Published: Thursday, 18th September, 2008 09:00
Lib Dem Conference Diary
By Cllr Gareth Epps
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Cllr Gareth Epps
SET against this week’s dramatic news on the global credit crunch, Liberal Democrats in Bournemouth have set out our priorities, first and foremost, of a comprehensive programme to tackle the concerns of people affected every day by the economy.
At conferences we are at our best, reacting instinctively to events; we did this in 2001 after the events of September 11 and we have done this now.
In our main debate on the themes we take into the general election, Make It Happen, the party took a significant step in setting out our priorities. The priorities for Britain have changed massively in 2008. Concern over our public services remains, but concern over Government waste has grown. Most of all, though, people – those on the lowest incomes especially – want to see a government that helps them make ends meet.
Whether it is rising utilities bills or mortgages, people are angry. We have taken time to set out a clear response to this urgent agenda.
It is reported that the Liberal Democrats have switched focus to tax cuts. Yes – but they must be targeted on those with the lowest incomes. An inspiring debate on this resulted with a democratic vote rejecting an approach that would have put public spending first, making it clear that we don’t want spending cuts, but action to tackle the waste in the national ID cards schemes, the tax credits system and other major government projects.
There have been other debates, too. Conference accepted my amendment and called for a fair deal on police funding to end the problems with police retention in places like Reading, unresolved for so many years. Cllr Daisy Benson spoke in the crime debate. My Reading West colleague, Patrick Murray, spoke on planning and the so-called 'eco-towns’. And in a passionate debate on safe standing areas at football matches, Warren Swaine spoke of his experiences as a football fan for many years.
Our team of over 10 Liberal Democrats by the seaside have been learning new skills, making new friends and getting active on the issues of the day.
When I come to renew my fixed-rate mortgage in December, I may be one of the lucky ones. But I want to know that the Government acts to protect ordinary people caught in an extraordinary situation. I’m proud to represent the only party in Britain setting out that action now.
By Gareth Epps, PPC for Reading East and Lib Dem leader on Reading Borough Council
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