I know there have been arguments going on within the Government about benefit and tax credit increases – with Nick on one side and George Osborne on the other. Nick’s apparently already fought off the threatened benefit freeze. I don’t know what’s going to happen with tax credits – these things are often haggled over right up to the wire. I happy to respond further when we hear the final package later this week.

Again, on employment law, I’m not aware that the final package. According to the Guardian:

Nick Clegg blocked the central recommendation in the Beecroft report – that employers should be able to sack unproductive staff without explanation.

Currently it’s a consultation, and it’s striking how the Guardian story evolved in the course of one of day last week from this (in the morning) to this (in the evening).

Martin

I am sure that you are a decent chap – everything I have heard about you would seem to indicate that you are. However, having voted Lib Dem all my voting life ( I am now 62), I would be very unlikely to do so in the future. I am prompted to write to you having heard Nick Clegg on the Today programme this morning. His avoidance of questions about where the money for a youth employment initiative would be coming from and whether the poorest in society will be hit through reduction of tax credits in next week’s spending review was an object lesson in obfuscation. I am also appalled at the changes to employment law which appear to be sanctioned by Vince Cable who once seemed to be a champion of progressive policies in a party that had all but sacrificed its ideals for a chance of power. I even read his book, “The Storm” in which blames on the greed and lack of moral/ethical compass in the banking industry. Perhaps Bob Diamond could pay for a youth employment initiative or two. Maybe Phillip Green could move a few of his ill-gotten squillions back to the country from which he stole them. It’s enough to make want to Occupy Winchester.

Harumph.

Yours sincerely,

David Lea

Martin Tod