20 Most Recent Press Articles

My Visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan

Written by Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister on Fri 3rd Sep 2010

Earlier this week this week I went to Afghanistan and Pakistan to see for myself the problems and challenges that those countries face. The coalition government is committed to playing our part to helping ensure that the region has a peaceful and prosperous future.

It was my second visit to our armed forces in Afghanistan, where I saw again the bravery and professionalism of our troops. Whilst the situation in the country is still difficult, I believe that we are beginning to turn the corner. As the Prime Minister has made clear, British combat troops will leave Afghanistan by 2015 and it is important that by then we have a full political settlement to take the country forward.

Yesterday I was in Pakistan where I saw the almost unimaginable impact of the terrible floods. It is almost impossible to appreciate their scale - the affected area is approximately the same size as the UK.

I was deeply moved as I witnessed the flooding from the air. It is sadly clear that it will take years for life in Pakistan to come back to normal. I met with President Zardari and aid agency workers to discuss aid being delivered to Pakistan and what role Britain and the international community can play.

I'm proud that the British people and government have together contributed over £100m to assist the aid efforts. If you would like to donate to the DEC appeal for Pakistan, as I know many people will have done already, you can do so at www.dec.org.uk

Sea Scouts Summer Ball at The Salisbury Hotel

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Sat 21st Aug 2010

Mayor Tom McNeice at Sea Scouts Summer Ball

I knew the time would come when I would have to go out and buy a Dinner Jacket and Bow Tie. This was the first time this year that it was necessary and I dutifully wore the apparel. I thought I looked rather smart until I met the officers who greeted me. Their uniforms are neat, smart and rather figure hugging, which might have been a problem for my particular physique!

Getting to know people is the best part of the role as Mayor and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing all about the Sea Cadets and the Units based in Sandgate and Ashford. The ball was intended for officers and their families, as an adult only event. Sadly, many of the people originally intending to come felt unable to do so, but those who were there celebrated the Unit with gusto.

Clearly this group of people put a great deal of time and energy into supporting, guiding and teaching young people and it is an interest which takes over their lives. We heard about the evening training activities as well as the band and the qualifications that the young people can gain from working hard as a member of the Sea Cadets.

Those of us who are not knowledgeable about Naval rules and regulations had to ask for interpretation of when, what and how to proceed throughout the evening.

The food was of a very high standard and the conversation at table was entertaining and interesting. My excuse for not dancing was that I had eaten far too much and could hardly move. I think the drinking of the port after dinner may have had something to do with it too.

I hope to be invited to attend some of the activities that the young people undertake and I will look forward to meeting them in their Unit very soon.

Park Farm Allotments Prize day

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Sat 21st Aug 2010

Mayor Tom McNeice with Park Farm Allotment prize winners

I'm not a gardener and I was quite worried that I was being asked to judge the competition at the allotments, but luckily two representatives from Age Concern were there to undertake that task.

What a thriving community we encountered today. I am especially impressed with the age span of the people involved. Young Jacob showed me around his small patch and was rightly proud of the tomatoes that he has grown.

Sitting and chatting with the green fingered enthusiasts over a hot dog and a cup of tea made the day a most enjoyable one and I was delighted to see family groups sharing an interest together.

The results of the competition brought much laughter and friendly banter with one particular name coming up more than all the others. (Well done Jimmy)

I hope that somehow we find more space somewhere to use for allotments and offer the same opportunity to the many people on the waiting list for plots.

BBC Battle of Britain Film Showing

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Fri 20th Aug 2010

Mayor Tom McNeice at Battle of Britain memorial event

Watching the BBC setting up procedure was almost as interesting as the film itself, until we heard from Mahinder Singh Pujji that is. To listen to the personal reflections of a Battle of Britain pilot was humbling, especially as he seemed confused about our reaction to his statement about never having been afraid.

The whole room was mesmerised whilst Mahinder shared his memories of flying above the South of England and how he came to England along with 23 other selected pilots. The film reminded us all of the sacrifice made by those brave men and women on the airfields and in the map rooms as well as in the planes.

It was not all sadness I have to say because Christina who was in the French Resistance made us laugh with her descriptions of the events from her side of the Channel. A thoroughly enjoyable evening and a great privilege for Folkestone to host on behalf of the BBC.

All Souls fund raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Thu 19th Aug 2010

As always at these events, I learn something about a charity that I didn't know before. Apparently it costs £49,000 to breed and train a Guide Dog for the Blind and cover all the costs throughout their life. I had no idea that the charity covers all food, care and medical costs for the dogs, so no wonder they depend on charitable giving.

We were made very welcome by the people of All Souls and the supporters of the charity. A salad and pate lunch went down a treat and I had fun meeting all the attendees. The raffle and the lucky dip added to the funds raised and I hope to support another event in September.

100 days and Social Mobility

Written by Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wed 18th Aug 2010

Today I made a speech about how the Coalition government is building a fairer society in Britain. Both David Cameron and I have always made it clear that we are governing Britain for the long term, not for tomorrow's headlines.

One of our main long-term goals is to increase social mobility. A fair society is one where everyone has the chance to do well, regardless of their beginnings. A society where no-one is held back by the circumstances of their birth. Where what counts isn't what school you went to, the job your parents did or the colour of your skin, but your ability and ambition.

When the history books are written, I want them to say that this government paid down the budget deficit and laid down the foundations of economic prosperity for years to come. I also want them to say that children born in 2015 are less constrained by the circumstances of their birth than any previous generation.

There is a huge amount of work to be done. Labour spent huge amounts of money pushing low-income households just above the poverty line - but with no impact on the chances of the next generation.

The two most important areas which I outlined in my speech today and will guide the Government's social mobility strategy are:

Tax reform. We will reform the tax system so it encourages social mobility, rather than social segregation. We took a first step towards that at the Budget by raising the income tax threshold, taking 880,000 people out of tax altogether. Reforming income tax is explicitly aimed at those who are in paid work - the surest route out of poverty. Making income tax fairer will not only be a measure to boost fairness today, but is also an investment in fairness tomorrow.

Education. We are introducing a Pupil Premium to make sure investment is channelled to the children and schools who need it most. The level of the Pupil Premium will be announced in October. Schools will be able to spend the money as they see fit - so long as its purpose it to help pupils overcome the accidents of birth.

I will also be chairing a new ministerial group on Social Mobility, including Conservatives like Iain Duncan Smith and David Willetts as well as Liberal Democrats like Sarah Teather and Lynne Featherstone. Alan Milburn, who is widely respected across the political spectrum for his tireless work on social mobility, will act as an independent reviewer of the Government's success in delivering social mobility.

You can read my full speech at http://tinyurl.com/29j2fl2

Mont Calm Garden Party

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Wed 18th Aug 2010

Being greeted by The Mad Hatter and offered a drink by a White Rabbit is a bit surreal, although once Alice started handing round strawberries on scones we had started to get used to it...

Every staff member from the three Mont Calm Residential Homes were in costume, with packs of cards and a Queen of Hearts and they encouraged many of the residents to take part in the singing and dancing. I circulated and enjoyed speaking to both staff and residents and was even bold enough to take to the dance area in the garden myself.

I am so impressed with the love and care that the staff give to the residents and it was evident that they enjoy their job.

VJ Day Service at the Garden of Remembrance

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Sun 15th Aug 2010

Tom McNeice and Sarah Fitzgerald meet the British Legion veterans after the VJ Day service

65th anniversary of the end of fighting in WW2 is an event that deserves a dignified celebration. Various dignitaries gathered at the Garden of Remembrance to pay tribute to those who fought and died but also to acknowledge the moment when the conflict officially ceased. Wreaths were laid at the Burma Star Memorial and a two minute silence gave everyone the opportunity to reflect on what this occasion means to them.

My chaplain, Rev Sarah Fitzgerald, spoke briefly to the assembled people and also led the congregation in prayer. It was a privilege to be the Mayor, at a time like this, when the community demonstrates a single mindedness about the futility of war.

I was grateful to the Gurkha 2nd Batallion for providing a soldier to play the bugle giving the service the dignity and solemnity it deserved.

At the lunch following the service it was a pleasure to talk to the men and women of The British Legion who had attended the service. I am grateful to the Railway Club who hosted an excellent buffet and who made us very welcome.

Cinque Ports Bowls Tournament at Radnor Park Bowls Club - Continued!

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Sun 15th Aug 2010

The victorious Folkestone Bowls Team (Malcolm, Jean, Tim and Beth) with Tom McNeice and Speaker of the Cinque Ports

...and so back to the Bowls Tournament, where Folkestone had taken the lead but only by five points. One game remained to be played before tea with a final game after the refreshments.

Considerable banter took place between the Mayors attending this event, with a friendly rivalry evident. Needless to say, Folkestone took the title and received the trophy after the evening meal, hosted by the Cinque Ports Bowls Association, at the Radnor Park Bowls Club where the tournament had been played.

Well done to Malcolm, Jean, Tim and Beth for representing the Mayor brilliantly. Thank you!

Donkey Derby on Radnor Park

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Sat 14th Aug 2010

Release the donkeys!

The heavens opened and as we arrived, the organisers, The Lions Club, were having to make a decision whether to carry on. The donkeys were still under cover and the riders sheltering in the car. The sausages were becoming nicely into charcoal whilst the lid was on the BBQ.

A disaster was evolving and then a miracle happened. The clouds moved and the sun came out. Suddenly Radnor Park came alive and people emerged from cars and caravans. Plastic was quickly pulled off the stalls and the day could be saved.

Every event I go to is a new experience from the viewpoint as Mayor, so making the speech to open the Donkey Derby was another challenge yet again. I have attended this event for many, many years and remember how it has grown and developed and we are so fortunate to have the Lions Club remaining faithful to the annual event.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the children enjoy donkey rides and couldn't help laughing at the antics of the donkeys during each race. Meeting the people at the stalls and sideshows is always interesting and it was a pleasure to support all the charity games around the edge of the park.

Cinque Ports Bowls Tournament at Radnor Park Bowls Club

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Sat 14th Aug 2010

Thank goodness I wasn't asked to bowl the first wood again this time! Although I was the hosting Mayor, it was in fact the Cinque Ports Bowls Association who organised the whole event. Making a speech comes easier now and I am finding the words to show my pride in Folkestone itself.

Sadly, the weather wasn't kind and soon after opening the tournament, it poured with rain but the players were reluctant to come off the greens. Eventually they had to and we had to leave to open the Donkey Derby…..in the pouring rain.

By the time we returned the sun had come out and the play had restarted, with the Folkestone Team taking the initial lead. Strange how that began to change whilst I was watching.

The Clock is Ticking....

Written by Peter Facey, Unlock Democracy (incorporating POWER2010) on Wed 11th Aug 2010

10th August marked a very special anniversary. 99 years ago, Parliament passed the Parliament Act. This law limited the House of Lords' powers and formally committed Parliament to replacing the Lords with a democratic second chamber.

We've made very little progress on Lords reform over the past century. Even positive moves, such as removing most (but not all) hereditary peers from the House of Lords, have been balanced out by cronyism and scandals such as the "loans for Lordships" debacle a few years ago.

The good news is that both the coalition government and the Labour Party are committed to taking action on this promise at last. But we can't assume this will just happen without outside pressure. That's why I'm asking you to write to your MP today and demand that Parliament gets moving on Lords reform over the next 12 months.

Demand Lords reform now: http://www.power2010.org/countdown

By this time next year, we want to see a full set of Lords reform proposals fully debated in the House of Commons.

We've written to the Lords Reform Committee, which is in charge of drawing up these proposals. Please write to your MP and put pressure on them as well. You can do so quickly and simply by following this link:

http://www.power2010.org/countdown

It is crucial that we keep up the pressure on this - opponents of reform in the House of Lords will do everything they can to delay the process. It is ridiculous that this absurd and undemocratic anachronism has been allowed to continue for so long.

The preamble to the Parliament Act 1911, which was finally became law on 10 August 1911, states that:

"... it is intended to substitute for the House of Lords as it at present exists a Second Chamber constituted on a popular instead of hereditary basis, but such substitution cannot be immediately brought into operation." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_Acts_1911_and_1949

Gurkha Memorial Fund Appeal in Folkestone Town Centre

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Sat 7th Aug 2010

Tom McNeice and children in Nepali dress in Folkestone Town Centre

Attendance on the overcast morning started small but gradually grew as the weather improved and word spread to the shoppers of Folkestone. We are so fortunate to be able to watch quality dancing and listen to such talented singers.

I was delighted to be asked to open this exciting event in the Town Centre and I am glad that the people of Folkestone turned out to enjoy a day of Nepalese Culture. I am hoping that the donations gathered in buckets will make a significant contribution to the fund and that the memorial becoming a reality is considerably closer.

Cheriton Bowls Club and The Chelsea Pensioners

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Wed 4th Aug 2010

Tom McNeice and Chelsea Pensioners at the Cheriton Bowls Club

It's strange to find that people are so pleased to meet the Mayor, and yet it is me who is honoured to meet them. Today, this is exactly the case when I was privileged to meet the Chelsea Pensioners who were visiting Cheriton Bowls Club for a small tournament.

Greeted with a cup of tea and genuine hospitality, the visitors arrived exactly on time. I'm not sure how I thought they would be able to play bowls, but I imagined they would arrive in their scarlet jackets (scarlet - not red as I was corrected.) The green ties of the 'home team' complimented perfectly the red of the ties and red edged cream jumpers of the honoured guests

Nobody seemed very interested in who was winning or losing but the joy of the game clearly took precedence. A photo call is always a requirement of important moments and this occasion was no different. The attitude of fun and laughter extended to the taking of photographs when the photographer from the Kent Messenger agreed to take everyone's photos as well as his own, with no less than six cameras to juggle. Perhaps a product comparison could be undertaken from the resulting pictures.

Mayor and Mayoress of Canterbury fundraising picnic and outing to the theatre

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Tue 3rd Aug 2010

Mayor of Canterbury, Pat Todd, with Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice

At the Mayoral outing today there were Mayors and Mayoresses present that I have not met before who had travelled from Tunbridge Wells, Bromley, Medway, Gravesend and the more usual Cinque Ports. We drove to the venue ourselves this time as Canterbury is outside our area and not a Cinque Port and parking amongst the rather smart Mayoral Cars was a bit daunting. However, seeing the stunning venue of Tower House and it's gardens and grounds was an uplifting experience.

The 15 - 20 Mayors who had accepted the invitation set up their picnics in groups and, with a glass of wine or soft drink, provided by the Mayor of Canterbury, Pat Todd, began to enjoy the warm sunshine and jovial company.

It is always a pleasure to support the Charity Events of other towns and cities and each one has a different focus and theme. Today, the idea is to have a picnic in the garden (having brought our own picnic hamper) and later to enjoy a performance of an Oscar Wilde play at the Gilbenkian Theatre. The play did not disappoint and the acting by the 'Old Stagers' was of a very high standard.

As with all Charity Events the evening finished with a raffle. An extremely pleasant way to spend an afternoon and evening knowing that it is supporting a good cause.

Step Short 2010

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Sun 1st Aug 2010

Mayor Tom McNeice with WW1 soldiers at the Step Short parade

The day started on the Leas where I had a photo taken with two soldiers dressed in Middlesex Regiment Uniform from the WW1 period. We quietly processed from The Grand Hotel along Leas to the top of the Road of Remembrance, formerly called 'The Slope Road' and the long column walked down the road followed by the many spectators. The destination was the harbour where ten million men had departed for France almost a hundred years ago.

This event is to highlight the incredible sacrifice made by these men and women and to promote the idea of having a commemoration in four years time.

After Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins laid a wreath in the sea from a tug, we all shared some time together in the Hotel Burstin.

Newington Garden Club Competition and Prizegiving

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Sat 31st Jul 2010

Oh, the things I don't know that are taking place all around me! I had no idea that such a lovely group of people gather every month to hear about gardening skills and share experiences and stories.

Today the group in Newington were exhibiting the best of their fruit, vegetables and flowers in a range of categories. What is encouraging is that there is a youth section who were keen to show me their efforts and were delighted to receive their prizes.

The friendly atmosphere and generous hospitality ensured that I had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Tea and home-made cake are an excellent preparation for the prizegiving, which was an honour and a pleasure.

Pupil Premium is a real Liberal Democrat achievement

Written by Sarah Teather, Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central and Minister of State for Children & Families and published in www.libdemvoice.org on Tue 27th Jul 2010

I came into politics to make a difference for the most disadvantaged in our society. It is over three years since I, as Liberal Democrat education spokesperson, championed the Pupil Premium as our flagship education policy and debated it at Conference. I never dared imagine a time when I would be unveiling it as Government policy and then actually implementing it. But this week, the Coalition Government announced that a Pupil Premium, funded from outside the schools budget, will be introduced next September. It will mean that from next year, schools taking disadvantaged children will get the additional money they need to provide them with the extra support they deserve, no matter where they are in the country. This could mean more individual tuition or catch-up classes, but it will be for the school to decide, we won't be telling headteachers how to spend the money.

This is a real Liberal Democrat achievement. It was the centrepiece of our education policy during the election campaign, and it is now being implemented in Government. While the Conservatives had a similar policy, it was the Liberal Democrats who pushed for it to be funded from outside the schools budget, and for it to feature specifically in the coalition agreement. And it's no secret that it was one of the sticking points of the negotiations with Labour - they simply refused to agree to it. I find this shocking - a policy designed to support the most vulnerable in our society and give them the chances that other children have - rejected by the Labour Party. If any of us ever needed another example of Labour's complete failure to represent the most poor, and the emptiness of their rhetoric, this is it. Make no mistake, it is the Liberal Democrats who are now the party for the most disadvantaged, championing policies like the Pupil Premium in opposition, placing them at the heart of our manifesto, and making them happen in government.

Liberal Democrats are committed to the Pupil Premium because we understand that education can be a key driver of social mobility. But it is shameful that we still have an education system which too often perpetuates inequality rather than tackles it. The poorest children are only half as likely to leave school with 5 good GCSEs than their better-off classmates. The Pupil Premium will help in tackling Labour's failure to break the link between social background and performance at school, opening up opportunities for children regardless of where they are born.

The Coalition Government is now consulting on the way in which the premium should be implemented. The consultation includes options for how deprivation should be calculated:

• in relation to children on Free School Meals

• in relation to tax credits

• by using marketing classifications like MOSAIC or ACORN

And it includes questions about other groups who might benefit, such as children in care or children of those serving in the armed forces, and raises the issue of how it could be extended to cover children in the early years. We are determined that it has the best possible impact and I urge you to get involved in the consultation and to give the Department for Education your views.

This week the Coalition Government's Academies Bill will also become law. In my view the Liberal Democrats have long been opponents of the "command and control" way that Labour managed the school system, and in favour of more freedom for schools, a more strategic role for Local Authorities, reformed pay and conditions and more flexibility for headteachers to run their schools as they and their communities think best. And, by working within the Coalition, Liberal Democrat members of the House of Lords have been able to secure important protections for the most vulnerable, such as children with Special Educational Needs, that we could not have done from the Opposition benches. This is what coalition means - the Academies Bill is a flagship Conservative policy and the pupil premium is a flagship Liberal Democrat policy - and they are both part of our programme for Government.

Outside the glare of the public spotlight, in my role as Minister for Children and Families, I am also leading many other changes that the Liberal Democrats have fought for as part of our pledge to make sure every child gets a fair start in life. In the last few weeks we have started to review the Early Years Foundation Stage, to plan changes to make the system for children with Special Educational Needs fairer, extended free childcare and begun to consider how to tackle the commercialisation of children. I am working with Ministers across Government to deliver on the Coalition's commitment to end child poverty in the UK by 2020, and am part of the Prime Minister's Taskforce on Childhood and Families - focused on removing the barriers to a stable and secure family life for families of all shapes and sizes.

There is no doubt that these are difficult times to be in Government. The financial legacy left by Labour means that we will simply not be able to afford to do all the things we would like to do. But I am clear, by being in Government and working hard, the Liberal Democrats can make a real difference.

I want Britain to be a fairer, more liberal place. For the first time in generations the Liberal Democrats are now making real progress towards achieving this goal.

Installation of the Deputy Constable of Dover Castle

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Thu 22nd Jul 2010

My feet are becoming used to the additional standing to watch important events and my leg muscles are getting stronger to cope with the extra walking and standing. This event however, required endurance of feet, legs and back! Perhaps because the military are so used to standing and walking, they have forgotten that some of the rest of us are pretty unfit!

The army can always be relied upon to have good organisation and this occasion was no different. The invited dignitaries assembled in the dining room of the Deputy Constable and a short ceremony completed his installation.

The reception that followed was run on precision guidelines and for four hours we stood in small groups, created by a military system to ensure that nobody was left alone. The hospitality was exceptional and the care of individual needs was admirable.

After these four hours of standing, it was a relief to be invited to sit and watch the Beating of the Retreat. How delighted I was to find that it was the turn of the Gurkha Regiment to entertain with a marching band and also with dancers. Mayors and dignitaries from other towns were amazed at the high standard of performance, which left me feeling proud to be mayor of a town with a Gurkha Regiment in place.

During this time the sun began to set and the chill in the air created a problem for a few women in summer clothing, but the army quickly responded with soldiers bringing out blankets from the Officers Mess. The lowering of the flag brought the day to a close and I was left with a sense of pride and satisfaction at the sheer professionalism, hospitality and humility of our hosts

Samaritans 24 / 7

Written by Folkestone Mayor Tom McNeice and published in Folkestone Mayor's Diary on Tue 20th Jul 2010

Tom McNeice in Samaritan car

It is not unusual to be invited to a function and not to know what is about to happen - at least, not unusual for me! The description of the invitation was simply to support the Samaritans in a publicity event: what became clear later is that the date was the significant part of the invitation.

During the week where the 24th July falls, the Samaritans undertake a publicity campaign. The date is to replicate their promise of being available 24 / 7.

This year they had a Smart-Car, in the Charity colours, driving to each Samaritan Centre in the country. The car arrived from Eastbourne, driven by one of their volunteers. Our Folkestone volunteer, Mike Deacon, was ready and waiting to drive the car to Canterbury and hand over to the next person in the relay.

Because the car was running late from Eastbourne, I had the opportunity for a tour of the Samaritans Office and was impressed with the efficiency of the organisation. Those showing us around were clearly proud of their successes and quite rightly so. There are many people in Folkestone who are alive and well because of the work undertaken by the Folkestone Samaritans and I am so glad that I had this opportunity to know more about their selfless and tireless work.

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