for the status quo-the case for standing still. Labour is here defending a failed status quo. We have heard Labour Members presenting to the House a number of extraordinary claims and grotesque caricatures of the Government's plans. They want to defend a failed status quo in which the NHS has been spending at European levels but has been so tied up in red tape that it has not delivered European levels of quality health care. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3106.html

• Rennard, Oakeshott and Teverson on the Second Reading (1st Day) of the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill: [Nov 15] Lord Rennard (Liberal Democrat): MY Lords, I will speak mostly about the principle of the referendum proposed in the Bill. I would like the House to imagine an organisation with 650 consultants working for it, each of them on a fixed-term contract. What would we think if that organisation gave the 650 consultants the exclusive power to determine all the details over whether to renew their contracts? We would say the organisation was barmy, yet this is effectively what happens at present with the House of Commons. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3105.html

• Huhne on the Redfern Inquiry: [Nov 16] Christopher Huhne (Secretary of State, Energy and Climate Change; Eastleigh, Liberal Democrat): TODAY I am publishing the report of the Redfern inquiry, which was established in 2007 to investigate the processes and practices surrounding the analysis of human tissue that was carried out in UK nuclear facilities from 1955 to 1992. The inquiry examined the circumstances in which organs or tissue were removed from individuals at NHS or other facilities, and sent to be analysed at nuclear laboratory establishments. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3104.html

• Alexander on the Comprehensive Spending Review: [Nov 16] Philip Davies (Shipley, Conservative): WHAT recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the outcome of the comprehensive spending review in reducing the budget deficit. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3103.html

• 15 new Liberal Democrat Peers appointed [Nov 19] Helen Duffett writes: FIFTEEN new Liberal Democrat working peers have just been announced: - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3102.html

• Jeremy Browne writes€¦ Human rights, six months in : [Nov 19] Jeremy Browne* writes: LAST week at the UN, 107 countries voted for a worldwide moratorium on the use of the death penalty. The UK led the international lobbying effort and provided strong encouragement to countries such as Mongolia, who voted for the moratorium for the first time. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3101.html

• Public Anger Grows as Tory Cuts Target Dementia Services : [Nov 18] Cllr Gareth Roberts writes: THE Tory group on Richmond Council is facing a public backlash against their plans to close two intensive day care centres in the borough. Both Tangley Hall and Twickenham Day Centres are facing the axe as the council seeks to save approximately £300,000 a year from the adult social care budget.€¨€¨ - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3100.html

• Gilbert and Bruce quiz Cameron at PMQs: [Nov 17] Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): THE Prime Minister will no doubt be aware that my constituency has suffered from severe flooding overnight. Many hundreds of people are affected and there has been significant damage and disruption in central Cornwall. Will he join me in commending the professionalism of the emergency services and their response to the incident and will he further commit the Government to doing all they can to help support the affected communities in the coming weeks and months? - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3099.html

• Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, sets out his plans for political reform: [Nov 16] Nick Clegg: OUR political system has fallen out of step with modern life in Britain. We have become a country more open, less tribal, less deferential, yet our politics remains closed, remote, elite. This evening* I want to talk about how the Coalition Government plans to change that. How, through a more liberal dispersal of power, we aim to narrow the gap - renewing our politics, our constitution, to make them fit for our time. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3098.html

• Vince Cable signs for festive 'Strictly': [Nov 16] Alex Fletcher, Reality TV Editor, writes: VINCE Cable has revealed that he is taking part in the Christmas Strictly Come Dancing special. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3097.html

• Paul Burstow writes€¦ Our vision for social care [Nov 16] Paul Burstow* writes: 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. At its core, social care is about helping people to live their lives. It should enable people, and their carers, to live the independent life most of us take for granted. But this isn't happening. Instead of a system that protects and enables the most vulnerable, we have an unsustainable and iniquitous social care system. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3096.html

• Vince Cable speech: Association of Colleges Conference, Birmingham [Nov 16] Vince Cable: ' . . TO be frank, there is an unhealthy degree of snobbery which has led to an exclusive focus on the academic qualifications of universities - which are of variable quality - at the expense of often outstanding work in the FE sector, both vocational and non-vocational courses. We are hearing a lot about the 40 odd percent of those who at present who go to university, but not about the needs of the majority, who do not. John Hayes and I are absolutely determined to end those prejudices.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3095.html

• Steve Webb writes€¦ Why Liberal Democrats should welcome the welfare reforms: [Nov 16] Steve Webb* writes: MANY Liberal Democrats may be wondering what to make of last week's announcement by Iain Duncan Smith to replace a whole raft of working-age welfare benefits with a Universal Credit. As a Lib Dem Minister at the DWP, I thought it would be helpful to offer my perspective. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3094.html

• '22 Days In May' by David Laws: first extract [Nov 14] LIBERAL Democrat MP David Laws was at the heart of talks with the Conservatives and Labour as a Coalition Government deal was thrashed out against the clock in May. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3093.html

• Vince Cable to appear on a Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special?: [Nov 14] Simon Walters and Brendan Carlin write: A SPOKESWOMAN for Mr Cable said: 'He has been approached by the BBC. He loves dancing and would love to take part and is certainly considering it. It depends on the timings.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3092.html

• Lib Dems call for cuts to personal care budgets to be phased in : [Nov 12]: RICHMOND Council officials admitted at last night's Adult Services Scrutiny Committee that around a quarter of social care clients are likely to see a considerable reduction in their personal care budgets as a result of the new 'resource allocation' policy being introduced. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3091.html

• Council projects budget surplus of €¨£1.7 million as vital services are slashed : [Nov 09]: RICHMOND Council has projected its budget will underspend by £1.7 million in the current financial year, despite claims that cuts to vital services such as intensive day centres and libraries are essential. This embarrassing information was revealed in a public report to Monday's Cabinet Committee. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3090.html

• Council cuts funding for local charities by £77,782: [Nov 09]: DESPITE Conservative rhetoric about promoting the 'Big Society', Richmond Council has decided to cut the funding of 16 local charities by a total of £77,782 from April next year. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3089.html

• Council admits it has no plans for new affordable homes : [Nov 12]: DESPITE Tory promises at the last full Council meeting to identify sites in the borough for new social housing it emerged during the Housing Scrutiny meeting last night that the Council has no plans to implement this pledge. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3088.html

• Council 'consultation' on social care cuts is rigged [Nov 12]: LOCAL people who thought they would be able to have their say whether or not they agree with the Council's proposed social care cuts are feeling cheated. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3087.html

• Baroness Liz Barker writes€¦ Reasons to be cheerful: [Nov 11] Liz Barker* writes: AS the nights draw one can become a bit miserable. So here is my list of reasons to be cheerful (Part V): - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3086.html

• Willott, Russell, Munt and Webb on Housing Benefit: [Nov 09] John Bercow (Speaker): ' . . ORDER. Hon. Members are in a state of almost uncontrolled excitement. I want to hear the Minister talking about his position, and about manifestos . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3085.html

• Browne quizzed on Burma: [Nov 09] John Pugh (Southport, Liberal Democrat): WHAT recent reports he has received on the political situation in Burma; and if he will make a statement. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3084.html

• Clegg quizzed at PMQs: [Nov 10] Nicholas Clegg (Deputy Prime Minister, Lord President of the Council; Sheffield, Hallam, Liberal Democrat): ' . . I KNOW that the right hon. and learned Lady now thinks that she can reposition the Labour party as the champion of students, but let us remember the Labour party's record: against tuition fees in 1997, but introduced them a few months later; against top-up fees in the manifesto in 2001, then introduced top-up fees. Then Labour set up the Browne review, which it is now trashing, and now the Labour party has a policy to tax graduates that half the Front-Bench team does not even believe in. Maybe she will go out to the students who are protesting outside now and explain what on earth her policy is . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3083.html

• Harvey quizzed on Service issues: [Nov 08] Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham, Conservative): WHAT timetable he has set for the return of service personnel garrisoned in Germany; and if he will make a statement. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3082.html

• Huppert on Reconstructing Gaza: [Nov 08] Julian Huppert (Cambridge, Liberal Democrat): ' . . WE were told a chilling story, with which I will conclude. One woman we saw was given permission to travel to Israel to meet a colleague, and to take her daughter with her. Her daughter met her friend, and asked what she was. She was told that she was, inter alia, an Israeli. The daughter said, "That can't be right. Israelis are soldiers who wear masks and carry guns." . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3081.html

• Farron wins Lib Dem Presidential Contest [Nov 13] Helen Duffett writes: I'M at Cowley Street, at the election count for the next President of the Liberal Democrats. The count has just been completed and the result is as follows: - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3080.html

• Universal Credit Briefing: [Nov 11]: A GOOD welfare system should not be judged by how many people are in it, but on how many people we help get out of it. The radical reforms announced today will produce a clearer, simpler system that helps get people back into work rather than trapping them in a situation where it makes more sense to stay on benefits. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3079.html

• Harvey on Cyber Warfare: [Nov 09] Nick Harvey*: ' . . WHEN it comes to cyberspace, the old adage that man is wolf to his fellow man has sadly proved itself correct once more. Wherever he expands his dominance, whether it be on land, sea or air, or whether it be in cyberspace, mankind carries his essential nature with him . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3078.html

• Paul Burstow writes€¦ We are taking radical action to deliver better health and care: [Nov 09] Paul Burstow* writes: MUCH has been made of the tough choices Liberal Democrats have had to make since we entered government. But not enough has been made of the victories we've gained. Unlike the last Labour administration, this coalition is delivering on its promises to reform health and social care for the better. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3077.html

• Ward on Cheques: [Nov 02] David Ward (Bradford East, Liberal Democrat): ' . . THE subject of my Bill is not a purely financial consideration; I believe that it is a matter of public interest. The consideration of the demise of the cheque should be made by a body that has the independence, the objectivity and the competence to balance the needs of consumers with the savings to the banks; but further, I would argue that any final decision should be made by a body accountable to Parliament . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3076.html

• Russell and Harvey on the Strategic Defence and Security Review: [Nov 04] Bob Russell (Colchester, Liberal Democrat): I THANK you for imposing a time limit, Mr Deputy Speaker. That is the first cut of this Parliament that I welcome, because it means that everyone who wishes to speak will have the opportunity to do so. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3075.html

• Hughes on Work and Pensions: [Nov 04] Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark, Liberal Democrat): ' . . THE approach taken by the Secretary of State and the Minister responsible for pensions, my hon. Friend Steve Webb has shown encouraging, progressive and challenging new thinking that looks to restructure an important Department. I welcome the opportunity to look at how that will be done . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3074.html

• Smith, Mulholland and Beith quiz Cameron at PMQs: [Nov 03] Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Liberal Democrat): EARLIER this year, the Prime Minister visited Westhill in my constituency. It is a world centre of excellence in sub-sea engineering. Will he ensure that the Home Office meets concerned local companies to discuss the future of the visa system to ensure that vital inward investment is not lost to this country? It supports thousands of local jobs. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3073.html

• Brake and Browne on consular services: [Nov 03] Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington, Liberal Democrat): ' . . THE death, serious injury or detention of a loved one abroad can be the most traumatic experience anyone is likely to face in a lifetime. It is easy to see why. One is stranded in a foreign country with all the language barriers that brings, the cultural barriers, the different legal systems, often dwindling financial resources and corruption in the legal service of the country or within the police. It is clear why it can be a devastating experience for a family . . ' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3072.html

• Williams, Kennedy, Hughes, Huppert, George, Mulholland, Farrelly, Hames and Munt quiz Willetts on Student Fees [Nov 03] Stephen Williams (Bristol West, Liberal Democrat): I THANK the Minister and the Secretary of State for working constructively together to construct a graduate contribution scheme that has many progressive elements in it and is a much fairer system than was left behind by the last Labour Government, especially for students who study part-time. But the Minister knows that my concern, and that of my colleagues, has always been to make sure that students from poor backgrounds are not put off accessing the best universities in our country. Will he confirm that the access arrangements that he outlined will be rightly demanding of universities, but will be transparent and easy to understand for prospective students? - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3071.html

• Clegg, Reid and Hughes on the third reading of the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill: [Nov 02] Nicholas Clegg (Deputy Prime Minister, Lord President of the Council; Sheffield, Hallam, Liberal Democrat): ' . . THE elected Chamber will, I hope, agree these extremely important changes to the very elections that put us here. Fair constituencies and choice for people over their voting system will prove unambiguously that the House of Commons is dedicated to real and meaningful reform, including of the very system that put us here.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3070.html

• Burt and Davey on the Post Office Network: [Nov 02] Lorely Burt (Solihull, Liberal Democrat): FOR the past 10 years, we watched the near desecration of the post office network under the Labour Government, who presided over a subsidised decline of the post office. Well, things will change radically. I very much look forward to the statement that I believe is coming tomorrow. There will be no closure programme under this Government. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3069.html

• Kennedy, Thurso, George and Heath on the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill: [Nov 01] Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber, Liberal Democrat): ' . . THERE comes a point at which geographical impracticality sets in and nobody can do the job of local parliamentary representation effectively. I would say that point has now been reached. It is no exaggeration to say that I can drive for five solid hours within the boundaries of the constituency, simply between point A and point B, to carry out one engagement, and then have to drive five hours back. That is just insane.' - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3068.html

• Kennedy and Campbell quiz Cameron: [Nov 01] Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber, Liberal Democrat): GIVEN today's lunchtime praise of the Prime Minister by Miles Templeman of the Institute of Directors, and in particular his observation that the Prime Minister's greater European sensitivity, which the IOD welcomed, must be down to the presence of Liberal Democrats in his coalition Government, may I assure the Prime Minister, speaking as one long-standing pro-European now to another, that as long as he maintains such constructive engagement he will deserve, and I am sure will receive, solid support? - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3067.html

• Vince Cable MP: Housing crisis will not be easy to solve [Nov 5] Vince Cable writes: ONE controversial and difficult measure taken by the Coalition Government is the limit on housing benefit. Housing benefit is paid to those, mostly - but not exclusively - out of work, who cannot afford their rent. The bill has been getting out of control because private rents have been rising - on the back of rising property prices. The taxpayer is paying. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3066.html

• Student finance: details of the Government's proposals: [Nov 03]: THE new reforms will offer a more generous package of financial support for students from low income backgrounds to go to university. Graduates who have completed their studies and are among the country's higher earners will make a greater contribution towards the cost of their education. As their earnings increase, so will their contributions. Under the reforms the bulk of funding will follow the choices of students, rather than flowing as a block grant from the Government as at present - encouraging universities to put more focus on teaching quality and employment opportunities for their graduates. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3065.html

• Chris Huhne: Green Deal is a massive economic opportunity: [Nov 02] Chris Huhne: THREE years ago, the credit crunch hit home. Three years ago, the economy suffered its most profound shock since the 1930s. Three years ago, customers queued around the block in the first run on a British bank for a century and a half. - http://richmondlibdems.co.uk/news/3064.html

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