Conservative proposals to cut inheritance tax for the richest families don't add up. In a press conference this morning, David Cameron stated that his proposed inheritance tax cut would be paid for by taxing non-doms, but research shows that there would be a shortfall of over £1.5bn a year on the Conservative proposals.
I have a confession to make: 2009 tested my belief in politics to breaking point. I remember once looking round the House of Commons during another Punch and Judy session of Prime Minister's Questions. In the real world, youth unemployment had just reached its highest level ever, our brave soldiers were facing extraordinary dangers in Afghanistan, the bankers were still gorging themselves on bonuses, and the economy was in the middle of the worst recession in generations. And what were the politicians doing? Yelling and guffawing at each other as if the world outside didn't exist.
Shepway Liberal Democrats would like to wish you and your family a fantastic Christmas and all you wish for in the New Year.
Shepway Liberal Democrats are sorry to announce the passing of our oldest member, Edith Francis (known as Anne) who sadly died yesterday.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is urging all residents to stay safe this Christmas and ensure that the celebration doesn't end in tragedy. Latest figures from the Fire Kills campaign show a rise in the number of accidental fire deaths and injuries over the festive period. In 2008 there were 33,000 accidental house fires, 10% of which occurred in the run up to Christmas Day.
Kent Trading Standards have received reports concerning a company offering free benefits advice. Although the advice is free there is a cost to this service. If consumers contact the company then they will visit the consumer in their home and fill out forms on their behalf, with regards to any benefits they may be entitled to.
Southeastern trains have announced details of their modified service over the holiday period. In order to allow Network Rail to carry out essential maintenance work, as always, Southeastern services will be affected over Christmas and the New Year.
Following a weekend of road and rail chaos, local Euro MP Catherine Bearder is demanding answers to what plans are in place to stop this now regular gridlock. This weekend's Eurostar breakdown is of great concern, not only because of what brought the service to a halt, but the lack of preparedness of the staff to care for their passengers.
Euro MP for the South East, Catherine Bearder, has expressed her huge disappointment at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen. After two weeks of negotiations world leaders failed to come to an agreement on the best way to tackle climate change. Limited progress was made on the most important issues and once again we are asking, what needs to happen before governments will act to tackle the climate crisis?
The right to a trial by jury has been a cornerstone of our democracy for over 800 years. Liberal Democrat members have passed a new plan to tackle court backlogs without scrapping juries.
Learning to drive is a vital life skill. Liberal Democrat members passed a new plan to clear the backlogs, end the rip-offs, and get the next generation moving.
Big tech companies should not be allowed to profit at the expense of children’s wellbeing.
Ed Davey is a husband, a father and a carer. He is the Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
It is Ed’s experience of caring that drives much of his politics, and motivates his tireless campaigning for a fair deal.
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