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Nick Clegg defends past coalition government in tonight’s Question Time

April 30, 2015 by Rosie Crass Leave a Comment

Liberal Democrat leader was the last of the party leaders to answer questions from the Question Time audience tonight.

After both David Cameron and Ed Miliband said they were still fighting for a majority, the Liberal Democrat leader had his work cut out to explain why his party would be the best option for undecided voters.

The audience did not shy away from tough questions with the first asking Clegg if he could be trusted after his turn around on tuition fees.

Clegg responded by telling the audience once again that he was sorry but also outlining the positive influence his party has had on the country, specifically explaining how more money has been filtered in to the education system.

However he did except that some people would not be able forgive his turn around on uni fees, even saying, “it’s not the system I would of liked” but it is one that is fairer.

Next, the Liberal Democrat leader was asked if in hindsight he would have gone in to coalition in 2010.

Clegg’s response was clear, saying he was “proud” of his decision, claiming that the UK could of been in a similar position to Greece had he not chosen to go into government with the tories.

Clegg then continued to say that the Liberal Democrats were needed to ensure that the government was “anchored in the centre ground”.

The topic then turned to David Cameron’s unaccounted for spending with Clegg saying that Cameron must tell the public where the money is coming from.

After several answers telling us why the public should not vote for other parties, a member of the audience asked the party leader why we should vote for him.

Clegg responded by saying he was under no illusions that he could be the next prime minister and said that compromises would have to be made, telling the audience that “everyone is going to have to behave in a grown up and responsible way”.

Clegg was again questioned on trust, but ensured the audience that he has been clear on his parties “red lines” telling the audience that the Liberal Democrats will not go in to a coalition with a party who are prepared to cut education funding.

Conversation returned to Clegg’s decision to go into coalition with the Tories, saying that he “will never apologise for putting the interests of the country before those of the party”.

Clegg was then asked about the EU, saying that he was pro-EU, telling the audience it made sense to stay within the “world’s largest borderless market place”.

However, he did say that if new powers were given to the EU he would consider a referendum.

Clegg was then asked for his stance on Trident, explaining that he did not want to get rid of completely but said we “can step down the nuclear ladder”.

Finally, the party leader was asked if we would remain leader of the Liberal Democrats if his party failed next Thursday.

Clegg left without giving a clear answer but did say he still had “bags of energy”.

Filed Under: National, News Tagged With: David Cameron, david dimbleby, Ed Miliband, General Election 2015, Nick Clegg, Question Time

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Published on Thursday, April 30th, 2015 at 9:22 pm

Last modified: Thursday, April 30th, 2015 at 9:22 pm

Category: National, News.

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