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Green Liberal Democrats News Stories
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15:30 Food for Thought
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesFood is part of all our lives - whether it is concerns about the cost of eating or about getting the right nutrition for elderly relatives or fussy youngsters. It is part of our cultural experience - sharing meals with loved ones to celebrate special occasions and local delicacies reflecting the interplay of people and land like Bakewell Tarts, Lancashire Hotpots & Yorkshire Puddings. Given its centrality to all our lives it is important that the policy framework to support the provision of food is right.
The environment in which we produce food is changing. The world's population could reach nine billion by 2050, with many people wealthier, creating demand for a more varied, high-quality diet requiring additional resources to produce. At the same time the effects of climate change and competition for land, water and energy will intensify. Couple those pressures with over a billion people hungry and over a billion people over-consuming, creating a public health epidemic and you see the challenges of a global food system.
It adds up to Liberal Democrats needing to think afresh about how we can supply food in the future which is healthy, affordable and environmentally sustainable. I have been asked by the Liberal Democrats DECC & DEFRA Parliamentary Party Committee to draft a paper on food policy in time for Autumn Conference. I would welcome party members' views on some of the key questions:
Firstly, how we can increase productivity sustainably? Meeting the challenge to reduce the footprint of the food system and which minimises the release of greenhouse gases. We need to be clear what 'sustainable intensification' means and what the animal welfare impacts of the drive to American style mega farms are. Weighing up the value of new technologies such as genetic modification and the use of cloned livestock and ensuring that the voice of the public is adequately reflected in decisions about their introduction. And with estimates that up to a third of food is wasted, ensuring waste reduction is a priority above technological solutions. Raising the profile of innovative schemes and initiatives encouraging food growing in local communities up and down the land.
Secondly, how can consumers be helped to make better food choices? Can we define a sustainable diet, reflecting a healthy diet which also delivers resilience in the face of environmental pressures? How acceptable might it be to recommend a meat free day once a week in the way the Government has recently stepped up its advice about alcohol? As Liberal Democrats we believe in the freedom of the individual but is a combination of education, labelling and promotional activity delivering the step change needed in our nation's diets? What role might fiscal measures, such as taxation of sugary drinks, have to play in influencing consumer demand?
Thirdly, how we can support food businesses that meet our food goals? Positive reform of the Common Agricultural Policy offers the opportunity to support food businesses that recognise the natural capital of the land. But what more could we do? Are farming cooperatives a model that should be encouraged to flourish in the United Kingdom as they do in much of mainland Europe?
And finally how Government can lead from the front. Despite welcome changes in school food purchasing in recent years, Government has been unwilling to support positive food choices throughout the range of public services they fund, including hospitals. Is it time to look at the true costs and opportunities of central procurement?
Our commitment to fairness, our commitment to protecting and respecting the earth's finite resources and our commitment to individual freedom will all impact on our thinking about food. If you have views that you would like to share with me on this subject, please email me on parminterk@parliament.uk or come to the Green Liberal Democrats fringe meeting on food policy at Spring Conference.
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17:13
AAA to GGG?
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesBritain's triple 'A' credit rating is now in doubt. This, if nothing else so far has, should raise concern in the mind of George Osborne that a new approach to Britain's economy, and future, is needed.
Can he be persuaded to take a new approach that aims for a triple G rated economy? An economy triple rated as Great Going on Green Issues?
Fears around the severe weakness of Britain's economy are due to the reality of the unsustainable nature of many of our business practices. An economy that is dependent on oil, a finite resource, cannot be a strong economy. We need to stop investing in the past and invest in the future. Time and again advice has been offered urging the need to look at increasing our production and manufacturing sectors and not just relying on a service sector.
Despite it not being healthy to measure a country's progress just by its GDP, significant improvements in output could be made just by altering what we produce and how we produce it. The most sustainable products and services that we could provide would be those that are environmentally driven and ethically made.
An economic strategy that truly considers and plans for the future has to be environmentally minded.
"Peak Oil has come - we are in a race to wean ourselves off fossil fuels, and need to recognise that the economy will not recover until we do." says Simon Oliver, Vice Chair (organisation) Green Lib Dems.
We call on the government to take this opportunity to:
- Strengthen our economy, by developing and encouraging institutions that will ensure sustainability and security through enabling energy, water, and food to be available and accessible in the future.
- Reduce unemployment and pursue the delivery of Green Jobs, particularly by promoting Renewable Energy technologies and companies; to provide jobs and increase employability through improving the nation's knowledge and skillsets.
- Be a world leader in the coming Energy Revolution. These are not just moral imperatives but also ways to financial well-being.
A GGG rating would boost our chances of retaining our AAA rating too!
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13:37
Green Liberal Democrat Statement on the Resignation of Chris Huhne
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe Green Liberal Democrats are saddened to hear of the resigination today of Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP from the role of Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
Chris was an excellent advocate for the environmental agenda within both the coalition government and the Liberal Democrat party. There is much he can feel proud of from his 20 months in the role - like his leadership role at the Durban Climate Conference, the huge growth in renewable energy during his tenure, and putting the UK Economy on track to meet its carbon targets.
Chris is a Vice-President of the Green Liberal Democrats, and despite the heavy demands of his position, we found him at all times to be supportive, engaging and accessible. We would like to register our gratitude for that and we hope he is able to clear his name swiftly.
We also hope that the Coalition will continue to ensure that tackling environmental issues and reducing the nation's carbon emissions remains at the heart of all government policy. These issues are not only our greatest challenges, but also key opportunities for securing jobs and a sustainable future.
Steve Bradley
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Chair, Green Liberal Democrats
On behalf of the Green Liberal Democrat Executive
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10:59
We are Recruiting Regional Reps!
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesOur Regional Reps will have 3 main aims;
1. to increase contact and communication with our members,
2. increase representation and discussion of regional issues, and
3. encourage Green issues to penetrate policy and decision-making at regional (and local) party levels.
Regional Reps, like other members, will be welcome to join our Exec Meetings.
Get in contact if you are interested in becoming or finding out more about being a Regional rep for GLD!
Please email info@greenlibdems.org.uk and put 'Regional Reps' in the subject heading.
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17:02
GLD Consults on the National Policy Planning Framework
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe Green Libdems have just completed their participation in the consultation process for the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Our contribution can be found in the resource folder linked below.
In addition we have produced a briefing paper on the Localism Bill
The debate in the House of Commons drew contributions from many of the Libdem MPs who support us and helped frame our response.
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10:29
A New Green Voice
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesYour very own Simon Oliver, Green Liberal Democrat Membership Secretary, has recently taken to raising green issues on the Libdem Voice website.
Please take the time to read and comment if you wish.
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19:53
Constitution (September 2010)
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe constitution of the Green Liberal Democrats, including standing orders and election regulations.
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23:57
GLD Fringe Meeting
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories
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Sheffield
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23:57
GLD Fringe Meeting
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories
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Sheffield
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23:53
Green Liberal Democrats EGM
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories
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Sheffield
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23:53
Green Liberal Democrats EGM
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories
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Sheffield
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9:12
Burstow: Dementia care report must serve as a call to action for NHS
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesA report into the care received by nearly 8,000 patients with dementia in 206 hospitals in England and Wales has revealed that few hospitals provide mandatory training for their staff in awareness of dementia; that many patients with dementia are not having assessments of their mental health or state of nutrition and that there are serious delays for patients referred to in-hospital liaison services. -
9:12
Burstow: Dementia care report must serve as a call to action for NHS
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesA report into the care received by nearly 8,000 patients with dementia in 206 hospitals in England and Wales has revealed that few hospitals provide mandatory training for their staff in awareness of dementia; that many patients with dementia are not having assessments of their mental health or state of nutrition and that there are serious delays for patients referred to in-hospital liaison services.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists' Centre for Quality Improvement-examined the care provided by 206 hospitals across England and Wales to 7,934 patients, discharged from hospital between 1 September 2009 and 28 February 2010.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Care Service Minister Paul Burstow said:
"The results of this interim report are dire, distressing and entirely unacceptable. People with dementia have complex needs and these must be recognised by those caring for them.
"More than a year after the original National Dementia Strategy was launched, 95% of hospitals do not have mandatory training in place. Patients and families will quite rightly be angry and disappointed with the lack of progress.
"The Coalition Government has accelerated the pace of reform. We have set out where hospitals must take urgent action, including ensuring there are senior members of staff to lead on dementia, providing training for all staff and specialist older people's mental health teams.
"This must serve as a call to action for the NHS. Managers and clinicians of local services need to account for the quality and standards of care for people with dementia and their families. Substantial improvement must be realised before the final report next year".
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9:03
Nick Clegg confirms end to child detention
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesHe said the practice will end completely by May 2011, and confirmed that the family wing of Yarl's Wood immigration centre in Bedfordshire is to close immediately. -
9:03
Nick Clegg confirms end to child detention
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesHe said the practice will end completely by May 2011, and confirmed that the family wing of Yarl's Wood immigration centre in Bedfordshire is to close immediately.
Mr Clegg said:
"Today the Coalition Government is setting out, for the first time, how we are ending the detention of children for immigration purposes in the UK.
"How we are ending the shameful practice that last year alone saw over 1000 children - 1000 innocent children - imprisoned.
"Today's announcement marks a big culture shift within our immigration system.
"One that puts our values - the protection of children - above paranoia over our borders.
"One that prioritises doing the right thing over looking and sounding tough."
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15:58
Horwood: Energy Secretary Chris Huhne played key role in Cancun
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories -
15:58
Horwood: Energy Secretary Chris Huhne played key role in Cancun
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesPublished and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE
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15:58
Horwood: Energy Secretary Chris Huhne played key role in Cancun
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesPublished and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX
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12:18
Winter 2010 Challenge Now Available To Members
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe winter edition of our members-only magazine is now out, with stories about: -
12:18
Winter 2010 Challenge Now Available To Members
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories
The winter edition of our members-only magazine is now out, with stories about:Biodiversity
The Coalition Promise to be the greenest government ever and introduce a floor price for carbon
The impact of drugs on the environment
The challenge of green technologies
The potential benefits of a carbon dividend
And the future of UK clean tech industry
Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE
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12:18
Winter 2010 Challenge Now Available To Members
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe winter edition of our members-only magazine is now out, with stories about:
Biodiversity
The Coalition Promise to be the greenest government ever and introduce a floor price for carbon
The impact of drugs on the environment
The challenge of green technologies
The potential benefits of a carbon dividend
And the future of UK clean tech industry
Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX
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11:50
Chris Huhne On Progress At Cancun
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesCancún climate change summit: Chris Huhne says progress has been made -
11:50
Chris Huhne On Progress At Cancun
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesCancún climate change summit: Chris Huhne says progress has been made
But UK climate change minister is worried that deal could be undone by countries 'throwing their toys out of the pram'
As an indication of how critical this is, Connie Hedegaard, the EU's climate change commissioner, said "If we leave Cancún without getting anything out of this, I think multilateralism has a problem."
Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE
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11:50
Chris Huhne On Progress At Cancun
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesCancún climate change summit: Chris Huhne says progress has been made
But UK climate change minister is worried that deal could be undone by countries 'throwing their toys out of the pram'
As an indication of how critical this is, Connie Hedegaard, the EU's climate change commissioner, said "If we leave Cancún without getting anything out of this, I think multilateralism has a problem."
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14:17
Parkgate rejection is right decision - Burt
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSolihull MP Lorely Burt has welcomed Solihull Planning Committee's decision to reject the controversial 'Parkgate' scheme that would have devastated local green spaces. -
14:17
Parkgate rejection is right decision - Burt
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSolihull MP Lorely Burt has welcomed Solihull Planning Committee's decision to reject the controversial 'Parkgate' scheme that would have devastated local green spaces.
Mrs Burt, who spoke against the proposals at the planning meeting last night, said:
'It is a great relief to me, and to the thousands of residents who didn't want to see their green spaces lost by this proposal. We would have been forced to destroy a ring of centuries old oak trees and many other mature trees and ancient hedgerows in the park to make way for an ASDA superstore.
'That isn't what we want for Shirley and, more importantly, it isn't what Shirley residents want for their area.'
Lorely has now set her sights on putting together a fairer, greener and better deal to help regenerate Shirley.
Mrs Burt commented: 'I've fought alongside residents for many years to make sure that this scheme is rejected. Now that this has happened, we can seriously look at a way to re-develop Shirley in a way that fits in with the needs and wishes of the people who actually live there.'
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14:17
Parkgate rejection is right decision - Burt
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSolihull MP Lorely Burt has welcomed Solihull Planning Committee's decision to reject the controversial 'Parkgate' scheme that would have devastated local green spaces.
Mrs Burt, who spoke against the proposals at the planning meeting last night, said:
'It is a great relief to me, and to the thousands of residents who didn't want to see their green spaces lost by this proposal. We would have been forced to destroy a ring of centuries old oak trees and many other mature trees and ancient hedgerows in the park to make way for an ASDA superstore.
'That isn't what we want for Shirley and, more importantly, it isn't what Shirley residents want for their area.'
Lorely has now set her sights on putting together a fairer, greener and better deal to help regenerate Shirley.
Mrs Burt commented: 'I've fought alongside residents for many years to make sure that this scheme is rejected. Now that this has happened, we can seriously look at a way to re-develop Shirley in a way that fits in with the needs and wishes of the people who actually live there.'
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10:47
Clegg and Cameron European Voice's Politicians of the Year
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesEuropean Voice has awarded Politician of the Year 2010 jointly to Nick Clegg and David Cameron. -
10:47
Clegg and Cameron European Voice's Politicians of the Year
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesEuropean Voice has awarded Politician of the Year 2010 jointly to Nick Clegg and David Cameron.
After the UK General Election in May, Clegg and Cameron formed a coalition government between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative Party - the first coalition in the UK since the National Government that existed during the Second World War.
Liberal Democrat MEP Catherine Bearder was very pleased Clegg and Cameron won the award and sent her congratulations to the pair. Catherine commented, "The forming of the coalition government was an historic occasion.
"With the political system we have in the UK, we have been stuck between a blue government one year and a red government the next - often given majorities by a minority of the people."
"This year, when the voters gave no party an overall majority, we were faced with an opportunity to prove that a more cooperative form of government works better."
"The next step is to reform our voting system. AV will make all votes count and ensure the UK political system is much fairer."
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0:00
Tim calls for more to be done to protect Cumbrian hill farmers
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesFigures obtained by Cumbrian MP, Tim Farron, through a parliamentary question show that average incomes for hill farmers in Cumbria have recovered from a low of £4,800 a year to £12,600 a year between 2008/9 and 2009/10. -
0:00
Tim calls for more to be done to protect Cumbrian hill farmers
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesFigures obtained by Cumbrian MP, Tim Farron, through a parliamentary question show that average incomes for hill farmers in Cumbria have recovered from a low of £4,800 a year to £12,600 a year between 2008/9 and 2009/10.
After years of struggle following the foot and mouth outbreak in 2007, the rise as a result of improved sheep prices is extremely welcome. However, with an average annual income of just £12,600, hill farmers in Cumbria are still earning considerably less than the national average for farmers working on less favoured areas, and they are a long way off their peak average income of £19,600 in 2004/5. The £12,600 figure is also lower than the average income of hill farmers in 2006 before the foot and mouth crisis.
Commenting today Tim said: "I'm very pleased to see that hill farmers in Cumbria are starting to show real signs of recovery following the devastation caused by foot and mouth disease. However our hill farmers are still well below the average UK salary and barely more than minimum wage.
"On top of that the significant increase in income seen over that last year is very finely balanced on the price of sheep which is constantly fluctuating and therefore our hill farmers' income could easily suffer from unfair decreases again at any time. This shows how vital it is that we have a supermarket ombudsman to regulate prices and protect those farmers in Cumbria and across the UK in less favoured areas."
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0:00
Tim calls for more to be done to protect Cumbrian hill farmers
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesFigures obtained by Cumbrian MP, Tim Farron, through a parliamentary question show that average incomes for hill farmers in Cumbria have recovered from a low of £4,800 a year to £12,600 a year between 2008/9 and 2009/10.
After years of struggle following the foot and mouth outbreak in 2007, the rise as a result of improved sheep prices is extremely welcome. However, with an average annual income of just £12,600, hill farmers in Cumbria are still earning considerably less than the national average for farmers working on less favoured areas, and they are a long way off their peak average income of £19,600 in 2004/5. The £12,600 figure is also lower than the average income of hill farmers in 2006 before the foot and mouth crisis.
Commenting today Tim said: "I'm very pleased to see that hill farmers in Cumbria are starting to show real signs of recovery following the devastation caused by foot and mouth disease. However our hill farmers are still well below the average UK salary and barely more than minimum wage.
"On top of that the significant increase in income seen over that last year is very finely balanced on the price of sheep which is constantly fluctuating and therefore our hill farmers' income could easily suffer from unfair decreases again at any time. This shows how vital it is that we have a supermarket ombudsman to regulate prices and protect those farmers in Cumbria and across the UK in less favoured areas."
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22:20
UK Should Aim For 60% Cuts By 2030
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories -
22:20
UK Should Aim For 60% Cuts By 2030
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories"The UK would cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 under world-leading proposals from the government's advisers on climate change."
Damian Carrington The Guardian, Tuesday 7 December 2010
There are three main tests of the coalition's pledge to be the "greenest government ever":
1) radical energy market reform
2) a strong Green Deal bill to overhaul energy efficiency in homes and
3) whether the government passes the 2030 target into law next year.
Number 2 appears to be well on the way. We are hearing noises about number 1. Optimism for number 3 anyone?
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22:20
UK Should Aim For 60% Cuts By 2030
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories"The UK would cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 under world-leading proposals from the government's advisers on climate change."
Damian Carrington The Guardian, Tuesday 7 December 2010
There are three main tests of the coalition's pledge to be the "greenest government ever":
1) radical energy market reform
2) a strong Green Deal bill to overhaul energy efficiency in homes and
3) whether the government passes the 2030 target into law next year.
Number 2 appears to be well on the way. We are hearing noises about number 1. Optimism for number 3 anyone?
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22:13
Can China Save The Planet?
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe Guardian reports that China is making some positive noises in Cancun -
22:13
Can China Save The Planet?
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe Guardian reports that China is making some positive noises in Cancun
"Some reports have even suggested that China, now the biggest producer of greenhouse gases, was prepared to adopt legally binding emissions targets and subject its voluntary C02 reductions to international monitoring and verification."
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22:13
Can China Save The Planet?
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe Guardian reports that China is making some positive noises in Cancun
"Some reports have even suggested that China, now the biggest producer of greenhouse gases, was prepared to adopt legally binding emissions targets and subject its voluntary C02 reductions to international monitoring and verification."
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11:44
Mark Hunter: Miliband doesn’t have clout to condemn Woolas
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLiberal Democrat MP Mark Hunter has challenged Ed Miliband to condemn the racially divisive tactics used by Phil Woolas in his General Election campaign in Oldham East and Saddleworth. -
11:44
Mark Hunter: Miliband doesn’t have clout to condemn Woolas
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLiberal Democrat MP Mark Hunter has challenged Ed Miliband to condemn the racially divisive tactics used by Phil Woolas in his General Election campaign in Oldham East and Saddleworth.
Mark Hunter said:
"It is becoming more and more apparent as the weeks pass that Ed Miliband just doesn't have the clout within his party to show some leadership and admit that Woolas was wrong. If he did he'd be shot down in flames by other Labour MPs.
"I was genuinely shocked that Miliband didn't make a statement as soon as he became leader that this sort of racially divisive politics will not be tolerated.
"For him to then make the monumental misjudgement of appointing Woolas to his frontbench team speaks volumes.
"If Labour is to draw a line under this scandal, then Ed Miliband needs to shout from the rooftops that the kind of campaigning used by Phil Woolas - intended to 'get the white folk angry' - can never again be any part of Labour politics."
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11:44
Mark Hunter: Miliband doesn’t have clout to condemn Woolas
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLiberal Democrat MP Mark Hunter has challenged Ed Miliband to condemn the racially divisive tactics used by Phil Woolas in his General Election campaign in Oldham East and Saddleworth.
Mark Hunter said:
"It is becoming more and more apparent as the weeks pass that Ed Miliband just doesn't have the clout within his party to show some leadership and admit that Woolas was wrong. If he did he'd be shot down in flames by other Labour MPs.
"I was genuinely shocked that Miliband didn't make a statement as soon as he became leader that this sort of racially divisive politics will not be tolerated.
"For him to then make the monumental misjudgement of appointing Woolas to his frontbench team speaks volumes.
"If Labour is to draw a line under this scandal, then Ed Miliband needs to shout from the rooftops that the kind of campaigning used by Phil Woolas - intended to 'get the white folk angry' - can never again be any part of Labour politics."
Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX
Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY -
15:43
Developing countries must find sustainable sources of protein
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder has urged governments in the Congo Basin to provide more sustainable sources of food for their populations. -
15:43
Developing countries must find sustainable sources of protein
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories
Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder has urged governments in the Congo Basin to provide more sustainable sources of food for their populations.The staple food of the 24 million people living in the Congo Basin is carbohydrate crops, roots, and tubers - it is a diet very low in protein. The WHO recommends a minimum daily protein intake of 52g per person per day, and at present 92% of this comes from bush meat. Other sources of protein do exist but they come nowhere close to covering the needs of these 24 million people.
Studies have shown that at current levels of consumption bush meat is not a sustainable source of food.
In debate on food security during the Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the EU and the ACP countries, Mrs Bearder commented:
"Studies have shown that bush meat is not a sustainable source of food. If we continue to hunt it at current levels we will push many species into extinction."
"Unless we find alternative sources of protein now, sooner or later there will be no bushmeat for already malnourished communities to hunt."
Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE
Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY -
15:43
Developing countries must find sustainable sources of protein
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder has urged governments in the Congo Basin to provide more sustainable sources of food for their populations.
The staple food of the 24 million people living in the Congo Basin is carbohydrate crops, roots, and tubers - it is a diet very low in protein. The WHO recommends a minimum daily protein intake of 52g per person per day, and at present 92% of this comes from bush meat. Other sources of protein do exist but they come nowhere close to covering the needs of these 24 million people.
Studies have shown that at current levels of consumption bush meat is not a sustainable source of food.
In debate on food security during the Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the EU and the ACP countries, Mrs Bearder commented:
"Studies have shown that bush meat is not a sustainable source of food. If we continue to hunt it at current levels we will push many species into extinction."
"Unless we find alternative sources of protein now, sooner or later there will be no bushmeat for already malnourished communities to hunt."
Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX
Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY -
10:17
Paul Burstow speech: Improving access to psychological therapies
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLiberal Democrat Care Minister Paul Burstow has announced Government plans to extend its mental health services by making psychological therapies more accessible to those in the NHS. -
10:17
Paul Burstow speech: Improving access to psychological therapies
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLiberal Democrat Care Minister Paul Burstow has announced Government plans to extend its mental health services by making psychological therapies more accessible to those in the NHS.
He made the announcement in a speech to the New Savoy Partnership, which can be read below:
One of the first rules of politics is that new governments never talk about past successes.
We focus on change, not continuity. On what's wrong, not what's right. On where we're going, not where we've been.
I want to break with that convention today. Mental health has moved forward significantly in recent years.
And we should acknowledge this.
I'm afraid the politician in me means I can't resist saying 'not before time' and 'not far enough' …
But the point stands: some major steps have been taken.
Acute mental health services lifted out of obscurity. Better community support. Better outreach. More crisis services for those with the most severe mental illness.
And psychological therapies - breaking new ground. Transforming how we think about depression, anxiety and other common mental disorders. And giving GPs more options and patients more hope of recovery.
Real progress.
And progress that's down to you.
To the members of the New Savoy Partnership and the We Need To Talk coalition - thank you for campaigning so effectively for change.
And to all of the therapists and professional leaders in the room today - thank you for delivering it in practice.
Still work to do, of course.
Yes, there are issues in acute care. Issues around community treatment. Around variability of standards. Around co-ordination of local services.
Yes, we need to raise the profile of mental health, particularly amongst GPs and commissioners, which is a point I'll return to later.
And yes, we need to reduce the persistent gap in outcomes between different social groups.
A gap highlighted by today's report on the five year Delivering Race Equality programme, which I hope we can all learn from.
THE MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY
Reducing these inequalities will be central to the new strategy for mental health when it's published early next year.
The other thing this strategy will do is project a much broader vision for mental health.
A vision grounded in wellbeing.
And a vision that sees mental illness as one of the big social challenges of our time.
No longer just a Department of Health issue, or even just a Government issue.
A challenge borne by our society, and to be tackled throughout our society.
Mental illness is endemic.
- One in six have a mental illness at any given point.
- Four in ten on incapacity benefit have a mental health problem.
- Depression, stress and other mental disorders costing the NHS more than £10 billion.
- And costing our wider economy at least ten times that amount.
You've been asking for a more radical approach - and the Coalition Government is now answering that call.
David Cameron saying that general wellbeing should now become a key measure of our success is highly symbolic.
Why? Simply because what a Government measures affects what it does.
So this commitment really defines the Coalition's approach to social policy.
Yes, we need economic growth, absolutely.
But after a painful recession, we also need to heal emotional wounds.
We need a psychological recovery alongside economic recovery.
THE VALUE OF IAPT
And IAPT is key to this. By reaching into people's lives, and reaching out across the services that support them, you can be a powerful point of connection. Brokers, if you like, of this new approach to mental health and wellbeing.
I had the pleasure of meeting some of your professional colleagues at a centre in Reading a few months ago.
I spoke to the service users, learnt about how these therapies had changed their lives, transformed their confidence, their outlook, their aspirations for the future.
There was a time when diagnosis of a mental health problem was the end as far as work goes. IAPT is changing that.
Everyone I met there had had their lives turned round by the services they received.
One lady had suffered a serious physical illness and had to leave her job. Going in and out of hospital, and then being stuck at home, she became depressed and withdrawn.
And so when she'd recovered her physical health, she was paralysed with fear and anxiety and couldn't return to work.
Therapy made all the difference. She regained her confidence, she eased herself back to work, she got back to her normal self.
I know that stories like this inspire the work you do.
We need them to inspire others. To have the courage to come forward. To be open about their illness. To ask for help.
And this is where Sue's [Baker, chair of Time To Talk] organisation comes in.
Reducing stigma. Puncturing myths. Dispelling prejudice. This is absolutely key to the change we need to see.
But, of course, opening people's minds to mental illness is only half the battle.
People need to get the right support when they do come forward.
And today I want to share our plans for IAPT: how we plan to extend choice, improve access and start to mainstream the use of talking therapies within the NHS.
EXPANDING THE PROGRAMME
First, we need to complete the existing training programme.
Two-thirds of the country already covered.
By the end of this financial year, 3,700 newly trained staff will be on board.
We will then go much further.
The funding we're releasing from the Spending Review will mean that by 2015, every patient in the country should be able to get timely access to proven psychological therapies.
And, wherever possible, they should have real choice of approved therapies.
At the moment, IAPT is a little too much like Henry Ford's business philosophy … you can have any therapy as long as it's CBT.
To be fair, it wasn't a bad model to get us on the road. But we do need to diversify. To open the door for other, equally effective therapies to help people with different needs.
So we'll invest the money and work with the local NHS to upskill staff across four other NICE-approved therapies:
- In counselling
- interpersonal therapy
- brief dynamic therapy; and
- couples therapy
Something the last government promised 12 months ago. We'll actually deliver it.
But choice isn't just about the type of therapy we offer. It's really about autonomy. About giving people options about how they receive services, from whom, at a time and in a setting that suits them.
So IAPT sites need to deliver truly personalised care, as some are already starting to do.
And if choice is one side of the coin, then equity is the other.
IAPT must now reach out to a much broader range of people - old and young, and across the illness spectrum.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
You all know the value of intervening early. The cost of reaching out too late.
Up to half of all mental illness starts before the age of 14.
Untreated disorders can blight a child's school years and future prospects in ways that are terribly difficult to recover from.
So we now want to develop a psychological therapies model for children.
We'll do so by setting up pilot sites, where teams will train up staff to provide appropriate therapies for younger people.
And asking the crucial questions.
What's the level of unmet needs?
Where and how should we offer these therapies.
How do we work with schools and children's services most effectively?
The ambition here is very clear: to take the same step forward in access for children and young people that we have in adult services.
With psychological services designed for children, and to a significant extent designed by them.
We will use the knowledge and expertise of organisations like Young Minds and others.
To make sure this IAPT programme genuinely speaks to the needs of children, young people and their families.
What about the other end of the age range?
Analysis shows that over 65s made up just 4 per cent of those using IAPT. By our estimates, it should be nearer 12 per cent.
Why is this? Is stigma a problem?
Are GPs attentive enough to depression amongst older people?
Are we offering support in the right places - do we need to start offering home visits, for instance?
And how can we link this up with our Dementia strategy
We need to find the right answers and we need to do it quickly.
There's an added urgency here, given that the ban on age discrimination in health starts from April 2012. No time to lose.
Again we will need the help of key organisations to help us understand and overcome the barriers.
IAPT AND SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS
There are two other major groups not benefiting from IAPT.
The first is the one-and-a-half million people who suffer with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bi-polar and personality disorder.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommends psychological therapies, yet research by Rethink suggests that half of those with these conditions have never been offered these therapies.
Again, we need to do better, and again I want the voluntary sector and the professional community to lead us to the right solutions.
We'll bring together Rethink, the Royal Colleges and other professional bodies to look at existing capacity, and develop appropriate training for their members and for practising therapists.
IAPT AND LTCS
The other excluded group are those with medically unexplained symptoms and with long-term physical conditions.
People with diabetes, hypertension and heart disease have twice the rate of mental illness.
If you have two or more health conditions, you're seven times more likely to have depression.
And this is reciprocal. Where the depression isn't treated, your physical recovery suffers too.
Studies show diabetics with depression cost the NHS between 50 and 75 per cent more to treat than those in good mental health.
Which is a pretty active demonstration of the adage that there's "no health without mental health."
And that's a principle that must be etched on the hearts of NHS commissioners.
We can no longer have a health service that patches people up physically, but leaves them struggling mentally.
We need a big shift in emphasis. Mental health on a par with physical health in the NHS.
The big question is how do we make this happen in practice?' How do we ensure mental health doesn't slip back in tougher times? To be blunt, how do we ensure there's life after IAPT?
A FIRM COMMITMENT
Politicians talk in priorities. It's our natural language. The problem is that we want to say everything is a priority, and that devalues the language.
So my advice is look at what politicians do, rather than what we say. That's where you get the true picture.
Look at what we've done with IAPT.
- Mentioned in both party manifestos and in the final Coalition Programme;
- £70 million announced within weeks of the new Government to continue roll-out;
- Another clear commitment made in the Chancellor's Spending Review;
- This speech from me today outlining the detail and making a number of firm commitments;
- And in the mental health strategy, we will make the funding available to deliver these IAPT commitments.
Be in no doubt. The momentum and the political will is there. This is a deep commitment - for me, for my party, and for the Government.
And the importance I attach to psychological therapies will be made clear in the NHS Operating Framework when it's published in a few weeks time.
WIDER POLICY CONTEXT
I know many are concerned psychological therapy is vulnerable in these tighter times.
And that concern is understandable.
Mental health services have had a tendency to be 'last in and first out' in the NHS of the past.
But not this time. The policy landscape is completely changed. And changed, I believe, in your favour.
Firstly, the shift from targets to outcomes will give mental health a new prominence in how the NHS is judged.
The new Outcomes Framework will paint a picture of what good care looks like.
In terms of patient experience. In terms of hard results. In terms of quality. But absolutely not in terms of process targets.
To give you a simple example. Under an outcomes model, the NHS isn't tested on the speed at which you get your knee operation.
It's tested on how quickly you get back on your feet. How quickly you're pain-free. How quickly you can return to work. Real measures that matter to people.
And that broader outlook opens the door, it means that people's mental health cannot be ignored if you want to secure the right outcomes. A very clear signal to commissioners.
The second thing we're developing is a new tariff for talking therapies linked directly to the Outcomes Framework and ensuring providers are paid according to the contributions they make to those outcomes.
This will give commissioning teams a clear rationale for investing in psychological therapies.
Helping them to make sense of how these services contribute to better outcomes across the populations they support.
THE NEED FOR LEADERSHIP
It's hard to break old habits. Commissioners, like everyone else, tend to stick to what they know best.
Some really 'get' it, really understand psychological therapies and the difference you can make. I think you'll hear from a GP immediately after me, who fits that description.
Others need persuading. And that's partly up to you. To start having conversations.
To understand the agendas and processes of emerging consortia.
To start building a compelling case for why investing in psychological therapies is worthwhile.
Don't sit back and wait. Because the policy landscape is changing in another very significant sense.
Power is shifting. Moving away from the centre. With less prescription. Less command and control. More decisions taken locally. More flexibility for NHS leaders and their local government partners to run the show.
Now you could see this as a threat - that without central protection, you won't get a look in during local decision-making.
But I'd sound a warning to the pessimists. The big danger if we allow this gloominess to take root is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
We need strong, active, positive leadership.
Not just from the centre, and not just in terms of politicians like me making speeches.
But at all levels, in every part of the country, putting forward the case for psychological therapies.
THE VALUE OF EVIDENCE
Evidence is the ace up your sleeves.
Session-by-session outcome monitoring, in place across 90% of all patients, gives us a formidable picture of how these therapies improve a person's recovery.
We need to make sure this is understood and heard by commissioners. Particularly in the context of QIPP. And particularly in the context of Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.
You can make an extremely strong case for why investing in therapies now can save costs down the line. Costs to acute care. And costs to social care and other public services.
So my message is this. Don't simply wait for me to make that case, or for officials in Whitehall to come up with a new guidance or directives.
That simply isn't the world we live in now.
It's up to you, tapping into organisations like the New Savoy Partnership and others, to get the message across.
TRANSPARENCY
And if we really want to open people up to talking therapies, then talking therapies themselves need to open up to people.
Greater transparency for patients and professionals.
Better information on what to expect from services and what to expect from different treatment options.
More meaningful data on the strengths and weaknesses of different providers
So, finally, we will publish the outcomes that different services have achieved.
We want to create a new ratings system for IAPT that allows people to compare local success rates.
CONCLUSION
Let me sum up before I hand over to you.
It's human nature to be suspicious of change. I know many people are worried about the future.
But you have a clear and strong track record of success.
And so you should have good reason to be confident.
I've said very clear today. We want to build a mentally healthy society.
This commitment starts in Number 10, and reaches across and beyond Government, as you'll see in the mental health strategy.
You're a central part of that commitment.
We believe in IAPT. We believe in life after IAPT.
We trust in you. In your integrity. And in the work you do.
There is much to be optimistic about.
So be confident. Be positive. Embrace the NHS reforms. Embrace these plans for IAPT.
And together we can make it all happen.
Better services. More choice. Less stigma. Greater hope for the many affected by mental illness in our society. Thank you.
Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX
Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY -
10:17
Paul Burstow speech: Improving access to psychological therapies
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLiberal Democrat Care Minister Paul Burstow has announced Government plans to extend its mental health services by making psychological therapies more accessible to those in the NHS.
He made the announcement in a speech to the New Savoy Partnership, which can be read below:
One of the first rules of politics is that new governments never talk about past successes.
We focus on change, not continuity. On what's wrong, not what's right. On where we're going, not where we've been.
I want to break with that convention today. Mental health has moved forward significantly in recent years.
And we should acknowledge this.
I'm afraid the politician in me means I can't resist saying 'not before time' and 'not far enough' …
But the point stands: some major steps have been taken.
Acute mental health services lifted out of obscurity. Better community support. Better outreach. More crisis services for those with the most severe mental illness.
And psychological therapies - breaking new ground. Transforming how we think about depression, anxiety and other common mental disorders. And giving GPs more options and patients more hope of recovery.
Real progress.
And progress that's down to you.
To the members of the New Savoy Partnership and the We Need To Talk coalition - thank you for campaigning so effectively for change.
And to all of the therapists and professional leaders in the room today - thank you for delivering it in practice.
Still work to do, of course.
Yes, there are issues in acute care. Issues around community treatment. Around variability of standards. Around co-ordination of local services.
Yes, we need to raise the profile of mental health, particularly amongst GPs and commissioners, which is a point I'll return to later.
And yes, we need to reduce the persistent gap in outcomes between different social groups.
A gap highlighted by today's report on the five year Delivering Race Equality programme, which I hope we can all learn from.
THE MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY
Reducing these inequalities will be central to the new strategy for mental health when it's published early next year.
The other thing this strategy will do is project a much broader vision for mental health.
A vision grounded in wellbeing.
And a vision that sees mental illness as one of the big social challenges of our time.
No longer just a Department of Health issue, or even just a Government issue.
A challenge borne by our society, and to be tackled throughout our society.
Mental illness is endemic.
- One in six have a mental illness at any given point.
- Four in ten on incapacity benefit have a mental health problem.
- Depression, stress and other mental disorders costing the NHS more than £10 billion.
- And costing our wider economy at least ten times that amount.
You've been asking for a more radical approach - and the Coalition Government is now answering that call.
David Cameron saying that general wellbeing should now become a key measure of our success is highly symbolic.
Why? Simply because what a Government measures affects what it does.
So this commitment really defines the Coalition's approach to social policy.
Yes, we need economic growth, absolutely.
But after a painful recession, we also need to heal emotional wounds.
We need a psychological recovery alongside economic recovery.
THE VALUE OF IAPT
And IAPT is key to this. By reaching into people's lives, and reaching out across the services that support them, you can be a powerful point of connection. Brokers, if you like, of this new approach to mental health and wellbeing.
I had the pleasure of meeting some of your professional colleagues at a centre in Reading a few months ago.
I spoke to the service users, learnt about how these therapies had changed their lives, transformed their confidence, their outlook, their aspirations for the future.
There was a time when diagnosis of a mental health problem was the end as far as work goes. IAPT is changing that.
Everyone I met there had had their lives turned round by the services they received.
One lady had suffered a serious physical illness and had to leave her job. Going in and out of hospital, and then being stuck at home, she became depressed and withdrawn.
And so when she'd recovered her physical health, she was paralysed with fear and anxiety and couldn't return to work.
Therapy made all the difference. She regained her confidence, she eased herself back to work, she got back to her normal self.
I know that stories like this inspire the work you do.
We need them to inspire others. To have the courage to come forward. To be open about their illness. To ask for help.
And this is where Sue's [Baker, chair of Time To Talk] organisation comes in.
Reducing stigma. Puncturing myths. Dispelling prejudice. This is absolutely key to the change we need to see.
But, of course, opening people's minds to mental illness is only half the battle.
People need to get the right support when they do come forward.
And today I want to share our plans for IAPT: how we plan to extend choice, improve access and start to mainstream the use of talking therapies within the NHS.
EXPANDING THE PROGRAMME
First, we need to complete the existing training programme.
Two-thirds of the country already covered.
By the end of this financial year, 3,700 newly trained staff will be on board.
We will then go much further.
The funding we're releasing from the Spending Review will mean that by 2015, every patient in the country should be able to get timely access to proven psychological therapies.
And, wherever possible, they should have real choice of approved therapies.
At the moment, IAPT is a little too much like Henry Ford's business philosophy … you can have any therapy as long as it's CBT.
To be fair, it wasn't a bad model to get us on the road. But we do need to diversify. To open the door for other, equally effective therapies to help people with different needs.
So we'll invest the money and work with the local NHS to upskill staff across four other NICE-approved therapies:
- In counselling
- interpersonal therapy
- brief dynamic therapy; and
- couples therapy
Something the last government promised 12 months ago. We'll actually deliver it.
But choice isn't just about the type of therapy we offer. It's really about autonomy. About giving people options about how they receive services, from whom, at a time and in a setting that suits them.
So IAPT sites need to deliver truly personalised care, as some are already starting to do.
And if choice is one side of the coin, then equity is the other.
IAPT must now reach out to a much broader range of people - old and young, and across the illness spectrum.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
You all know the value of intervening early. The cost of reaching out too late.
Up to half of all mental illness starts before the age of 14.
Untreated disorders can blight a child's school years and future prospects in ways that are terribly difficult to recover from.
So we now want to develop a psychological therapies model for children.
We'll do so by setting up pilot sites, where teams will train up staff to provide appropriate therapies for younger people.
And asking the crucial questions.
What's the level of unmet needs?
Where and how should we offer these therapies.
How do we work with schools and children's services most effectively?
The ambition here is very clear: to take the same step forward in access for children and young people that we have in adult services.
With psychological services designed for children, and to a significant extent designed by them.
We will use the knowledge and expertise of organisations like Young Minds and others.
To make sure this IAPT programme genuinely speaks to the needs of children, young people and their families.
What about the other end of the age range?
Analysis shows that over 65s made up just 4 per cent of those using IAPT. By our estimates, it should be nearer 12 per cent.
Why is this? Is stigma a problem?
Are GPs attentive enough to depression amongst older people?
Are we offering support in the right places - do we need to start offering home visits, for instance?
And how can we link this up with our Dementia strategy
We need to find the right answers and we need to do it quickly.
There's an added urgency here, given that the ban on age discrimination in health starts from April 2012. No time to lose.
Again we will need the help of key organisations to help us understand and overcome the barriers.
IAPT AND SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS
There are two other major groups not benefiting from IAPT.
The first is the one-and-a-half million people who suffer with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bi-polar and personality disorder.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommends psychological therapies, yet research by Rethink suggests that half of those with these conditions have never been offered these therapies.
Again, we need to do better, and again I want the voluntary sector and the professional community to lead us to the right solutions.
We'll bring together Rethink, the Royal Colleges and other professional bodies to look at existing capacity, and develop appropriate training for their members and for practising therapists.
IAPT AND LTCS
The other excluded group are those with medically unexplained symptoms and with long-term physical conditions.
People with diabetes, hypertension and heart disease have twice the rate of mental illness.
If you have two or more health conditions, you're seven times more likely to have depression.
And this is reciprocal. Where the depression isn't treated, your physical recovery suffers too.
Studies show diabetics with depression cost the NHS between 50 and 75 per cent more to treat than those in good mental health.
Which is a pretty active demonstration of the adage that there's "no health without mental health."
And that's a principle that must be etched on the hearts of NHS commissioners.
We can no longer have a health service that patches people up physically, but leaves them struggling mentally.
We need a big shift in emphasis. Mental health on a par with physical health in the NHS.
The big question is how do we make this happen in practice?' How do we ensure mental health doesn't slip back in tougher times? To be blunt, how do we ensure there's life after IAPT?
A FIRM COMMITMENT
Politicians talk in priorities. It's our natural language. The problem is that we want to say everything is a priority, and that devalues the language.
So my advice is look at what politicians do, rather than what we say. That's where you get the true picture.
Look at what we've done with IAPT.
- Mentioned in both party manifestos and in the final Coalition Programme;
- £70 million announced within weeks of the new Government to continue roll-out;
- Another clear commitment made in the Chancellor's Spending Review;
- This speech from me today outlining the detail and making a number of firm commitments;
- And in the mental health strategy, we will make the funding available to deliver these IAPT commitments.
Be in no doubt. The momentum and the political will is there. This is a deep commitment - for me, for my party, and for the Government.
And the importance I attach to psychological therapies will be made clear in the NHS Operating Framework when it's published in a few weeks time.
WIDER POLICY CONTEXT
I know many are concerned psychological therapy is vulnerable in these tighter times.
And that concern is understandable.
Mental health services have had a tendency to be 'last in and first out' in the NHS of the past.
But not this time. The policy landscape is completely changed. And changed, I believe, in your favour.
Firstly, the shift from targets to outcomes will give mental health a new prominence in how the NHS is judged.
The new Outcomes Framework will paint a picture of what good care looks like.
In terms of patient experience. In terms of hard results. In terms of quality. But absolutely not in terms of process targets.
To give you a simple example. Under an outcomes model, the NHS isn't tested on the speed at which you get your knee operation.
It's tested on how quickly you get back on your feet. How quickly you're pain-free. How quickly you can return to work. Real measures that matter to people.
And that broader outlook opens the door, it means that people's mental health cannot be ignored if you want to secure the right outcomes. A very clear signal to commissioners.
The second thing we're developing is a new tariff for talking therapies linked directly to the Outcomes Framework and ensuring providers are paid according to the contributions they make to those outcomes.
This will give commissioning teams a clear rationale for investing in psychological therapies.
Helping them to make sense of how these services contribute to better outcomes across the populations they support.
THE NEED FOR LEADERSHIP
It's hard to break old habits. Commissioners, like everyone else, tend to stick to what they know best.
Some really 'get' it, really understand psychological therapies and the difference you can make. I think you'll hear from a GP immediately after me, who fits that description.
Others need persuading. And that's partly up to you. To start having conversations.
To understand the agendas and processes of emerging consortia.
To start building a compelling case for why investing in psychological therapies is worthwhile.
Don't sit back and wait. Because the policy landscape is changing in another very significant sense.
Power is shifting. Moving away from the centre. With less prescription. Less command and control. More decisions taken locally. More flexibility for NHS leaders and their local government partners to run the show.
Now you could see this as a threat - that without central protection, you won't get a look in during local decision-making.
But I'd sound a warning to the pessimists. The big danger if we allow this gloominess to take root is that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
We need strong, active, positive leadership.
Not just from the centre, and not just in terms of politicians like me making speeches.
But at all levels, in every part of the country, putting forward the case for psychological therapies.
THE VALUE OF EVIDENCE
Evidence is the ace up your sleeves.
Session-by-session outcome monitoring, in place across 90% of all patients, gives us a formidable picture of how these therapies improve a person's recovery.
We need to make sure this is understood and heard by commissioners. Particularly in the context of QIPP. And particularly in the context of Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.
You can make an extremely strong case for why investing in therapies now can save costs down the line. Costs to acute care. And costs to social care and other public services.
So my message is this. Don't simply wait for me to make that case, or for officials in Whitehall to come up with a new guidance or directives.
That simply isn't the world we live in now.
It's up to you, tapping into organisations like the New Savoy Partnership and others, to get the message across.
TRANSPARENCY
And if we really want to open people up to talking therapies, then talking therapies themselves need to open up to people.
Greater transparency for patients and professionals.
Better information on what to expect from services and what to expect from different treatment options.
More meaningful data on the strengths and weaknesses of different providers
So, finally, we will publish the outcomes that different services have achieved.
We want to create a new ratings system for IAPT that allows people to compare local success rates.
CONCLUSION
Let me sum up before I hand over to you.
It's human nature to be suspicious of change. I know many people are worried about the future.
But you have a clear and strong track record of success.
And so you should have good reason to be confident.
I've said very clear today. We want to build a mentally healthy society.
This commitment starts in Number 10, and reaches across and beyond Government, as you'll see in the mental health strategy.
You're a central part of that commitment.
We believe in IAPT. We believe in life after IAPT.
We trust in you. In your integrity. And in the work you do.
There is much to be optimistic about.
So be confident. Be positive. Embrace the NHS reforms. Embrace these plans for IAPT.
And together we can make it all happen.
Better services. More choice. Less stigma. Greater hope for the many affected by mental illness in our society. Thank you.
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12:00
Elwyn Watkins: Time to let the voters decide
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories -
12:00
Elwyn Watkins: Time to let the voters decide
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12:00
Elwyn Watkins: Time to let the voters decide
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0:00
Farron says it's now time for fair trade for farmers after shocking report
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSouth Lakes MP Tim Farron has today called a report that says 25% of farmers are living in poverty a 'major wake up call' and has called for urgent action to save the industry. -
0:00
Farron says it's now time for fair trade for farmers after shocking report
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSouth Lakes MP Tim Farron has today called a report that says 25% of farmers are living in poverty a 'major wake up call' and has called for urgent action to save the industry.
A quarter of farming households live below the official poverty line with an income of less than £20,000, according to a Commission for Rural Communities report published on Wednesday.
The report says upland livestock farms are the most likely to be affected, as well as those on tenant farms.
For the majority, the ability to earn income off-farm is now essential to subsidise traditional livelihoods, the report found. Overall nearly two out of three farms had some form of off-farm income in 2008/09 and the total income from diversified activities was £300 million.
Tim said: "This report was shocking to be honest and it plays out with what I hear at my weekly surgeries. I see farmers who struggle to keep going and just to pass on the farm to their children. It really is high time we give farmers a fair deal. I am doing all I can to make sure that their concerns are heard. We need a strong supermarket regulator as soon as possible and we need to provide fair trade for British farmers."
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0:00
Farron says it's now time for fair trade for farmers after shocking report
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSouth Lakes MP Tim Farron has today called a report that says 25% of farmers are living in poverty a 'major wake up call' and has called for urgent action to save the industry.
A quarter of farming households live below the official poverty line with an income of less than £20,000, according to a Commission for Rural Communities report published on Wednesday.
The report says upland livestock farms are the most likely to be affected, as well as those on tenant farms.
For the majority, the ability to earn income off-farm is now essential to subsidise traditional livelihoods, the report found. Overall nearly two out of three farms had some form of off-farm income in 2008/09 and the total income from diversified activities was £300 million.
Tim said: "This report was shocking to be honest and it plays out with what I hear at my weekly surgeries. I see farmers who struggle to keep going and just to pass on the farm to their children. It really is high time we give farmers a fair deal. I am doing all I can to make sure that their concerns are heard. We need a strong supermarket regulator as soon as possible and we need to provide fair trade for British farmers."
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8:24
Nick Clegg writes to head of NUS about higher education funding
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe full text of the letter is below: -
8:24
Nick Clegg writes to head of NUS about higher education funding
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe full text of the letter is below:
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8:24
Nick Clegg writes to head of NUS about higher education funding
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe full text of the letter is below:
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0:00
MP calls for County Council U-turn on charity recycling credits
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesTim Farron MP is today calling on the County Council cabinet not to remove recycling credits from charities and community groups. -
0:00
MP calls for County Council U-turn on charity recycling credits
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesTim Farron MP is today calling on the County Council cabinet not to remove recycling credits from charities and community groups.
In the County Council consultation document for the 2011/12 budget the County Council has proposed to remove recycling credits from Third Sector organisations all over the South Lakes. Many charities and voluntary groups run recycling schemes in villages for which they are given a small reimbursement for their time and effort.
The Conservative-led County Council last week proposed massive budget cuts which will slash services used by people up and down the South Lakes.
In the consultation document the County Council state 'This is a discretionary activity and as such, are proposing to cut the waste prevention budget by 50% in 2011/12'
Tim said, "I am today calling on Eddie Martin and his Conservative-led cabinet to make a u turn and reinstate the recycling credits for charities in the South Lakes. I think this idea is beyond the pale - how can we meet our climate change commitments and support the fantastic work done by local charities if these cuts are made? To solve the financial crisis the County Council faces the current thinking seems to be pinching money here and there and closing their eyes to the real waste that could be cut. I think the sooner the council withdraw this idea the better."
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0:00
MP calls for County Council U-turn on charity recycling credits
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesTim Farron MP is today calling on the County Council cabinet not to remove recycling credits from charities and community groups.
In the County Council consultation document for the 2011/12 budget the County Council has proposed to remove recycling credits from Third Sector organisations all over the South Lakes. Many charities and voluntary groups run recycling schemes in villages for which they are given a small reimbursement for their time and effort.
The Conservative-led County Council last week proposed massive budget cuts which will slash services used by people up and down the South Lakes.
In the consultation document the County Council state 'This is a discretionary activity and as such, are proposing to cut the waste prevention budget by 50% in 2011/12'
Tim said, "I am today calling on Eddie Martin and his Conservative-led cabinet to make a u turn and reinstate the recycling credits for charities in the South Lakes. I think this idea is beyond the pale - how can we meet our climate change commitments and support the fantastic work done by local charities if these cuts are made? To solve the financial crisis the County Council faces the current thinking seems to be pinching money here and there and closing their eyes to the real waste that could be cut. I think the sooner the council withdraw this idea the better."
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10:17
Join the Green Liberal Democrats
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesJoin the Green Liberal DemocratsFull membership of the Green Liberal Democrats entitles you to our quarterly journal CHALLENGE, a say in the running of the organisation (including a vote in elections for the executive and the AGM) and the chance to attend our annual conference.
NOTE: Joining the Green Liberal Democrats does not automatically include membership of the Liberal Democrats, which can be joined separately by going to [https:]]
Full membership is only open to paid up members of the Liberal Democrats. However, people who do not wish to join the party can still apply for Associate Member status and receive our mailings.
A downloadable membership form in Acrobat format is also available in the "Documents" section of this website.
PDF Form for joining up by post
You can also join the Liberal Democrats online via their website.
Download information and an application form from the download area
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14:40
To bee or not to bee?
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSouth East England's Euro MP wants the EU to support the beekeeping industry, as too many bees are dying early and there are fewer beekeepers across the UK. -
14:40
To bee or not to bee?
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories
South East England's Euro MP wants the EU to support the beekeeping industry, as too many bees are dying early and there are fewer beekeepers across the UK.Bees in the UK and across Europe have been plagued in recent years by the double whammy of increased death rates and fewer beekeepers. Its a real 'bee crisis'.
At the European Parliament Catherine Bearder today voted for a resolution calling for more action to step up the fight for Europe's bees.
Catherine Bearder said, "Europe must address the problem of bee deaths. Quite literally, life on earth depends on it!"
"It isn't just about honey. Without bees pollinating plants, plantlife and crops will be threatened. The food the world depends on to survive will not exist."
"Our agriculture and biodiversity depend on these little insects we must find a way to save the bee. We need co-ordinated action across Europe in the field of research, information sharing, veterinary treatment, and the recruitment and training of young beekeepers."
"62% of land in South East England is agrucultural and we have many beekeepers across our counties. We need to encourage more people in our region to try beekeeping and I hope that Europe will support them."
"Bees are really important for the South East and I will do what I can to make sure they survive."
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee currently lists seven species of bumblebee with "priority" status under the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan: the great yellow bumblebee, brown-banded carder-bee, moss carder bee, red-shanked carder bee, large garden bumblebee, short-haired bumblebee and shrill carder bee.
Evidence of a connection to intensive agriculture is robust, with quantitative local surveys in southern Britain finding that bumblebee density and species richness are both generally lower in the more intensively farmed areas than in some open semi-natural areas. Some bees' habitats can also be adversely affected, as cropped grass severely affects the survival of surface nests. Pesticides (and some herbicides) may also be implicated, though this is unproven, and their effects are difficult to discriminate from other factors.
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14:40
To bee or not to bee?
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSouth East England's Euro MP wants the EU to support the beekeeping industry, as too many bees are dying early and there are fewer beekeepers across the UK.
Bees in the UK and across Europe have been plagued in recent years by the double whammy of increased death rates and fewer beekeepers. Its a real 'bee crisis'.
At the European Parliament Catherine Bearder today voted for a resolution calling for more action to step up the fight for Europe's bees.
Catherine Bearder said, "Europe must address the problem of bee deaths. Quite literally, life on earth depends on it!"
"It isn't just about honey. Without bees pollinating plants, plantlife and crops will be threatened. The food the world depends on to survive will not exist."
"Our agriculture and biodiversity depend on these little insects we must find a way to save the bee. We need co-ordinated action across Europe in the field of research, information sharing, veterinary treatment, and the recruitment and training of young beekeepers."
"62% of land in South East England is agrucultural and we have many beekeepers across our counties. We need to encourage more people in our region to try beekeeping and I hope that Europe will support them."
"Bees are really important for the South East and I will do what I can to make sure they survive."
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee currently lists seven species of bumblebee with "priority" status under the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan: the great yellow bumblebee, brown-banded carder-bee, moss carder bee, red-shanked carder bee, large garden bumblebee, short-haired bumblebee and shrill carder bee.
Evidence of a connection to intensive agriculture is robust, with quantitative local surveys in southern Britain finding that bumblebee density and species richness are both generally lower in the more intensively farmed areas than in some open semi-natural areas. Some bees' habitats can also be adversely affected, as cropped grass severely affects the survival of surface nests. Pesticides (and some herbicides) may also be implicated, though this is unproven, and their effects are difficult to discriminate from other factors.
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16:45
Thameslink go ahead is welcome news for Southwark and the country - Simon Hughes MP
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesDespite the many tough decisions taken in last month's Spending Review, the government has today made a firm commitment to seeing through the Thameslink Programme in full. -
16:45
Thameslink go ahead is welcome news for Southwark and the country - Simon Hughes MP
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesDespite the many tough decisions taken in last month's Spending Review, the government has today made a firm commitment to seeing through the Thameslink Programme in full.
This major rail project in Southwark and London and through London will be a benefit to Londoners and travellers from outside London alike. In difficult economic circumstances a delay of two years is a price worth paying to see the clear green light which has been turned on today.
After nearly two decades of uncertainty we will soon see work begin to improve the surrounds of London Bridge station, and then to redesign the whole of the station itself. A great new railway station will hugely improve the built environment in the area of the Borough and at the Southwark end of London Bridge. There is also good progress in building the new station at Blackfriars, which will be the first station to span the Thames and give access from the north and south bank.
The local community fought a long battle over the last 10 years to try to move the route of Thameslink to avoid Borough Market, and we still have concerns as to how the work will affect the success and character of this most historic part of London. And there are still issues to resolve if the South London Line is to continue to provide a through service between London Bridge and Victoria.
This north-south rail link across London was originally called Thameslink 2000 and scheduled by previous governments to be completed ten years ago. Where previous governments have failed this government has made a commitment to deliver.
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16:45
Thameslink go ahead is welcome news for Southwark and the country - Simon Hughes MP
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesDespite the many tough decisions taken in last month's Spending Review, the government has today made a firm commitment to seeing through the Thameslink Programme in full.
This major rail project in Southwark and London and through London will be a benefit to Londoners and travellers from outside London alike. In difficult economic circumstances a delay of two years is a price worth paying to see the clear green light which has been turned on today.
After nearly two decades of uncertainty we will soon see work begin to improve the surrounds of London Bridge station, and then to redesign the whole of the station itself. A great new railway station will hugely improve the built environment in the area of the Borough and at the Southwark end of London Bridge. There is also good progress in building the new station at Blackfriars, which will be the first station to span the Thames and give access from the north and south bank.
The local community fought a long battle over the last 10 years to try to move the route of Thameslink to avoid Borough Market, and we still have concerns as to how the work will affect the success and character of this most historic part of London. And there are still issues to resolve if the South London Line is to continue to provide a through service between London Bridge and Victoria.
This north-south rail link across London was originally called Thameslink 2000 and scheduled by previous governments to be completed ten years ago. Where previous governments have failed this government has made a commitment to deliver.
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0:00
High-speed rail would benefit Scotland - Jo
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesJo has emphasised the benefits of extending the High Speed 2 rail project to Scotland. -
0:00
High-speed rail would benefit Scotland - Jo
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesJo has emphasised the benefits of extending the High Speed 2 rail project to Scotland.
Speaking during a debate in Parliament, Jo also urged fellow MPs to consider the advantages a potential route would deliver to their constituents.
Commenting, Jo said:
"I hope that the Government will press forward with a future extension to Scotland, and consider the huge benefits it would bring to many people here in East Dunbartonshire.
"The arrival of a high-speed connection between the UK's major cities and Glasgow would herald shorter journey times, greater economic benefits and provide passengers with a greener alternative to domestic air travel. It is therefore vital that Scotland is not left out of the ongoing debate on the high-speed railway's planned route."
Notes to Editors
1. The text of Jo's interventions in the debate are as follows:
Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate. He makes a strong case, as one would expect from a constituency MP working on behalf of his constituents. Does he accept that there may be some benefits for his constituents? The alternative to high-speed rail is that people do not travel or-more likely-that journeys are made by air or by road. That has an impact on the environment in the form of air pollution, for example, and noise nuisance, which might also affect his constituents.
Jo Swinson: The hon. Gentleman is making the point that the current rail network is not a truly free-market, capitalist system, but will he not accept that there is a role for the state to play in markets where there is market failure-for example, where there has to be a national network-as has been well documented by
23 Nov 2010 : Column 6WH
many economists? Will he also confirm that he stood on a manifesto platform at the election that promised to
"begin work immediately to create a high speed rail line connecting London and Heathrow with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds"
as the "first step" towards achieving a vision of a
"national high speed rail network to join up major cities across England, Scotland and Wales"?
Jo Swinson: I am very much enjoying the hon. Gentleman's speech. Does he accept that building high-speed rail with a Y shape going as far as the north-west will bring benefits to other parts of the country, including Scotland? Extending high-speed rail to Scotland would cut the journey time from four and a half hours to more like two hours. Even as it is being built, it will start to decrease the journey times because people will be able to change trains part way through, if they wish.
The full debate can be viewed online at [www.publications.parliament.uk]
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0:00
High-speed rail would benefit Scotland - Jo
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesJo has emphasised the benefits of extending the High Speed 2 rail project to Scotland.
Speaking during a debate in Parliament, Jo also urged fellow MPs to consider the advantages a potential route would deliver to their constituents.
Commenting, Jo said:
"I hope that the Government will press forward with a future extension to Scotland, and consider the huge benefits it would bring to many people here in East Dunbartonshire.
"The arrival of a high-speed connection between the UK's major cities and Glasgow would herald shorter journey times, greater economic benefits and provide passengers with a greener alternative to domestic air travel. It is therefore vital that Scotland is not left out of the ongoing debate on the high-speed railway's planned route."
Notes to Editors
1. The text of Jo's interventions in the debate are as follows:
Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate. He makes a strong case, as one would expect from a constituency MP working on behalf of his constituents. Does he accept that there may be some benefits for his constituents? The alternative to high-speed rail is that people do not travel or-more likely-that journeys are made by air or by road. That has an impact on the environment in the form of air pollution, for example, and noise nuisance, which might also affect his constituents.
Jo Swinson: The hon. Gentleman is making the point that the current rail network is not a truly free-market, capitalist system, but will he not accept that there is a role for the state to play in markets where there is market failure-for example, where there has to be a national network-as has been well documented by
23 Nov 2010 : Column 6WH
many economists? Will he also confirm that he stood on a manifesto platform at the election that promised to
"begin work immediately to create a high speed rail line connecting London and Heathrow with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds"
as the "first step" towards achieving a vision of a
"national high speed rail network to join up major cities across England, Scotland and Wales"?
Jo Swinson: I am very much enjoying the hon. Gentleman's speech. Does he accept that building high-speed rail with a Y shape going as far as the north-west will bring benefits to other parts of the country, including Scotland? Extending high-speed rail to Scotland would cut the journey time from four and a half hours to more like two hours. Even as it is being built, it will start to decrease the journey times because people will be able to change trains part way through, if they wish.
The full debate can be viewed online at [www.publications.parliament.uk]
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8:10
Clegg: Inequality becomes injustice if passed on, generation to generation
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories"Is it possible to be progressive when the public coffers are empty? My answer is yes. Certainly the crisis in the public finances means making some sharp choices. But it also forces us to be clearer about what it really means to be progressive. With less money, we need more focus. -
8:10
Clegg: Inequality becomes injustice if passed on, generation to generation
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories"Is it possible to be progressive when the public coffers are empty? My answer is yes. Certainly the crisis in the public finances means making some sharp choices. But it also forces us to be clearer about what it really means to be progressive. With less money, we need more focus.
The need to make choices is revealing an important divide between old progressives, who emphasise the power and spending of the central state, and new progressives, who focus on the power and freedom of citizens. Labour risk being on the wrong side of this divide. They are becoming the conservatives of British politics, defending outdated approaches rather than looking forward to a new, progressive future."
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8:10
Clegg: Inequality becomes injustice if passed on, generation to generation
» Green Liberal Democrats News Stories"Is it possible to be progressive when the public coffers are empty? My answer is yes. Certainly the crisis in the public finances means making some sharp choices. But it also forces us to be clearer about what it really means to be progressive. With less money, we need more focus.
The need to make choices is revealing an important divide between old progressives, who emphasise the power and spending of the central state, and new progressives, who focus on the power and freedom of citizens. Labour risk being on the wrong side of this divide. They are becoming the conservatives of British politics, defending outdated approaches rather than looking forward to a new, progressive future."
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0:00
Cabinet Minister's first green round table held in the South Lakes
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesCabinet Minister Chris Huhne MP held his first green round table meeting in the South Lakes this weekend with local schemes like Kentmere Hydro and manufacturers like Gilkes and NJO lighting from Kendal. -
0:00
Cabinet Minister's first green round table held in the South Lakes
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesCabinet Minister Chris Huhne MP held his first green round table meeting in the South Lakes this weekend with local schemes like Kentmere Hydro and manufacturers like Gilkes and NJO lighting from Kendal.
Chris Huhne the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change talked about the opportunity for the low carbon economy in Cumbria and how we can become a hub for green manufacturing jobs.
He then talked about support for the green agenda and said that this government wanted to be greenest ever and that Cumbria could help lead the way.
Commenting Tim said:
"Getting community groups, producers and local manufactures around the table to talk through the issues was really useful. This is Chris' first round table meeting on hydro projects like this so to be holding in our area shows how much the government is listening to us in South Lakeland. Chris agreed with me that the South Lakes can lead the way in green technology and bring the manufacturing jobs of the future to our area."
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0:00
Green issues must remain top of agenda - Jo
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesJo recently met local supporters of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition to discuss the need for firm action on climate change.
Constituents Ross Greer, Nicola Sherlock, Ros Jarvis, Christine Morrison and Jean Langhorne raised their local and national environmental concerns with Jo as part of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition's 'Big Climate Connection' event. They discussed various issues including Government targets for renewable energy production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation.
Commenting, Jo said:
"Here in East Dunbartonshire I have always been encouraged by constituents' willingness to send strong messages to Westminster on climate change, and it is encouraging that campaign groups like the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition are ensuring that environmental issues remain top of the agenda.
"I will be writing to my Liberal Democrat colleague, the Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change Chris Huhne, to ask him to address my constituents' concerns, and following a question I asked in the House of Commons recently, the Minister has assured me that the Committee on Climate Change is looking at whether our renewable ambitions can be raised. This Government is committed to cutting carbon emissions to give us a good chance of limiting the global temperature rise to 2 degrees, however there is still much work to do and I hope the forthcoming UN Conference in Cancun can move us closer to a global agreement."
Commenting, Stop Climate Chaos Coalition supporter Ross Greer said:
"I was optimistic that Jo would be as supportive of our concerns as she has been throughout her time as our MP, and this was certainly the case as we spoke about a range of issues including the protection of native people in areas of deforestation, the difference between the Lib Dems' manifesto pledges, EU law and Coalition policy on renewable energy, a Robin Hood tax and the difference in carbon emission targets between Westminster and Holyrood.
"Jo agreed with us on most of these issues and we felt confident that she would represent our concerns in Parliament. If we act now, we can stop a rise in global temperature of any more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, and halt the destruction of our natural environment."
Notes to Editors
1. The full text of Jo's question is as follows:
11 Nov 2010 : Column 422
Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): The Government's current target is for 15% of energy to be produced from renewable sources by 2020. If the measures we are taking to encourage renewables prove successful, will the Government consider being more ambitious and revise that target upwards?
Charles Hendry: We have asked the Committee on Climate Change to look at whether that level of ambition should be raised. We are also examining whether we can do more through international co-operation: have some areas of renewable energy been locked out because they cannot be used for other countries' domestic markets, so can we go further by looking at a "whole islands" approach around the British isles to maximise the resources that are available?
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11:55
Stephen Gilbert: Everything possible must be done to protect flood victims
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesCommenting on severe flooding in Cornwall, Liberal Democrat MP for St Austell and Newquay Stephen Gilbert said: -
11:55
Stephen Gilbert: Everything possible must be done to protect flood victims
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesCommenting on severe flooding in Cornwall, Liberal Democrat MP for St Austell and Newquay Stephen Gilbert said:
"The last 24 hours have been very difficult for many people.
"The way the community has pulled together in true Cornish spirit has been fantastic and our thanks and praise should go to the emergency services and other authorities who continue to do a fantastic job.
"The important task today is to ensure that everyone is safe and residents have everything they need to protect their homes and families.
"I've spoken with the Environment Minister, Richard Benyon MP, and the Environment Agency and I will continue to press the Government to ensure that everything possible is done to support residents and businesses effected."
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0:00
Energy and Climate Change Secretary of State in South Lakes to hold roundtable green energy forum
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSouth Lakes MP Tim Farron welcomes the secretary of state for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne MP to the South Lakes on Saturday for discussions with local green energy firms.
Tim and Chris are holding a roundtable meeting to discuss the green energy sector in the South Lakes and what the government can do to support small enterprise in Cumbria. Local companies like NJO Technology and Gilkes of Kendal and the community run Kentmere Hydro project will be attending.
Tim said: "I am delighted to be able to invite Chris Huhne to Kendal on Saturday and to sit down with local businesses to talk about green energy. Green technology offers a way to bring the well paid manufacturing jobs of the future to our area. In the lakes we have some of the fasting running rivers in the country and I see hydro power as they key that could offer the way to clean, green energy. I want Chris to see the wonderful work we are doing in the South Lakes and continue to support the green technology sector here."
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11:24
Tim Farron elected Liberal Democrat Party President
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesTim Farron has been elected Liberal Democrat Party President. -
11:24
Tim Farron elected Liberal Democrat Party President
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesTim Farron has been elected Liberal Democrat Party President.
Tim received 14,593 votes to Susan Kramer's 12,950.
More details to follow...
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13:14
Chris Huhne: Green Deal is a massive economic opportunity
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLiberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne announced today that by 2015 up to 100,000 Green Deal workers could be employed in the effort to upgrade and insulate Britain’s homes. -
13:14
Chris Huhne: Green Deal is a massive economic opportunity
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLiberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne announced today that by 2015 up to 100,000 Green Deal workers could be employed in the effort to upgrade and insulate Britain's homes.
The Green Deal, a Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment, is the Government's new and radical way of making energy efficiency available to all, whether people own or rent their property.
Commenting, Chris Huhne said:
"I want Britain to say goodbye forever to leaky lofts and chilly draughts. At a time of increasing gas prices energy efficiency is a no-brainer.
"It's also a massive economic and job opportunity which could help Britain's economy turn the corner. With up to 100,000 green jobs up for grabs over the next five years, and even more in the long term, this is about growing our economy in a way that's good for jobs, the environment and energy security."
Chris Huhne's full speech, made at the LSE today, can be read below.
"Green growth: the transition to a sustainable economy"
Check against delivery
Thanks very much.
Three years ago, the credit crunch hit home.
Three years ago, the economy suffered its most profound shock since the 1930s.
Three years ago, customers queued around the block in the first run on a British bank for a century and a half.
From Iceland to Greece, the financial crisis changed the fortunes of countries, their people, and their governments. It framed political debate then as it does now.
The UK was hit hard.
Our overdependence on the financial sector left us critically exposed.
Our banks trembled. Our credit rating faltered.
And our gross domestic product fell by 5% in a single year - the sharpest drop since 1921.
UK Response
Coming after a decade of government overspending, the result was a budget deficit unmatched in peacetime.
A fiscal stimulus package without precedent.
And a ballooning credibility gap, as it became clear there was no real plan to lift us out of a deep recession.
Tackling our chronic structural deficit - and rebuilding confidence in our economy - demanded difficult decisions.
The coalition's response was decisive.
The Emergency Budget steered us away from a sovereign debt crisis. And the Spending Review set out a clear and credible path back to national prosperity.
The latest indications are good: GDP is growing faster than expected. Our national credit rating is back where it belongs. Investors feel confident that the UK's course is true.
We have weathered the storm.
But now we are in the open ocean, and a question still remains:
Where is the growth coming from?
Future Prosperity
It is no longer enough to decry the excesses of the last Government. Yes, the cupboard is bare. Now it is up to us fill it.
Over the past week, you have heard our plan to bring back growth.
A tougher competition regime. Funding for scientific research. The national infrastructure programme. The local growth strategy.
Together, they will help restore prosperity and promote growth.
But there is something else.
Something that can deliver a boost of macroeconomic significance.
It is essential to the recovery.
It is vital for our future competitiveness.
And as the Prime Minister made clear last week, it is a critical part of the Government's strategy for growth.
To change our national economic story from one of financial speculation to one of future growth, we need a third industrial revolution: a green revolution.
It will transform our economy as surely as the shift from iron to steel, from steam to oil.
It will lead us toward a low-carbon future, with cleaner energy and greener growth. With an economy that is built to last - on more sustainable, more stable foundations.
It is an enticing prospect.
But what does green growth mean?
It means jobs. It means investment pouring into the UK, and exports pouring out.
Technologies that can be licensed and spun off to lock-in profits.
A more skilled workforce. Able to compete in the global marketplace, furthering our reputation for innovation, boosting British enterprise.
And at home, a more sustainable economy. One less prone to the fits and starts of a fragile energy market, and more resilient in the face of global uncertainty.
These are the long-term rewards that await us if we have the courage to build our economy anew.
We cannot risk falling behind. Other countries are not waiting for international agreements before engaging with the next global growth sector.
Instead, they are nurturing new industries focused on the defining challenges of our age: the development of clean energy.
Today, I will set out the case for green growth.
The industries it will nurture. The investment it will spark. The jobs it will create.
And the security it will bring, as we gain greater energy independence and build a more sustainable economy.
A Global Market
We are at the brink of a new industrial era.
From electric vehicles to energy management, the global low-carbon and environmental goods and services sector is a £3.2 trillion market. It is forecast to reach £4 trillion before this Parliament dissolves.
Last year, our share of that market was worth £112 billion. 900,000 people are employed in the low-carbon sector and its supply chain; by 2015, there will be at least a million. That's a workforce - and a budget - to rival the NHS.
As global efforts to cut carbon gather pace, the market will grow. Those countries which take the lead will be uniquely positioned.
Think of Germany's expertise in wind turbine manufacturing, or China's growing share of solar photovoltaic production.
We must secure a bigger slice of the pie. In offshore wind, in carbon capture and storage, Britain can establish itself as a market leader.
Our job is to ensure British firms can take full advantage of the opportunities. Converting our technical successes into commercial opportunities.
That means removing barriers to innovation and investment at home.
Exporting the best of British overseas. And securing international buy-in for the low-carbon transition.
The best way to achieve that consensus is to lead from the front. On energy supply and energy demand, we can set an example which boosts growth at home and competitiveness abroad.
New Generation
As with previous industrial revolutions, our primary energy source will define our economy.
Victorian fortunes were built on coal and steam. 20th century dynasties were founded on oil and gas.
The next generation's prosperity will come from clean energy. It must be affordable. It must be secure. And it must be low-carbon.
Many of the technologies that will power our future are still emerging. Wave and tidal stream tech are improving quickly. Solar photovoltaic is becoming ever more affordable. And in Britain, onshore wind is expected to be cost competitive with nuclear power.
This rapid expansion in new technology coincides with an explosion in demand for new generation.
Demand for electricity could double as we plug in to the national grid to power our cars and heat our homes.
Yet the UK's power plants are ageing fast. 20 Gigawatts of capacity will be lost by 2023 as old power stations close.
Ofgem estimates that we need £200 billion of investment by 2020 to upgrade our outdated energy assets.
The replacement cycle means energy investment will ramp up significantly - between 0.5 and 1% of GDP.
Have no doubt: this is a step change. And the opportunities are breathtaking.
As the next generation of power plants come online, so new industries will spring up around them - from manufacturing to maintenance. Each new plant must be designed, built, operated and connected to the grid.
To take full advantage of the shift to low-carbon generation, we must allow these developing industries to flourish within our borders.
Our policy is built on four pillars: energy saving, carbon capture and storage, renewables and - as the coalition agreement made clear - new nuclear without public subsidy.
When saving for your retirement, it would be irresponsible to put all your eggs in one basket. It would also be irresponsible to tie the nation's energy security to just one technology. We cannot be certain of future costs or liabilities.
To keep the lights on and the public finances in the black, we need a solution delivered by the market.
So we are determined to make it easier to invest across the energy portfolio.
We want to remove the planning obstacles that have held up new nuclear. Investors looking at the next generation of nuclear power need clarity and certainty, and this Government will provide it.
Later this year, we will consult on a new market framework for electricity; one that encourages low-carbon investment and gives consumers a fair deal.
Our work on electricity market reform will look at how we can deliver a secure, affordable, low-carbon electricity mix. It is a fundamental change in the market structure that underpins our national supply.
By the second half of the decade, annual investment in the UK energy system is expected to reach £25 billion.
Key engineering companies are already planning for opportunities in power generation at a national scale.
The world's biggest offshore windfarm, at Thanet, is an impressive feat of engineering. Yet most of the value went to companies outside the UK. This has to change.
The funds for ports infrastructure announced last week is a statement of intent. We want to make sure turbine manufacturers can build what they need on our shores, instead of importing expensive finished products that could be made here.
The sector could create 70,000 jobs, cementing our position as leaders of the offshore wind pack.
We also need to clean up our existing fossil fuel plants.
The Spending Review underlined the Government's commitment to carbon capture and storage; a project worth up to a billion pounds, to tackle our fossil fuel legacy and prepare us for a future of clean coal.
This will build the first ever commercial scale CCS plant, delivering on a technology that the IEA says will be essential for the future.
Globally, it estimates 3,400 CCS plants will be needed by 2050 if we are to meet our critical 2 degree target.
And the demonstration project puts the UK at the forefront of this emerging market.
Saving Energy
Greening the supply of energy in the UK will be critical. But action on new generation alone will not be enough. We must also do something about demand.
A snapshot of the UK's domestic power consumption reveals chronic inefficiency.
A quarter of UK carbon emissions come from housing. We use more energy heating our homes than Sweden.
Our homes may be our castles. But they shouldn't cost a king's ransom to run.
In houses across the country, boilers are firing up earlier than they need to. Burning more gas than they have to. Producing more emissions than they should do.
And all because our outdated housing stock leaks heat and wastes carbon.
Our response is the Green Deal, a radical programme to bring our houses out of the dark ages.
Over the next two years we expect to insulate 3.5 million homes, with a renewed focus on those in fuel poverty - and those who need it most.
Then, from 2012 onwards, energy saving packages worth thousands will be installed in millions of homes, with the capital and interest costs covered by savings on energy bills.
And we will look at how we can apply the Green Deal model to businesses, too - enabling them to cut carbon, and cut costs.
The potential benefits are vast.
From assessment to installation, from manufacturing to supply, the Green Deal means opportunities for skilled and unskilled labour alike.
Opportunities that will last for decades - and span the length and breadth of Britain.
Nothing on this scale has ever been attempted before. It is one of the single biggest interventions in British domestic history: a nationwide, once-in-generation refit to future-proof our homes.
Over the last two years steady progress has been made, with two million loft and cavity wall insulations installed.
But Labour failed to improve the private rented sector, which benefited from less than 2 per cent of these installations.
Privately rented homes have far too many leaky lofts and icy drafts. Over half a million have the lowest energy rating.
The Green Deal will change this. We should no longer condemn those who rent privately.
Landlords will face no upfront cost, and will benefit from an improved property. By 2015 every tenant should be able to be as warm as toast in their home.
This is a win, win, win situation - for the landlord, the tenant, and the climate.
I hope and expect that landlords will respond positively to the Green Deal. But this Government will not put up with tenants needlessly living in chilly conditions.
If a review into energy efficiency in the sector finds that landlords aren't taking up this once-in-a-generation opportunity, we will respond.
If necessary, we will look to take powers to ensure that from 2015, any tenant who asks for energy efficiency improvements cannot be refused.
And we will give local authorities the power to insist that landlords improve the worst performing homes.
We estimate that every household could benefit from energy improvements under the Green Deal, with implications for manufacturing and supply chains across the country.
The number of people employed in insulation alone could soar from 27,000 to 100,000 by 2015. That could eventually rise to a peak of 250,000.
This is no idle ambition. In September, British Gas announced its plan to 'go early' on the Green Deal, investing £30 million and creating 3,700 jobs.
Earlier today, I visited their Energy Academy, where they've just recruited their thousandth green-collar worker. From school leavers to highly-qualified engineers, this is real green growth.
Within our borders. With a long timeframe. And with no regional bias, because our homes are everywhere.
The Green Deal will also reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The most inefficient households could save £550 a year on their fuel bills; if every household took up the Green Deal, spending on gas would fall by £2.5 billion per year.
With over a third of our gas currently imported and UK gas production on a downward trend, the net result is a saving on a national level.
That bigger picture is important.
The link between the micro and the macro illustrates a curious truth: double-glazing your windows really can improve the UK's energy security.
Security and Stability
And energy security matters.
Not just security of supply, but security of price.
For it is becoming increasingly clear that the age of cheap energy is over.
Dwindling fossil fuel resources and soaring demand suggest we are headed towards an energy crunch.
The Gulf of Mexico merely underlined the point: extracting fossil fuels is becoming more risky and more costly.
Yet one of the clearest lessons of the financial crisis is that growth is nothing without stability.
Greater energy independence - with more renewable and nuclear power - is the best way to protect our consumers and our country from the uncertainty of the energy markets.
Our policies are not free. There will be a significant price impact, and there will be costs to the consumer.
But not only are they offset by energy efficiency savings; they are also an insurance policy against rising prices.
Consider oil. At $80 a barrel, energy bills will only rise by 1% in 2020.
Yet the IAE predict a $90 barrel by 2020. And the US administration forecasts $108 per barrel.
If the US administration right, our consumers will be saving money as a result of our policies.
Then take the macroeconomics. I asked DECC economists to look at the impact of a late 1970s-style oil price shock on our economy.
They found that if the oil price doubled, it could lead to a cumulative loss of GDP of around £45 billion over 2 years. That's the equivalent of the entire Ministry of Defence budget in 2008/09.
That's bad for business, profits and jobs.
Even a more moderate rise in oil and gas prices would leave us critically exposed.
Thanks to a decade of missed opportunities on renewables, our energy import dependence could double by 2020.
As demand grows and the global recovery picks up, it is increasingly clear that an economy dependent on fossil fuels is neither sustainable nor stable.
The solution is to get ourselves off the oil hook - and on to clean green growth.
We estimate the low-carbon transition will safeguard growth by cutting UK demand for oil, and boosting our defences against oil price shocks.
If we do not create the conditions for sustainable growth, we will be more exposed to rising energy costs. More dependent on finite fossil fuels.
And more vulnerable to resource risk.
A New Kind of Economy
Instead, we have a chance to build a new kind of economy. A more balanced, more sustainable economy. Where climate stabilisation and financial recovery are not mutually exclusive but mutually beneficial.
Delivering jobs, creating exports, and securing investment.
Tackling the deficit without sacrificing the environment.
Protecting us from the economic and environmental risks of runaway climate change.
And all while maintaining energy security in an increasingly volatile global market.
This is the promise of the green revolution.
And this is the government that will lead the way.
Thank you very much.
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16:08
Chris Huhne: A more prosperous, fairer and greener Britain
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSecretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne today confirmed that the Government has committed £60m in funding to establish world-class offshore wind manufacturing at ports sites. -
16:08
Chris Huhne: A more prosperous, fairer and greener Britain
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSecretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne today confirmed that the Government has committed £60m in funding to establish world-class offshore wind manufacturing at ports sites.
In an email to Liberal Democrat members Mr Huhne wrote that the support for wind turbine manufacture at Britain's ports opens the way to a major expansion of the country's offshore wind industry.
Read Chris Huhne's email to Liberal Democrat members.
Dear Friend,
Today we are taking a key step on the road to a more prosperous, fairer and greener Britain. We've announced support for wind turbine manufacture at Britain's ports - opening the way to a major expansion of the country's offshore wind industry.
The last week has been tough. None of us came into government to make cuts. Throughout the spending review, as Liberal Democrats and as a Government, we've had to make some difficult decisions. We believe they are necessary to stabilise Britain's economy and eliminate the massive deficit in the public finances.
As Liberal Democrats in Government we can set the course for economic recovery - encouraging green growth as we move to create a truly sustainable low-carbon economy. The Coalition Government is working on our plans for a Green Investment Bank, we're investing £1 billion in the first carbon capture and storage demonstration project and investing more than £800 million in renewable heat. And we will be implementing Liberal Democrat plans for a Green Deal to ensure energy saving in every home - cutting energy, cutting carbon emissions and cutting energy costs for families - as well as creating jobs around the country.
We need world-class infrastructure to support our economic growth. Even in the face of such pressure on public finances, we will prioritise the areas that will help us dump the deficit and bring low-carbon jobs, manufacturing and skills to the UK.
So today we have committed £60 million to support offshore wind manufacturing infrastructure at port sites. I am delighted that three global firms - GE, Siemens and Gamesa - have responded by outlining proposals to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in opening new wind turbine factories in the UK, creating thousands of jobs and providing clean energy for Britain's homes and factories.
Working with Nick Clegg, Vince Cable and Danny Alexander on the green recovery has reminded me of the difference Liberal Democrats are making in Government. There is much more to do but I am determined that we will deliver on our pledge to make this the greenest government ever.
Best Wishes,
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
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14:59
Sutton MP Supports New 'Straw Café'
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesOn Tuesday 26th October, Manor Park Café, one of the greenest buildings in London, is set to be unveiled in Sutton by the Mayor, Councillor Margaret Court.
The Café was built with recycled materials and without steel or concrete. The structure has a sedum roof, straw bale walls, and recycled tyre foundations, giving it excellent green credentials.
The building materials will make the building sustainable, environmentally friendly and cost-saving. The lime-covered straw bale walls are thermally efficient and will keep heating costs to a minimum. The sedum roof will also serve to insulate the building, while helping the building to blend in with the surrounding park and attract wildlife.
Reconstituted, flame-retardant newspapers in the roof and floor provide further insulation.
The Café will offer a wide array of affordable meals and snacks - many local-organic or fair-trade, and some healthy options as well. There will be seating for 20-30 people.
Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow commented on the new café, saying:
"The Manor Park Café is yet another demonstration of Sutton's leadership on environmental issues in Britain. I hope that this cafeé will serve as an example of how the country can move forward and provide for the needs of its citizens while still maintaining its natural beauty."
Plans for the café were approved by the Sutton Local Committee on 25 June 2009 after a survey carried out a year prior found that what people wanted most in Manor Park was a café.
The oak used for structural support comes from Forest Stewardship Council accredited sources, the paints are made from natural oils such as citrus, and the floor is natural linoleum. The building foundations are pillars of old tyres, filled with gravel and insulating material, and will have a low impact on the environment.
The company responsible the café's design and construction, Amazonails, is a leader in the UK straw bale building industry. They took the opportunity to show local tradesmen how their innovative building process works.
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14:31
Chris Huhne welcomes energy cuts challenge
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesEnergy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne today welcomed a scheme which will see Government departments compete with each other over cutting energy use. -
15:39
Green Taxation - carried
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesConference believes that a key step in creating an environmentally sustainable economy is to establish a system of taxation which rewards activities which are non-polluting and resource efficient, achieved through a gradual switch from taxation on income and employment to taxation on pollution and resource depletion. -
10:12
Chris Huhne has called on councils to kick-start a local power revolution
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesAt present only 0.01% of electricity in England is generated by local authority-owned renewables, despite the scope that exists to install projects on their land and buildings. In Germany the equivalent figure is 100 times higher. -
14:12
Vince Cable announces large investment in low-carbon jobs in the North East
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesOf this package, £1.3m will help develop Carbon Capture and Storage technology, which will be vital in reducing carbon emissions while ensuring Britain's energy supply. -
13:28
Coalition sets out ambitious climate change policies
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesSecretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne today set out ambitious plans to tackle climate change and give the UK the secure, low carbon energy it needs. -
18:09
Undecided voters swing to Lib Dems following final Leaders Debate
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLast night was the final of the three televised Leaders' debates. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, debated with Gordon Brown and David Cameron about the economy. Subjects discussed included breaking up the banks, creating more jobs and reinvigorating the British economy. -
17:09
Undecided voters swing to Lib Dems following final Leaders Debate
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesLast night was the final of the three televised Leaders' debates. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, debated with Gordon Brown and David Cameron about the economy. Subjects discussed included breaking up the banks, creating more jobs and reinvigorating the British economy. -
14:25
Third and Final Party Leaders' TV debate: The Economy
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesOn Thursday 29th April from 8.30pm, BBC One will host the final live Prime Ministerial Debate of the General Election from the Midlands. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in the run up to the General Election next Thursday. -
13:25
Third and Final Party Leaders' TV debate: The Economy
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesOn Thursday 29th April from 8.30pm, BBC One will host the final live Prime Ministerial Debate of the General Election from the Midlands. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in the run up to the General Election next Thursday. -
15:06
Clegg Scores Second Win in Party Leaders Debate
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesAn average of five polls conducted immediately after the Sky TV Leaders Election debate on Thursday night put Nick Clegg as the winner, with all instant polls showing him ahead of Gordon Brown. After the Foreign Affairs-led debate from Bristol dominated by issues like Iraq, immigration and climate change, Nick Clegg won 3 of the 5 polls on the night, building on his position after the first debate. -
14:06
Clegg Scores Second Win in Party Leaders Debate
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesAn average of five polls conducted immediately after the Sky TV Leaders Election debate on Thursday night put Nick Clegg as the winner, with all instant polls showing him ahead of Gordon Brown. After the Foreign Affairs-led debate from Bristol dominated by issues like Iraq, immigration and climate change, Nick Clegg won 3 of the 5 polls on the night, building on his position after the first debate. -
11:08
Second Party Leaders' TV debate: Foreign Affairs
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe second Party Leaders Debate is taking place this Thursday starting at 8pm on Sky News. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in a TV debate in the run up to the General Election on May 6th, this time leading on Foreign Affairs. -
10:08
Second Party Leaders' TV debate: Foreign Affairs
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe second Party Leaders Debate is taking place this Thursday starting at 8pm on Sky News. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in a TV debate in the run up to the General Election on May 6th, this time leading on Foreign Affairs. -
0:01
Nick Clegg Storms First Ever Party Leaders Debate
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe polls following the first ever Party Leaders General Election debate on ITV are showing that Nick Clegg has won a convincing victory over David Cameron and Gordon Brown. The debate was the first ever Leaders debate during a UK General Election campaign, and the pollsters are giving it as a big victory for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats. -
23:01
Nick Clegg Storms First Ever Party Leaders Debate
» Green Liberal Democrats News StoriesThe polls following the first ever Party Leaders General Election debate on ITV are showing that Nick Clegg has won a convincing victory over David Cameron and Gordon Brown. The debate was the first ever Leaders debate during a UK General Election campaign, and the pollsters are giving it as a big victory for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats.