1653, PH: And that, aside from Clegg’s stroll around the crowd, is that. There’ll be further analysis on Coffee House shortly. The applause continues…
1652, PH: Clegg ends with a flourish: “Stick with us, and we will change Britain for good.” The crowd is on its feet.
1651, PH: Is Clegg moulding his party as the party of coalition? He says that the next few years may make the case of “liberal, pluralist politics”.
1650, PH: Clegg says that if AV triumphs in the referendum next year, then “the clapped-out system of first-past-the-post will be gone for good.”
1648, PH: A return to the theme of the beginning of the speech. “Imagine,” Clegg implores, “how it will feel [to have implemented policy x, y or z]”
1647, PH: Clegg’s trying to defuse the worries about the coalition’s schools reform. He explains: “This isn’t Labour’s academies programme.” And adds: “the whole concept of our reforms falls apart if there is selection.”
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in