Says Vince Cable who was speaking at a fundraiser in Ealing
The Liberal Democrats were right to enter a coalition according to Business Minister, Vince Cable, speaking in Ealing.
Mr Cable was at a fund raising dinner where he also praised Nick Clegg, the Lib Dem leader, for what he described as the 'principled stance' he had taken on mental health issues, and local Lib Dems for their part in fighting to preserve A&E and other services at local hospitals.
Cllr Jon Ball, prospective Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Ealing Central & Acton constituency, also applauded the party’s efforts to protect local NHS provision.
He added: ''But the latest proposals from Ealing’s Labour Council to close centres caring for those least able to look after themselves, such as the Carlton Road Day Centre, are both unfeeling and short-sighted. It is likely that a greater burden will fall on other parts of our social services as a result.''
Mr Cable said the economic situation facing the UK after the last election was the worst in more than 100 years, and among the most critical of developed countries in the world. He went on to say that although problems caused by the international banking crisis and government over-spending at home are not yet over, the UK is now one of the best performing economies.
“In a parliament where no party had an overall majority, the pain of the austerity needed to achieve this turn-round would have been far more unequal in its impact if we had not been prepared to play a part” he continued.
“Liberal Democrats remain committed to the objective of a strong economy and a fairer society. We can’t protect our services, particularly the NHS, if we aren’t prepared to pay for them.”
The event raised over £1,500 for local Lib Dem funds.
26th November 2014