"Oh what a Vince Night"

Didn't post last night following the Chancellor debate on Channel 4 between Alistair Darling, our own Vince Cable and the Tory George Osbourne because I was too caught up in the Twitter sphere following the thousands of comments made as the debate was on air and then afterwards in a post debate twitterthon.

Undoubtedly there will acres of newspaper space given to discussion of the debate with many people airing their views but in my opinion and in the opinion of many people, Vince Cable was undeniably the winner. He talked sense, he didn't get into ping pong politics with the other two, he gave answers which people could understand that weren't wrapped up in political spin and ..

above all he got the loudest applause - bring on Huwy Greens clap-om-meter

Vince Cable MP visits Southport

Dr Vince Cable, described as ‘the most trusted man in politics’ has been welcomed to Southport by the town’s MP, John Pugh.

The Liberal Democrat deputy leader and Shadow Chancellor was here to meet with Southport business owners, and discuss how the recession is affecting the local economy. Members of Southport’s business community were keen to hear about Lib Dem plans to take Britain out of recession, and to tell Dr Cable how the current economic climate is affecting small and medium sized businesses in Southport.

Commenting on his visit to Southport, Dr Cable said “It was good to meet so many representatives from Southport’s diverse business community, and to answer their questions on the local and national economy”.

Southport MP John Pugh works with Vince Cable

Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor,Vince Cable, is widely recognised as one of the few politicians to see the recession looming and the collapse in the housing market.

With unemployment rising and the country deep in debt,Vince Cable and Treasury colleague, John Pugh are plotting a route back to prosperity.

“We need to cut out wasteful expenditure like ID cards and concentrate on funding properly the key services people need. We need to develop new green industries that don’t depend on Russian gas or Middle East oil and we have got to get the banking system working for Britain not for city fat cats ! Its a tough order but with so many people on the Tory front bench with interests and directorships in banks- only the Lib Dems have the independence to see it through !

Sue meets Vince Cable

Councillor Sue McGuire pictured with Vince Cable during his recent visit to the North West.

Sue said “I have met Vince on several occasions and been lucky enough to hear him speak on the financial mess we find ourselves in and I can fully understand why he is considered the most universally respected parliamentarian on the current world economic crisis. “

Budget will hit low earners & business says Cable

The Chancellor should have cut income tax to make the tax system permamently fairer, say the Liberal Democrats

Commenting on today's Pre-Budget Report, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said:

"The Government acknowledges that the UK tax system is inherently unfair, but then announces that it will hit those struggling to make ends meet with yet higher tax bills by increasing National Insurance. Everyone earning over £19,000 will be hit.

"The new 45p Income Tax rate is nothing more than a fig leaf to cover a £5bn tax hike which will hit millions of low earners and businesses.

"The Government has missed a golden opportunity to make the tax system permanently fairer which it could have done by cutting income taxes for those on low and middle incomes, paid for by getting rid of tax loopholes for the wealthy.

"Instead of increasing investment in sustainable capital projects which benefit the country tomorrow as well as today, the Government has opted for a temporary cut in VAT which will benefit big spenders the most and not give the economy the boost it needs.

"At a time of economic emergency, Gordon Brown has once again failed those who need help the most."