Building a Fairer Britain - Spring Conference 2010

9.41.00pm GMT Mon 15th Mar 2010

Nick Clegg and Dave Radcliffe have set out four campaign priorities: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last.

Liberal Democrats from across the country gathered in Birmingham over the weekend to vote through the four big priorities that will be at the heart of the general election manifesto. Fair taxes that put money back in your pocket, with no tax on the first £10,000 you earn. A fair start at school for every child, with extra investment to reduce class sizes. A fair economy: protecting and creating jobs by reforming the banks and investing in a green future. And a fair deal from politicians, cleaning up and clearing out the rotten old system.

"Lib Dems from across the country had a great weekend in Birmingham," said Parliamentary Spokesman Dave Radcliffe. "We have set out a clear direction for a fairer Britain and priorities that are short, direct and to the point. The coming weeks are a crucial time for politics and I will be using them to focus on delivering real change for Birmingham."

In his speech to the conference, Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg said:

"We will give you fairer taxes. We will make sure your child gets the fair start in life they deserve. We will create a new, fair economy where we are no longer held hostage by the greed of bankers in the City of London. And we will give you a fair, open and transparent politics after the gross betrayal of the expenses scandal. It really is as simple as that. No-one can guarantee what the election result will be. But I can guarantee what we will always fight to deliver."

"And if you like what we say. If you share our values. If you want fair taxes, a fair start in life for your child, a fairer economy, and a new, fair politics. Vote for it."

Commenting on the Kraft takeover of Cadbury, Nick Clegg added:

"I was staggered when I heard that RBS, a bank we own, was lending millions of pounds to help Kraft buy Cadbury. A great Birmingham company. RBS was funding this deal, which everybody knew would cost jobs in Britain, while small business customers of this very bank were being turned down for loans or charged extortionate rates. This was a scandal. And Labour let it happen. When we bailed out the banks: Did you ever imagine your money would be used to put British people out of work? Only Liberal Democrats say: never again."

Related Link:

Nick Clegg's speech to the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in Birmingham.