EXCLUSIVE: Nick Clegg talks to Newburytoday
Deputy Prime Minister condemns riots and tells people of West Berkshire what the Coalition is doing for them
THE Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited Newbury yesterday during a pivotal time for the Government, and spoke exclusively to the Newbury Weekly News and Newburytoday.co.uk about the riots across the country, protests in Newbury, and why he did not go back on his pre-election promises.
Despite cancelling many other meetings, Mr Clegg was in town to speak to Liberal Democrat members at St Nicolas Hall in West Mills following a morning spent in Birmingham where he met with community members following outbreaks of violence and looting across the area.
Deploring the actions of a criminal minority, he defended the Government's decision to cut council funding to areas such as West Berkshire and said the closure of youth clubs was not a catalyst for the violent rampages carried out mainly by young people.
Echoing the message delivered by Prime Minister David Cameron that the violence will not be tolerated, a forceful Mr Clegg told Newburytoday: “We have to be very clear, there is a simple message, if you go out and smash windows, nick things, you steal phones or shoes you are breaking the law and you will be arrested. I think the message was very clear, particularly to youngsters this is not some game, if you do this you will be punished. There is a question for parents and families if you have a teenage son or daughter and they are out make sure you know where they are, make sure they are at home, we want people off the streets and safe at home. There is simply no excuse for stealing, and the idea that difficult decision in public spending has caused this is wrong.”
He also had words for the tens of thousands of families across West Berkshire who feel they have been squeezed following the creation of a Coalition Government which has brought about a VAT rise, cuts to child tax credits, cuts to working tax credits, and taxes being at the highest level since World War Two.
For the full exclusive interview, see Thursday's Newbury Weekly News, and for video of the interview click on the link above.