27/02/2013

:01:26. > :01:28.Go it was the key litmus test for Go it was the key litmus test for

:01:28. > :01:29.Go it was the key litmus test for the Chancellor. It to have been

:01:29. > :01:30.the Chancellor. It to have been the Chancellor. It to have been

:01:30. > :01:37.seen to have felt that objective, seen to have felt that objective,

:01:37. > :01:37.seen to have felt that objective, seen to have felt that objective,

:01:37. > :01:38.it is embarrassing. A it has to be it is embarrassing. A it has to be

:01:38. > :01:39.it is embarrassing. A it has to be it is embarrassing. A it has to be

:01:39. > :01:44.said that the public no longer has said that the public no longer has

:01:44. > :01:46.said that the public no longer has confidence in the government. It

:01:46. > :01:47.confidence in the government. It confidence in the government. It

:01:47. > :01:48.confidence in the government. It has to that extent, we should not

:01:48. > :01:53.has to that extent, we should not has to that extent, we should not

:01:53. > :01:54.exaggerate the extent which would exaggerate the extent which would

:01:54. > :01:59.exaggerate the extent which would it back mean those opinion polls

:01:59. > :01:59.it back mean those opinion polls it back mean those opinion polls

:02:00. > :02:01.it back mean those opinion polls would be moved. A kink how far can

:02:01. > :02:04.would be moved. A kink how far can would be moved. A kink how far can

:02:04. > :02:05.the Labour Party succeed in using the Labour Party succeed in using

:02:05. > :02:06.the Labour Party succeed in using this development. They need to

:02:06. > :02:07.this development. They need to this development. They need to

:02:07. > :02:08.persuade the public that the persuade the public that the

:02:08. > :02:15.persuade the public that the persuade the public that the

:02:15. > :02:25.government does not know what it is government does not know what it is

:02:25. > :02:31.

:02:31. > :02:32.government does not know what it is government does not know what it is

:02:32. > :02:34.doing. It at love kink -- it is doing. It at love kink -- it is

:02:34. > :02:35.doing. It at love kink -- it is doing. It at love kink -- it is

:02:35. > :02:38.something they need to a cat. something they need to a cat.

:02:38. > :02:42.something they need to a cat. Labour's fault or hook, can make

:02:42. > :02:44.Labour's fault or hook, can make Labour's fault or hook, can make

:02:44. > :02:47.invents the government took her -- invents the government took her --

:02:47. > :02:48.invents the government took her -- can they convince the government.

:02:48. > :02:52.can they convince the government. can they convince the government.

:02:52. > :02:53.There were the government is still There were the government is still

:02:53. > :03:00.There were the government is still saying sq that these cuts are

:03:00. > :03:01.saying sq that these cuts are saying sq that these cuts are

:03:01. > :03:04.Labour's fault. The Labour Party Labour's fault. The Labour Party

:03:04. > :03:06.Labour's fault. The Labour Party says they do have an alternative.

:03:06. > :03:08.says they do have an alternative. says they do have an alternative.

:03:08. > :03:09.There was an announcement that they There was an announcement that they

:03:09. > :03:12.There was an announcement that they There was an announcement that they

:03:12. > :03:17.would return the 10p rate of income would return the 10p rate of income

:03:17. > :03:19.would return the 10p rate of income tax, that was symbolic. Behind that

:03:20. > :03:20.tax, that was symbolic. Behind that tax, that was symbolic. Behind that

:03:20. > :03:23.announcement, there was the idea announcement, there was the idea

:03:23. > :03:25.announcement, there was the idea announcement, there was the idea

:03:25. > :03:26.that if they can put more money in that if they can put more money in

:03:26. > :03:27.people's with relative incomes people's with relative incomes

:03:27. > :03:30.people's with relative incomes people's with relative incomes

:03:30. > :03:31.pockets, that would be a way of pockets, that would be a way of

:03:31. > :03:32.pockets, that would be a way of generating growth. I think they

:03:32. > :03:34.generating growth. I think they generating growth. I think they

:03:34. > :03:35.need to turn this alternative need to turn this alternative

:03:36. > :03:37.need to turn this alternative strategy to something that the

:03:37. > :03:40.strategy to something that the general public can understand.

:03:40. > :03:42.general public can understand. Thank you for that.

:03:42. > :03:43.Thank you for that. Thank you for that.

:03:43. > :03:45.Thank you for that. Let's take up this issue, and a few

:03:45. > :03:47.Let's take up this issue, and a few Let's take up this issue, and a few

:03:47. > :03:57.Let's take up this issue, and a few others, a trio of the SNP's at

:03:57. > :04:26.

:04:26. > :04:27.The priority now is that we keep The priority now is that we keep

:04:27. > :04:27.The priority now is that we keep The priority now is that we keep

:04:27. > :04:29.our credit rating as high as it our credit rating as high as it

:04:29. > :04:31.our credit rating as high as it possibly can be. We're still doing

:04:31. > :04:32.possibly can be. We're still doing possibly can be. We're still doing

:04:32. > :04:34.the right things and following the the right things and following the

:04:34. > :04:34.the right things and following the right policies and for the long-

:04:34. > :04:35.right policies and for the long- right policies and for the long-

:04:35. > :04:37.right policies and for the long- term good of this country we need

:04:37. > :04:40.term good of this country we need term good of this country we need

:04:40. > :04:41.term good of this country we need to keep that up. To keep their

:04:41. > :04:44.to keep that up. To keep their to keep that up. To keep their

:04:44. > :04:45.to keep that up. To keep their rating we have of the minutes, that

:04:45. > :04:48.rating we have of the minutes, that means redoubling their efforts.

:04:48. > :04:50.means redoubling their efforts. means redoubling their efforts.

:04:51. > :04:52.Does that mean redoubling the cuts? Does that mean redoubling the cuts?

:04:52. > :04:56.Does that mean redoubling the cuts? Does that mean redoubling the cuts?

:04:56. > :04:57.In means balancing the books in the In means balancing the books in the

:04:57. > :04:59.In means balancing the books in the In means balancing the books in the

:04:59. > :05:00.long term. We are making the right long term. We are making the right

:05:00. > :05:02.long term. We are making the right changes. We're trying to change the

:05:02. > :05:04.changes. We're trying to change the changes. We're trying to change the

:05:04. > :05:05.balance between public and private balance between public and private

:05:05. > :05:06.balance between public and private sector and we're trying to increase

:05:06. > :05:09.sector and we're trying to increase sector and we're trying to increase

:05:09. > :05:10.sector and we're trying to increase the tax take over time. That will

:05:10. > :05:11.the tax take over time. That will the tax take over time. That will

:05:11. > :05:13.the tax take over time. That will be hard. We're going about it the

:05:13. > :05:15.be hard. We're going about it the be hard. We're going about it the

:05:15. > :05:16.right way and there is no right way and there is no

:05:17. > :05:19.alternative. Jack you delete, alternative. Jack you delete,

:05:19. > :05:20.alternative. Jack you delete, talking about balancing the books.

:05:20. > :05:21.talking about balancing the books. talking about balancing the books.

:05:21. > :05:22.talking about balancing the books. It is a tricky situation because it

:05:22. > :05:23.It is a tricky situation because it It is a tricky situation because it

:05:23. > :05:25.It is a tricky situation because it is Labour who got us into this mess

:05:25. > :05:26.is Labour who got us into this mess is Labour who got us into this mess

:05:26. > :05:29.is Labour who got us into this mess in the first place. A triple A

:05:29. > :05:30.in the first place. A triple A in the first place. A triple A

:05:30. > :05:32.rating was lost under George rating was lost under George

:05:32. > :05:33.rating was lost under George rating was lost under George

:05:33. > :05:36.Osborne. This is a hammer blow to Osborne. This is a hammer blow to

:05:36. > :05:38.the Conservatives and their the Conservatives and their

:05:38. > :05:39.coalition partners. Our government coalition partners. Our government

:05:39. > :05:41.coalition partners. Our government at Westminster has the priorities

:05:41. > :05:42.at Westminster has the priorities at Westminster has the priorities

:05:42. > :05:47.at Westminster has the priorities all wrong. They are cutting too far,

:05:47. > :05:47.all wrong. They are cutting too far, all wrong. They are cutting too far,

:05:47. > :05:53.too fast. We're sandwiched between too fast. We're sandwiched between

:05:53. > :05:54.another government in Scotland's another government in Scotland's

:05:54. > :05:55.another government in Scotland's another government in Scotland's

:05:55. > :05:55.where the SNP haven't even use the where the SNP haven't even use the

:05:55. > :05:57.where the SNP haven't even use the capital at their disposal to

:05:57. > :05:58.capital at their disposal to capital at their disposal to

:05:58. > :06:00.stimulate the economy. There is no stimulate the economy. There is no

:06:00. > :06:01.stimulate the economy. There is no action on jobs on Capitol building

:06:01. > :06:07.action on jobs on Capitol building action on jobs on Capitol building

:06:07. > :06:08.to house building budget has been to house building budget has been

:06:08. > :06:11.to house building budget has been slashed to. Let's stick with the

:06:11. > :06:14.slashed to. Let's stick with the slashed to. Let's stick with the

:06:14. > :06:15.Chancellor at the moment. If the Chancellor at the moment. If the

:06:15. > :06:15.Chancellor at the moment. If the Chancellor had followed any other

:06:15. > :06:16.Chancellor had followed any other Chancellor had followed any other

:06:16. > :06:18.Chancellor had followed any other course of action he could have lost

:06:18. > :06:21.course of action he could have lost course of action he could have lost

:06:21. > :06:22.a triple A rating earlier than a triple A rating earlier than

:06:22. > :06:26.Friday night. The coalition Friday night. The coalition

:06:26. > :06:28.Friday night. The coalition policies aren't working. They put

:06:28. > :06:29.policies aren't working. They put policies aren't working. They put

:06:29. > :06:30.such great store in keeping their such great store in keeping their

:06:30. > :06:32.such great store in keeping their triple-A credit vetting any didn't

:06:32. > :06:33.triple-A credit vetting any didn't triple-A credit vetting any didn't

:06:33. > :06:36.do that. People are my constituency do that. People are my constituency

:06:36. > :06:39.do that. People are my constituency want to know about their security,

:06:40. > :06:40.want to know about their security, want to know about their security,

:06:40. > :06:41.want to know about their security, both in terms of jobs and to the

:06:41. > :06:42.both in terms of jobs and to the both in terms of jobs and to the

:06:42. > :06:46.economy. People want to know what economy. People want to know what

:06:46. > :06:47.economy. People want to know what economy. People want to know what

:06:47. > :06:48.is going on. With the yes campaign, is going on. With the yes campaign,

:06:49. > :06:50.is going on. With the yes campaign, supporters when this came out, do

:06:50. > :06:51.supporters when this came out, do supporters when this came out, do

:06:51. > :06:53.supporters when this came out, do you think people were in support of

:06:53. > :06:54.you think people were in support of Scottish independence or revelling

:06:54. > :06:56.Scottish independence or revelling Scottish independence or revelling

:06:56. > :06:57.Scottish independence or revelling in the misfortunes of the UK.

:06:57. > :06:59.in the misfortunes of the UK. in the misfortunes of the UK.

:06:59. > :07:01.revel in, because you very much revel in, because you very much

:07:01. > :07:02.revel in, because you very much care about what is happening in

:07:02. > :07:04.care about what is happening in care about what is happening in

:07:04. > :07:04.care about what is happening in Scotland to people. That is why our

:07:04. > :07:07.Scotland to people. That is why our Scotland to people. That is why our

:07:07. > :07:08.government in Scotland is taking government in Scotland is taking

:07:08. > :07:09.government in Scotland is taking measures. We are building more

:07:09. > :07:14.measures. We are building more measures. We are building more

:07:14. > :07:15.houses than Labour ever did. Labour houses than Labour ever did. Labour

:07:15. > :07:21.houses than Labour ever did. Labour built six council houses in the

:07:21. > :07:25.built six council houses in the built six council houses in the

:07:25. > :07:26.last year of government. You have last year of government. You have

:07:26. > :07:27.last year of government. You have Labour and Conservatives banging on

:07:27. > :07:28.Labour and Conservatives banging on Labour and Conservatives banging on

:07:28. > :07:29.Labour and Conservatives banging on about how the house got there needs

:07:29. > :07:30.about how the house got there needs about how the house got there needs

:07:30. > :07:31.about how the house got there needs to be in the UK because of the

:07:31. > :07:32.to be in the UK because of the to be in the UK because of the

:07:32. > :07:33.triple A rating. That has been triple A rating. That has been

:07:33. > :07:35.triple A rating. That has been triple A rating. That has been

:07:35. > :07:44.thrown up in the air. Scotland has thrown up in the air. Scotland has

:07:44. > :07:46.thrown up in the air. Scotland has not been well served by Westminster.

:07:46. > :07:48.not been well served by Westminster. You're criticising the Chancellor

:07:48. > :07:49.You're criticising the Chancellor You're criticising the Chancellor

:07:49. > :07:51.You're criticising the Chancellor and the Conservatives, but it was a

:07:51. > :07:53.and the Conservatives, but it was a and the Conservatives, but it was a

:07:53. > :07:54.key aspect of the better together key aspect of the better together

:07:54. > :07:55.key aspect of the better together literature that stay in the decay

:07:55. > :07:57.literature that stay in the decay literature that stay in the decay

:07:57. > :07:59.and keep his triple-A credit rating. and keep his triple-A credit rating.

:07:59. > :07:59.and keep his triple-A credit rating. and keep his triple-A credit rating.

:07:59. > :08:00.There is a number of reasons why I There is a number of reasons why I

:08:00. > :08:01.There is a number of reasons why I There is a number of reasons why I

:08:01. > :08:06.believe we are better to get there believe we are better to get there

:08:06. > :08:10.believe we are better to get there in the United Kingdom. Frankly,

:08:10. > :08:11.in the United Kingdom. Frankly, in the United Kingdom. Frankly,

:08:11. > :08:12.Linda is just wrong. House building Linda is just wrong. House building

:08:12. > :08:13.Linda is just wrong. House building Linda is just wrong. House building

:08:14. > :08:20.under the SNP has slumped and it is under the SNP has slumped and it is

:08:20. > :08:21.under the SNP has slumped and it is probably under an all-time low. We

:08:21. > :08:22.probably under an all-time low. We probably under an all-time low. We

:08:22. > :08:24.are sandwiched between a government are sandwiched between a government

:08:24. > :08:26.are sandwiched between a government that has got its priorities wrong

:08:26. > :08:27.that has got its priorities wrong that has got its priorities wrong

:08:27. > :08:28.that has got its priorities wrong at the UK level and also at the

:08:28. > :08:29.at the UK level and also at the at the UK level and also at the

:08:29. > :08:31.Scottish level with the aren't Scottish level with the aren't

:08:31. > :08:34.Scottish level with the aren't Scottish level with the aren't

:08:34. > :08:34.helping people out in any way. It helping people out in any way. It

:08:34. > :08:35.helping people out in any way. It is astonishing for Linda to attempt

:08:35. > :08:38.is astonishing for Linda to attempt is astonishing for Linda to attempt

:08:38. > :08:41.to gain that somehow Scotland Woods to gain that somehow Scotland Woods

:08:41. > :08:42.to gain that somehow Scotland Woods retain its triple A rating when

:08:42. > :08:45.retain its triple A rating when retain its triple A rating when

:08:45. > :08:51.Dickie people in the banking crisis Dickie people in the banking crisis

:08:51. > :08:53.Dickie people in the banking crisis what that Royal Bank of Scotland's.

:08:53. > :08:54.what that Royal Bank of Scotland's. what that Royal Bank of Scotland's.

:08:54. > :08:55.what that Royal Bank of Scotland's. It is ridiculous. It makes a while

:08:55. > :08:56.It is ridiculous. It makes a while It is ridiculous. It makes a while

:08:56. > :08:58.to hear the Unionist parties to hear the Unionist parties

:08:58. > :08:59.to hear the Unionist parties talking Scotland down all the time.

:08:59. > :09:00.talking Scotland down all the time. talking Scotland down all the time.

:09:00. > :09:01.talking Scotland down all the time. talking Scotland down all the time.

:09:01. > :09:05.And try to do with the fact that it And try to do with the fact that it

:09:05. > :09:06.And try to do with the fact that it was mismanagement of labour and the

:09:06. > :09:08.was mismanagement of labour and the was mismanagement of labour and the

:09:08. > :09:09.Chancellor that are causing this Chancellor that are causing this

:09:09. > :09:13.Chancellor that are causing this Chancellor that are causing this

:09:13. > :09:14.crisis. Stand up for Scotland for a crisis. Stand up for Scotland for a

:09:14. > :09:15.crisis. Stand up for Scotland for a change. Let's talk to another --

:09:15. > :09:16.change. Let's talk to another -- change. Let's talk to another --

:09:17. > :09:23.let's turn to another issue today, let's turn to another issue today,

:09:23. > :09:24.let's turn to another issue today, the so-called bedroom tax. It has

:09:24. > :09:25.the so-called bedroom tax. It has the so-called bedroom tax. It has

:09:25. > :09:27.attracted a huge amount of attracted a huge amount of

:09:27. > :09:28.attracted a huge amount of criticism. It will being penalised

:09:28. > :09:30.criticism. It will being penalised criticism. It will being penalised

:09:30. > :09:30.for living in social rented for living in social rented

:09:31. > :09:33.for living in social rented accommodation for having an extra

:09:33. > :09:33.accommodation for having an extra accommodation for having an extra

:09:34. > :09:35.bedroom. The opposition say the bedroom. The opposition say the

:09:35. > :09:38.bedroom. The opposition say the bedroom. The opposition say the

:09:38. > :09:39.disabled or badly hit by this. Any disabled or badly hit by this. Any

:09:39. > :09:40.disabled or badly hit by this. Any possibility of a reversal in this

:09:40. > :09:42.possibility of a reversal in this possibility of a reversal in this

:09:42. > :09:45.policy? No possibility of reversal, policy? No possibility of reversal,

:09:45. > :09:46.policy? No possibility of reversal, but policy has been misrepresented.

:09:46. > :09:47.but policy has been misrepresented. but policy has been misrepresented.

:09:47. > :09:49.Anybody he uses the phrase bedroom Anybody he uses the phrase bedroom

:09:49. > :09:51.Anybody he uses the phrase bedroom tax doesn't understand what that

:09:51. > :09:51.tax doesn't understand what that tax doesn't understand what that

:09:51. > :09:54.under occupancy charges about. It under occupancy charges about. It

:09:54. > :09:55.under occupancy charges about. It has to be emphasised that it

:09:55. > :09:56.has to be emphasised that it has to be emphasised that it

:09:56. > :09:58.doesn't apply to those who have doesn't apply to those who have

:09:58. > :09:59.doesn't apply to those who have doesn't apply to those who have

:10:00. > :10:01.pension age and those who suffer a pension age and those who suffer a

:10:01. > :10:02.pension age and those who suffer a disability, there is an enormous

:10:02. > :10:04.disability, there is an enormous disability, there is an enormous

:10:04. > :10:05.amount of money allocated to the amount of money allocated to the

:10:05. > :10:06.amount of money allocated to the discretionary payments that will be

:10:06. > :10:06.discretionary payments that will be discretionary payments that will be

:10:07. > :10:10.used to see people with the used to see people with the

:10:10. > :10:11.used to see people with the difficult period of transition. I

:10:12. > :10:13.difficult period of transition. I difficult period of transition. I

:10:13. > :10:13.don't believe it will have the don't believe it will have the

:10:13. > :10:15.don't believe it will have the negative impact that some people

:10:15. > :10:16.negative impact that some people negative impact that some people

:10:16. > :10:17.negative impact that some people say it will. It will deliver more

:10:17. > :10:18.say it will. It will deliver more say it will. It will deliver more

:10:18. > :10:19.efficient use of the available efficient use of the available

:10:19. > :10:20.efficient use of the available housing stock and deliver something

:10:20. > :10:22.housing stock and deliver something housing stock and deliver something

:10:22. > :10:23.for the thousands of people and for the thousands of people and

:10:23. > :10:28.for the thousands of people and Scotland who are still on waiting

:10:28. > :10:29.Scotland who are still on waiting Scotland who are still on waiting

:10:29. > :10:32.lists. You represent a largely lists. You represent a largely

:10:32. > :10:34.lists. You represent a largely rural area. This will hit rural

:10:34. > :10:35.rural area. This will hit rural rural area. This will hit rural

:10:35. > :10:37.people badly, because there is no people badly, because there is no

:10:37. > :10:38.people badly, because there is no people badly, because there is no

:10:38. > :10:44.opportunity for people to move to a opportunity for people to move to a

:10:45. > :10:47.one-bedroom house locally. one-bedroom house locally.

:10:47. > :10:49.constituency has Aberdeen and constituency has Aberdeen and

:10:49. > :10:49.constituency has Aberdeen and constituency has Aberdeen and

:10:50. > :10:50.Dundee. This is an area where there Dundee. This is an area where there

:10:50. > :10:53.Dundee. This is an area where there is a massive shortage of housing

:10:53. > :10:54.is a massive shortage of housing is a massive shortage of housing

:10:54. > :10:57.is a massive shortage of housing and there needs to be a massive

:10:57. > :10:58.and there needs to be a massive reorganisation. Under occupancy is

:10:58. > :11:00.reorganisation. Under occupancy is reorganisation. Under occupancy is

:11:00. > :11:04.a major part in changing the a major part in changing the

:11:04. > :11:06.a major part in changing the attitude toward social housing.

:11:06. > :11:07.attitude toward social housing. attitude toward social housing.

:11:07. > :11:08.attitude toward social housing. attitude toward social housing.

:11:08. > :11:10.is not a natural tax, it is a cut is not a natural tax, it is a cut

:11:10. > :11:11.is not a natural tax, it is a cut in benefits. The point is these

:11:11. > :11:13.in benefits. The point is these in benefits. The point is these

:11:13. > :11:14.people who have an extra bedroom people who have an extra bedroom

:11:14. > :11:15.people who have an extra bedroom have that their and their other

:11:15. > :11:16.have that their and their other have that their and their other

:11:16. > :11:18.have that their and their other people he can't access it to need

:11:18. > :11:19.people he can't access it to need people he can't access it to need

:11:19. > :11:20.people he can't access it to need it. We don't have the housing stock

:11:21. > :11:22.it. We don't have the housing stock it. We don't have the housing stock

:11:22. > :11:23.that Alex talks about. There aren't that Alex talks about. There aren't

:11:23. > :11:28.that Alex talks about. There aren't the scale of one-bedroom properties

:11:28. > :11:38.the scale of one-bedroom properties the scale of one-bedroom properties

:11:38. > :11:38.

:11:38. > :13:05.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 87 seconds

:13:05. > :13:09.Go as far as the bedroom tax is Go as far as the bedroom tax is

:13:09. > :13:10.Go as far as the bedroom tax is Go as far as the bedroom tax is

:13:10. > :13:11.concerned, and it is a bedroom tax, concerned, and it is a bedroom tax,

:13:11. > :13:13.concerned, and it is a bedroom tax, concerned, and it is a bedroom tax,

:13:13. > :13:14.it is an appalling way to be it is an appalling way to be

:13:14. > :13:16.it is an appalling way to be treating people. It is against the

:13:16. > :13:16.treating people. It is against the treating people. It is against the

:13:16. > :13:18.treating people. It is against the ethos of everything we stand for in

:13:18. > :13:20.ethos of everything we stand for in Scotland. We're talking about

:13:20. > :13:26.Scotland. We're talking about hitting people's pockets really

:13:26. > :13:27.hitting people's pockets really hitting people's pockets really

:13:27. > :13:29.hard here. We're doing everything hard here. We're doing everything

:13:29. > :13:30.hard here. We're doing everything hard here. We're doing everything

:13:30. > :13:32.we possibly can to help people out, we possibly can to help people out,

:13:32. > :13:33.we possibly can to help people out, including putting a lot of money

:13:33. > :13:33.including putting a lot of money including putting a lot of money

:13:34. > :13:35.into advice services because people into advice services because people

:13:35. > :13:39.into advice services because people need advice more than they have

:13:40. > :13:41.need advice more than they have need advice more than they have

:13:41. > :13:42.need advice more than they have ever needed its -- ever needed it.

:13:42. > :13:45.ever needed its -- ever needed it. ever needed its -- ever needed it.

:13:45. > :13:46.ever needed its -- ever needed it. A we will have to leave it there.

:13:46. > :13:46.A we will have to leave it there. A we will have to leave it there.

:13:46. > :13:51.A we will have to leave it there. Thank you all very much for joining

:13:51. > :13:52.MSPs will pass new laws this MSPs will pass new laws this

:13:52. > :13:53.afternoon which creates the afternoon which creates the

:13:53. > :13:54.potential for international potential for international

:13:54. > :13:55.commercial opportunities for commercial opportunities for

:13:55. > :13:55.Scottish water. The Scottish Scottish water. The Scottish

:13:55. > :13:56.Government's so-called hydro-nation Government's so-called hydro-nation

:13:56. > :13:57.Government's so-called hydro-nation Government's so-called hydro-nation

:13:57. > :13:58.policy is set out in the Water policy is set out in the Water

:13:58. > :13:59.policy is set out in the Water Resources Bill. However, it was

:13:59. > :14:00.Resources Bill. However, it was Resources Bill. However, it was

:14:00. > :14:00.criticised for placing too much criticised for placing too much

:14:00. > :14:02.criticised for placing too much emphasis on economic gain over

:14:02. > :14:02.emphasis on economic gain over environmental concerns. Ministers

:14:02. > :14:10.environmental concerns. Ministers environmental concerns. Ministers

:14:10. > :14:11.environmental concerns. Ministers say tha is not the case. The

:14:11. > :14:21.say tha is not the case. The Cabinet Secretary for

:14:21. > :14:26.

:14:26. > :14:27.Cabinet Secretary for I want to thank them far a lodging

:14:27. > :14:28.I want to thank them far a lodging I want to thank them far a lodging

:14:28. > :14:29.this amendment, and I want to this amendment, and I want to

:14:29. > :14:30.this amendment, and I want to this amendment, and I want to

:14:30. > :14:34.confirm that I am happy to accept confirm that I am happy to accept

:14:34. > :14:34.confirm that I am happy to accept confirm that I am happy to accept

:14:34. > :14:36.it today. Part one of the bill it today. Part one of the bill

:14:36. > :14:37.it today. Part one of the bill places a value on Scotland's Water

:14:37. > :14:37.places a value on Scotland's Water places a value on Scotland's Water

:14:37. > :14:39.places a value on Scotland's Water Resources, we will have to weigh up

:14:39. > :14:41.Resources, we will have to weigh up Resources, we will have to weigh up

:14:41. > :14:42.all of the different factors all of the different factors

:14:42. > :14:44.all of the different factors involved in deciding how best to

:14:44. > :14:46.involved in deciding how best to involved in deciding how best to

:14:46. > :14:48.proceed. It is suggested that we proceed. It is suggested that we

:14:48. > :14:49.proceed. It is suggested that we must the ballot those resources in

:14:49. > :14:52.must the ballot those resources in must the ballot those resources in

:14:52. > :14:53.ways to promote sustainable use of ways to promote sustainable use of

:14:53. > :14:58.ways to promote sustainable use of ways to promote sustainable use of

:14:58. > :14:59.them. -- must promote. I agree with them. -- must promote. I agree with

:14:59. > :15:00.them. -- must promote. I agree with this, it strengthens this. I

:15:00. > :15:02.this, it strengthens this. I this, it strengthens this. I

:15:03. > :15:04.believe it strikes the right believe it strikes the right

:15:04. > :15:04.believe it strikes the right believe it strikes the right

:15:04. > :15:09.emphasis, and I'm sure we can all emphasis, and I'm sure we can all

:15:09. > :15:10.emphasis, and I'm sure we can all emphasis, and I'm sure we can all

:15:10. > :15:11.agree that we wish to make use of agree that we wish to make use of

:15:11. > :15:16.agree that we wish to make use of agree that we wish to make use of

:15:16. > :15:16.our resources in a way which makes our resources in a way which makes

:15:17. > :15:23.our resources in a way which makes unsustainable. -- makes them a

:15:23. > :15:24.unsustainable. -- makes them a unsustainable. -- makes them a

:15:24. > :15:25.unsustainable. -- makes them a sustainable. A part one is ready in

:15:25. > :15:26.sustainable. A part one is ready in sustainable. A part one is ready in

:15:26. > :15:27.sustainable. A part one is ready in May following way, I want to make

:15:27. > :15:29.May following way, I want to make May following way, I want to make

:15:29. > :15:30.May following way, I want to make sure it is very clear, the value of

:15:30. > :15:34.sure it is very clear, the value of sure it is very clear, the value of

:15:34. > :15:35.water resources is very broad. It water resources is very broad. It

:15:35. > :15:36.water resources is very broad. It water resources is very broad. It

:15:37. > :15:37.helps state that the value of water helps state that the value of water

:15:37. > :15:39.helps state that the value of water resources means the value on any

:15:39. > :15:40.resources means the value on any resources means the value on any

:15:40. > :15:46.basis, including monetary and there basis, including monetary and there

:15:46. > :15:54.basis, including monetary and there basis, including monetary and there

:15:54. > :15:55.are none the -- and the non-mother are none the -- and the non-mother

:15:56. > :15:57.are none the -- and the non-mother four-star any use of these

:15:57. > :15:59.four-star any use of these four-star any use of these

:15:59. > :16:07.resources on such activities also. resources on such activities also.

:16:07. > :16:08.resources on such activities also. Very is also a drafting amendments.

:16:08. > :16:09.Very is also a drafting amendments. Very is also a drafting amendments.

:16:09. > :16:09.Very is also a drafting amendments. There is a great deal of work which

:16:10. > :16:12.There is a great deal of work which There is a great deal of work which

:16:12. > :16:13.can be discovered in other ways. can be discovered in other ways.

:16:13. > :16:15.can be discovered in other ways. can be discovered in other ways.

:16:15. > :16:20.Water is a vital part of our Water is a vital part of our

:16:20. > :16:21.nation's industrial and domestic nation's industrial and domestic

:16:21. > :16:21.nation's industrial and domestic nation's industrial and domestic

:16:21. > :16:24.life. We need to develop the full life. We need to develop the full

:16:24. > :16:26.life. We need to develop the full potential of our most valuable

:16:26. > :16:27.potential of our most valuable potential of our most valuable

:16:27. > :16:28.resource. I hope everybody in the resource. I hope everybody in the

:16:28. > :16:36.resource. I hope everybody in the chamber would also support the

:16:36. > :16:39.chamber would also support the chamber would also support the

:16:39. > :16:40.chamber would also support the amendment. A kick thank Mr -- thank

:16:40. > :16:46.amendment. A kick thank Mr -- thank amendment. A kick thank Mr -- thank

:16:46. > :16:48.amendment. A kick thank Mr -- thank you, Mr presiding officer full. I

:16:48. > :16:54.you, Mr presiding officer full. I you, Mr presiding officer full. I

:16:54. > :16:55.welcome these amendments, past that welcome these amendments, past that

:16:55. > :16:58.welcome these amendments, past that stage two. I welcome the inclusion

:16:58. > :16:59.stage two. I welcome the inclusion stage two. I welcome the inclusion

:16:59. > :17:01.of this amendment. It further of this amendment. It further

:17:01. > :17:02.clarifies the situation and clarifies the situation and

:17:02. > :17:03.clarifies the situation and environmental benefits. I am happy

:17:03. > :17:08.environmental benefits. I am happy environmental benefits. I am happy

:17:08. > :17:09.environmental benefits. I am happy that we will also support that.

:17:09. > :17:11.that we will also support that. that we will also support that.

:17:11. > :17:13.that we will also support that. I ask you whether you intend to

:17:14. > :17:14.I ask you whether you intend to I ask you whether you intend to

:17:15. > :17:20.press or withdraw? I AM delighted press or withdraw? I AM delighted

:17:20. > :17:25.press or withdraw? I AM delighted press or withdraw? I AM delighted

:17:25. > :17:26.in the collective approach. -- I am in the collective approach. -- I am

:17:26. > :17:28.in the collective approach. -- I am delighted. It a garage other

:17:28. > :17:29.delighted. It a garage other delighted. It a garage other

:17:30. > :17:31.stakeholders at stage two. I stakeholders at stage two. I

:17:31. > :17:32.stakeholders at stage two. I appreciate the support by Alleyne

:17:32. > :17:33.appreciate the support by Alleyne appreciate the support by Alleyne

:17:33. > :17:38.appreciate the support by Alleyne Murray, and I am delighted to move

:17:38. > :17:41.Murray, and I am delighted to move Murray, and I am delighted to move

:17:41. > :17:43.the amendment 25. Are we all the amendment 25. Are we all

:17:43. > :17:44.the amendment 25. Are we all the amendment 25. Are we all

:17:44. > :17:45.agreed? The panel is agreed, and I agreed? The panel is agreed, and I

:17:45. > :17:48.agreed? The panel is agreed, and I agreed? The panel is agreed, and I

:17:48. > :17:50.call amendment six in the name of call amendment six in the name of

:17:50. > :17:52.call amendment six in the name of the Cabinet Secretary. Can I ask

:17:52. > :17:57.the Cabinet Secretary. Can I ask the Cabinet Secretary. Can I ask

:17:57. > :17:59.you to move formally? Moved. you to move formally? Moved.

:17:59. > :18:00.you to move formally? Moved. you to move formally? Moved.

:18:00. > :18:06.A that was the live debate, stage A that was the live debate, stage

:18:06. > :18:07.A that was the live debate, stage three of the Water Resources Bill.

:18:07. > :18:09.three of the Water Resources Bill. three of the Water Resources Bill.

:18:09. > :18:09.Now to Prime Minister's questions, Now to Prime Minister's questions,

:18:10. > :18:12.Now to Prime Minister's questions, there were heated exchanges about

:18:12. > :18:17.there were heated exchanges about there were heated exchanges about

:18:17. > :18:19.the last of the triple-A credit the last of the triple-A credit

:18:19. > :18:20.the last of the triple-A credit rating four-star -- of the last.

:18:20. > :18:21.rating four-star -- of the last. rating four-star -- of the last.

:18:21. > :18:22.The Prime Minister conceded that The Prime Minister conceded that

:18:22. > :18:24.The Prime Minister conceded that The Prime Minister conceded that

:18:24. > :18:25.they would have to cut the deficit they would have to cut the deficit

:18:25. > :18:26.they would have to cut the deficit faster. He said there were

:18:26. > :18:27.faster. He said there were faster. He said there were

:18:27. > :18:30.promising signs in the economy, promising signs in the economy,

:18:30. > :18:31.promising signs in the economy, promising signs in the economy,

:18:31. > :18:33.such as more people in jobs. Three such as more people in jobs. Three

:18:33. > :18:35.such as more people in jobs. Three years ago, the Prime Minister had

:18:35. > :18:35.years ago, the Prime Minister had years ago, the Prime Minister had

:18:36. > :18:37.that this to say, the first that this to say, the first

:18:37. > :18:41.that this to say, the first priority of any government has to

:18:41. > :18:44.priority of any government has to priority of any government has to

:18:44. > :18:45.be keeping UK plc's credit rating. be keeping UK plc's credit rating.

:18:45. > :18:46.be keeping UK plc's credit rating. be keeping UK plc's credit rating.

:18:46. > :18:47.That has to come first or some it That has to come first or some it

:18:47. > :18:51.That has to come first or some it That has to come first or some it

:18:51. > :18:55.is the only responsible thing to do. is the only responsible thing to do.

:18:55. > :19:00.is the only responsible thing to do. is the only responsible thing to do.

:19:00. > :19:01.A howlers that going? At -- howl is A howlers that going? At -- howl is

:19:01. > :19:03.A howlers that going? At -- howl is that going? Isn't it disgraceful

:19:03. > :19:04.that going? Isn't it disgraceful that going? Isn't it disgraceful

:19:04. > :19:06.that he won't condemn something who that he won't condemn something who

:19:07. > :19:08.that he won't condemn something who speaks up by terrorists. It the

:19:08. > :19:09.speaks up by terrorists. It the speaks up by terrorists. It the

:19:09. > :19:10.decision of the ratings agency is decision of the ratings agency is

:19:10. > :19:12.decision of the ratings agency is the reminder of the debt and

:19:12. > :19:13.the reminder of the debt and the reminder of the debt and

:19:13. > :19:15.deficit problem that the country deficit problem that the country

:19:15. > :19:15.deficit problem that the country deficit problem that the country

:19:15. > :19:16.faces, it is a warning to anyone faces, it is a warning to anyone

:19:16. > :19:18.faces, it is a warning to anyone faces, it is a warning to anyone

:19:18. > :19:20.who thinks we can walk away from it. who thinks we can walk away from it.

:19:20. > :19:21.who thinks we can walk away from it. It is absolutely vital that we

:19:21. > :19:22.It is absolutely vital that we It is absolutely vital that we

:19:22. > :19:27.continue with the work of this continue with the work of this

:19:27. > :19:28.continue with the work of this government, which has cut the a

:19:28. > :19:28.government, which has cut the a government, which has cut the a

:19:28. > :19:30.government, which has cut the a deficit by a quarter, and has more

:19:30. > :19:32.deficit by a quarter, and has more deficit by a quarter, and has more

:19:32. > :19:32.deficit by a quarter, and has more people in jobs. I know it is his

:19:32. > :19:35.people in jobs. I know it is his people in jobs. I know it is his

:19:35. > :19:36.people in jobs. I know it is his policy to borrow even more. A I was

:19:36. > :19:41.policy to borrow even more. A I was policy to borrow even more. A I was

:19:41. > :19:42.asking about the country's credit asking about the country's credit

:19:42. > :19:43.asking about the country's credit asking about the country's credit

:19:43. > :19:46.rating, oak and this is what he rating, oak and this is what he

:19:46. > :19:48.rating, oak and this is what he rating, oak and this is what he

:19:48. > :19:49.used to say about the credit rating, used to say about the credit rating,

:19:49. > :19:52.used to say about the credit rating, used to say about the credit rating,

:19:52. > :19:54.used to say about the credit rating, that it was a mark in trust of the

:19:54. > :19:58.that it was a mark in trust of the that it was a mark in trust of the

:19:58. > :20:00.country a, and his manifesto said country a, and his manifesto said

:20:00. > :20:01.this, safeguarding Britain's cred this, safeguarding Britain's cred

:20:01. > :20:02.this, safeguarding Britain's cred this, safeguarding Britain's cred

:20:02. > :20:07.rating was the very first of his, rating was the very first of his,

:20:07. > :20:09.rating was the very first of his, bench marks for Britain, against

:20:09. > :20:10.bench marks for Britain, against bench marks for Britain, against

:20:10. > :20:11.which British people can charge the which British people can charge the

:20:11. > :20:13.which British people can charge the economic success or failure of the

:20:13. > :20:15.economic success or failure of the economic success or failure of the

:20:15. > :20:16.next government. Does the Prime next government. Does the Prime

:20:16. > :20:16.next government. Does the Prime Minister accept that by the first

:20:17. > :20:19.Minister accept that by the first Minister accept that by the first

:20:19. > :20:20.Minister accept that by the first Test he set himself, he has failed?

:20:20. > :20:22.Test he set himself, he has failed? Test he set himself, he has failed?

:20:22. > :20:22.Test he set himself, he has failed? If there is a problem of excessive

:20:23. > :20:26.If there is a problem of excessive If there is a problem of excessive

:20:27. > :20:28.If there is a problem of excessive borrowing, why is it his problem a

:20:28. > :20:33.borrowing, why is it his problem a borrowing, why is it his problem a

:20:33. > :20:34.borrowing, why is it his problem a -- policy to borrow more? It owes

:20:34. > :20:37.-- policy to borrow more? It owes -- policy to borrow more? It owes

:20:37. > :20:39.Moody's had said they could also Moody's had said they could also

:20:39. > :20:41.Moody's had said they could also downgrade the debt rating further

:20:41. > :20:42.downgrade the debt rating further downgrade the debt rating further

:20:42. > :20:44.in the event of reduce political in the event of reduce political

:20:44. > :20:46.commitment to fiscal consolidation. commitment to fiscal consolidation.

:20:46. > :20:47.commitment to fiscal consolidation. commitment to fiscal consolidation.

:20:47. > :20:49.We know that is the vital work that We know that is the vital work that

:20:49. > :20:50.We know that is the vital work that We know that is the vital work that

:20:50. > :20:51.we have to do, will hear made that we have to do, will hear made that

:20:51. > :20:57.we have to do, will hear made that we have to do, will hear made that

:20:57. > :21:06.he is in favour of more borrowing? he is in favour of more borrowing?

:21:06. > :21:07.he is in favour of more borrowing? he is in favour of more borrowing?

:21:08. > :21:08.A -- will he admits. Go the part- A -- will he admits. Go the part-

:21:08. > :21:09.A -- will he admits. Go the part- A -- will he admits. Go the part-

:21:09. > :21:12.time Chancellor said it would be a time Chancellor said it would be a

:21:12. > :21:16.time Chancellor said it would be a humiliation for the country to lose

:21:16. > :21:17.humiliation for the country to lose humiliation for the country to lose

:21:17. > :21:18.that at credit-rating. I know the that at credit-rating. I know the

:21:18. > :21:20.that at credit-rating. I know the Prime Minister is not big on

:21:20. > :21:21.Prime Minister is not big on Prime Minister is not big on

:21:21. > :21:22.humility, but the manifesto said he humility, but the manifesto said he

:21:23. > :21:25.humility, but the manifesto said he would be accountable and open.

:21:25. > :21:26.would be accountable and open. would be accountable and open.

:21:26. > :21:29.Let's give him another go, simple Let's give him another go, simple

:21:29. > :21:30.Let's give him another go, simple Let's give him another go, simple

:21:30. > :21:31.question, yes or no, has he failed question, yes or no, has he failed

:21:31. > :21:32.question, yes or no, has he failed the first economic tests which she

:21:32. > :21:37.the first economic tests which she the first economic tests which she

:21:37. > :21:38.the first economic tests which she set out in this manifesto? I am not

:21:38. > :21:40.set out in this manifesto? I am not set out in this manifesto? I am not

:21:40. > :21:44.arguing that the rating agency arguing that the rating agency

:21:44. > :21:49.doesn't matter. Batty's his doesn't matter. Batty's his

:21:49. > :21:50.doesn't matter. Batty's his doesn't matter. Batty's his

:21:50. > :21:53.argument. A -- that is his argument argument. A -- that is his argument

:21:53. > :21:54.argument. A -- that is his argument it. It is his government which

:21:54. > :21:55.it. It is his government which it. It is his government which

:21:55. > :21:57.wants to borrow more, this wants to borrow more, this

:21:57. > :21:58.wants to borrow more, this government has cut its, and has

:21:58. > :22:00.government has cut its, and has government has cut its, and has

:22:00. > :22:04.created more jobs, which is vital created more jobs, which is vital

:22:04. > :22:05.created more jobs, which is vital created more jobs, which is vital

:22:05. > :22:06.for the future of the economy. If for the future of the economy. If

:22:06. > :22:09.for the future of the economy. If he wants EC countries like Canada

:22:09. > :22:10.he wants EC countries like Canada he wants EC countries like Canada

:22:10. > :22:11.and Germany, who have kept that and Germany, who have kept that

:22:11. > :22:12.and Germany, who have kept that credit rating, they fix the roof

:22:12. > :22:14.credit rating, they fix the roof credit rating, they fix the roof

:22:14. > :22:19.when the sun was shining. His when the sun was shining. His

:22:19. > :22:20.when the sun was shining. His when the sun was shining. His

:22:20. > :22:21.answer is to borrow more. Any time answer is to borrow more. Any time

:22:21. > :22:21.answer is to borrow more. Any time answer is to borrow more. Any time

:22:22. > :22:28.he wants to swap places, I will he wants to swap places, I will

:22:28. > :22:30.he wants to swap places, I will answer the questions. He talks

:22:30. > :22:31.answer the questions. He talks answer the questions. He talks

:22:31. > :22:32.about borrowing, I don't know where about borrowing, I don't know where

:22:32. > :22:37.about borrowing, I don't know where the last time he'd checked, the

:22:37. > :22:38.the last time he'd checked, the the last time he'd checked, the

:22:38. > :22:40.deficit is rising, not falling oh, deficit is rising, not falling oh,

:22:40. > :22:41.deficit is rising, not falling oh, deficit is rising, not falling oh,

:22:41. > :22:42.and he is borrowing of �212 billion and he is borrowing of �212 billion

:22:42. > :22:43.and he is borrowing of �212 billion more than he planned, because of

:22:43. > :22:46.more than he planned, because of more than he planned, because of

:22:46. > :22:51.his failure to grow the economy. his failure to grow the economy.

:22:51. > :22:56.his failure to grow the economy. his failure to grow the economy.

:22:56. > :22:57.The let's turn to the reasons for The let's turn to the reasons for

:22:57. > :22:57.The let's turn to the reasons for The let's turn to the reasons for

:22:57. > :23:00.the downgrade. Can he say that it the downgrade. Can he say that it

:23:00. > :23:02.the downgrade. Can he say that it the downgrade. Can he say that it

:23:02. > :23:03.has nothing to do with him? I am has nothing to do with him? I am

:23:03. > :23:05.has nothing to do with him? I am saying this credit rating does

:23:05. > :23:06.saying this credit rating does saying this credit rating does

:23:06. > :23:07.matter, added demonstrates we have matter, added demonstrates we have

:23:07. > :23:10.matter, added demonstrates we have to go fervour and faster in

:23:10. > :23:10.to go fervour and faster in to go fervour and faster in

:23:10. > :23:12.reducing it. The -- and it reducing it. The -- and it

:23:12. > :23:16.reducing it. The -- and it demonstrates that we have to go

:23:16. > :23:16.demonstrates that we have to go demonstrates that we have to go

:23:16. > :23:17.demonstrates that we have to go further and faster. A he will never

:23:17. > :23:18.further and faster. A he will never further and faster. A he will never

:23:18. > :23:19.further and faster. A he will never further and faster. A he will never

:23:19. > :23:19.sit on this side of the house if he sit on this side of the house if he

:23:19. > :23:20.sit on this side of the house if he doesn't answer the questions on

:23:20. > :23:25.doesn't answer the questions on doesn't answer the questions on

:23:26. > :23:26.what the country should do. He what the country should do. He

:23:26. > :23:29.what the country should do. He doesn't mention the other economic

:23:29. > :23:31.doesn't mention the other economic doesn't mention the other economic

:23:31. > :23:32.news, which is at 154,000 extra news, which is at 154,000 extra

:23:32. > :23:34.news, which is at 154,000 extra people mug. More people in

:23:34. > :23:34.people mug. More people in people mug. More people in

:23:34. > :23:41.people mug. More people in employment that in any time in our

:23:41. > :23:42.employment that in any time in our employment that in any time in our

:23:42. > :23:45.history. That is what is happening history. That is what is happening

:23:45. > :23:49.in our economy. in our economy.

:23:49. > :23:51.in our economy. Professor John Curtis is still with

:23:51. > :23:53.Professor John Curtis is still with Professor John Curtis is still with

:23:53. > :23:55.me, pretty heated questioning. A me, pretty heated questioning. A

:23:55. > :23:59.me, pretty heated questioning. A slightly awkward for Ed Miliband,

:23:59. > :24:01.slightly awkward for Ed Miliband, slightly awkward for Ed Miliband,

:24:01. > :24:01.slightly awkward for Ed Miliband, slightly awkward for Ed Miliband,

:24:01. > :24:02.as it a was put to him that the as it a was put to him that the

:24:02. > :24:04.as it a was put to him that the as it a was put to him that the

:24:04. > :24:07.Prime Minister said he was going to Prime Minister said he was going to

:24:07. > :24:08.Prime Minister said he was going to borrow more. Absolutely. This Bella

:24:08. > :24:11.borrow more. Absolutely. This Bella borrow more. Absolutely. This Bella

:24:11. > :24:15.two lines of attack from the two lines of attack from the

:24:15. > :24:19.two lines of attack from the government, the spike -- despite

:24:19. > :24:21.government, the spike -- despite government, the spike -- despite

:24:21. > :24:23.their difficulties. At the he was their difficulties. At the he was

:24:23. > :24:33.their difficulties. At the he was their difficulties. At the he was

:24:33. > :24:34.

:24:34. > :24:36.say that they wanted to borrow more. say that they wanted to borrow more.

:24:36. > :24:36.say that they wanted to borrow more. say that they wanted to borrow more.

:24:36. > :24:38.They still need to respond to those They still need to respond to those

:24:38. > :24:41.They still need to respond to those questions, they still need to get

:24:41. > :24:43.questions, they still need to get questions, they still need to get

:24:43. > :24:45.the economy growing. He comes back the economy growing. He comes back

:24:45. > :24:46.the economy growing. He comes back to the conversations we were having

:24:46. > :24:47.to the conversations we were having to the conversations we were having

:24:47. > :24:49.earlier, David Cameron was still earlier, David Cameron was still

:24:49. > :24:51.earlier, David Cameron was still earlier, David Cameron was still

:24:51. > :24:53.asking who got us into this mess? asking who got us into this mess?

:24:53. > :24:54.asking who got us into this mess? They say they are still getting

:24:54. > :24:58.They say they are still getting They say they are still getting

:24:58. > :25:01.Britain out of Labour's mess. This Britain out of Labour's mess. This

:25:01. > :25:02.Britain out of Labour's mess. This Britain out of Labour's mess. This

:25:02. > :25:03.is the first occasion a in which a is the first occasion a in which a

:25:03. > :25:04.is the first occasion a in which a is the first occasion a in which a

:25:04. > :25:09.piece of news which can be solely piece of news which can be solely

:25:09. > :25:10.piece of news which can be solely attributed to the colours --

:25:10. > :25:11.attributed to the colours -- attributed to the colours --

:25:11. > :25:12.coalition. The government was still coalition. The government was still

:25:13. > :25:14.coalition. The government was still trying to use that previous line.

:25:14. > :25:17.trying to use that previous line. trying to use that previous line.

:25:18. > :25:22.trying to use that previous line. It is interesting to see whether it

:25:22. > :25:23.It is interesting to see whether it It is interesting to see whether it

:25:23. > :25:24.still holds. During this period, still holds. During this period,

:25:24. > :25:30.still holds. During this period, can the Labour Party turn things

:25:31. > :25:32.can the Labour Party turn things can the Labour Party turn things

:25:32. > :25:33.can the Labour Party turn things around. They need to say, we think

:25:33. > :25:34.around. They need to say, we think around. They need to say, we think

:25:34. > :25:37.around. They need to say, we think that Ed Miliband and Ed Balls will

:25:37. > :25:41.that Ed Miliband and Ed Balls will that Ed Miliband and Ed Balls will

:25:41. > :25:43.that Ed Miliband and Ed Balls will be better to run the country.

:25:43. > :25:44.be better to run the country. be better to run the country.

:25:44. > :25:47.Prime Minister's questions, bpm was Prime Minister's questions, bpm was

:25:47. > :25:47.under intense pressure from under intense pressure from

:25:47. > :25:52.under intense pressure from opposition MPs about the so-called

:25:52. > :25:53.opposition MPs about the so-called opposition MPs about the so-called

:25:53. > :25:54.opposition MPs about the so-called bedroom tax. It is a really tricky

:25:54. > :25:58.bedroom tax. It is a really tricky bedroom tax. It is a really tricky

:25:58. > :26:02.issue for the coalition government? issue for the coalition government?

:26:02. > :26:03.issue for the coalition government? issue for the coalition government?

:26:03. > :26:04.It is a classic problem. Lots of It is a classic problem. Lots of

:26:04. > :26:05.It is a classic problem. Lots of It is a classic problem. Lots of

:26:05. > :26:06.people may agreed that it would be people may agreed that it would be

:26:06. > :26:07.people may agreed that it would be people may agreed that it would be

:26:07. > :26:08.very good if you can get to very good if you can get to

:26:08. > :26:11.very good if you can get to very good if you can get to

:26:11. > :26:18.position peak, but at the moment we position peak, but at the moment we

:26:18. > :26:19.position peak, but at the moment we position peak, but at the moment we

:26:19. > :26:21.are in position a. If someone lives are in position a. If someone lives

:26:21. > :26:22.are in position a. If someone lives in a three-bedroom house, and don't

:26:22. > :26:23.in a three-bedroom house, and don't in a three-bedroom house, and don't

:26:23. > :26:24.in a three-bedroom house, and don't use them all, it would be a good

:26:24. > :26:25.use them all, it would be a good use them all, it would be a good

:26:25. > :26:26.use them all, it would be a good idea to get them into a smaller

:26:27. > :26:32.idea to get them into a smaller idea to get them into a smaller

:26:32. > :26:34.property, but how do you engineer property, but how do you engineer

:26:34. > :26:36.property, but how do you engineer property, but how do you engineer

:26:36. > :26:37.that move? That is one thing, the that move? That is one thing, the

:26:37. > :26:38.that move? That is one thing, the second thing which the coalition

:26:38. > :26:44.second thing which the coalition second thing which the coalition

:26:44. > :26:46.has misjudged, many people may feel has misjudged, many people may feel

:26:46. > :26:47.has misjudged, many people may feel that their children have left home,

:26:47. > :26:49.that their children have left home, that their children have left home,

:26:49. > :26:50.that their children have left home, and I have a four bedroom house,

:26:50. > :26:54.and I have a four bedroom house, and I have a four bedroom house,

:26:54. > :26:56.maybe they should be encouraged to maybe they should be encouraged to

:26:56. > :26:56.maybe they should be encouraged to maybe they should be encouraged to

:26:56. > :26:58.move, but most people may want to move, but most people may want to

:26:58. > :26:59.move, but most people may want to move, but most people may want to

:26:59. > :27:00.have a spare bedroom to have their have a spare bedroom to have their

:27:00. > :27:01.have a spare bedroom to have their have a spare bedroom to have their

:27:01. > :27:02.children stay with them. At the end children stay with them. At the end

:27:02. > :27:03.children stay with them. At the end children stay with them. At the end

:27:03. > :27:04.of the day, the government is being of the day, the government is being

:27:04. > :27:05.of the day, the government is being of the day, the government is being

:27:05. > :27:07.tougher. It is a problem that they tougher. It is a problem that they

:27:07. > :27:08.tougher. It is a problem that they face in cutting the deficit. Now

:27:08. > :27:10.face in cutting the deficit. Now face in cutting the deficit. Now

:27:10. > :27:12.you come across some of the you come across some of the

:27:12. > :27:13.you come across some of the potential difficulties. Look for in

:27:13. > :27:15.potential difficulties. Look for in potential difficulties. Look for in

:27:15. > :27:16.April to the opposition coming up April to the opposition coming up

:27:16. > :27:20.April to the opposition coming up with individual hardship cages, and

:27:20. > :27:21.with individual hardship cages, and with individual hardship cages, and

:27:21. > :27:24.saying this doesn't work. They will saying this doesn't work. They will

:27:24. > :27:25.saying this doesn't work. They will 0.2 couples in a two-bedroom house

:27:25. > :27:26.0.2 couples in a two-bedroom house 0.2 couples in a two-bedroom house

:27:26. > :27:31.0.2 couples in a two-bedroom house that are no longer able to pay the

:27:31. > :27:37.that are no longer able to pay the that are no longer able to pay the

:27:37. > :27:38.that are no longer able to pay the rent. -- Bay well 0.2 couples.

:27:38. > :27:39.rent. -- Bay well 0.2 couples. rent. -- Bay well 0.2 couples.

:27:39. > :27:40.rent. -- Bay well 0.2 couples. people have said this may go down

:27:40. > :27:44.people have said this may go down people have said this may go down

:27:44. > :27:46.like the poll tax for this like the poll tax for this

:27:46. > :27:47.like the poll tax for this government? It certainly has that

:27:47. > :27:50.government? It certainly has that government? It certainly has that

:27:50. > :27:51.ever about it. Something which ever about it. Something which

:27:51. > :27:52.ever about it. Something which could look rather insincere Mary.

:27:52. > :27:53.could look rather insincere Mary. could look rather insincere Mary.

:27:53. > :27:54.could look rather insincere Mary. The thing about the poll tax was

:27:54. > :27:59.The thing about the poll tax was The thing about the poll tax was

:27:59. > :28:03.that it affected large numbers of that it affected large numbers of

:28:03. > :28:04.that it affected large numbers of people. -- incendiary. There was

:28:04. > :28:05.people. -- incendiary. There was people. -- incendiary. There was

:28:05. > :28:08.people. -- incendiary. There was much higher than it was intended in

:28:08. > :28:09.much higher than it was intended in much higher than it was intended in

:28:09. > :28:13.much higher than it was intended in Scotland. This is an issue facing a

:28:13. > :28:15.Scotland. This is an issue facing a Scotland. This is an issue facing a

:28:15. > :28:16.minority of people. To that extent, minority of people. To that extent,

:28:16. > :28:19.minority of people. To that extent, it probably doesn't have quite the

:28:19. > :28:21.it probably doesn't have quite the it probably doesn't have quite the

:28:21. > :28:26.same resonance. It is whether the same resonance. It is whether the

:28:26. > :28:27.same resonance. It is whether the human interest Tories, whether they

:28:27. > :28:29.human interest Tories, whether they human interest Tories, whether they

:28:29. > :28:30.become important. If lots of people become important. If lots of people

:28:30. > :28:30.become important. If lots of people become important. If lots of people

:28:30. > :28:40.say that it isn't fair, that is the say that it isn't fair, that is the

:28:40. > :28:44.

:28:44. > :28:45.say that it isn't fair, that is the Well the bedroom tax debate has

:28:45. > :28:45.Well the bedroom tax debate has Well the bedroom tax debate has

:28:45. > :28:46.Well the bedroom tax debate has been going on this afternoon in the

:28:46. > :28:47.been going on this afternoon in the been going on this afternoon in the

:28:47. > :28:48.House of Commons, with some heated House of Commons, with some heated

:28:48. > :28:53.House of Commons, with some heated exchanges. Here's a flavour of

:28:53. > :28:56.exchanges. Here's a flavour of exchanges. Here's a flavour of

:28:56. > :28:58.what's been happening. In just a what's been happening. In just a

:28:58. > :28:59.what's been happening. In just a few weeks' time the bedroom taxes

:28:59. > :29:01.few weeks' time the bedroom taxes few weeks' time the bedroom taxes

:29:01. > :29:06.few weeks' time the bedroom taxes set to come into effect. It will

:29:06. > :29:07.set to come into effect. It will set to come into effect. It will

:29:07. > :29:08.cut a housing benefit of 660,000 cut a housing benefit of 660,000

:29:08. > :29:14.cut a housing benefit of 660,000 low income households across the UK

:29:14. > :29:16.low income households across the UK low income households across the UK

:29:16. > :29:18.low income households across the UK by �14 a week. Dementia is causing

:29:18. > :29:18.by �14 a week. Dementia is causing by �14 a week. Dementia is causing

:29:18. > :29:21.by �14 a week. Dementia is causing anxiety and anger in -- in equal

:29:21. > :29:22.anxiety and anger in -- in equal anxiety and anger in -- in equal

:29:22. > :29:25.measure. It follows hard on the measure. It follows hard on the

:29:25. > :29:26.measure. It follows hard on the heels of punitive tax credits that

:29:26. > :29:36.heels of punitive tax credits that heels of punitive tax credits that

:29:36. > :29:40.

:29:40. > :29:41.has slashed the income of low- has slashed the income of low-

:29:41. > :29:43.has slashed the income of low- income families. This bedroom tax

:29:43. > :29:44.income families. This bedroom tax income families. This bedroom tax

:29:44. > :29:45.is a further assault on the is a further assault on the

:29:45. > :29:46.is a further assault on the precarious finances of the people

:29:46. > :29:47.precarious finances of the people precarious finances of the people

:29:47. > :29:50.precarious finances of the people who are bearing the brunt of the

:29:50. > :29:51.who are bearing the brunt of the austerity measures. Doesn't she

:29:52. > :29:53.austerity measures. Doesn't she austerity measures. Doesn't she

:29:53. > :29:57.think it is appalling that the think it is appalling that the

:29:57. > :29:58.think it is appalling that the architect of this pernicious tax,

:29:58. > :29:59.architect of this pernicious tax, architect of this pernicious tax,

:29:59. > :30:01.the secretary of state himself has the secretary of state himself has

:30:01. > :30:03.the secretary of state himself has not replying to this debates? He

:30:03. > :30:05.not replying to this debates? He not replying to this debates? He

:30:05. > :30:07.should be here at preventing this should be here at preventing this

:30:07. > :30:07.should be here at preventing this should be here at preventing this

:30:07. > :30:12.ridiculous tax. He should be on his ridiculous tax. He should be on his

:30:12. > :30:12.ridiculous tax. He should be on his ridiculous tax. He should be on his

:30:13. > :30:14.feet trying to defend this. I share feet trying to defend this. I share

:30:14. > :30:15.my honourable friend's my honourable friend's

:30:15. > :30:16.disappointment that the government disappointment that the government

:30:16. > :30:22.disappointment that the government disappointment that the government

:30:22. > :30:23.has not listened to the pleas of has not listened to the pleas of

:30:23. > :30:24.disabled people, because the disabled people, because the

:30:24. > :30:27.disabled people, because the problem is this has not been

:30:27. > :30:28.problem is this has not been properly costed or thought-through

:30:28. > :30:36.properly costed or thought-through properly costed or thought-through

:30:36. > :30:37.and it will cause chaos, hardship and it will cause chaos, hardship

:30:37. > :30:38.and it will cause chaos, hardship and distress. Do disabled people

:30:38. > :30:39.and distress. Do disabled people and distress. Do disabled people

:30:39. > :30:40.and distress. Do disabled people who are going to be forced to move

:30:40. > :30:41.who are going to be forced to move who are going to be forced to move

:30:41. > :30:43.into the private sector will find into the private sector will find

:30:43. > :30:45.into the private sector will find it harder to get accessible

:30:45. > :30:46.it harder to get accessible properties. Landlords in the

:30:46. > :30:48.properties. Landlords in the properties. Landlords in the

:30:48. > :30:49.private sector might be less than private sector might be less than

:30:49. > :30:53.private sector might be less than happy about new adaptations being

:30:53. > :30:55.happy about new adaptations being happy about new adaptations being

:30:55. > :30:56.made to their properties. Again, made to their properties. Again,

:30:56. > :30:57.made to their properties. Again, what an unnecessary waste of public

:30:57. > :31:02.what an unnecessary waste of public what an unnecessary waste of public

:31:02. > :31:05.money at the time when local money at the time when local

:31:05. > :31:06.authorities are struggling to. authorities are struggling to.

:31:06. > :31:07.authorities are struggling to. authorities are struggling to.

:31:07. > :31:08.Would she agree with me that she Would she agree with me that she

:31:09. > :31:09.Would she agree with me that she Would she agree with me that she

:31:09. > :31:11.makes a good point about the cost makes a good point about the cost

:31:11. > :31:12.makes a good point about the cost of private rentals compared to

:31:12. > :31:13.of private rentals compared to of private rentals compared to

:31:13. > :31:14.of private rentals compared to social rentals. Is it not now at

:31:14. > :31:15.social rentals. Is it not now at social rentals. Is it not now at

:31:15. > :31:17.social rentals. Is it not now at the time and column do we start to

:31:17. > :31:18.the time and column do we start to the time and column do we start to

:31:18. > :31:23.regulate private rentals so we do regulate private rentals so we do

:31:23. > :31:26.regulate private rentals so we do not start subsidising landlords?

:31:26. > :31:27.not start subsidising landlords? not start subsidising landlords?

:31:27. > :31:28.is clear that rental Scotland's -- is clear that rental Scotland's --

:31:28. > :31:37.is clear that rental Scotland's -- is clear that rental Scotland's --

:31:37. > :31:39.rents in Scotland are not out of rents in Scotland are not out of

:31:39. > :31:40.rents in Scotland are not out of control. I think it is important

:31:40. > :31:41.control. I think it is important control. I think it is important

:31:41. > :31:42.control. I think it is important that we remember that some of the

:31:42. > :31:43.that we remember that some of the that we remember that some of the

:31:43. > :31:45.disabled people subject to the disabled people subject to the

:31:45. > :31:46.disabled people subject to the bedroom texture the same people who

:31:46. > :31:56.bedroom texture the same people who bedroom texture the same people who

:31:56. > :31:56.

:31:56. > :53:35.Apology for the loss of subtitles for 87 seconds

:53:35. > :53:36.That is why we will be having those That is why we will be having those

:53:36. > :53:38.That is why we will be having those negotiations. You may recall when

:53:38. > :53:42.negotiations. You may recall when negotiations. You may recall when

:53:42. > :53:43.his party was in power, his party was in power,

:53:43. > :53:45.his party was in power, negotiations took place, there was

:53:45. > :53:47.negotiations took place, there was negotiations took place, there was

:53:47. > :53:48.a detrimental impact. We will work a detrimental impact. We will work

:53:48. > :53:50.a detrimental impact. We will work a detrimental impact. We will work

:53:51. > :53:57.hard to make sure that happens in hard to make sure that happens in

:53:57. > :53:59.the European Parliament. the European Parliament.

:53:59. > :54:01.founding fathers and mothers founding fathers and mothers

:54:01. > :54:03.founding fathers and mothers considered the European Union to be

:54:03. > :54:04.considered the European Union to be considered the European Union to be

:54:04. > :54:06.important, and we too considerate important, and we too considerate

:54:06. > :54:06.important, and we too considerate important, and we too considerate

:54:06. > :54:08.to be important, that can be seen to be important, that can be seen

:54:08. > :54:09.to be important, that can be seen by the fact that the European

:54:09. > :54:09.by the fact that the European by the fact that the European

:54:09. > :54:11.by the fact that the European committee is one of those which is

:54:11. > :54:12.committee is one of those which is committee is one of those which is

:54:12. > :54:13.seen as a mandatory committee of seen as a mandatory committee of

:54:13. > :54:15.seen as a mandatory committee of seen as a mandatory committee of

:54:15. > :54:16.this Parliament, and we wish to see this Parliament, and we wish to see

:54:16. > :54:17.this Parliament, and we wish to see those issues have a certain

:54:18. > :54:21.those issues have a certain those issues have a certain

:54:21. > :54:22.seriousness going forward with our seriousness going forward with our

:54:22. > :54:24.seriousness going forward with our discussions. The list of priorities

:54:24. > :54:25.discussions. The list of priorities discussions. The list of priorities

:54:25. > :54:31.that have been identified by the that have been identified by the

:54:31. > :54:32.Commission can sometimes seem Commission can sometimes seem

:54:32. > :54:34.Commission can sometimes seem daunting. They have identified the

:54:34. > :54:35.daunting. They have identified the daunting. They have identified the

:54:35. > :54:39.area's most relevant to them, and area's most relevant to them, and

:54:39. > :54:41.area's most relevant to them, and their agendas going forward. The

:54:41. > :54:42.their agendas going forward. The their agendas going forward. The

:54:42. > :54:43.are energy and tourism committee are energy and tourism committee

:54:43. > :54:45.are energy and tourism committee has identified eight areas going

:54:45. > :54:46.has identified eight areas going has identified eight areas going

:54:46. > :54:48.forward. One of those that forward. One of those that

:54:48. > :54:50.forward. One of those that interested me was proposals sex,

:54:51. > :54:52.interested me was proposals sex, interested me was proposals sex,

:54:52. > :54:54.which address the shortcomings of which address the shortcomings of

:54:54. > :54:55.which address the shortcomings of the EU industrial pride that

:54:55. > :54:57.the EU industrial pride that the EU industrial pride that

:54:57. > :54:59.legislation, the aim to be to legislation, the aim to be to

:54:59. > :55:03.legislation, the aim to be to simplify it the framework. This

:55:03. > :55:04.simplify it the framework. This simplify it the framework. This

:55:04. > :55:10.simplify it the framework. This seems to me that this kind of

:55:10. > :55:11.seems to me that this kind of scrutiny is always welcome,

:55:11. > :55:13.scrutiny is always welcome, scrutiny is always welcome,

:55:13. > :55:16.particularly in an area that is particularly in an area that is

:55:16. > :55:18.always criticise, often unfairly. always criticise, often unfairly.

:55:18. > :55:19.always criticise, often unfairly. Let's get some final thoughts in

:55:19. > :55:20.Let's get some final thoughts in Let's get some final thoughts in

:55:20. > :55:23.the company of our political the company of our political

:55:23. > :55:25.commentator, John Curtis. commentator, John Curtis.

:55:25. > :55:28.commentator, John Curtis. When we were speaking to the

:55:28. > :55:30.When we were speaking to the When we were speaking to the

:55:30. > :55:35.Liberal Democrat MP, they sidestep Liberal Democrat MP, they sidestep

:55:35. > :55:42.Liberal Democrat MP, they sidestep that controversial issue of Lord

:55:42. > :55:43.that controversial issue of Lord that controversial issue of Lord

:55:43. > :55:46.Rennard. That gives you some idea Rennard. That gives you some idea

:55:46. > :55:48.Rennard. That gives you some idea of the sensitivity of the issue.

:55:48. > :55:48.of the sensitivity of the issue. of the sensitivity of the issue.

:55:48. > :55:50.The problem for the Liberal The problem for the Liberal

:55:50. > :55:51.The problem for the Liberal The problem for the Liberal

:55:51. > :55:52.Democrats is not so much the bridge Democrats is not so much the bridge

:55:53. > :55:54.Democrats is not so much the bridge built the allegations, but the fact

:55:54. > :55:55.built the allegations, but the fact built the allegations, but the fact

:55:55. > :55:57.that Nick Clegg and his office that Nick Clegg and his office

:55:57. > :56:03.that Nick Clegg and his office managed to give the impression of

:56:03. > :56:04.managed to give the impression of managed to give the impression of

:56:04. > :56:05.having shifted their ground. Nick having shifted their ground. Nick

:56:05. > :56:06.having shifted their ground. Nick Clegg has tried to explain this,

:56:06. > :56:07.Clegg has tried to explain this, Clegg has tried to explain this,

:56:07. > :56:09.Clegg has tried to explain this, and said they he was asked a

:56:09. > :56:11.and said they he was asked a specific question about the

:56:11. > :56:12.specific question about the specific question about the

:56:12. > :56:14.allegations they were about to allegations they were about to

:56:14. > :56:15.allegations they were about to allegations they were about to

:56:15. > :56:16.broadcast, and he had to answer a broadcast, and he had to answer a

:56:16. > :56:17.broadcast, and he had to answer a broadcast, and he had to answer a

:56:17. > :56:19.narrow, but he had been aware that narrow, but he had been aware that

:56:19. > :56:23.narrow, but he had been aware that there had been question marks

:56:23. > :56:27.there had been question marks there had been question marks

:56:27. > :56:28.raised about his behaviour. The raised about his behaviour. The

:56:28. > :56:29.raised about his behaviour. The raised about his behaviour. The

:56:29. > :56:31.issue as to whether he handled it issue as to whether he handled it

:56:31. > :56:33.issue as to whether he handled it issue as to whether he handled it

:56:33. > :56:34.well has been raised. Nick Clegg is well has been raised. Nick Clegg is

:56:34. > :56:35.well has been raised. Nick Clegg is a deeply unpopular leader amongst

:56:35. > :56:37.a deeply unpopular leader amongst a deeply unpopular leader amongst

:56:37. > :56:38.the general public, and there has the general public, and there has

:56:38. > :56:39.the general public, and there has been speculation about whether he

:56:39. > :56:40.been speculation about whether he been speculation about whether he

:56:40. > :56:43.been speculation about whether he will lead the party all the way

:56:43. > :56:44.will lead the party all the way will lead the party all the way

:56:44. > :56:45.through to 2015. If question marks through to 2015. If question marks

:56:45. > :56:46.through to 2015. If question marks are raised about the weight which

:56:46. > :56:50.are raised about the weight which are raised about the weight which

:56:50. > :56:54.she has handled this, something she has handled this, something

:56:54. > :56:58.she has handled this, something she has handled this, something

:56:58. > :56:59.inside the party. -- about the way. inside the party. -- about the way.

:56:59. > :57:01.inside the party. -- about the way. People should not be abusing power

:57:01. > :57:03.People should not be abusing power People should not be abusing power

:57:03. > :57:05.in any kind of way, particularly in any kind of way, particularly

:57:05. > :57:08.in any kind of way, particularly inside the Liberal Democrats, you

:57:08. > :57:10.inside the Liberal Democrats, you inside the Liberal Democrats, you

:57:10. > :57:14.can see something that has become can see something that has become

:57:14. > :57:15.can see something that has become awkward, particularly the timing.

:57:15. > :57:17.awkward, particularly the timing. awkward, particularly the timing.

:57:17. > :57:19.course he denies any allegations. course he denies any allegations.

:57:19. > :57:23.course he denies any allegations. course he denies any allegations.

:57:23. > :57:23.That has come up on Wednesday, on That has come up on Wednesday, on

:57:23. > :57:29.That has come up on Wednesday, on Thursday, does that play into the

:57:29. > :57:30.Thursday, does that play into the Thursday, does that play into the

:57:30. > :57:31.Eastleigh by-election? That was a Eastleigh by-election? That was a

:57:31. > :57:34.Eastleigh by-election? That was a typical by-election anyway, we have

:57:34. > :57:35.typical by-election anyway, we have forgotten the scandal, Chris

:57:35. > :57:37.forgotten the scandal, Chris forgotten the scandal, Chris

:57:37. > :57:38.Huhne's admission that he had asked Huhne's admission that he had asked

:57:38. > :57:39.Huhne's admission that he had asked his wife to take his speeding

:57:39. > :57:41.his wife to take his speeding his wife to take his speeding

:57:41. > :57:45.his wife to take his speeding points. It has to be said, you can

:57:45. > :57:46.points. It has to be said, you can points. It has to be said, you can

:57:46. > :57:48.probably exaggerate the degree to probably exaggerate the degree to

:57:48. > :57:51.probably exaggerate the degree to which this has percolated through

:57:51. > :57:52.which this has percolated through which this has percolated through

:57:52. > :57:52.which this has percolated through to the local level. If the Liberal

:57:52. > :57:53.to the local level. If the Liberal to the local level. If the Liberal

:57:53. > :57:54.to the local level. If the Liberal Democrats are going to hang on to

:57:54. > :58:02.Democrats are going to hang on to Democrats are going to hang on to

:58:02. > :58:03.Democrats are going to hang on to wed, they are going to do so

:58:03. > :58:07.wed, they are going to do so wed, they are going to do so

:58:07. > :58:13.despite the unpopularity of Nick despite the unpopularity of Nick

:58:13. > :58:14.despite the unpopularity of Nick despite the unpopularity of Nick

:58:14. > :58:18.Clegg. -- hang on to wed. The local Clegg. -- hang on to wed. The local

:58:18. > :58:20.councillors are very heavily councillors are very heavily

:58:20. > :58:25.councillors are very heavily entrenched. I have tried to isolate

:58:25. > :58:26.entrenched. I have tried to isolate entrenched. I have tried to isolate

:58:26. > :58:28.themselves from the leadership. The themselves from the leadership. The

:58:28. > :58:31.themselves from the leadership. The opinion polls have been optimistic.

:58:31. > :58:32.opinion polls have been optimistic. opinion polls have been optimistic.

:58:32. > :58:33.opinion polls have been optimistic. It is also pretty clear that they

:58:33. > :58:34.It is also pretty clear that they It is also pretty clear that they

:58:34. > :58:37.It is also pretty clear that they again to be well down on the 46%

:58:37. > :58:38.again to be well down on the 46% they got in 2010.

:58:38. > :58:40.they got in 2010. they got in 2010.

:58:40. > :58:43.Thank you very much for that. Thank you very much for that.

:58:43. > :58:44.Thank you very much for that. Thank you very much for that.

:58:44. > :58:45.That is all we have time for, we That is all we have time for, we

:58:45. > :58:47.That is all we have time for, we That is all we have time for, we

:58:47. > :58:48.are back at the usual time next are back at the usual time next

:58:48. > :58:52.are back at the usual time next week, 2:30pm, and people being with