On the third day of their autumn Conference the Liberal Democrats have called on the gap between what a school receives and a F.E. College receives for teaching to be closed. Almost half of the students in post-16 students are taught in F.E. Colleges, but yet they receive at least 10% less than schools for teaching similar, or the same, courses.
Lib Dem candidate for the Lawns by-election, Robin Stevens has welcomed the parking ban at the Stump Lane junction. He said, "This scheme will make a big difference to road safety. The Conservative candidate doesn't experience these local difficulties as I do on a daily basis, as she comes from Boreham."
Over half of the population of England are not registered with an NHS dentist. The Liberal Democrats believe this crisis is of the Conservatives making dating from a decision in the early 1990's to close two dental schools and cut dentist's fees, it has been made worse by the current Labour Government's lack of early investment.
The Liberal Democrats have passed a motion on the Millennium Development Goals this afternoon. 2005 marks the five-year review of the Millennium Development Goals. Conference welcomed the review and the efforts made so far, however were aware that significant progress still needs to be made in a number of areas and raised doubts of success by 2015 without a major concerted effort and additional financing.
This morning the Liberal Democrats have discussed the future of Europe at their Conference. This was the first time the Party has had an opportunity to discuss Europe since the failed referendums on the European Constitutions in France and the Netherlands.
In the first motion of the 2005 Autumn Liberal Democrat Conference, the Liberal Democrats have passed a motion calling for Tax Credits system to be simplified and appeals be allowed following the fiasco earlier this year. David Laws MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions opened the debate.