On the doorstep this afternoon, I was asked if the Liberal Democrats were actually achieving anything in Government. After all, were we not just subsumed into the Tory machine?

I believe that it is to be proud of, and because of Liberal Democrats working hard, that: the coalition will be collecting five times more money from the wealthiest in society.

Is is because of the Liberal Democrats that the Coalition consulted on changes to inconsistent and ambiguous legislation, like VAT on hot takeaway food – a far cry from Labour’s approach when Gordon Brown tried to sneak through his abolition of the 10p rate.

Currently, 95 per cent of three and four-year-olds access 15 hours of free early education every week . Thanks to Liberal Democrats in government, the Coalition Government has now set out how it will extend this entitlement to around 260,000 two-year-olds.

Liberal Democrats strongly believe that the UK needs to be fully engaged, helping our European partners resolve their problems. Doing so is actually about helping protect Britain. The cost of living is some £480 a year cheaper per person as a result of increased UK trading within the EU. 3.5 million British jobs depend on the EU economy, and 40% of our exports go to the Eurozone. Culturally, economically, and socially, we share so much more than we differ.

A scheme close to the heart of Liberal Democrat policy, and to Nick Clegg personally, is the £1bn Youth Contract: Starting on April 1st, every 18-24 year old will be given the opportunity to earn or learn. The Youth Contract will provide at least 410,000 new work places for 18 to 24 year olds who are struggling to find jobs.

Be proud to support Liberal Democrats. The smallest of the three main parties but delivering in Coalition.

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