Lessons from Mistakes

Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat Leader in his speech on Monday last week stated that Liberal Democrats must learn from previous Governments' experience and mistakes. The commitments which we made at the last general election need to be tailored to the current economic constraints. That does not mean, as some are saying, that we are going back on promises. We still have the same aims. It will simply take longer to achieve them given the state of the economy.

Some of it simply comes down to good housekeeping, saving money on wasteful projects and spending it where it is most needed. This is why I am asking this week if it was really necessary to make extra black bin collections in Rother when the work force could have been used to clear snow. I am also asking East Sussex County Council to re-examine their road gritting. There was a time when there were priorities. Roads were cleared to hospitals, schools, old peoples' homes etc. This no longer seems to be the case.

In Etchingham the primary school did not open until Tuesday morning following snow clearance by caretaker and teaching staff. The children have to walk from the village as the road to the school is still too icy. In Battle the pavements were atrocious. Although the Town Council had arranged for them to be cleared the County Highways' snow plough then passed through the town and pushed it all back onto the pavements. Snow had also been piled across the entrance to Battle and Langdon School.

What seems to be lacking is any integrated planning. Fortunately, it was evident at a local level. In small communities the local shops have been doing a roaring trade. In particular, bread and milk deliveries were all sold as soon as they appeared on the shelves. Neighbours are showing concern for each other. This needs to be achieved on a national basis.

Liberal Democrats can provide the fresh start which Britain needs. We will create a fair society and a different and better sort of politics. We will reform the economy so that everyone gets a fair deal and fix our rotten political system so that the right decisions are taken. We will deliver change that works for you.