STUDENT QUESTION TIME - Nick Clegg answers your questions

Poll

Based on the answers, do you believe the Lib' Dem's would represent student views?

Election 2010

In our 'Student Question Time' series all the main party leaders will answer questions posed by Student Room members:

* Gordon Brown – live
* Caroline Lucas – live
* David Cameron – Tuesday 27 April

First up is Nick Clegg Leader of The Liberal Democrat party

Thank you to Mr Clegg for taking the time to respond personally to young voters and thank you to the members who submitted such excellent questions. It was very difficult to choose just 10 from the 400+ suggested.

Question 1 - Asked by eddy2375:

How do you plan to respond to the growing prevalence of unpaid internships, including parliamentary internships? What is your view on unpaid internships, placements and work experience in relation to the law and to National Minimum Wage rules? How will you ensure that internships are open to all, rather than to those who are in a position to work for free?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"You're right, there are now a lot of interns working very hard and getting paid little or nothing for it. The danger is ending up in a situation where internships are exclusive to those young people whose parents can afford to help them. Internships can be an amazing way of getting a flavour for a possible career when you’re young and that option should be open to as many young people as possible. I know myself how fantastic that experience can be – I got to intern in New York, working on a magazine called 'The Nation’ for Christopher Hitchens. Opening up the opportunity to intern to more people is important to my party, and we have a plan to create 800,000 internships in our first year in office, helping all the young people now struggling to find work. We've made sure that those places will be paid at £55 a week – enough to cover basic costs, and more than you get collecting Job Seekers' Allowance."

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Question 2 - Variations asked by DiamondsAreForever, Ronar, Aimee, Philosopher-of-sorts, Schmokie Dragon:

With many students living independently of their parents, why should student finance depend on their income? Why not be fair, and give everyone an equal platform in which to start their education, giving everyone the same amount of money? Then the rest that they need they can supplement from external sources i.e. a job/overdraft/family.

Nick Clegg's answer:

"We absolutely do need an equal platform, which is precisely why my party is determined to scrap unfair university tuition fees for all students taking their first degrees. Right now students are expected to take on up to £10,000 in debt just from fees when it’s already tough enough to get a job and get on the housing ladder. So, even in these very difficult economic times, Liberal Democrats have a plan to phase out fees. I’m very proud to be the leader of the only party that believes university education should be based on ability - not on ability to pay"

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Question 3 - Asked by Prudy:

To what extent do you view university as a place for personal development and interest, learning and beginning research compared to providing training for the business world or world of work?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"It's both. Of course you should use your education to develop your skills, but ultimately education is about you, as an individual, reaching your own potential. Different people do that in different ways. I studied hard and my qualifications definitely put me in good stead when I graduated. But I also had a good time, I made great friends, and I got the most out of being with people I wouldn’t have otherwise met."

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Question 4 - Asked by iloverockandroll:

What clubs and societies were you a member of in your university days? Do you still have the same interests today?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"I wasn't into student politics, but I did campaign for things I believed in, like the rights of indigenous peoples through an organization called Survival International. In terms of hobbies I tried out a few things, quite a lot of sport, I did some acting, and I even got into transcendental meditation for a while, which my friends still love to remind me."

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Question 5 - Variations asked by Krakatoa, Tednol:

There's been an unprecedented transfer of wealth from the young to the old over recent years – unsustainable pensions that won’t be available for our generation, huge house price rises and vastly increased healthcare spending primarily for older people – and this is likely to get worse as the baby boomers retire and there will be far fewer workers to pensioners. Do you think this is fair and what will you do, if anything, to address this?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"It's morally right that a country looks after its older generations. They did it when they were young, and don’t forget that we’ll all get old eventually. And older people contribute in many ways, too – more are working for longer, grandparents are often lifesavers for parents struggling to juggle work and home. I know Miriam and I depend enormously on our parents. But I do believe that young people should not have their future mortgaged because of mistakes they didn’t themselves make, which is what has happened in this economic crisis. So from scrapping fees, to investing in new, green technologies to create jobs, to rebalancing the tax system so that the wealthy pay their fair share and low and middle earners get £700 back – the Liberal Democrats are fighting for changes that reduce the burden on you.

We also have to transform our economy so its health doesn’t depend solely on casino banking in the City of London. You don’t want your children going through a recession like this. We have to build an economy that is based on new industries, on innovation and creativity, rather than debt and risk- taking. The next generation has a critical role in that."

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Question 6 - Variations asked by The-Wi$e-One, SumTingWong, Tawm, ScoCmac, Repressor, Slam, CompactDestruction, Squirrelbo1, passthelemon,The Magic Manatee:

Will you reconsider the Digital Economy Bill considering the manner it was pushed through, without proper scrutiny, the lack of MPs in attendance at the Bill’s hearing and also taking into account that some ministers have demonstrated considerable lack of technical knowledge on the consequences of the proposed legislation?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"We did our best to prevent the Digital Economy Bill being rushed through at the last moment. It badly needed more debate and amendment, and we are extremely worried that it will now lead to completely innocent people having their internet connections cut off. It was far too heavily weighted in favour of the big corporations and those who are worried about too much information becoming available. It badly needs to be repealed, and the issues revisited."

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Question 7 - Asked by: Spongepantssquarebob:

What would you do on a gap year if you could take one today?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"Top of my list would be a very long camping trip to Montana. The kids would have to be a bit older – the youngest is only one – but I saw a postcard recently of a crystal-clear lake in Montana and it looked so enticing. I love those vast, open spaces and I know my boys would absolutely love running riot in all that space."

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Question 8 - Asked by: innerhollow:

For some time now, monetary policies have been made independently by the Bank of England, which stops decisions on these policies from being politically biased, thus preventing such situations as interest rates being modified unfavourably simply to garner votes. Similarly, are there any other areas of decision-making you feel would be best delegated to an independent body instead of remaining under government control (i.e. an independent drugs advisory committee) whereby these policies could then be decided free from political bias?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"The idea of making the Bank of England independent of government was one of our platforms in the 1997 election, and I’m glad Gordon Brown took our advice on that. One of the problems with governments that have been in power too long is that they start believing that they can mould reality – interfering in the advice they are given or the statistics they face. All these advisory and statistical bodies need to be as independent as possible, otherwise they stop being useful. You mention drugs specifically – we would make the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs completely independent of government so that it is science, not politics, that determines drugs policy."

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Question 9 - Asked by: Flossy_, robbo3045, fretter778, Schmokie Dragon, emmarainbow:

How and to what extent will your party continue to fight for LGBT equality/issues? How much of a real priority is this for your party?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"It is absolutely central to what we believe that people should be able to live their lives as they see fit, without discrimination, and with equal rights in front of the law. Our constitution says that nobody should be held back by conformity, ignorance or intolerance, and that applies to someone’s sexuality just as it does to their race, gender, religion or beliefs.

What we want to do is to prioritise tackling homophobic bullying in schools, making sure that every council is taking action on this and that every school has a teacher trained to confront it. We will also encourage victims of homophobic hate crime to report it to the police, and we want to give a guarantee of asylum for refugees who are genuinely seeking asylum because they have been persecuted because of their sexual orientation. It is absolutely unacceptable to deport homosexual refugees back to countries where they will be persecuted all over again."

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Question 10 - Asked by: tangohead, whizz_kid:

Recent discussions with regard to the cuts that need to be made to recover the national deficit has highlighted (by all parties) the scientific research budget as one of the places where cuts will take place.

I, like many others, believe that science is one of the key ways to bring us out of the economical situation we are in by reducing our dependence on banks. Simultaneously, won’t this result in a brain drain from the UK? What are your views on this, and what are your party policies on scientific research funding?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"You are absolutely right that, for a generation now, our economy has been built on a set of assumptions about the behaviour of markets and the infallibility of financial services.
The economic crisis has rendered those assumptions obsolete. We urgently need to reinvent our economy on new principles, encouraging creativity but also putting science, maths, engineering and technology at the heart of that project. We need to rediscover our talent for making things as well as betting on the international money markets.

My grandfather was, for many years, the editor of the British Medical Journal and he always inspired me by the passionate way he talked about the value of independent scientific endeavour. Yet despite our extraordinary research record in this country, we still don’t make the transition from lab bench to marketplace, and it is making us less prosperous as a result.

In the current economic climate, I can’t promise you extra spending - it would be irresponsible and dishonest. But I can tell you that Vince Cable and I are very well aware of the role that science and R&D must have in our economy’s future, and we will respect the convention that the science budget, once allocated, is not used then for other purposes. The science community has a right to know that money allocated for projects won't be snatched
away at a later date. We also need to make sure that the decisions on the funding of research projects are made on the basis of peer review not Whitehall interference – and that the results are published openly, regardless of the conclusions."

Thank you Nick Clegg. For more information about the Liberal Democrats, their policies and Nick Clegg visit the Official Liberal Democrats website.

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The other main party leaders will be replying to the same questions on the following days:

* Gordon Brown – live
* Caroline Lucas – live
* David Cameron – Tuesday 27 April

Visit the main TSR election hub to find the latest TSR poll results

Vote on who you think won the first TV debate

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

davidkp

I beleive Clegg would be a poor leader, that's why I shall not vote lib dems. Had Vince Cable been representing the Lib dems however, they would get my vote

Reply 2

faber niger

Excellent answers, as expected.

davidkp

I beleive Clegg would be a poor leader, that's why I shall not vote lib dems. Had Vince Cable been representing the Lib dems however, they would get my vote

The only way to have Vince Cable in charge of the economy is to vote Lib Dem; there's even talk that he may take up a ministerial position in a minority government. I don't understand your qualms with Clegg though.

Reply 3

Prudy

Nick Clegg

Question 3 - Asked by Prudy:

To what extent do you view university as a place for personal development and interest, learning and beginning research compared to providing training for the business world or world of work?

Nick Clegg's answer:

"It's both. Of course you should use your education to develop your skills, but ultimately education is about you, as an individual, reaching your own potential. Different people do that in different ways. I studied hard and my qualifications definitely put me in good stead when I graduated. But I also had a good time, I made great friends, and I got the most out of being with people I wouldn’t have otherwise met."

Wow, didn't think my question would actually get picked. Sweet! :smile:

This is a good idea, glad TSR is doing it!

I think perhaps I should have strengthed my question with the qualifier "and what would you party do to ensure the protection and development of this function of university".

I suppose the purpose of my question is to assess to what extent different partys have broken away from the idea that university is an academic pursuit, and are now used as training grounds for business. Hence, Peter Mandlesons suggestion of 2 year degrees :s-smilie:

Whilst Mr Cleggs answer doesn't reveal much about the intentions of the Liberal Democrats to protect the 'holistic' university experience, it is somewhat reassuring to see that, at least he, seems to have the balance, as I would see it, right.

Thanks to Mr Clegg for responding!

Reply 4

iwilson03

I am a bit dismayed by some of the questions asked, but I'm pleased with the response on the Digital Economy Bill.. at least one of the three main parties is actually working with common sense on this one.

Reply 5

mysticalfluffy

2010 Election

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Question 2 - Variations asked by DiamondsAreForever, Ronar, Aimee, Philosopher-of-sorts, Schmokie Dragon:

With many students living independently of their parents, why should student finance depend on their income? Why not be fair, and give everyone an equal platform in which to start their education, giving everyone the same amount of money? Then the rest that they need they can supplement from external sources i.e. a job/overdraft/family.

Nick Clegg's answer:

"We absolutely do need an equal platform, which is precisely why my party is determined to scrap unfair university tuition fees for all students taking their first degrees. Right now students are expected to take on up to £10,000 in debt just from fees when it’s already tough enough to get a job and get on the housing ladder. So, even in these very difficult economic times, Liberal Democrats have a plan to phase out fees. I’m very proud to be the leader of the only party that believes university education should be based on ability - not on ability to pay"

Vote on who you think won the first TV debate

Here Nick Clegg shows how he is not a different mold of politician. Notice how he dodges the question and implies a yes but is infact saying no, ie. they will continue to means test. (how can they afford not to?)
Ironically I will be voting lib dems to be out tories that are majorly popular in my local area. Apart from his attempt to put clear water between himself and the labour party, it seems they do share many goals.

Reply 6

faber niger

lizfairy

They won't means test, precisely because no first-degree student will pay tuition fees; all will be funded by the government, regardless of parental, or personal, income.

Reply 7

DoveTent

Think there were a couple of wasted questions in there tbh but otherwise all sounds good.

Reply 8

mysticalfluffy

jismith1989

They won't means test, precisely because no first-degree student will pay tuition fees; all will be funded by the government, regardless of parental, or personal, income.

mm it sounded pretty much like top up fees.

Edit: The digital economy bill and the independent drug advisory committee questions have good answers, however, the latter I'm sure was actually an idea of the labour party?

Reply 9

xoxAngel_Kxox

I saw the debate last night, and that encouraged me to vote in Clegg's favour. This had increased my liklihood to do so even more. I believe we do need a change in our country, and Clegg seems to have the answers that the others don't.. mainly because they seem to be too busy fighting against each other to win the election rather than remembering what's really important.

Reply 10

innerhollow

lizfairy

That was the one that definitely bothered me. He just had to say "No, student finance will still be means tested" and explain why. Talking about fees was not what the asker was looking for!

However, he was fairly straight-up in most of the other questions, particularly in the last question, he did quite frankly say that "we can't promise any more spending on science in this current economic climate- it's irresponsible and dishonest", which is a truthful answer for once! And even moreso in the question about an ageing population actually. He just said bluntly "It's morally right that a country looks after its older generations". There was frankness in what he was saying!

I think if you compare these responses with Cameron's/Brown's responses when they get here, they'll come across more favourably and you'll see definite differences.

On the whole, the responses were largely excellent, and thanks to the TSR staff for giving us this unique opportunity and to Nick Clegg for his answers.

Reply 11

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Sounds like good stuff to me.
I know where my vote is going.

Reply 12

WBoy92

How could you honestly waste a question on what he would do on a gap year?! :mad:

Reply 13

username295146

My question would have been, why do you keep prancing around thinking that you are going to be the Prime Minister?

Reply 14

iwilson03

abucha3

My question would have been, why do you keep prancing around thinking that you are going to be the Prime Minister?

except each of the candidates got the same questions, and presumably one of those will be PM.

Reply 15

Keoje

WBoy92

How could you honestly waste a question on what he would do on a gap year?!

I saw that too. :mad:

Might aswell ask him what he likes for din dins

Reply 16

forsaken_earth

i wish lib dems would get a chance already
at least this one looks normal

Reply 17

username295146

iwilson03

except each of the candidates got the same questions, and presumably one of those will be PM.

Throughout the whole of the campaign, he has gone around thinking that he can become Prime Minister. This is between Labour and Conservative.

Reply 18

DiamondsAreForever

I knew he would dodge my question :frown:

I hope some of the other leaders get to see this before they answer their questions, and answer them correctly. However after watching the debate last night, I'm still voting Lib Dems, he owned GB and DC.

Reply 19

Lust of a Gardener

abucha3

Throughout the whole of the campaign, he has gone around thinking that he can become Prime Minister. This is between Labour and Conservative.

Well, following his performance in the debate last night, I think that he may have a chance at becoming Prime Minister. If, however, he just went around acting like he had no chance of becoming Prime Minister, who would vote for him?