Over at PoliticsHome, Paul Waugh has a very positive piece, highlighting the recent series of announcements which bear a distinctive Liberal Democrat stamp:
Today, Nick Clegg can bask in last night’s AV Bill victory, delivering an historic referendum that could possibly see his party in power for a long time.
But the DPM can also celebrate having played a key role in a string of other areas being discussed today. On each issue, you can judge his success by the irritated reaction of the average Tory backbencher.
Paul helpfully lists welfare reform, gay marriage, green policy, growth, the AV referendum and more.
Go ahead and read He Who Libs, Wins.
The Voice also has a copy of Lib Dem Deputy Leader Simon Hughes’ letter to party members in his constituency:
The end of this half term has been an excellent time for Liberal Democrats in Westminster and in government.
Just before midnight last night the Parliamentary Voting and Constituencies Act became law, and the referendum date of the 5th May was given the green light. For the first time ever the British people will have the chance to vote for a fairer voting system for the UK Parliament. I hope progressives everywhere will now start campaigning to make sure there is a resounding success for the ‘yes’ campaign.
This morning the government made clear that the Welfare Bill which was published today will change some of the plans announced last summer and much for the better. In particular, and thanks to the firm view of Liberal Democrats and the determined advocacy of Nick Clegg and Steve Webb, the plans to deduct housing benefit for people who have been out of work for a year have been dropped. I have made it clear for months that this was a necessary change if this legislation was to have Liberal Democrat support.
Earlier this afternoon the Environment Secretary made a gracious and complete admission that the government should start again in thinking through our policy for forestry and woodlands in England. If this government is to gain the reputation we all wish as the greenest government in British history, than a different strategy for ensuring access and biodiversity was clearly needed. The government has listened to the voices of the public and has shown that it is willing to change its mind.
Also this afternoon the Liberal Democrat Equalities Minister has announced that civil partnership registrations will be able to take place in religious buildings with the agreement of the faith group in question. This is clearly the right thing to do.
We all know that these are still difficult times for the British economy and difficult times for the British people. As a party our priorities remain to rebuild a healthy and sustainable economy and create a fairer and more liberal Britain.
We will apply all our efforts to achieve these objectives over the five years for which we have been given the responsibility and the privilege of being part of the government of Britain.