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Answered by Jo Swinson

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Answered by Lynne Featherstone

I think it's a bit of a myth that taking "politics" out a difficult situation will lead to a better solution.  As a Liberal Democrat I do believe more in consensus and political systems that force compromise.... Show more »I think it's a bit of a myth that taking "politics" out a difficult situation will lead to a better solution.  As a Liberal Democrat I do believe more in consensus and political systems that force compromise.  But, and this is a big but, you can have as many pragmatic quango councils as you like, but they will amount to nothing until someone has the courage of conviction to follow it through.  The New Deal and the setting up of the State Pension are good example where politicians have succeed in making difficult long term decisions in very political situations.  The government ignores the plight of pensioners struggling with bumper rise in energy and food at its own peril.  I have little doubt people will not be backwards in coming forwards when it comes to the ballot box and punishing anyone who fails to respond to their needs. Show less »

Answered by Lynne Featherstone

Thanks for your question evenhand. My decision to campaign on getting decent foot care for the elderly initially came from casework, but as I have spent a lot of time locally visiting old people's homes... Show more »Thanks for your question evenhand. My decision to campaign on getting decent foot care for the elderly initially came from casework, but as I have spent a lot of time locally visiting old people's homes this summer, I see that this is an issue that affect so many people, and is quite easy to rectify. But despite this, basic foot care is not widely available. It's outrageous and it matters to people, so it matters to me. And Lib Dems I think are particularly good at acting on and caring about these local issues. I think the best way to show you what I mean is to have a look at some fellow Lib Dem MPs websites, and in particular the news section:  http://www.vincentcable.org.uk/   http://www.susankramer.org.uk  http://www.tauntonlibdems.org.uk/newslist.php
http://www.juliagoldsworthy.org . Show less »

Answered by Lynne Featherstone

The Lib Dems have a number of recent proposals to deal with the current financial crisis, which would more or less directly impact on students.  One that is especially relevant is the push for the differential... Show more »The Lib Dems have a number of recent proposals to deal with the current financial crisis, which would more or less directly impact on students.  One that is especially relevant is the push for the differential minimum wage to be abolished (where the pay rate of 16 and 17 year olds is lower than for the 18+), and this will help young people who want a bit more money in their pocket.

From a more general point of view the Lib Dems are pushing for a number of proposals that will help all segments of society, including students. One suggestion is to increased regulation of the banks- ranging from curbing the bonus culture to increasing regulations of certain institutions, like hedge funds, that are not currently under a particularly high levels of scrutiny.

Another Lib Dem proposal is that house prices should be included when setting interest rates to manage inflation. We are also pushing for an energy windfall tax, whereby energy companies would be taxed on their £9 bn profit made from the emissions trading scheme through reduced energy bills. To deal with fuel poverty, we would push for a wider roll-out of social tariffs to over two million vulnerable customers. With regards to unemployment, the Lib Dems would institute personalised help that would suit job seekers’ individual needs.

We are also calling for investment in renewable energy, home insulation and the railway- green measures that will created thousands of jobs. Lastly, finding a resolution to the EU stalemate on agricultural subsidies would ease international trade and as a result a general decrease in food prices. Many of these measures would have a direct positive effect on students’ finances, and create a more stable financial system that would benefit people in the short as well as long term.

If you want to have a look at the policy document, check out this link:

http://www.libdems.org.uk/assets/0000/8906/economic_recovery_plan.pdf Show less »

Answered by Lynne Featherstone

I think this demonstrates glaring problems and gaps in the accountability of all the institutions that invested in Icelandic Banks. That is why we need all councils etc to have an independent ... Show more »I think this demonstrates glaring problems and gaps in the accountability of all the institutions that invested in Icelandic Banks. That is why we need all councils etc to have an independent investigation into what each particular authority did - as some clearly had better checks than Haringey as they removed their investments in Iceland as soon as the ratings were downgraded - whereas Haringey invested as late as 29th September. Therefore - it is clear that there is not enough, not just accountability or oversight,   but accountability and oversight and basic rules about investments - the first one being don't stuff money into foreigh banks who have been down-rated and are clearly not safe - particularly as the interest rate offered was so much higher than eslewhere. Show less »

Answered by Lynne Featherstone

Vince and the Lib Dem view on the debt issue was clearly outline in our manifesto see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/LD_uk_manifesto.pdf... Show more »

Vince and the Lib Dem view on the debt issue was clearly outline in our manifesto see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/LD_uk_manifesto.pdf page 10.  There is little doubt that the current global systems need reform.  However, this was our view before the current crisis, based on the imbalance between the rich and the poorer countries that forces developing countries to sign up for the 'Washington consensus' exposing them to global financial capital markets without any protection.  Unfettered markets never suited them and now others realise it doesn't suit us either.

http://www.libdems.org.uk/assets/0000/8906/economic_recovery_plan.pdf

Answered by Sir Menzies Campbell

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Answered by Lynne Featherstone

Make sure we challenge it on every possible occasion. And it is becoming a battle royal!

Answered by Gisela Stuart

The Treaty debate has not united the Conservatives, but it has lead to a broad agreement that in the interest of gaining power they better not talk about Europe for the time being. The only concrete promise... Show more »

The Treaty debate has not united the Conservatives, but it has lead to a broad agreement that in the interest of gaining power they better not talk about Europe for the time being. The only concrete promise David Cameron ever gave on Europe still remains to be honoured - the Conservative MEPs are still part of the European People's Party block in Brussels, even though during his leadership campaign he promised to leave the grouping.

Answered by Gisela Stuart

The Lisbon Treaty is a document that enables the EU - in the shape of the European Parliament and the Commission - to be part of the domestic decision-making in every aspect of our lives apart from Defence... Show more »