Speaking on Radio 4 earlier today, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has backed the call from the treasury spokesman, Vince Cable for Alistair Darling to resign following accusations in the Daily Telegraph that he has “flipped” his second home four times in the last four years, and has claimed on his expenses to pay for financial advice to reduce his tax bill.

Hear Nick Clegg speaking by clicking on HERE

John Black, the president of the Royal College of Surgeons has warned that the European Working Hours Directive which is set to come into force in this country in August will be a “catastrophe” for the NHS if all doctors are forced  to work a  maximum of 48 hours .  Mr Black also says that the restrictions on the working week will lead to a “shortage of surgeons” with not enough staff to keep hospitals open.

Mr Black says that he believes that there is a “scandalous lack of political will” to address the problems.

Mr Black warns:

“‘Unless the Government comes to its senses, the result will be catastrophic for the NHS with patient safety on a knife edge, surgeons not being properly trained, waiting lists going up again and even hospitals closing.

“We have already reached the point where patients’ health has been endangered.

“There is a serious risk of units in hospitals having to close to emergencies, with resulting chaos, not to mention the danger and inconvenience brought about by patients going long distances to a hospital that has enough staff to stay open.

“This is truly a nightmare, and I despair that the Government will not take action.”

As previously reported, the failure to renew the UK’s opt out from the working hours directive also threatens the future of the many retained fire stations in the UK who rely on volunteers who are called out in an emergency to respond to emergency calls for assistance.. 

In an article in today’s Mail on Sunday,  Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Vince Cable has called for the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, to go.  

The Labour Chancellor has been accused of “flipping” homes, and claiming expenses from the taxpayer for financial advice to minimise his tax bills. 

We have all waited to hear his explanation, but we have yet to receive one, the only comments that have been made by Mr Darling being that all MP’s were to blame, and not him personally. 

If Mr Darling, the Chancellor, is unable to give a reasonable explanation for his actions over his expense claims, then he should have the decency to resign.

You can readthe complete article by Vince Cable in today’s Mail on Sunday by clicking HERE

If you live near the Ridgeway you should receive a form from NELC in the next day or two which invites you to tell the highways department where you would like to see a pedestrian crossing on the Laceby by-pass.   Please return this in the prepaid envelope.  This will help to ensure that the crossing will be placed in the best position.  I know that the final position will not please everyone, but hopefully it will be the best place for as many people as possible. 

You can see a copy of the leaflet signal-crossing-consultation leaflet.pdf

NELC are also proposing a 30mph from Bradley Crossroads to Broadway, and a 40mph speed limit from Broadway to the roundabout at Morrison’s Supermarket.

If there is anyone who has not yet made up their mind how they intend to vote in the European Elections on Thursday please look at this website to find the Liberal Democrat Policy.

Diana Wallis is seeking re election in our region.  You can find out more about Diana by clicking HERE

Diana Wallis MEP was elected Vice President of the European Parliament in 2007. She is the first Liberal Democrat and the first British female of any political persuasion to be elected to such a post in twenty years. As a full member of the Petitions Committee, Diana has successfully pushed for improvements to EU legislation such as citizens’ summaries for all EU legislative acts.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg , has said that MPs who stand down after expenses revelations should not be entitled to large tax free pay-offs. Since stories about expenses claims began, 13 MPs have decided to stand down at the election, although three of them have said they are doing it for health reasons.  

Each MP| will be entitled to a pay-off worth up to a year’s salary of £64,000 depending on their age and experience.  Mr Clegg said there was “no reason” why some MP’s should get the tax free reward, which could see Conservative MP Julie Kirkbride receive a pay off of about £32,000 and Labour’s Margaret Moran around £54,000 – through the “resettlement grant” which is paid to MPs who leave at a general election.  

Mr Clegg, who has also called for voters to be able to sack their MP, said: “I can see no reason why an MP who is sacked or decides to stand down should be rewarded with a big, tax-free, lump sum payment.  

“This money is intended to help people who are suddenly voted out of office,” he said.  “Anyone else who decides to quit their job of their own accord can make arrangements for themselves. MPs should get a leaving card, not a cheque for tens of thousands of pounds.”  

Commenting on today’s government figures showing that just one household was given support last month from a Government scheme to help struggling homeowners stay in their properties, Liberal Democrat Shadow Housing Minister, Sarah Teather said: “These figures show that the Government’s housing schemes have been a case of all mouth and no trousers.”

“Tens of thousands of families are facing repossession and homelessness but the tight restrictions on these highly publicised schemes means that many families are simply being left to struggle on alone.

“Minister could make a real difference if they reformed mortgage law to ensure that the courts only ever allow repossession as a genuinely last resort.”

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg today called for an end to the resettlement allowance for MPs who decide to stand down at the next General Election.

Nick Clegg said:

“I can see no reason why an MP who is sacked or decides to stand down should be rewarded with a big, tax-free, lump sum payment.

“This money is intended to help people who are suddenly voted out of office, not those who decide to call it a day after being caught with their fingers in the till.

“Anyone else who decides to quit their job of their own accord can make arrangements for themselves. MPs should get a leaving card, not a cheque for tens of thousands of pounds.

“This is yet another flaw in the current system that needs to be sorted. I will be writing today to Sir Christopher Kelly and Gordon Brown demanding that it is fixed at the earliest opportunity.”

There has been progress at last in the closure of the footpath linking Romsey Court and Maxwell Court.

I have just received a message from the Public Paths Officer  at NELC which says that the installation of the gates, closing off the footpath linking Romsey Court and Maxwell Court, Grimsby can be expected to begin sometime between the end of June and mid-July,  but it will certainly take place before the school summer holidays.

I am sure the residents will be relieved to hear the news, and I hope that this action will make a big improvement to the quality of life for the residents of this area.

Thank you to everyone in the area that helped in the campaign.

If we are ever going to be able to trust our politicians again, we need to make real changes to the system.  Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, understands this and I completely agree with him.

• We need to stop MPs from setting their own pay and expenses rules. 

• The idea of allowing voters to force a by-election when their MP is guilty of serious wrongdoing would also help rebuild trust.

• Finally, Nick Clegg is surely right that no MP should be able to use taxpayers’ money to make a profit by buying and selling property. These changes would all help to remind politicians who they serve – and whose money they are spending.

You may have seen Nick Clegg explain his thoughts last night in the Liberal Democrats Party Election Broadcast.  If you missed it you can see it by clicking on the link below: