Dear Supporter,

I stand corrected on the ammendment. Clearly though, given the Government's majority its nigh on impossible to get these changes through, especially so on a Finance Bill.

Of course, the blame for this mess shouldn't lay with the opposition parties frustrated efforts to ammend but with the Labour Government (and their MPs) that introduced (and supported) the legislation in the first place. Also, as I pointed out in my first reply, only the Government of the day has the power to rewrite the bill.

And yes, Vince Cable's presence in Crewe was welcome but as you highlighted Nick Clegg in your original message it seemed fair to point out his obvious absence at such an important by-election.

Dear Supporter,

I stand corrected on the ammendment. Clearly though, given the Government's majority its nigh on impossible to get these changes through, especially so on a Finance Bill.

Of course, the blame for this mess shouldn't lay with the opposition parties frustrated efforts to ammend but with the Labour Government (and their MPs) that introduced (and supported) the legislation in the first place. Also, as I pointed out in my first reply, only the Government of the day has the power to rewrite the bill.

And yes, Vince Cable's presence in Crewe was welcome but as you highlighted Nick Clegg in your original message it seemed fair to point out his obvious absence at such an important by-election.

John

In terms of the also rans as you describe them, the fact that the Lib Dems sent Vince Cable - by common consent by far the most able economics spokesman in the House - was totally appropriate given that one of the major issues at the centre of the campaign is taxation policy!

John

In terms of the also rans as you describe them, the fact that the Lib Dems sent Vince Cable - by common consent by far the most able economics spokesman in the House - was totally appropriate given that one of the major issues at the centre of the campaign is taxation policy!

John

No it wasn't the amendment that you are refering to but the substantive clause concerning the specific abolition of the 10% rate. A number of Tories did vote against this clause and the abolition of the 10p rate.

John

No it wasn't the amendment that you are refering to but the substantive clause concerning the specific abolition of the 10% rate. A number of Tories did vote against this clause and the abolition of the 10p rate.

Presumably, Gordon stayed away to boost his part's chances

Presumably, Gordon stayed away to boost his part's chances

Dear Supporter,

Actions do indeed speak louder than words; which is why the 'leader' of the Conservatives visted Crewe on the first day of the by-election campaign but Brown and Clegg merely sent stand-ins instead.

As for the 'vote', one presumes you are referring to the Goldsworthy/Cable/Fi

eld clause to the 2007 Finance Bill? This would have forced the Government to provide an assessment of the impact upon low-earners and then arrange transitional relief if there were any adverse effects.

Its very important people realise that ultimately, those losing out would still have been hit in their pockets eventually - even 'if' the Liberal's 'delaying' clause had been successfully adopted. The Conservatives quite rightly recognised the empty gesture for what it was and absented themselves from the vote, neither voting for or against the measure.

Look, only the Government of the day has the power to do something about the 10p tax fiasco. It's simply unrealistic that a minority Liberal party can force a change but David Cameron's Conservatives can; by helping to amplify the British public's displeasure over the treatment metered out to those least able to afford to pay more tax.

Now that's the sort of action we need right now... not the hollow words from the also rans.

Dear Supporter,

Actions do indeed speak louder than words; which is why the 'leader' of the Conservatives visted Crewe on the first day of the by-election campaign but Brown and Clegg merely sent stand-ins instead.

As for the 'vote', one presumes you are referring to the Goldsworthy/Cable/Fi

eld clause to the 2007 Finance Bill? This would have forced the Government to provide an assessment of the impact upon low-earners and then arrange transitional relief if there were any adverse effects.

Its very important people realise that ultimately, those losing out would still have been hit in their pockets eventually - even 'if' the Liberal's 'delaying' clause had been successfully adopted. The Conservatives quite rightly recognised the empty gesture for what it was and absented themselves from the vote, neither voting for or against the measure.

Look, only the Government of the day has the power to do something about the 10p tax fiasco. It's simply unrealistic that a minority Liberal party can force a change but David Cameron's Conservatives can; by helping to amplify the British public's displeasure over the treatment metered out to those least able to afford to pay more tax.

Now that's the sort of action we need right now... not the hollow words from the also rans.

I notice that David Cameron has slammed Brown for the 10p tax rate. Strange since Cameron failed to vote against the change whilst the Lib Dem's Nick Clegg did vote against . Actions speak louder than words!

I notice that David Cameron has slammed Brown for the 10p tax rate. Strange since Cameron failed to vote against the change whilst the Lib Dem's Nick Clegg did vote against . Actions speak louder than words!