Local MP Tim Farron, Liberal Democrats spokesman on Home Affairs has today stated his support for the Cumbria Police Authority's call for a fairer deal in the way Government funding is distributed. The Government is in the process of reviewing the allocation of funds to a given area, and this could result in a significant reduction in funds for the police in Cumbria.
DELGA Chair Jen Yockney today urged LGBT and trans organisations to lobby Jack Straw to ensure transgender people gain similar protection from incitement to hatred to that proposed for lesbian, gay and bi people. Jen said, "If you're a member of such an organisation please press them to submit evidence; if you are directly involved please make sure your group tries to present the arguments as best and as quickly they can. It will be much harder to get legislative time separately for trans people's protection."
LIBERAL Democrats in Bedford & Kempston have announced they will carry on with their local campaigning despite the decision of the Prime Minister not to hold an election this autumn.
Alistair Darling makes his first major statement as Chancellor at 3.30pm today with the Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review. He is expected to signal inheritance tax changes and plans to target private equity bosses' tax loopholes. Hospitals and schools may get more money than expected, although spending is expected to increase more slowly than over recent years. Mr Darling is likely to downgrade expectations for growth as he outlines his latest thinking on the UK economy. Ming Campbell this morning called on Gordon Brown to take responsibility for the turmoil in the economy, accusing the new Prime Minister of going to ground while his Chancellor tries to steer his way through the stormy economic waters of the Prime Minister's making.
Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader, Nicol Stephen MSP, today (Tuesday 9th October) visited Dundee to lend his support for the Lochee Liberal Democrat campaign and its candidate, Chris Hall.
Tim Farron, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hill Farming and DEFRA Select Committee member has attacked Hilary Benn's Commons statement which announced a package of support for beleaguered farmers. Mr Farron, who last week called for the Hill Farm Allowance budget to be doubled, stated that the £8.5m in support that the Secretary of State announced was welcome, but nowhere near sufficient.