Basildon, Billericay and Thurrock Liberal Democrats

In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."

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Local activist, Luke Tyson, has responded to Stephen Metcalfe's claims about the Alternative Vote. You can read the full response over at Your Thurrock.

East of England Liberal Democrat MEP Andrew DUFF welcomed the outcome of a key European Parliament vote today (Wednesday) on the use of animals in scientific research.

MEPs adopted a new law to allow the development of medical and veterinary science while raising the level of protection for animals.

The vote concludes negotiations on a heavily lobbied directive to update existing EU legislation dating back to 1986, taking account of new research techniques and higher standards now expected of researchers.

Lib Dem Euro MEP Andrew Duff has welcomed the decision announced yesterday by the European Union to invest £ 450 m in Ford's research facility at Dunton in Essex.

Mr Duff said: "The UK has been running behind our EU partners in developing green technologies -- and the East of England has been slipping behind other UK regions in this respect too. So the European Investment Bank's decision is doubly welcome. Ford's innovative programme is exactly the kind of activity which will create the productive jobs of the future. The EU has made a vote of confidence in Ford and in the East of England which Liberal Democrats very much welcome."

Last night was the final of the three televised Leaders' debates. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, debated with Gordon Brown and David Cameron about the economy. Subjects discussed included breaking up the banks, creating more jobs and reinvigorating the British economy.

Most post-debate polls scored this final debate to David Cameron, but again put Nick Clegg clearly ahead of Gordon Brown. An analysis by pollsters Angus Reid of previously undecided voters who watched the debate gave Nick Clegg 37%, David Cameron 25%, Gordon Brown 22% and Not sure 16%. Angus Reid found that 32% of undecided voters say they are now more likely to vote for the Liberal Democrats after watching the final debate, with just 18% Conservative and 15% Labour.

An average of five polls conducted immediately after the Sky TV Leaders Election debate on Thursday night put Nick Clegg as the winner, with all instant polls showing him ahead of Gordon Brown. After the Foreign Affairs-led debate from Bristol dominated by issues like Iraq, immigration and climate change, Nick Clegg won 3 of the 5 polls on the night, building on his position after the first debate.

The second Party Leaders Debate is taking place this Thursday starting at 8pm on Sky News. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in a TV debate in the run up to the General Election on May 6th, this time leading on Foreign Affairs.

The first half of the 90 minute Election Debate on Sky News will be devoted to Foreign Affairs, with the rest on any topic. The debate comes from Bristol, and will be chaired by Adam Boulton. Sky are inviting questions before the debate, with more information at http://news.sky.com/skynews/Election/debatequestion

The polls following the first ever Party Leaders General Election debate on ITV are showing that Nick Clegg has won a convincing victory over David Cameron and Gordon Brown. The debate was the first ever Leaders debate during a UK General Election campaign, and the pollsters are giving it as a big victory for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats.

Nick Clegg has launched the Liberal Democrat General Election manifesto. The manifesto sets out four clear priorities of fair taxes, a fair chance for every child, a fair economy, and a fair deal by cleaning up politics.

At the launch, Nick Clegg said:

"Every manifesto needs to have an idea at its heart. The basic idea that animates this manifesto is something I have always believed. I believe every single person is extraordinary.