Senior Lib Dems slam Tory cuts to free school meals

The Liberal Democrats have criticised the government's decision for cuts to Universal Free School Meals support. The Government has axed support that helps small schools with 150 pupils or fewer fund universal free meals for infants. In 2015/6 the money was worth at least £2,300 for these schools.

Universal Free School Meals were a key Liberal Democrat policy delivered in the Coalition Government, in September 2014, to provide every infant child in England with a healthy meal at lunchtime, saving families around £437 per child per year.

Evidence shows that where children have been given a free school dinner, students were months ahead academically of their peers elsewhere. These academic improvements were most marked among children from less affluent families.

There was speculation that George Osborne was going to cut Universal Infant Free School Meals entirely ahead of the Autumn Statement. Schools with 150 or fewer pupils were this year given a grant worth £2,300 to help deliver the policy. Funding which has been discontinued for 2016/17.

Liberal Democrat education spokesperson John Pugh MP said: "Many schools live with tight budgets and this could threaten the viability of some small rural schools. Whitehall seemed to care about the bottom line rather than helping the most disadvantaged pupils. They need to put attainment before profit." 

"It is a horrific decision and it will hurt hundreds of rural communities who deserve better than this." Mr Pugh added.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg who, as Deputy Prime Minister, oversaw the introduction of Universal Infant Free School Meals, also commented: "This will have a big impact on some of the smallest schools across the country. Combined with the Conservatives’ decision to impose a real terms cut to schools’ budgets it is going to make it even harder for schools to deliver the good quality education their pupils deserve."

Cameron, Miliband & Clegg in 'cash for access' sting

Today’s Daily Telegraph front page reports that the Prime Minister, David Cameron, was filmed by Channel 4’s Dispatches programme meeting Paul Wilmott, who said he was considering large donations to each of the three main parties. It also reports that the same man met the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg.

The SNP has responded today saying that the latest 'cash for access' scandal showing David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have been caught meeting a fake businessman posing as a potential donor is 'further evidence' that Scotland needs a strong team of SNP MPs elected to shake up the Westminster establishment.

At the weekend a senior Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Strasburger, resigned the Lib Dem whip after having accepted a potentially illegal donation to the party through a ‘proxy’ donor. This came only a week after Senior Liberal Democrat cabinet minister, Danny Alexander, was implicated in a similar dodgy donations row over another potentially illegal donation.

Commenting on the news, the SNP’s General Election Campaign Director, Angus Robertson, said: “The Libs Dems are totally engulfed in a series of dodgy donations allegations – and now it seems that Labour and the Tories are up to their necks in it too. The leaders and senior figures from the three Westminster parties are now at the centre of dodgy donation scandals."

"A strong team of SNP MPs will always put Scotland’s interests first – in comparison to a Westminster establishment which lurches from one donations scandal to the next, and which works in the interests of the few rather than the many." Mr Robertson added.

Clegg's plan to improve rail links in the north

The Lib Dem Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will today set out new plans to revolutionise travel in the north, including a new "TransNorth" rail system and road investments. A report released today by the government and Transport for the North (TfN), sets out a long term strategy to connect up the north, create a single economy and allow northern towns and cities to pool their strengths.

The plans include slashing journey times between major northern cities with investment in high speed rail, developing new east-west road connections including a road tunnel under the peak district and introducing Oyster-style smart travel cards and simpler fares across the North. The report builds on the concept of High Speed 3 to connect the great cities of the north with a network of high quality rail connections.

This ‘TransNorth’ network – with sections capable of speeds up to 140mph - would link Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Hull. With such a network journey times between Liverpool and Manchester could be as low as 20 minutes; Manchester to Sheffield and Leeds could both be 30 minutes; Leeds to Hull could be just 45, and Sheffield to Hull 50 minutes. Journey times from Manchester to Newcastle could be cut by 25 per cent.

Making the announcement Nick Clegg is expected to say: "As part of my Northern Futures plan, I listened to what people wanted and have taken decisive action. I’ve already pledged to rid the region of rattling old pacer trains, introduced smarter ticketing in Sheffield and increased capacity on commuter services. All of this will ensure the North can race ahead in a stronger economy and doesn't become one big bottleneck.

“I'm extremely proud to be announcing this new strategy which will be transformative for the region. Modernising rail in the North and speeding up connections between cities will encourage business, boost tourism and give commuters the transport network they deserve.” Mr Clegg is expected to add.

Commenting on Nick Clegg's transport plans for the North of England, Rupert Read, Transport Spokesperson for the Green Party, said: "This announcement packages up some already-announced road-building plans with a more speculative wish-list of rail-expansion plans. But that gets things completely the wrong way around. Green priorities would be for the road plans to be scrapped and the commitment to rail to be stronger, firmer, and clearer."

"What this country needs is not yet more roads, increasing our dependence on an expensive and carbon intensive form of travel, but real and rapid investment in our railways, delivering a public service we can be proud of and that is run in the interest of passengers. That can only be achieved by bringing railways back into public hands. Now that would be a real renaissance for rail, in the North and countrywide." Mr Read added.

Coalition announce rise in NMW - Labour say Ministers 'misled working families'

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, have today announced that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will increase by 3% to a new rate of £6.70 per hour, effective from October 2015. This is the largest real-terms increase in the National Minimum Wage since 2008, and over 1.4 million of Britain’s lowest-paid workers are set to benefit.

The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister have also announced that the National Minimum Wage for apprentices will increase by 57p an hour to £3.30. This is the largest ever increase in the National Minimum Wage for apprentices and will halve the gap with the National Minimum Wage rate for 16 to 17 year olds, which will be £3.87 an hour from October 2015. The government will also launch a consultation with businesses on the future of the National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: At the heart of our long-term economic plan for Britain is a simple idea – that those who put in, should get out; that hard work is really rewarded; that the benefits of recovery are truly national. That’s what today’s announcement is all about – saying to hardworking taxpayers, this is a government that is on your side. It will mean more financial security for Britain’s families; and a better future for our country.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: This is just one of the many ways in which we’ve created a fairer society whilst building a stronger economy. If you work hard, this government is behind you all the way. Whether you’re on low pay or starting your dream career through an apprenticeship, you will get more support to help you go further and faster.

Responding Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Chuka Umunna, commented: "This 20p rise falls far short of the £7 minimum wage which George Osborne promised over a year ago. Ministers have misled working families who have been left worse off. Where under David Cameron we’ve seen the value of the minimum wage eroded, we need a recovery for working people.

Mr Umunna added: "Only Labour has set a more ambitious target for the minimum wage which would see a rise to £8 by 2020, restoring the link between hard work and pay. We would also act to ensure the National Minimum Wage is properly enforced where a Tory-led government has failed to get to grips with non-payment. Currently 15 per cent of apprentices are not being paid the legal minimum, rising to almost a quarter for 16-18 year olds.

"But the Tories have opposed our plans for better enforcement and an £8 minimum wage at every turn." Chuka Umunna added.

Also responding to the announcement, Green Party Spokesperson for Work and Pensions, Jonathan Bartley said: "Labour's rhetoric on the minimum wage is empty. Their aspiration to have a £8 an hour minimum wage at the end of the next Parliament is little different to what the other parties offer. It would be achieved to within a few pence anyway if the current rate of increase is maintained. No wonder it doesn't feature on Labour's new pledge card. Of greater concern is that this level would fall so far below a Living Wage, which even now stands at £9.15 an hour in London and £7.18 in the rest of the country - and will be significantly higher in 2020."

"The Green Party would make the minimum wage a Living Wage, with a target of £10 a hour. This would save £2.4bn each year in tax credits and generate another £1.5bn in income tax and national insurance contributions." Mr Bartley added.

Clegg launches 'Rent to Own' for first-time buyers

Under Liberal Democrat manifesto plans announced earlier today, young people will be able to buy their own home without needing a deposit. Instead the Rent to Own scheme will help first-time buyers onto the housing ladder by allowing them to build up a share in their home through renting.

This is a revolutionary shift in housing policy that will give young people caught in ‘generation rent’ a chance at home ownership. Research shows that home ownership has plummeted for under 35s in the last decade. The percentage of 25–35-year-olds owning a home has gone down from 59% to 36%.

Now, rather than being trapped in rental accommodation forever, working young people who are unable to afford a deposit will be able to become home owners.

The Liberal Democrat policy builds on ground-breaking work by social enterprise Gentoo Group, who have rolled out a similar scheme – called Genie - in the North East and plan to expand into London later this year. Rent to Own will see first-time buyers steadily build up a share in their home through monthly payments equivalent to rent until they own the property outright after 30 years, just like a normal mortgage. 

Under the Liberal Democrat scheme, the government would partner with housing associations and other providers to deliver Rent to Own houses where monthly payments are no higher than market rent. This is forms part of Liberal Democrat plans to deliver 300,000 homes each year, with the government bridging the gap between private sector building and demand.

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "For working young people the dream of home ownership is increasingly out of reach. Prices are so high renters cannot afford to save for a deposit, which means they can never take that first step onto the housing ladder.Young people deserve better. Rent to Own will mean, regardless of their background and family circumstance, they will be able to make this a dream a reality."

"This is about building a stronger economy and fairer society, and making sure Generation Rent has the same opportunity to get on in life as their parents and grandparents before them." Mr Clegg added

Clegg confirms budget will include Workers' Bonus

The Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has said that next week’s budget will include an extra £100 for low and middle earners on top of tax cuts already promised. Nick Clegg described the break as a “light at the end of the tunnel” for workers who have helped rebuild Britain's economy. From April, the amount workers earn before paying income tax was already set to rise to £10,600.

Liberal Democrats are delivering on their 2010 election promise of an £800 income tax cut for 25m workers. Raising the personal tax allowance to £10,000 was on the front page of their 2010 manifesto. The Conservatives said the ambition was "a nice idea" but "not affordable." Mr Clegg is now pushing for the government to cut taxes by a further £100.

Commenting Nick Clegg said: "The main thing the government can do is just take less of your money away from you. I very much want to give the biggest possible Workers’ Bonus to millions of people on middle and low incomes. It's a source of huge pride to me that despite being told by David Cameron in the leaders’ debates back in 2010 that it wasn't possible to raise the tax free allowance up to £10,000, we've already gone way beyond that. And I think we can go further still."

Mr Clegg also said: "I don't think anybody should be surprised that the centrepiece preoccupation for me has been tax allowance, tax allowance, tax allowance, tax allowance. Because it's great that there are more in work than ever before, it's great there are more women in work than ever before, it's great youth unemployment is lower than ever before, it's great that our growth rate is higher than most other equivalent economies."

"But a lot of people don't feel it as fully as they deserve to until they see the difference in their pay packets." Nick Clegg added.

Liberal Democrats say they are the party of fair tax, that's why one of their key priorities for the next five years is to cut taxes by an extra £400. Under their manifesto plans they say they will raise the tax free allowance to £12,500 in the next parliament. Nick Clegg has said that the money would come from higher taxes on the wealthy.

Clegg announces £150k to promote Cornish language

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has today announced that the coalition government is investing an extra £150,000 to help promote and develop the Cornish language. The Cornish language is the only language in England recognised under the Council of Europe’s Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

Recognising this unique status, the government has provided over £500,000 since 2010 to the Cornish Language Partnership to help the language grow. The new £150,000 funding from the government will extend this support for another year and will sit alongside money from local partners to help promote Cornish.

Commenting the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "I’m delighted to have secured additional funding to preserve the Cornish language. When visiting on St Piran’s day it was clear to me that language is central to Cornwall’s heritage. I am determined to keep it alive and thriving. After Celtic conversations died out in the nineteenth century, great efforts have been made to revive and return Cornish to common use. It would be a crime to let such a distinct language disappear again."

"I’m proud to say the funding I pushed for will continue to ensure Cornish is spoken and heard across the county for generations to come. Capitalising on the culture which makes Cornwall unique will also bring more visitors to the region and in turn boost Cornwall’s economy, building a stronger economy and fairer society." Mr Clegg added.

Clegg to pledge 1m more women in work by 2020

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will set a new ambition to help one million more women into work by 2020. In a speech to a business audience at the British Chamber of Commerce conference on Tuesday (10 February), Nick Clegg will call for the government and business to “think big” and work together to “smash the glass ceiling”. He will call the target "ambitious" but "not out of reach".

Year on year the number of women in work is increasing, but Mr Clegg will call for progress to be accelerated by "removing the barriers that stop women who want to work from being able to do so”. In government the Liberal Democrats say they have delivered a range of policies to support women in work, including shared parental leave, flexible working rights and support for carers returning to work. On Tuesday Nick Clegg will also outline Liberal Democrat plans for the next Parliament to help achieve this goal including:

• Introducing a month’s use-it-or-lose-it paternity leave to incentivise fathers to take time off after their baby is born.
• Expanding free childcare further, to 15 hours a week for all two-year-olds and 20 hours for all three and four-year-olds.
• Providing more support for carers to help them return to work if they want to, including increasing the amount they can earn before benefits are withdrawn.
• Increasing incentives to work by raising the tax free allowance to £12,500, completing the roll out of Universal Credit and extending free school meals to all primary school children.
• Requiring companies employing more than 250 members of staff to publish the average pay of their male and female workers.

Nick Clegg will also use his speech to challenge businesses to embrace policies to help women into work and close the gender pay gap. He will say: "If we are to stand a chance of smashing that glass ceiling we need British business to hold the hammer. My challenge to you is to embrace change. Embrace shared parental leave. Embrace flexible working. Close the gender pay gap. If we can unlock the talents of women, British business will boom. We will be more innovative, more entrepreneurial, more dynamic. We need to think big. We need to do things differently. But, as any successful entrepreneur knows, that is exactly what it takes to succeed."

Lib Dems promoting the £2.2bn Rugby World Cup Legacy in Twickenham

The Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will today, on a visit Twickenham constituency, mark the start of the biggest year in history for English rugby. Nick Clegg's visit to the home of Rugby, the Twickenham stadium, comes just four days before the start of the Six Nations and amid preparations for the 2015 World Cup, which will be hosted across 11 English cities and 13 venues from Brighton to Newcastle.

Independent statistics suggest the Rugby World Cup will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the UK, create 12,000 new jobs and boost the UK economy by £2.2bn. Nick Clegg will also visit the Twickenham Academy along with Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, and Twickenham MP, Vince Cable to take part in an "All Schools" rugby training sessions with students. They will be joined by England's most capped player Jason Leonard and Lydia Thompson from England's Women's Rugby World Cup winning squad.

Commenting Nick Clegg said: "We all remember the incredible success of the 2012 Olympics and the 2014 Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Yorkshire. They both left a legacy that the whole country can be proud of. This year, we have the privilege of hosting the Rugby World Cup and it promises to the biggest ever for English rugby. Not only will it bring billions of pounds to our economy and create thousands of jobs but it will leave a lasting legacy, building on the work here at the Twickenham Academy, inspiring youngsters from every background to pick up a ball."

"I want to wish the England team the best of luck in the year ahead. Lets make 2015 another great sporting year for this country." Nick Clegg added.

Clegg fires up local economies with £1bn investment

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will today announce that the Coalition government is investing an extra £1bn in local economies by expanding local Growth Deals. The government says it has struck a deal to expand the Growth Deals signed last year with 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships. This funding will help local leaders and businesses in to train young people, create jobs, build more housing and deliver hundreds of vital infrastructure projects, such as local transport improvements and superfast broadband networks.

Liberal Democrats say they know that nobody knows more about what a local region needs to grow than the people who live and work there. The funding is devolved from central government to local authorities, giving communities, not Whitehall the freedom to decide what’s best for their economy. Growth Deals give power back to local councils, colleges and businesses, alongside billions of pounds of funding, to do what’s necessary to ensure their local communities thrive.

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “A quiet revolution is underway in regions across the country and Growth Deals signal the death of the culture where Whitehall calls the shots. I’ve seen for myself the difference it makes to give local areas real power over skills, over business support, and over infrastructure spending. The Coalition Government has been relentless in our efforts to sort out the public finances and set firm foundations for growth. Growth Deals help create a stronger economy and a fairer society by boosting local economies, and providing more jobs, better transport and affordable homes.”

Some of the major projects benefiting from the expansion include:

• The Tolgus and Barncoose junction improvement project (£5.9m matched with £1.7m) will create a gateway between Redruth and Camborne in Cornwall, unlocking access for over 600 homes, 5,000 sq. metres of commercial space, and the Kresen Kernow cultural project.
• £8.7m investment in Greater Birmingham and Solihull to create new training facilities, in Solihull and Birmingham, helping to address skills shortages in key sectors of the local economy.
• £25m (£5m plus £20m local match funding) towards the development of a National Maritime Systems Centre of Excellence in Portsmouth. This centre will focus on maritime and marine capabilities, safeguard and create jobs as well as increase exports.
• £5m for the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Nottingham University, which has match funding from the University and industry of £95m. This project will train over 3000 manufacturing engineers and deliver research and knowledge exchange worth £60m.
• £4m to expand Engine Shed in Bristol, the highly successful business incubation facility. This investment will provide further incubation and grow on space for high tech companies. This investment will be matched with £5m of local funding.
• Funding for broadband networks in areas where provision is not currently available, such as remote or rural areas, including: £6m for the Heart of the South West that will contribute towards tackling the next 5% of premises in hard to reach areas (matched with £6m of local funding) and £3.6m for Cumbria to extend availability of Superfast Broadband to an additional 5,000 premises.

Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna, responding to Nick Clegg's Local Growth Fund announcement, later today, said: "The Tory-led government came into office five years ago promising to rebalance Britain’s economy but instead we’ve seen things go into reverse. They abolished the Regional Development Agencies without a proper replacement – a decision which even the Business Secretary now admits caused chaos. Local Enterprise Partnerships have not been properly supported, coverage has been patchy and we’ve seen the government’s flagship scheme, the Regional Growth Fund, dogged by chaos and delay."

Continuing Mr Umunna said: "This is little more than a re-announcement of existing spending allocations which were published in July last year for 2015-16. Ministers have opposed Labour’s ambitious plans to give local areas the powers and budgets they need to drive growth, devolving £30 billion of budgets away from Westminster and enabling combined authorities to retain more income from business rates. Where the Tory-led government has failed to support every part of Britain to succeed, it will be left to the next Labour government to act."

Nick Clegg speeds up Northern Futures initiative

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, is speeding up plans to bring empty buildings in the north back to life with support from some of the largest land-owners, businesses and local authorities in the region. Just 2 months after his Northern Futures initiative highlighted the need to tackle the chronic problem of unused sites sitting empty across the region, Nick Clegg and local charities have formed a working group with Legal & General, The Co-operative Group, Network Rail, Capital and Centric, Carillion and others.

Making empty buildings available to charities, community groups, artists and entrepreneurs will help give a boost to local projects, stimulate growth in local businesses and create jobs. The group is responding to calls to breathe new life into empty sites by arranging for local entrepreneurs, artists and community groups to use them on a temporary basis to test their ideas.

The working group, part of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Northern Futures initiative, will meet in February to consider project proposals and agree how plans can be put in place. It has already begun match-making local authorities, property companies and land-owners with community groups and business ventures desperate for space in the north. 

Working closely with Local Enterprise Partnerships, the working group will pull together plans for establishing a series of flagship projects in cities across the north before April 2015. Potential sites are being discussed in Manchester, Newcastle, Hull and Liverpool, with conversations also underway in Leeds and Sheffield.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said: "In just a few weeks we have seen major businesses come forward to embrace the idea of keeping our town centres alive with flourishing entrepreneurs and community projects. This is part of a huge revitalisation of northern cities. Through my Northern Futures initiative, we’re encouraging a stronger economy by giving start-ups a chance to grow, whilst keeping our cities buzzing from the centre to the outskirts."

"Leaving useful land in the north to languish is not only bad for business, it affects an area in so many ways. I’m pleased to be bringing landowners together to make incredible spaces available for artists, start-ups, and other entrepreneurs to restore the buildings’ purpose and appeal." Mr Clegg added.

Nick Clegg's letter to Sir John Chilcot

Following the news tonight that Sir John Chilcot's report into the United Kingdom's role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, wont be published until after the general election. The Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has written to the Sir John Chilcot. In it the letter Mr Clegg says: "if the findings are not published with a sense of immediacy, there is a real danger the public will assume the report is being 'sexed down' by individuals rebutting criticisms put to them by the Inquiry, whether that is the case or not."

Nick Clegg's letter in full.

Sir John,

I read your letter providing an update on progress with the Inquiry you chair into the United Kingdom's role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

I was disappointed to read its content, however, and find it extremely frustrating that the findings of this Inquiry will not be made public in days and weeks, but potentially months.

When the independent Inquiry was first set up in 2009, the then Prime Minister Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP stated in the House of Commons that the final report would be published within a year.

However nearly six years on members of the public, soldiers and their families affected by the war are still waiting for closure.

I welcome your efforts to ensure the inquiry has been methodical, rigorous and fair in its approach. I also support your efforts to allow individuals criticised in the report to see the draft criticism and make representations to the Inquiry before publication.

However neither administrative processes nor a constant back and forth between the Inquiry and witnesses criticised should frustrate an independent report so important to the country's future from being published as soon as possible.

The public have waited long enough and will find it incomprehensible that the report is not being published more rapidly than the open ended timetable you have now set out.

We need to see a much clearer and more defined timetable, known publicly, with strict deadlines and a firm date for publication.

If the findings are not published with a sense of immediacy, there is a real danger the public will assume the report is being 'sexed down' by individuals rebutting criticisms put to them by the Inquiry, whether that is the case or not.

The Inquiry into Iraq will both resolve the issues of the past, and set the tone for future British foreign policy. We cannot wait any longer for these lessons to be learned.

Yours sincerely,

Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP

Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Lib Dems commit to zero suicides across the NHS

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will today call for all NHS trusts to commit to a new ambition for zero suicides in the health service. Mr Clegg is later today hosting a mental health conference with Liberal Democrat Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb. The event brings together leading doctors, policy makers and campaign groups to discuss the future of mental health services in England.

The ‘zero suicide’ ambition is about changing how people who are in NHS care are treated so that they are not forgotten when they move or leave the health service they have been in. Research shows that this approach can dramatically reduce the number of suicides in the mental health services. Suicides can be prevented but often people feel embarrassed about talking about their mental health problems.

The Liberal Democrats say they are leading the campaign to stamp out the mental health stigma so that people can feel free to talk about their problems without feeling embarrassed or judged.

Making the announcement Nick Clegg is expected to say: "Suicide is, and always has been, a massive taboo in our society. People are genuinely scared to talk about it, never mind intervene when they believe a loved one is at risk. That’s why I’m issuing a call to every part of the NHS to commit to a new ambition for zero suicides. We already know that this kind of approach can work in dramatically reducing suicides."

"This isn’t about blame. It is doing more in every area of our society to ensure that people don’t get to that point where they believe taking their own life is their only option." Mr Clegg is expected to add.

Lib Dems will end child illiteracy by 2025

The Liberal Democrat manifesto plans will include a commitment to end child illiteracy by 2025, Nick Clegg will announce today. The Lib Dem plans mean that every child born in 2014, who will leave primary school in 2025 will be able to read and write at a standard identified to lead to success in secondary school and beyond.

The Lib Dems say that 'unlike the Conservatives and Labour', the Liberal Democrats have a clear plan to protect the education budget from cradle to college. They say their plans include using that budget to invest in ending illiteracy. To help them meet their commitment to end child illiteracy by 2025, they say theu will boost the early years Pupil Premium to an even higher level than the primary school Pupil Premium.

The Lib Dems say they will also overhaul early years teaching qualifications by letting nursery staff work towards Qualified Teacher Status and by 2020 requiring a qualified teacher graduate in every school or nursery delivering the early years curriculum.

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will say: “I am proud of the scale of our ambition. We are raising the bar on what children should be able to achieve by the age of eleven and want all children to get over the bar by 2025. The Coalition Government has cut illiteracy but it is nothing short of a national scandal that a fifth of children are still leaving primary school unable to read at a level that will allow them to succeed in later life."

“In the Coalition Government, the Liberal Democrats have protected the schools budget; introduced the Pupil Premium; expanded free childcare and made sure every infant gets a free, healthy meal every day to help them learn. Conservative plans to savage the education budget by £13bn puts all of these achievements and much, much more at risk, while Labour’s silence on this issue doesn’t fill me with confidence. You can’t build a fairer society for free. If we want to continue raising standards in schools, and making sure every child can succeed whatever their background, you simply have to invest in education. That is exactly what the Liberal Democrats will do.”

Israel demands Clegg takes "forceful & immediate" action against Lib Dem MP David Ward

On Sunday during the Paris unity march, in which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was present. The Lib Dem MP for Bradford East David Ward tweeted that Mr Netanyahu's presence in Paris "makes me feel sick". He also tweeted "Je suis Palestinian". 

In response to this, the Israeli ambassador to the UK, Daniel Taub, has written to the Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg demanding that the Lib Dem leader takes "forceful and immediate" action against the MP following  his "shocking" remarks. As Mr Clegg has no power to sack Mr Ward as a Member of Parliament, he can however remove the Lib Dem whip from David Ward to make him an Independent MP.

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: "David Ward does not speak for the Liberal Democrats on this issue. He has well known and strongly held views on this issue but this tweet was clearly in bad taste." The spokesman said: the party's sympathies were with the loved ones of people caught up in the attacks, and urged people to "come together in solidarity and in defence of the freedoms that we hold dear".

It is not the first time Mr Ward has faced criticism over remarks posted on Twitter. He was suspended from the Lib Dem parliamentary party in July 2013 and had the whip withdrawn for three months, over the summer recess, regarding comments he made about Israel. And in July last year he gave a "categorical apology" after tweeting: "The big question is - if I lived in #Gaza would I fire a rocket? - probably yes". He later apologised for his comments and said he did not support the firing of rockets into Israel, and apologised if he had given that impression.

The Israeli Ambassador Daniel Taub's letter to Nick Clegg is below:

Clegg to reaffirm opposition to the "snopper's charter"

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, is to reaffirm the Liberal Democrat's opposition to a so-called snoopers' charter. Following last week's terror attacks in Paris, the Prime Minister, David Cameron has said the intelligence services need new powers to read the contents of communications. In a speech, later Nick Clegg will warn that new measures to track email and web traffic would "undermine" UK freedoms.

In 2012 the Liberal Democrats blocked Conservative proposals for the communications data bill which was dubbed, by critics as, the snoopers' charter. At the time Nick Clegg said "The Liberal Democrats cannot permit what would be a significant reduction in personal privacy, based on proposals where the workability remains in question. There is a careful balance to be struck between security and individual liberty – a classic dilemma for all governments. But this Bill does not get that balance right. As a result the legislation, which has been dubbed a ‘snoopers’ charter’, cannot go ahead."

However in a speech yesterday David Cameron raised the possibility of the plans being revived if he is still Prime Minister following this years general election, he also proposed measures to break into the encrypted communications of suspected terrorists.

During a speech in London Nick Clegg is expected to say: "The irony appears to be lost on some politicians who say in one breath that they will defend freedom of expression and then, in the next, advocate a huge encroachment on the freedom of all British citizens. Let me be really clear, we have every right to invade the privacy of terrorists and those we think want to do us harm - but we should not equate that with invading the privacy of every single person in the UK. They are not the same thing."

"The snoopers' charter is not targeted. It's not proportionate. It's not harmless. It would be a new and dramatic shift in the relationship between the state and the individual." Nick Clegg is expected to add.

Lib Dem election team announced

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced his Liberal Democrat General Election Cabinet. The Liberal Democrat Leader said his team would fight to build the stronger economy and fairer society Britain needs - one with opportunity for everyone at its heart. He said the Lib Dem election team would stand up for the liberal values of openness, tolerance and compassion in the face of those who peddle grievance, fear and blame.

Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: "This is a Liberal Democrat Cabinet that will fight every day for the stronger economy and fairer society this country needs - where everyone has the opportunity to get on in life. This talented front bench have shown both inside government and beyond that they stand for a liberal Britain - one of openness, tolerance and compassion. This is a team that will never pander to the politics of grievance, fear and blame but instead work every day to keep Britain anchored in the centre ground. Over the coming months, they will prove that the Lib Dems are the only party that can balance the budget, cut taxes for 30 million people, invest in health and education and protect our environment."

General Election Coordinator Paddy Ashdown added: In government we’ve proved our commitment to a stronger economy by halving the budget deficit, helping business create 1.8 million jobs and creating two million apprenticeships. We’ve also shown we care about a fairer society by cutting income tax for the lowest paid, helping struggling school kids and capping the cost of social care. If in Government after the General Election this team will finish the job and make sure Britain doesn’t lurch to the Right or Left. We all know Labour are a risk to the economy and the Tories will cut too much, threatening the NHS and sacrificing the least well off. This Liberal Democrat Cabinet would balance the budget by 2018, cut taxes for low and middle earners and ensure decent public services, creating opportunity for everyone.”

Election Campaign Team 2015

• Local and General Election Coordinator - Paddy Ashdown 
• Deputy Local and General Election Coordinator - Olly Grender
• Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Party - Malcolm Bruce 
• Party President - Sal Brinton
• Chair of Diversity Engagement Group - Navnit Dholakia

Liberal Democrat General Election Cabinet

• Leader of the Liberal Democrats - Nick Clegg
• Treasury - Danny Alexander
• Home Affairs - Lynne Featherstone
• Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs - Tim Farron
• Business, Innovation and Skills - Vince Cable
• Energy and Climate Change - Ed Davey
• Defence - Nick Harvey
• Transport - Susan Kramer
• Women, Equalities & Families - Jo Swinson
• Europe – Mike Moore
• Education - David Laws
• Health - Norman Lamb
• Work and Pensions - Steve Webb
• Communities and Local Government - Stephen Williams
• Older people, Ageing and Care – Paul Burstow
• Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - Dan Rogerson
• International Development - Martin Horwood
• Culture, Media and Sport - John Leech
• Scotland - Alistair Carmichael
• Wales - Jenny Randerson
• Northern Ireland - Lorely Burt
• Justice and Attorney General - Simon Hughes
• Leader of the House of Commons and Minister for London - Tom Brake
• Constitutional & Political Reform, Leader of the House of Lords - Jim Wallace
• Chief Whip in the House of Commons - Don Foster
• Chief Whip in the House of Lords - Dick Newby
• Parliamentary Private Secretary to the DPM - Simon Wright

Nick Clegg says the Lib Dems will anchor next coalition in the centreground

At his press conference, tomorrow, the Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg is expected to say: "The biggest threat to our economy comes from Labour and the Conservatives, both of whom are reverting to type as the election approaches."

Opening his attack on the Labour party, Nick Clegg is expected to say: "Labour say 'trust us, we'll fix the economy and raise living standards'. But they won't. They are a clear and present danger to the recovery. Their economic policy consists of huge borrowing and total denial about their responsibility for what happened last time. We've already had the risible sight of Ed Balls claiming Labour are the party of the centre ground. Here you have the man who, as city minister, let the banks get away with utterly irresponsible behaviour, now claiming he is the guy you should trust with the economic recovery. It's like waking up to find a late night voicemail from an ex saying that they've changed and it will all be different if only you give them one more chance."

Finishing his comments on Labour Mr Clegg is expected to say: "But it won't be different. Labour will borrow and borrow. Under Labour, we could be paying billions more every year just on the interest on our debt - money that should be spent on schools, hospitals and frontline public services."

Turning his fire on the Tories Nick Clegg is expected to say: "On the other hand you have the Conservatives unveiling posters saying we should stay on 'the road to a stronger economy'. We should. But they don't plan to stay on the road, they want to stray far from it. They're trying to sell you an ideological approach to cuts to public services packaged up as continuity. It's a con. It's like a mobile phone salesman offering to renew your existing contract and then cutting the amount of calls you can make. Take education for example. The coalition protected the schools budget in this parliament because the Lib Dems fought for it. Tory plans mean education will have to be cut by a quarter by 2020. And that's just one unprotected department."

Continuing his attack on the Tories, Mr Clegg is expected to say: "They have made a choice to remorselessly cut the money for public services even after the deficit has been eliminated. And their cuts will be even deeper because they have committed to £7bn of unfunded tax cuts and will not ask for a single penny more in tax from the very wealthy. That's not sticking to the plan. That is a new plan to shelter the very wealthy and impose unnecessary cuts to public services."

What is expected to be the Lib Dem core message for this election, Nick Clegg is expected to say: "So don't fall for it. Labour and Tory majorities would be a massive risk to our economy and our public services."

Pointing out what Nick Clegg says are the virtues of Lib Dems in Government Nick Clegg is expected to say: "The Liberal Democrats will borrow less than Labour and cut less than the Conservatives. A strong coalition government, with Liberal Democrats anchoring it in the centre ground and not lurching to the extremes of left or right, remains the best way to make sure we finish the job and finish it fairly."

Clegg launches search for the country's unsung mental health heroes

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has launched a search to find the country's unsung mental health heroes. As part of his campaign to increase awareness of mental health issues, Mr Clegg is calling on people to nominate those in their areas who have helped support those with mental illnesses or to change perceptions of mental health conditions.

One in four people will experience a mental health condition but for many the stigma surrounding mental health will prevent them from speaking out or getting the help they need. From healthcare professionals to next door neighbours, Nick Clegg is calling for people to nominate those who have gone above and beyond to help, support or inspire people with mental health conditions in their local area.

Nick Clegg commented: "It could be the woman sitting next to you on the bus, the dad picking his child up at the school gates or a colleague from work - everyone knows someone living with a mental health problem. I want to celebrate those who have gone that extra mile, whose passion and commitment have helped someone get through their darkest days and helped challenge the taboo around mental health which has existed for far too long."

"It is my ambition to bring mental health out of the shadows and create a fairer society where people can speak up about how they feel and get the support and treatment they need to live the life that they choose." Mr Clegg added.

To nominate someone complete and return the nomination form. The winning nominees will be invited to a ceremony in London on Thursday 5 February, which will mark Time to Change’s ‘Time to Talk Day’ to encourage people to speak out about mental health and spread the message that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.

Liberal Democrat Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said: "Mental illness touches us all and, everyday, people in our communities are doing amazing things to improve the lives of those affected. We want to recognise and reward them. I am determined to end discrimination faced by people with mental illness, which us why we’re continuing to fund Time to Change and support Time to Talk Day. Everyone has a part to play in tackling stigma and this is an important opportunity to start the conversations that will make lasting change."

Video: Nick Clegg's new year message

Video of the Deputy Prime Minster's new year message:

2015 should be a year for optimism. I know it might not always feel that way, the last year has been another tough one for many people. And when times are tough, some politicians, instead of telling it like it is and offering a positive way forward, respond with easy simplistic answers or by telling us who to blame.

And when that happens, instead offering hope and a way forward, politics becomes about picking a side - us vs them, fear instead of hope. I can tell you right now what David Cameron and Ed Miliband’s messages to you will be this year: David Cameron will tell you to stick to his plan but the Conservatives’ plan is not a plan for everyone.

That’s why I’ve had to fight inside government, every day, to make this government fairer, to make sure this coalition has stayed on the centre ground, helping millions of people, not just a few, with lower taxes for ordinary workers, more apprenticeships than ever, better pensions, more help for the most disadvantaged children, and an economic recovery that would never have happened if the Liberal Democrats had not stepped up to the plate and formed a stable, strong government.

Now that there’s an election looming, far from sticking to the plan we’ve pursued in government, the Conservatives are swerving off to the right and advocating ideological cuts to our public services. Ed Miliband will tell you that the day to day pressures people face are all the fault of the government. He wants to pretend he can wave a magic wand and everything will be better. But it won’t. Life isn’t like that. And what he won’t tell you is that the pain of the last few years has been a direct result of the economic collapse his party presided over.

Denial is no way to run a country. Denial won’t fix the economy or help working people. Choosing between Labour and the Conservatives is a pretty grim choice to make. So this year, make another. Choose to put the Liberal Democrats in government again and this is what you’ll get: we will always fight to make sure that whoever you are or whatever your background, you have the opportunity to fulfil your potential. But we can’t do that without a stronger economy and Labour in power, on their own, will put the economic recovery at risk.

And we can’t do it without a fairer society. The Conservatives in power, on their own, will look after their own kind. They won’t spread opportunity for everybody. Only the Liberal Democrats offer both: a stronger economy and a fairer society. Opportunity for all. I will always stand up for the Liberal British values of openness, tolerance and compassion against those who peddle the politics of grievance, fear and blame. This year, a lot of mud will be thrown. A lot of over the top claims will be made, a lot of accusations will be hurled around the place.

Ignore them. This year, you get to choose. Make 2015 a year for hope, not fear. For optimism, not division. For everybody. Happy New Year.