London Liberal Democrats News Stories (Farrukh Islam)

Sep 2, 2011:
- Brian Paddick Selected as Lib Dem Mayoral Candidate
  London Liberal Democrats is pleased to announce that following a ballot of our members, Brian Paddick has been selected to be our candidate in the London Mayoral Election 2012. Brian Paddick said: "I want to thank the returning officer for the impartial and professional way he has run this selection process and I want to thank my fellow candidates for engaging in a high standard of debate throughout the campaign. I also want to thank my excellent team without whom I would not have been selected. Most of all, I want to thank London Liberal Democrat members who placed their trust and confidence in me to be their candidate for Mayor of London - I won't let you down. "I am excited to be joining an excellent team of Assembly Candidates for the 2012 Greater London Authority elections. My number one priority is to improve the image and standing of the party in the eyes of the public, with a view to securing the maximum number of votes for the Liberal Democrats in the 2012 elections and beyond. "I am determined to work as a team with the other candidates to present one distinctive Lib Dem agenda for London but we cannot do this without your help. That is why, over the next four months, I hope to visit every local party in London, to meet the activists whose support we rely on year after year and to raise as much money as possible for the campaign ahead. I know from personal experience how tough the GLA Elections are for us as a party and next year will be no exception. I promise to devote myself full-time between now and May to securing the best possible result for the Liberal Democrats and with your help, we can deliver the best result we have ever had in the history of the GLA elections. Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the London Assembly, said "I am delighted that Brian has been chosen as our Mayoral candidate and will join me in leading our campaign for the 2012 Mayor and London Assembly elections. Brian brings with him experience of policing in London. I look forward to campaigning with him right across the capital as we promote the Liberal Democrat message for London." Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 17, 2010:
- London MEP Sarah Ludford quizzed by Sixth Formers in 'Question Time' event
  London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford has been questioned by 150 Sixth Form students mainly from London in a 'Question Time' style event at Europe House, the new joint EU office for the European Commission and European Parliament in the UK. The event was chaired by Channel 4 newsreader Jon Snow and fellow London MEPs Jean Lambert (Green) and Charles Tannock (Conservative), along with Richard Howitt MEP (Labour, East of England) and Nigel Farage MEP (UKIP, South East) also took part. The event was part of a series to mark the official opening of this new EU office in London. After the event, Sarah Ludford said: "The liveliness of the questions showed that giving young people a chance to quiz their MEPs is a great way to get them engaged in politics. I was impressed by the quality of the questions and the students' awareness of what the EU and European Parliament do, and found it great fun. I hope there will be future such events." "We were asked about everything from the EU budget and MEP allowances to the future of the euro currency, whether Turkey would come into the EU and Angela Merkel's remarks on multiculturalism. I also got targeted by a question on tuition fees - not very European! - but was happy to answer that the new package is much fairer than the existing system." "The fact that only 9 out of the 150 wanted to leave the EU showed up the falsity of the claim by UKIP's Nigel Farage that 60% of British people wanted withdrawal! These intelligent young people were thoughtful enough to know that in the modern world isolation from Europe is a dead end." ENDS Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 15, 2010:
- Letter to the Independent: Labour yet again tries to woo the LibDems
  You report (13 December) that Labour is to woo Liberal Democrats. This is after Ed Miliband promised to eliminate us. The reasons that this new charm offensive will not work any better than past ones are supplied in too-little-too-late comments by John Denham and Yvette Cooper. Denham says Labour will not be "tribal" and Cooper says the Labour government "should have said very clearly and very strongly" that US policies under Bush, such as the Iraq invasion and Guantanamo, were wrong. They thus concede that tribalism and toleration of gross abuses of human rights have been entrenched features of the Labour Party. Throw in top-down centralism, authoritarian trampling on civil liberties and contempt for the little guy, and the answer as to why Liberals will never regard Labour as progressive is obvious. In my 40-year political lifetime Labour have never been able to make up their minds whether to try and crush us or lovebomb us, partly because they have no clue about Liberalism and what makes us tick. Regarding us as their wayward little brothers and sisters who can be shooed back into the family fold has no future. We're different and we're independent, Ed.Get used to it. Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP (This letter was sent to the Independent on 13 December 2010 and printed on 15 December 2010.) Related Links Click here to read the letter on the Independent's website. Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 14, 2010:
- Caroline Pidgeon to lead the Liberal Democrats fight for the London Assembly
  Caroline Pidgeon AM will lead the Liberal Democrats fight for the London Assembly London Liberal Democrats have today announced their team of candidates for the London Assembly top-up list in 2012. Caroline Pidgeon AM topped the poll of London Liberal Democrat members to lead the London Assembly campaign in 2012. Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington and London Spokesperson Tom Brake said: "The Liberal Democrats have a proud record on the London Assembly of holding the Mayor to account. Our Assembly members have led the fight for better value for money from City Hall, better transport services across London and an end to perks for senior police officers at the Met. "Our list of candidates for 2012 offers Londoners an excellent choice in terms of diversity and equality. They will make excellent additions to our Assembly Team. "I would like to offer on behalf of London Liberal Democrats our sincere thanks to Dee Doocey and Mike Tuffrey for their many years of service to London." Both Dee Doocey and Mike Tuffrey had previously announced that they would be standing down from the London Assembly in 2012. Dee Doocey is set to be made a member of the House of Lords early next year. The Liberal Democrats candidates for the London Assembly top-up list elections in 2012 are: 1) Caroline Pidgeon AM 2) Stephen Knight 3) Bridget Fox 4) Shas Sheehan 5) Jeremy Ambache 6) Merlene Emerson 7) Emily Davey 8) Steve Bradley 9) Marisha Ray 10) Nick Russell 11) Ajmal Masroor Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- CARING FOR CARERS THIS CHRISTMAS
  Local MP Tom Brake has joined local businesses and residents to support Sutton's young carers this Christmas and is calling on others to follow suit. Chosen as Sutton's Mayor's Charity of the Year, Sutton Carers Centre has become the centre of attention this season. Following the Mayor's example, Tom has decided to send e-Christmas cards this year and donate all money saved to supporting clubs and breaks for young carers. "It's important to remember charities at this time of year. That's why I'm sending local organisations e-cards and donating the money I save to Sutton Carers Centre who will use it to provide homework clubs, online resources and breaks for unpaid carers across the borough" Tom and the Mayor have also been joined by St John's Church in Belmont who have donated presents. "These young people deserve our support and I hope that others will consider making sure they can have a happy Christmas by supporting this worthy cause," said Tom. Sutton Carers Centre is an independent charity that aims to help the estimated 16,000 carers in the borough, many of whom are children. If you, your company or school is inspired by these kind gestures at Christmas time, and would like to support the Mayor's Charity, Sutton Carers Centre, please contact the Centre directly on 020 8296 5611 or go to www.justgiving.com/suttoncarerscentre. They are also always looking for volunteers to help with activities, work around the office or to become Trustees. Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- MEPs approve EU trafficking law: no reason for UK to stay out
  The European Parliament has approved a new European directive to combat human trafficking. Through more effective EU cooperation and a wider definition of trafficking it aims to hit the cross-border criminal networks guilty of buying, selling and exploiting other people. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people are trafficked into or within the EU every year, mostly exploited for prostitution but also as slave labour and for begging and stealing human organs. Since EU governments have also already given the legislation their approval it will now become EU law. The UK, which decided not to 'opt in' to this directive when it was first proposed, now has a second chance to decide to participate. Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman and London MEP Sarah Ludford said: "This new EU-wide push to fight the illegal sex trade and modern-day slavery and put its perpetrators into jail is vital. Criminals who dehumanise vulnerable people and exploit them for profit must be stopped." "The law against this pernicious crime is toughened up, for instance a new maximum sentence of 10 years instead of 8, much better care for child victims and an EU anti-trafficking coordinator. Trafficking now covers selling a person as a beggar or pickpocket, or for adoption, forced marriage or harvesting of organs for transplant." "MEPs have also insisted that victims receive protection, maximising the chance that they will help with prosecutions of the gangsters. If they are immediately deported as illegal immigrants or punished for involuntary offences, such prosecutions are undermined." "UK concerns about the text have been met and it meets the test in the coalition agreement. Cross-border cooperation is essential to combat people-trafficking and the UK should be leading the way in the international effort to stamp it out." Notes to Editors 1. The UK only participates in EU justice & home affairs legislation when it chooses to, and there are 2 opportunities for the UK to 'opt in' on any measure. The UK government announced in June that it would not opt in at the beginning of negotiations to this new EU anti-trafficking law but would wait to see how the final text negotiated between MEPs and the other EU governments turned out before deciding whether to participate in the final version. 2. Regarding EU justice & home affairs, the UK coalition government agreement says: 'We will approach forthcoming legislation in the area of criminal justice on a case-by-case basis, with a view to maximising our country's security, protecting Britain's civil liberties and preserving the integrity of our criminal justice system.' Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Hole in the heart of Mayor's new air quality strategy - Mike Tuffrey
  Mike Tuffrey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly environment spokesman, commenting on the Mayor's Air Quality Strategy which has finally been published today, said: "London's appalling air pollution is one of the biggest health problems facing the capital, leading to 4,300 premature deaths per year and countless thousands suffering ill health. It is therefore bitterly disappointing that the Mayor's strategy, after months in the making, still has a hole at its heart - the lack of effective measures to tackle pollution where it's worst in central London. "For almost two years I have called on the Mayor to bring in a Berlin-style clear air zone, using the existing camera enforcement system to exclude the oldest and most polluting vehicles. "The Mayor has failed to act on the evidence available and the best he is now offering is merely further talks with the boroughs, when instead decisive action is needed to protect the health of Londoners." ENDS Notes to editors: 1. For more information about how a Clean Air Zone (an additional low emission zone) in central London would work see: http://www.gla.libdems.org.uk/resources/sites/217.160.173.25-3e54d44dcb2780.65885247/Factsheets/Clean+Air+Zone+Briefing.pdf 2. Mike Tuffrey first questioned the Mayor about the merits of a Clean Air Zone in February 2009: http://www.london.gov.uk/profile/mike-tuffrey 3. The Mayor's Air Quality Strategy states in relation to low emission control schemes in 3.12.3. London boroughs may wish to explore establishing their own emission control schemes in response to local circumstances. Where appropriate and consistent with Mayoral strategies, the Mayor will consider supporting these, for example through the LIP process and other measures. To ensure London-wide inter-operability and to minimise compliance costs the Mayor would work with boroughs to establish guidelines for introducing a local zone should be there be interest in doing so. 3.12.4. The original central London congestion charging zone has been identified as a potential location for a local low emission zone due to the high concentrations of PM10 and NO2 in the area and because it is already an established 'zone'. TfL will work with boroughs and also other stakeholders to assess the feasibility and cost effectiveness of potential options. (p.100) http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Air%20Quality%20Strategy%201.pdf Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Letter to the Guardian: Assange case puts European Arrest Warrant in spotlight
  The case of Julian Assange has again put the European arrest warrant (EAW) in the spotlight (Report, 9 December). The EAW is a valuable and successful EU instrument, cutting the delays and red tape that in the past allowed major criminals to party beyond the reach of the law. But the EAW is restricted to "the purposes of conducting a criminal prosecution", which must mean imminent charge followed by trial. If your reports are correct that the Swedish request for extradition of Assange under an EAW is "to face questioning" or for "interview", this would appear to conflict with the high court case of Asztaslos last February, which confirmed that it is not a legitimate purpose for an EAW to be used to conduct an investigation to see whether that person should be prosecuted. Such issues do not come up only in high-profile EAW cases, but in its everyday implementation. That is why EU justice ministers last June called on national authorities not to misuse the EAW. Normal cross-border co-operation on collection of evidence or interrogation of suspects called "mutual legal assistance", using for example videoconferencing or a summons for temporary transfer of a suspect, should be used when more appropriate. Some lack of care by the Swedish authorities seems to be indicated by the fact that the first EAW they issued against Assange omitted details necessary for a UK court to be able to check if the warrant fulfilled all the requirements. I urge the UK courts now to refuse to allow the Assange EAW to be a fishing expedition without a pending actual prosecution. EU rules should be respected so that the integrity of the EAW process is protected. Sarah Ludford MEP (This letter was sent to The Guardian on 13 December 2010 and published on 14 December 2010.) Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 13, 2010:
- Commonsense at long last on tube upgrades - Caroline Pidgeon
  Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on today's announcement that London Underground will now use temporary block closures where appropriate as opposed to evening and weekend closures over many months, if not years, to upgrade and improve the tube said: "This change of direction, starting with parts of the Circle and District Line next summer is very welcome indeed. This is a policy I have been advocating for the last two years so I am delighted that commonsense has at long last prevailed. "This new approach will allow vital upgrade work to be completed more quickly and at a reduced cost. Most importantly there will be more certainty for passengers and businesses who have had to put up with endless evening and weekend closures. "Giving passengers and businesses more than eight advance months notice of when upgrade work will start is a far better approach than the utter chaos that has been created by the years of weekend and evening closures on the Jubilee Line." ENDS Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Statement on tuition fees from Bermondsey and Old Southwark Liberal Democrats
  Bermondsey and Old Southwark Liberal Democrats have issued a statement after a meeting on Sunday 12th December between local party officers, Liberal Democrat council group leader and local MP Simon Hughes. Statement Following a very difficult few days for Liberal Democrats locally, Bermondsey and Old Southwark party officers have today had a constructive meeting where we decided to continue in our roles at present. Simon Hughes has assured us that the leadership of the party has heard our message that we cannot move in the opposite direction from party policy like this again. Lessons must be learned about the decision making process and communication with the party, our supporters and the rest of the public. Prior to the vote, local party officers and councillors were very clear of their preference that Simon should vote against the proposals. There is disappointment about Thursday's votes, but we understand that Simon was in a very difficult position. We appreciate his reasons for abstaining in line with the coalition agreement and are pleased that he did not vote for the government's policy on this issue. We will continue to work with Simon in the best possible interests of Southwark residents. Gary Glover (Chair), Lorraine Zuleta (Vice Chair), Jon Phillips (Secretary), Laurie Eggleston (Treasurer), Ben Johnson (Policy Officer), Graham Neale (Membership Secretary), Jane Salmon (Social Officer) Responding to the statement, Southwark Council Group Leader, Cllr Anood Al-Samerai, said "The work which our local party does is hugely valuable and appreciated and their views must be listened to by all elected representatives." After the meeting Simon Hughes MP said "My local party and local Liberal Democrat councillors are fully entitled to express their views as strongly as they feel them. I am very grateful for their continuing personal and political support. Although this government's policy will be fairer than the one left by Labour, there is still a big risk that £6000 a year for tuition fees, or more, could put off people from communities like ours from university education. "I will work with local Liberal Democrats and my colleagues nationally to make sure that coalition policy always delivers better opportunities, greater freedoms and a more equal country. Progressives are needed in the Liberal Democrats more now than ever in the history of the party." Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Sarah secures over £4 million for Brent's poorest pupils
  Brent's Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather today announced major investment for schools in Brent through the Pupil Premium. In its first year the programme will target £625m extra funding to the poorest children in school, with this figure rising to £2.5bn each year, by the end of this Parliament. This means that, in year one, every school is guaranteed an extra £430 from the Government for every child on free school meals and every looked-after child. In Brent this means around £4,353,750 in extra cash. Brent's schools will be free to use this extra funding to raise the attainment of pupils in whatever way headteachers and governing bodies believes works best. This could be through one-to-one tuition, additional support in the classroom or extra classes for students who are falling behind. The £430 will be given to the school on top of the existing money that schools receive. In future years the amount given will rise and more pupils will be covered by the pupil premium. Sarah Teather says: "The pupil premium provides more money for disadvantaged children and means a better deal for Brent." "Brent lost out under Labour because it was classified as an outer London borough for funding despite facing the same problems and challenges as inner London." "Enabling children from disadvantaged backgrounds to have the best possible start in life was a key pledge of the Liberal Democrats going into the last general election. The pupil premium delivers on this pledge - by providing schools with £430 for every disadvantaged child on top of existing pupil funding." "By helping some of the most disadvantaged children, we can help whole classes work together better and move forward faster. This is great news for children, parents and teachers alike." Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 10, 2010:
- Tuition fees vote
  I understand that people are worried about the changes in tuition fees and I have carefully read all your comments and messages on yesterday's vote. Many of you have commented on the NUS pledge I signed prior to the election, confirming what I would do if a Lib Dem Government was elected. Unfortunately a Lib Dem Government was not elected in May. We have a coalition government in which the Conservative party is by far the largest party. This has meant that, inevitably, we have not been successful in getting all of our policies adopted by the Coalition Government. Whilst I deeply regret that we have not been able to deliver all of our commitments on higher education, I believe that the package that Vince Cable has constructed is a significant improvement, and more progressive than the current scheme. For the first time no one has to pay up front, graduates will make monthly payments based on their earnings and only after they are earning £21k (up from £15k today). These monthly payments will be lower than they are today in every case. Under the new proposals 25% of students, the most disadvantaged, will pay less, and part time students will pay no up-front fees at all. They represent 40% of all students, and this had been a major disincentive, when it came to taking up courses. Universities that wish to charge between £6k and £9k will have to do far more to attract students from disadvantaged backgrounds and tough sanctions will be imposed on universities which fail to improve their access to students from poorer backgrounds These proposals also represent a significant improvement on the proposals outlined in the Browne Review, which was supported by both Labour and the Conservatives. At the same time we are delivering on our commitment for a fully funded pupil premium - which will help improve social mobility. My decision yesterday was not one I took lightly. Over the past few months I considered carefully the proposals and met with Ministers, university students and pupils before deciding which way to vote. Whilst I was initially attracted to the idea of a graduate tax, as proposed by the NUS, I have become convinced that there are too many practical problems with such an approach. On that basis, I decided to vote for the new scheme. You may find this article in the Guardian of interest: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/dec/08/tuition-fees-student-support Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Tuition Fees - a message from Simon
  Yesterday I abstained from the vote to raise the cap on higher education fees. The last few weeks have been extraordinarily difficult for all Liberal Democrats both locally and nationally. I am sure that whatever the decision each of my colleagues came to, it has not been easy. Now that a decision has been taken in Parliament our party needs to come together. We must continue implementing our programme of government set out in the coalition agreement. Much of this programme contains many policies important for Liberal Democrats and for our country. I decided that if I had voted against the government and all Liberal Democrat ministers today I could have undermined the coalition and our leadership, both of which I continue to support strongly. Because of this, despite my long and continuing opposition to tuition fees, I chose to register that opposition in the way permitted by the coalition agreement, by abstaining from both votes. As we now start to develop policies for people in further and higher education policy we need to be much better in engaging young people in our political process and taking on board their concerns. There are many issues that still need to be addressed before the details of higher education policy are agreed. It is crucial that students and young people participate in shaping this policy. Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 9, 2010:
- There is far more to the Olympics than football - Dee Doocey
  Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Olympics spokesperson, commenting on the admission by the London Organising Committee of Olympic Games (LOCOG) that more than half of the 'Pay Your Age' tickets for the Olympic Games will be restricted to football events said: "If offered a chance to obtain a ticket to the Olympics I doubt many people would first think of attending a football match. For the vast majority of people it is way down their pecking order of Olympic sports. "By allocating such a huge chunk of affordable tickets to a low profile Olympic sport the harsh reality is that there will be far less affordable tickets for sporting events that many families really want to see." ENDS Notes to editors. 1. LOCOG's 'Pay Your Age' scheme was announced on the 15th October 2010 as part of their overall ticket pricing structure. It was claimed that the scheme will operate for over 200 Olympic Games sessions. Anyone who is 16 and under at the start of the Games will pay their age - and anyone over 60 will pay £16. A total of 1.3 million tickets will be available through the scheme. 2. At a meeting today at City Hall of the Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee it was confirmed that 660,000 of tickets under the scheme will be allocated to football events during the Olympics. Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Pledge to make the 2012 Games the most "accessible ever" is now in tatters - Dee Doocey
  Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Olympics spokesperson, commenting on LOCOG's (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games) statement that they will not allocate free tickets to the carers of any disabled people purchasing a ticket for any event, unless they are a wheelchair user, said: "It is shameful that LOCOG are failing to adopt a fair policy towards all disabled people. "With less than one in ten disabled people being wheelchair users LOCOG's policy is blatant discrimination against the huge number of disabled people who require a carer to attend any event, such as many blind people or people with a learning disability. "Far from pushing forward in access standards it seems that the 2012 Games will not even match the ticketing policies that are already adopted by many music and sporting venues. The pledge that the 2012 Games would be the most accessible Games ever is now in complete tatters." ENDS Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- My Stance on the Tuition Fees Debate
  I understand the anxiety of many people about changes to the way in which university courses are paid for. But let's look at the details. The Government is not implementing the Browne Review recommendations. It has developed its own set of proposals that in effect transform the post course tuition fee into a graduate contribution. And let's be clear about exactly what these proposals are. Under the proposed system, one in four graduates will pay less than they do now, while those who earn the most will pay more. In future no one will have to pay up-front fees, and for the first time ever this will also include part time students. Part time students studying at an intensity of quarter or more of a full time course will now no longer pay up front fees and instead will pay a graduate contribution like graduates of full time degrees. This change will benefit around 175,000 part-time students in total, meaning the vast majority of part time students will no longer pay upfront fees. To ensure that protection afforded to low income graduates the proposals will raise the threshold when people start paying their graduate contribution to £21,000, and unlike Labour's £15,000 threshold, we will annually uprate the threshold to keep pace with growth in earnings. As a result graduates will pay less per month than they do now. This will benefit an estimated 100,000 low paid graduates by 2021. We want to be fair to people already in the student loan system, failed by Labour who never increased the £15k threshold over which tuition fees are repaid. We will increase this every year in line with inflation, lifting an estimated 120,000 people out of repayment by 2015 who would have been making payments under Labour's policy. Finally, every single graduate will pay less per month than under Labour's tuition fee system, and the one in four graduates will pay less in total than under the current system. I did not stand as a single issue candidate and as such I will not vote on this issue in isolation. I have taken into consideration the overall state of the public finances; the cost of maintaining the status quo; the merits or otherwise of any alternative HE reforms; and the merits of the HE reforms proposed by Vince Cable. Having weighed all these considerations I have decided to vote for the reforms. They are very much better than anything Labour or the Conservative Party would have delivered on their own in Government Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- LibDem call for tenant ballot gets national backing
  Liberal Democrat calls for Islington council tenants have a chance to give their views on the future of their homes have this week been backed by a national housing campaign organisation. At the October meeting of the council Liberal Democrats proposed a ballot of all Homes for Islington tenants asking whether they wanted to bring the current housing management service, run by Homes for Islington, back under direct council control. Labour councillors refused to back the move. Now the National Federation of ALMOs has written to Housing Minister Grant Schapps MP calling on him to introduce legislation allowing tenants a vote if the future of their homes is being decided. Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, councillor Terry Stacy, said: "Islington Labour councillors refused to back the Liberal Democrat idea of a tenant ballot about the future of Homes for Islington. They obviously believe they know best and tenants' views don't matter. "Now national housing organisations are also saying tenants should be given a voice. Labour is seriously out of step on this issue now. "Bringing Islington's housing management back to the council could save at least £0.5 million. It's madness to rule it out it in these tough times for councils." Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 8, 2010:
- Report on runaway train raises further questions - Caroline Pidgeon
  Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on Transport for London's report into the 'runaway train' on the London Underground on Friday 13th August said: "One of the most disturbing findings from this report is that far from this being an isolated incident there have actually been 12 similar cases since 1996. "It is absolutely vital that the recommendations from this report are implemented as quickly as possible. "The Mayor of London, who is the Chair of Transport for London, must ensure this happens. Londoners should be given a clear assurance that safety of the tube is paramount." ENDS A copy of the report can be seen here: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/london/pdf/final_rail_fir.doc Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Olympic Blue Badge snub is indefensible - Caroline Pidgeon
  Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on today's emphatic refusal by the Chair (John Armitt) of the Olympic Delivery Authority to allow disabled people who are Blue Badge users and have a ticket for a Games event, to access the Olympic road lanes said: "When less than one in four tube stations is wheelchair accessible it is appalling that the ODA have ruled out such a modest proposal. Quite frankly the need of many disabled people is far greater than many of the other people who will be able to use these lanes. "The excuses put forward by the Olympic Delivery Authority for not implementing this policy are simply indefensible and totally contradict the promise we made to the world to host the most accessible Games ever." ENDS Notes to editors: John Armitt stated that Blue Badge users will not be able to access the Olympic Lanes at a Plenary Session held today at City Hall. Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 2, 2010:
- Crossing the road should be an equal entitlement for every Londoner - Caroline Pidgeon
  Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, speaking ahead of tomorrow's (Friday 3rd December) International Day of Disabled People has called on the Mayor of London to make a firm commitment to ensure that every pedestrian crossing in London is accessible for disabled people. Following a series of questions put to the Mayor by Caroline Pidgeon he has admitted that there are more than 400 pedestrian crossings in London which fail to provide any facilities (a bleeping sound or a rotating cone) to allow blind and partially sighted people to safely cross the road. The Mayor, who chairs Transport for London, has also failed to say when all these crossings will finally be made accessible to blind people. Commenting on the poor access standards at so many pedestrian crossings in London Caroline Pidgeon said: "It is disgraceful that the capital provides such poor access to disabled people, especially on something as basic as pedestrian crossings. "On International Day of Disabled People, and just weeks before the Mayor's Year of Walking commences, the Mayor needs to make a firm commitment to ensure that within months every pedestrian crossing across London is accessible for disabled people. Every Londoner, disabled or not, deserves the right to be able to cross roads safely Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, Unit 6, Hermes House, 59, Josephine Avenue, SW2 2JZ Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

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Farrukh Islam

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