Direct, open conversation with public figures - for everyone with a question to raise

Ask Simon Hughes

For years, Simon Hughes has been one of the key players in the Liberal Democrat Party and he has recently been voted by his fellow MPs as the Party's new Deputy Leader, taking over from Vince Cable.

 

He will have a tough job ahead of him. The past couple of months have been some of the most eventful in decades and the next five years offers the Lib Dems a chance to shape their reputation for the 21st Century.

 

The Party quoshed any rumours of mutiny by plotting a careful path between the murmurings of any disillusioned members and their ambitions in government. During coalition negotiations some thought Simon Hughes could have made life difficult for Nick Clegg and anyone else seeking active partnership with the Tories. Others have said that in his new role he could become a figurehead for those in his Party unhappy with the alliance.

 

But Hughes has been quick to say he voted in favour of the decision at the Party's post-election conference and that "the coalition is the right decision".

 

Now is your chance to put your questions to Simon Hughes, on anything from how the Lib Dem manifesto will survive the coalition, to the Party's future or even matters in his own London constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark.

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People and Topics

Unanswered Questions

  • @ Simon Hughes

    Macmillan, the cancer charity, Multiple Sclerosis Trust and many others charities dealing with the sick and disabled have condemned the Work Related Assessment for those who should receive disability... Show more »Macmillan, the cancer charity, Multiple Sclerosis Trust and many others charities dealing with the sick and disabled have condemned the Work Related Assessment for those who should receive disability benefits as unfit for purpose. Paul Gregg, the architect of the new assessment, reflecting on perceived errors in the process, told The Times: 'To go ahead with these problems is not just ridiculous. It is, in fact, scary.' How can the coalition justify going ahead with its zealous targeting of those on Disability Living Allowance when there is overwhelming evidence that the new system fails the most vulnerable in society? Show less »

    Submitted by: Sagaris | 8 votes for this..

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  • @ Simon Hughes

    How will the Shadow policy teams work?

    Submitted by: Twitter_ACEImpact | 2 votes for this..

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  • @ Simon Hughes

    "Senior Lib Dems whisper that Vince Cable, the Lib Dem business secretary, never really believed his pre-election rhetoric that cuts should be delayed until 2011." Is that the impression you get?

    Submitted by: LabMike66 | 5 votes for this..

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  • @ Simon Hughes

    Although the Budget carried clear Lib Dem influence, too many of our policies that were designed to spark a sustainable, green recovery in the private sector appear to have been sidelined. Do you and ... Show more »Although the Budget carried clear Lib Dem influence, too many of our policies that were designed to spark a sustainable, green recovery in the private sector appear to have been sidelined. Do you and the Lib Dem team intend to ensure that as the State shrinks, economic demand is restored - or will that be left to The Market? Thanks! Show less »

    Submitted by: Twitter_prateekbuch | 2 votes for this..

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  • @ Simon Hughes

    How are the Liberal Democrats going to be able to claim credit for what is progressive in the budget and the government, without undermining the coalition?

    Submitted by: Twitter_extrabold | 2 votes for this..

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  • @ Simon Hughes

    Are you willing to end foreign aid if we, the people, want it? Would you give us a referendum on ending foreign aid?

    Submitted by: JK Smith | 5 votes for this..

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  • @ Simon Hughes

    Does it matter that at the same time Parliament is becoming more diverse (more women, more ethnic minorities), it is becoming more elite (more private school, more oxbridge, more ex-special advisers who... Show more »Does it matter that at the same time Parliament is becoming more diverse (more women, more ethnic minorities), it is becoming more elite (more private school, more oxbridge, more ex-special advisers who have wealthy parents)? Show less »

    Submitted by: Twitter_timhood | 5 votes for this..

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