Today's vote on Higher Education funding was one of the hardest things we have had to do in politics. I know that there are strong and passionately held views on all sides of the debate, which I very much respect.
This week I signed the document to confirm the launch of the 'Scores on the Doors' food outlet rating scheme in Bedford Borough. Scores on the Doors is a scheme set up by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), involving the publication of a food hygiene rating for restaurants and other food outlets in a local authority area. All inspection gradings and further information is made available online, allowing restaurant-going local residents to make an informed choice about where to go when eating out.
At this week's meeting of Essex County Council, Lib Dem Mike Mackrory asked about home to school transport for children with special needs. Mike Mackrory (Springfield county councillor) was told that the withdrawal of escorts for vulnerable children would be subject to assessment.
A new Shepway Council website has gone live at www.shepway.gov.uk which is designed to make it easier to find the key information you want from Shepway Council.
A meeting of the borough council approved a Sustainable Community Strategy, but not before the Lib Dems had commented on its failure to put a Residents Parking Scheme as a priority.
Lib Dem MP Stephen Gilbert has put forward an Early Day Motion condemning the recent vote at the UN General Assembly which removes reference to 'sexual orientation' from a resolution on executions. EDM 1198 has already drawn support across party lines from Conservative, Green and SDLP members.