In a personal statement made at Liberal Democrat HQ in Cowley Street at 5.50pm today, Charles Kennedy said that over the past eighteen months he had been coming to terms with a drink problem and had received professional help. He stated that he had not had a drink for the last two months, and declared that he didn't intend to in the future.
Liberal Democrats on Bedford Borough Council have slammed the inaction which could have improved transparency over the council's running of its Commercial Services Department.
Speaking following concerns that bottle banks in the borough are overflowing following the Christmas break, Lib Dem Group Leader, Michael Headley said:
In echos of Margaret Thatcher (the original Milk Snatcher) Tony Blair and his Government are said to be considering ending milk subsidies for 1.2 million primary school children in England as they cost too much to administer. A report published today will recommend that the school milk subsidies paid to 15,000 schools and local education authorities in England be abandoned, saving £1.5m a year. The Government also plans to cut milk for children and pregnant mothers on benefit.
Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown is among the figures from the world of politics to be named in the 2006 New Year Honours list.
At this time of year, we need to remember those worse off than ourselves. This Labour government keeps telling us that Britain is getting better; but it's not getting better for everybody. Unfairness divides our society. Inequality is worse than under Margaret Thatcher. We have an unfair tax system which means those on the lowest earnings pay more of their income in tax than the richest. Yet the new economy and the new information society have brought challenges and opportunities which should enable every individual to have the chance to make the best of their lives. These are challenges which I am determined my party will rise to.