Lib Dems campaign for tax allowance increase

"Pressure on George Osborne to raise personal tax allowances further and faster in the forthcoming budget as a way of stimulating the economy grew on Sunday when the Liberal Democrats David Laws and Simon Hughes and the shadow chancellor Ed Balls, all backed the proposal."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/feb/19/lib-dems-campaign-tax-allowances

Leading the World in Arms Control

The UK has tough rules on arms exports but still more needs to be done. Nick Clegg wants further action to kerb the horrific number of people killed and injure everyday by small arms.

Nick Clegg in The Indepedent

Senior Lib Dems oppose war with Iran

Anyone who follows international news will have noticed a gradual escalation of talk of interventions in Iran. The cynical might suggest that this is a premptive softening up of public opinion.

In their 2010 election manifesto Lib Dems explicitly opposed military action in Iran:

"We oppose military action against Iran and believe those calling for such action undermine the growing reform movement in Iran"

The Lib Dem position is that reform of Iran is a matter for the Iranian people. It is good to see senior Lib Dems like Menzies Campbell and Bob Russell restating this policy.

Link to New Statesman article

East Grinstead Lib Dems support peace and international cooperation and call on all UK politicians to support peaceful reform in the Middle East.

Tackling Excessive Pay in Government

Many people find it hard to imagine why senior figures in the public sector get paid salaries higher than the Prime Minister. Now senior salaries are coming under the scrutiny of Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander and he is cutting many of them back.

Full story in The Daily Telegraph

Nick Clegg on The Andrew Marr Show

Nick Clegg was interviewed on The Andrew Marr Show today ( Sunday 22/01/2012). You can see the interview here

 

Growing Up In Public

Being part of the current coalition government has been the Lib Dems first taste of power at national level for 60 years. The Times for one, thinks Nick Clegg and his team are doing a good job.

Link to extracts in Lib Dem Voice. The article includes a link to the full article behind The Times' paywall.

Why Clegg is right about the "John Lewis" Economy

If you have ever wondered just how true are the things that politicians say, you should visit Channel 4's Fact Check pages. Their researchers scrutinise the statements of politicians and check whether they are supported by evidence.

Nick Clegg recently argued that a "John Lewis Economy", where the employees of a company have a much greater influence in how it is run, was a good thing.

Here's what Fact Check thought ...

Ouch!

It's no use pretending that last Thursday was a good day for us. It wasn't, we lost control of East Grinstead Town Council and our group on Mid Sussex District Council is reduced to 8 councillors.

However there was good news. Steve Barnett kept his seat at Ashurst Wood. Bob Mainstone and Catrin Ingham were elected to the District for Imberhorne and Town wards.

Bob also kept his seat on East Grinstead Town Council and is joined by Jackie Beckford from Ashplats ward.

Thank you to all the thousands of people that did vote for us. We will continue to work for the good of the area and we would be very pleased to hear from you.

Regards

Chris Jerrey

Thursday 5th May 2011

When you go to the polls on 5th May, please, vote Lib Dem and vote Yes to AV.

 
The Lib Dems have been in control of East Grinstead Town Council for the last 16 years and are proud of their record. They work with local traders to encourage a vibrant local economy. Projects to revitalise the Parish Halls are coming to fruition and a local plan is being developed to place the future of the town in the hands of those who live here. Chequer Mead and East Court are great facilities. 
 
The Alternative Vote is a reform of the voting system to elect MPs. AV will mean that an MP must get over 50% of the preference votes to be elected. This will tackle the scandal of complacent MPs in safe seats. Parliamentary candidates will have to reach out to a much wider part of the electorate. AV puts more power in the hands of the voter. 
 
Thursday 5th May 2011
 
Vote Liberal Democrat for East Grinstead!
 
Say Yes to AV!