Lib Dem Point of View

Sky News Debate

2009-09-02T00:42:00.003+02:00

As many of you may be aware, Sky News has sent an invitation to each of the leaders of the three main parties to have a live debate on national television.

David Cameron has accepted, and both Clegg and Brown have not yet replied. Cameron says "The case for a televised debate is compelling: it would engage the public, help answer their questions, and bring a General Election alive.", and I have to say I agree with him, but having it on Sky may restrict the audience slightly.

Gordon Brown has little to lose, so taking part in this debate may not be a bad thing, but saying that David Cameron's level of media-capability is so much higher than Brown's that the Tories are likely to come out on top. Of course, if Brown were to decline he'd be slammed by the Tories anyway, but seeing as Parliament is not sitting it is likely that it would not gain as much momentum as it would outside of recess.

I have not yet mentioned Nick Clegg, who, if he accepts would either by an ignorable sideshow, or he could take a huge opportunity and show the nation what leadership potential he has, and get rid of his current, possibly irrelevant, image.

This debate could be hugely influential, but really it should, if it were to happen it should be held back to the Spring.

Unenviable Situation for Gordon Brown

2009-08-25T14:47:00.000+02:00

The PM will take part in a press conference later today in which he is expected to finally face questions over the Megrahi affair.

Prior to the release of the convicted Libyan terrorist Brown could have, and in many minds should have, intervened either himself or with Jack Straw and David Miliband to prevent it happening. However, had he done that Holyrood would have been up in arms. The idea of a Westminster politician strolling in and exerting power would not appeal.

So, once Megrahi had been released there were three options open to Brown: 1) He could support the release on compassionate grounds seeing as it complied with Scottish law, and that would be beneficial to Westminster/Holyrood relations; 2) He could renounce the decision, isolate Scotland and help maintain the 'special relationship'; or 3) He could do what he has been doing, not say anything and try not to upset anyone. There are problems with all three, if GB were to support the Scots he could severely damage the 'special relationship' as well as leaving himself open to the 'soft on crime' criticism from the Tories; if he criticised the Scots Brown may well receive backing from the US, but he would have been open to an Opposition attack on the grounds of being the Americans' lapdog; and the final option, well you can see what's happened - he's been 'dithering' for a while now and if he does give an opinion he will still fall into the traps of the first two options.

Gordy looks a little stuffed.

NB If anything (more official) about oil and Westminster involvement is leaked Brown will be hung out to dry!

Government Decide To Take Their Financial Situation Out On The Grieving

2009-08-15T11:10:00.000+02:00

Okay, perhaps not completely fair, but HM Revenue and Customs have decided that, from next month, those who do not pay the due inheritance tax within 6 months will have to pay a 3% penalty!

Firstly inheritance tax is extraordinarily unfair, but I'll not go into that now (7 year loophole etc).

Secondly with the property market as it is; a grieving family could be forced to put their relative's house on the market at a price that is tiny compared to what they could have got a couple of years ago, or what they'll get in three or four years, (so everyone loses out). The pressure of having to sell in six months could well mean that the new grieving party would be forced to sell at well under the actual value on top of selling in a recession of huge proportions.

3%? Where was that figure conjured from? If the property, was worth £325, 000 (the base figure for inheritance tax on all of the deceased's assets) there would be almost £10, 000 to pay on top of the original 40%! For most families that, in itself, is a huge amount of money and seems incredibly insensitive after a loved one has died.

This government is not helping itself.

Hannan is Old News

2009-08-15T01:37:00.000+02:00

I'm really not sure what all the fuss about Daniel Hannan is, he has been airing his views for months on American TV; but he's been only been slated for them now.

Hannan was turned into a medieval style heretic overnight once his opinions started to be associated with this US far-right private health-care advertising campaign.

His views haven't changed, so why should anyone else's? Personally, I disagree with his point of view, however many changes could be made to the NHS, and the point about putting a price on people's lives is a fair one. But, why should anybody throw ridiculous insults at him? - see the comments on http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100006578/the-nhs-row-my-final-word/

Come on Britain, compose yourself!

Hello and welcome

2009-08-15T01:17:00.000+02:00

Hi ,

I'm Dom, a Liberal Democrat supporter from Bristol.

I'm planning to update this blog as frequently as possible in the coming months, which look like they'll be a fascinating build up to the General Election, but I'll also be looking to spend time studying for my A2 (Upper Sixth) exams in June 2010.

You can follow me at www.twitter.com/DomMather.

PS There may be the odd mention of cricket