Gedling Libdems' parliamentary spokesperson backs tough decisions

Reporting back from the Libdem Conference in Liverpool, Julia Bateman said:

"It is clear to me that Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats did not make the decision to enter into a coalition government with the Conservatives lightly. The message party members are getting loud and clear is that the decision was made at a time of economic crisis and for the good of the country. The Libdems are and remain an independent political party as the 1000s of members turning out shows."

Asked what the Libdems have got out of the coalition Julia said:

"Within a short space of time we have taken the lead on raising the tax threshold, re-instating civil liberties trampled on by Labour and ensuring that core liberal values such as fairness are at the heart of the decision-making process in government."