20 Most Recent Press Articles

Pupil Premium is a real Liberal Democrat achievement

Written by Sarah Teather, Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central and Minister of State for Children & Families and published in www.libdemvoice.org on Tue 27th Jul 2010

I came into politics to make a difference for the most disadvantaged in our society. It is over three years since I, as Liberal Democrat education spokesperson, championed the Pupil Premium as our flagship education policy and debated it at Conference. I never dared imagine a time when I would be unveiling it as Government policy and then actually implementing it. But this week, the Coalition Government announced that a Pupil Premium, funded from outside the schools budget, will be introduced next September. It will mean that from next year, schools taking disadvantaged children will get the additional money they need to provide them with the extra support they deserve, no matter where they are in the country. This could mean more individual tuition or catch-up classes, but it will be for the school to decide, we won't be telling headteachers how to spend the money.

This is a real Liberal Democrat achievement. It was the centrepiece of our education policy during the election campaign, and it is now being implemented in Government. While the Conservatives had a similar policy, it was the Liberal Democrats who pushed for it to be funded from outside the schools budget, and for it to feature specifically in the coalition agreement. And it's no secret that it was one of the sticking points of the negotiations with Labour - they simply refused to agree to it. I find this shocking - a policy designed to support the most vulnerable in our society and give them the chances that other children have - rejected by the Labour Party. If any of us ever needed another example of Labour's complete failure to represent the most poor, and the emptiness of their rhetoric, this is it. Make no mistake, it is the Liberal Democrats who are now the party for the most disadvantaged, championing policies like the Pupil Premium in opposition, placing them at the heart of our manifesto, and making them happen in government.

Liberal Democrats are committed to the Pupil Premium because we understand that education can be a key driver of social mobility. But it is shameful that we still have an education system which too often perpetuates inequality rather than tackles it. The poorest children are only half as likely to leave school with 5 good GCSEs than their better-off classmates. The Pupil Premium will help in tackling Labour's failure to break the link between social background and performance at school, opening up opportunities for children regardless of where they are born.

The Coalition Government is now consulting on the way in which the premium should be implemented. The consultation includes options for how deprivation should be calculated:

• in relation to children on Free School Meals

• in relation to tax credits

• by using marketing classifications like MOSAIC or ACORN

And it includes questions about other groups who might benefit, such as children in care or children of those serving in the armed forces, and raises the issue of how it could be extended to cover children in the early years. We are determined that it has the best possible impact and I urge you to get involved in the consultation and to give the Department for Education your views.

This week the Coalition Government's Academies Bill will also become law. In my view the Liberal Democrats have long been opponents of the "command and control" way that Labour managed the school system, and in favour of more freedom for schools, a more strategic role for Local Authorities, reformed pay and conditions and more flexibility for headteachers to run their schools as they and their communities think best. And, by working within the Coalition, Liberal Democrat members of the House of Lords have been able to secure important protections for the most vulnerable, such as children with Special Educational Needs, that we could not have done from the Opposition benches. This is what coalition means - the Academies Bill is a flagship Conservative policy and the pupil premium is a flagship Liberal Democrat policy - and they are both part of our programme for Government.

Outside the glare of the public spotlight, in my role as Minister for Children and Families, I am also leading many other changes that the Liberal Democrats have fought for as part of our pledge to make sure every child gets a fair start in life. In the last few weeks we have started to review the Early Years Foundation Stage, to plan changes to make the system for children with Special Educational Needs fairer, extended free childcare and begun to consider how to tackle the commercialisation of children. I am working with Ministers across Government to deliver on the Coalition's commitment to end child poverty in the UK by 2020, and am part of the Prime Minister's Taskforce on Childhood and Families - focused on removing the barriers to a stable and secure family life for families of all shapes and sizes.

There is no doubt that these are difficult times to be in Government. The financial legacy left by Labour means that we will simply not be able to afford to do all the things we would like to do. But I am clear, by being in Government and working hard, the Liberal Democrats can make a real difference.

I want Britain to be a fairer, more liberal place. For the first time in generations the Liberal Democrats are now making real progress towards achieving this goal.

Winning Fairer Votes: We need to inspire, enthuse and persuade

Written by Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister on Tue 6th Jul 2010

Today I announced that, for the first time, the British people will have a choice about the system they use to elect their MPs. On May 5th 2011, there will be a referendum on whether to adopt the Alternative Vote.

The First Past The Post system hands power to the lucky few who live in marginal constituencies and sucks it away from the vast majority of us who do not. So over the next ten months the Liberal Democrats will be fighting hard, with others, for a 'yes' vote in the referendum. I want to sweep away the current system and replace it with the Alternative Vote.

We need you to be part of this campaign. It will not be easy. There will be many MPs who want to keep the status quo because it protects them from the need to win majority support.

But with your help we can do it. We need you to inspire, enthuse and persuade your friends, family and neighbours to come out on May 5 and cast their ballot for fairer votes.

There are two things that you can do today to get the referendum campaign off to a flying start. First, please sign up to our Fairer Votes campaign newsletter here: www.fairervotes.org.uk

Second, please make a donation to help the Liberal Democrats play our leading role in the campaign for Fairer Votes across Britain at https://www.libdems.org.uk/make_a_donation.aspx?ref=AV1 - just £10 will make a big difference. Together, we can win this referendum.

Civil Service Bowls Tournament

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Mon 5th Jul 2010

Bowling: Not easy, especially with a chain on!

Teams from Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales are competing all this week at Folkestone Bowls Club in Cheriton Road for the Annual Civil Service trophy. I enjoyed meeting all the teams, but they might not have enjoyed my inept display when bowling the first bowl!

I have been invited to visit the tournament during the week and have accepted the invitation to present the prizes on Friday evening.

Your Freedom: Liberal Democrats Leading Open Government

Written by Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister on Sun 4th Jul 2010

We've already scrapped ID cards. Now I'd like to ask you - which other laws do you want to scrap?

The Liberal Democrats have always stood up for civil liberties, scrapping unnecessary laws and reducing the burden of regulation on businesses and charities.

In our manifesto, we proposed a Freedom Bill to roll back Labour's attacks on British civil liberties. In government, we are doing just that.

Yesterday I launched Your Freedom at http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk, a national dialogue on how to create a more open, inclusive society. Anyone can make suggestions about which laws we need to scrap and where we can cut red tape. You can also rate and comment on other people's suggestions. The best ideas will be put into practice - because this is a listening government.

This is the open government we have long campaigned for. So tell us about every time you've felt snooped on by the state, or had to fill in the same form three times. Help us put Liberal Democrat values into practice in Government.

I know people are talking about this up and down the country - so please do have your say and pass this message on to anyone who has ideas for Your Freedom.

Folkestone Primary Academy Fete

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Sat 3rd Jul 2010

Mayor Tom and friends enjoying the Folkestone Primary Academy Fete

It was to a packed field that I made an opening speech to welcome everyone and officially open the first ever Folkestone Primary Academy Fete. It was also a pleasure to congratulate Helen Tate on her recently awarded CBE in front of the parents and children who have benefited from her expertise.

It was so enjoyable to watch the dancers and performers on the central stage and also to share the fun of watching the children win tickets at skill activities around the field, which they then exchanged for prizes. The long queues at the quad bikes didn't stop the youngsters from joining the line and waiting for their turn.

Bouncy castles always attract the energetic ones and the food hall was constantly busy. The afternoon was completed by my undertaking of the prize-giving of the Grand Draw - I hope nobody saw the slight of hand in disregarding my own ticket when I pulled it out! The sunshine and the enthusiasm of the children made it a very enjoyable afternoon.

Folkestone Sugarcraft Open Day

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Sat 3rd Jul 2010

Watching the Cygnets making cakes at Sugarcraft

Everyone warned me that being Mayor is an open invitation to gain weight! Temptation is always there to eat too much at the wonderful buffets often available, and none more so than a Sugarcraft Exhibition.

A room full of wonderfully decorated cakes is enough to make the mouth water. One of the greatest joys of performing this role for the people of Folkestone is to view at first hand the involvement of young people in worthwhile hobbies and interests. I had the opportunity to see at first hand the youngsters (cygnets) creating decorated cakes that few adults could achieve.

Thank you for the Music!

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Fri 2nd Jul 2010

Folkestone and Hythe have a huge wealth of talent in many of our schools and colleges, and today I was fortunate enough to be invited to watch a programme of entertainment by the students at Brockhill Performing Arts College.

The evening centred around the music of Abba and I was amazed and astounded at the incredible talent of the students. It was certainly an uplifting evening.

Canada Day

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Thu 1st Jul 2010

Saying that the Canada Day ceremony at the Shorncliffe Cemetery was moving is an understatement: it was a privilege to acknowledge the bravery of the Canadian soldiers buried there.

The graves are maintained by the War Graves Commission, and each year a group of school children place flowers on the graves to publicly show our gratitude to those who died for our safety, and to remember those soldiers on behalf of their families who cannot visit themselves from so far away. It was an honour to witness this event with other dignitaries, representatives of the Armed forces and Councillors, and to speak on behalf of the people of Folkestone.

Connexions Prizegiving

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Wed 30th Jun 2010

Sometimes when we get depressed about the future of disaffected youngsters, our spirits are lifted by the successful schemes that are in place around the district. I was delighted to be asked to go to Little Switzerland in East Folkestone to present prizes to a group of young people who had spent several months learning how to improve the countryside in the local area.

Their theoretical and practical learning included fencing, path clearing and wasteland improvement. These young people demonstrated to me that we should not give up on them but continue to offer opportunities to see a different way forward.

Interact Celebration and Handover with Folkestone Rotary Club

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Tue 29th Jun 2010

Excellent company and food at The Gurkha Palace created a very enjoyable evening. For this particular event, the business world met with some students from the Folkestone School for Girls, so that the girls could call on the skills of the Rotary members in order to maximise charity fund raising attempts.

Miss Needs and Miss Stubbings from the Folkestone School for Girls seemed pleased to see me after having helped educate my three daughters. We had much to discuss and catch up on! The work of the Interact Group alongside the Rotary Club is a truly symbiotic arrangement.

I was impressed with the girls willingness to dedicate time and energy to charity work when they are also studying for important exams. A thoroughly educational evening for me and I have been left genuinely touched by the selflessness of both the students, the staff and the Rotary Club members.

Folkestone Rotary Club Dinner

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Mon 28th Jun 2010

I was delighted to be asked to accompany Alan Risley-Settle to the meal where the handing over of the Presidency is announced. The speeches affirmed my opinion of the good work that the Rotary Club undertakes.

It was important for me to meet with the movers and shakers of this wonderful town so that together we can promote business in many various ways.

Blessing of the Fisheries

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Sun 27th Jun 2010

Dressing into full robes is exhausting enough but standing in 30 degrees for an hour is sweltering! The procession to The Stade on Folkestone Harbour was led by the Folkestone Pipes and Drums and included Folkestone Town and Shepway District Councillors as well as clergy from various denominations, all fully robed and finding the heat overwhelming.

The scene however, is a dignified one and the public acknowledgement of the central place of our harbour in the life of the town was very fitting. Bishop Keith captured the attention of the formal procession and gathering, but also drew in holiday makers and tourists, who joined in the hymns led by the Salvation Army Band.

The walk back up the hill was a struggle in the heat but refreshments and especially a cup of tea soon revived those staying and sharing time together in the garden at St Peter's Church.

Town Sunday Civic Service

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Sun 27th Jun 2010

Town Sunday is a tradition where the Mayor formally accepts the office of Mayor and promises to work for the people of Folkestone. Gathering around the cross in the grounds of St Mary and St Eanswythe's Church is the beginning of the formalities. In times past, this was the moment that the new Mayor was chosen and if he refused to accept the honour, his house would be burned down. I willingly agreed to be Mayor!

It continues to feel extremely strange to be seated in a special seat in the church, with the mace placed in front of me and very odd to be standing at the lectern to read the first lesson. My Chaplain, Sarah Fitzgerald, spoke with passion about the need for us all to work together and use our individual gifts to serve the people of Folkestone to the best of our ability. We all agreed with that and contemplated the task ahead.

As always, the buffet following was of a high standard, especially when produced by the people of St Mary and St Eanswythe's Church, as it is their gift and use of their talents to serve the Town Council.

British Armed Forces Day

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Sat 26th Jun 2010

Oh - where did you get that hat! Tom and Kate McNeice with soldier at British Armed Forces Day

I wouldn't have missed the British Armed Forces Day celebration on the Leas in Folkestone for all the world: I am so proud of our service men and women and those who have served us in the past, and judging by the many hundreds of people on the Leas, I'm not alone.

The mixture of celebration, acknowledgement and entertainment was just right and we were certainly well entertained at the Bandstand for the day. Nepalese dancers, Gurkha Kukiri dance, marching bands, junior drill exhibition, singers and a tug of war all kept our attention and then the parachutists took our breath away.

All this was supported by the many stalls and exhibitions along the Leas. This format can only go from strength to strength and I hope next year it will be even better supported.

Sure-start Centre Opening

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Fri 25th Jun 2010

The new Sure-Start Centre Nursery called Caterpillars in Chart Road (behind Morehall School) invited me to make the opening speech on the official opening day. It is even more of a delight to be invited to do such a thing when it is for the people in Ward where I serve as Councillor!

A toddler cut the ribbon, with my help, and of course followed by the inevitable buffet. I am so impressed by the facilities and services available by this centre. Midwife sessions include both advice and check ups, counselling sessions for new parents and an opportunity to socialise with other people attempting to do the best job they can as parents.

It was a great pleasure to speak to so many people intending to support parents and children but also to meet some of the people in Morehall Ward who are keen to use the facilities that the centre offers.

The Budget: Cleaning Up Labour's Financial Mess

Written by Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister on Tue 22nd Jun 2010

I've been clear in the past why we have to take difficult decisions to tackle the deficit and lay the foundations of a fairer society. These are not decisions that any government wants to take but we have no choice except to clear up the financial mess that Labour left us. Today's Budget takes these difficult decisions in an honest and fair way and with the clear stamp of Liberal Democrat values running through it.

In the past, efforts to tackle a big deficit have always hit the poorest the most. The coalition has ensured that - for the first time - this will not happen. The richest will pay the most, while pensioners and children will be protected.

Look through the Budget and you will see key policies we campaigned for being put into effect.

The £1,000 increase in the Income Tax allowance will mean that 880,000 low paid workers will be freed from Income Tax altogether. This is the first step towards delivering our manifesto commitment to ensure no-one pays tax on the first £10,000 they earn.

The Budget puts in place our promise of a new tax on banks, ensuring that they help to pay to clear up the mess left by the financial crisis.

Top earners will pay a full 10% more in Capital Gains Tax than under Labour, with no loopholes or tapers or get-out clauses. That change helps ensure those with the broadest shoulders take the greatest strain.

We will guarantee that pensioners get a fair deal, putting into effect the Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment for a "triple lock", so state pensions rise every year in line with earnings, inflation, or by 2.5%, whichever is the highest. Never again will pensioners be allowed to fall behind.

The Coalition Government will not let regions, towns or cities that depend heavily on the public sector be forgotten. That's why this Budget establishes a regional growth fund to ensure those parts of the country get meaningful support to help create jobs and opportunities for all.

Tackling Child Poverty remains at the heart of the government's approach. So while we have decided to cut child tax credits for those who can most afford it, we have increased tax credits for the poorest families and put up to £ 2 billion into child tax credits to help ensure children of all backgrounds get a fair start in life.

These measures will ensure that the burden of deficit reduction is shared fairly across society.

This Government is being honest with people about the road ahead. Together, we can make it through these difficult times and restore health to our economy and to the public finances. These difficult choices are the foundation stones for the fairer Britain we will build over the next five years.

High Sheriff of Kent Garden Party

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Tue 22nd Jun 2010

Wearing the official Mayor chains in such hot weather is not an easy task, mainly because there is no opportunity to take my jacket off! The company, however was worth every minute and I realise I am making many new friends across the area.

The High Sheriff spoke generously about the sacrifices that his guests had made, both in attending that day and in the selfless duties that they perform on a day by day basis. The gardens and grounds of his house in Woodchurch were stunning and I will remember the view for many a year.

Brownies 100th Anniversary Celebrations

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Sat 19th Jun 2010

Not even the changeable weather, with its showers and drizzle, could dampen the excitement of the hundreds of Brownies and Guides who went to the Folkestone Racecourse at Westenhanger for a Fun Weekend.

I enjoyed watching a gang show, indoor skating, woggle making, bungee bouncing, climbing, abseiling and a wide variety of craft activities. The occasional bursts of rain didn't deter the girls from the fun fair rides and bouncy castles. It all came to an end far too soon and I only wish I could have stayed for the whole weekend.

"Installation" of Barry Johnson at St Eanswythe's Church

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Fri 18th Jun 2010

The thing about being Mayor for the first time is that each event is a completely new experience. I was amazed when entering St Eanswythe's Church, Folkestone, to find that the Mayor has his own special seat with a lectern with hooks below for the Mace. Convenient!

The service was a mixture of formality and familiarity, with the Bishop of Dover, Trevor Wilmott, setting the scene with his easy style and quick humour. Once Barry Johnson had been welcomed by the various groups and organisations and the declarations had been signed, the new Incumbant took the leadership of the service and thanked the people for their hospitable welcome.

The reception afterwards was a joyous occasion and there was plenty of opportunities to meet and greet people in the area.

Visit to Etaples: To Remember

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice on Sun 13th Jun 2010

Was up early to catch a coach to Etaples with the Mayoress first thing - an early start isn't (quite!) so bad when the sun is already shining at 6.15am. A quick and easy journey through the Channel Tunnel, with good company, set the scene for the day. Those on the coach were members of The British Legion, Youth Uniformed Organisations and various people involved with the twinning planning and organisation. We had time for a coffee in a café before beginning the ceremonies of the morning - ordering decaf coffee with schoolboy French took a little time!

It was a day in two halves with the morning being focussed on the dignified remembrance of those who gave their lives for our freedom. We were delighted to meet the Mayor of Etaples and the other dignitaries at the Cemetery. These ceremonies are often emotional for me and this was no different. Seeing the row upon row of graves, so wonderfully kept, is a stark reminder of the numbers of service men and women who have lost their lives in war.

The speeches, in both English and French, helped everyone to focus our thoughts on the gratitude so often unspoken. My father fought in the 1914 - 18 war and so laying a wreath on the memorial dedicated to that conflict brought a tear to my eye at a truly poignant moment.

After the solemnity of the solo piper, the laying of the wreaths and the contemplative silences between speeches, it was time to attend the official reception, where the two Mayors exchanged gifts. We were then all entertained to an afternoon of music, food and dancing with an opportunity to get to know our hosts a little better, even with the difficulties of language translation!

Saying goodbye is always a struggle and this occasion was no different. We wrenched ourselves away in time to catch the planned train through the tunnel and arrived back in Folkestone suitably moved by the experience.

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