Tim Ball

 Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg comments on the Queen's speech.

Today the Government laid out its programme for the next year. They've shown yet again that they just don't understand the hard times facing millions of families across Britain. At a time of unprecedented economic crisis what people need is help. But all they're getting is more of the same tired ideas from Labour, while the Conservatives would prefer to sit back and do nothing.

The Government wasted a huge opportunity today. They have proposed 14 bills to go through Parliament next year, but not a single one will help deliver affordable homes for local people, lower fuel bills, or create new jobs.

People care about the schools their children are in and the hospitals that serve their communities. That's why we want to see more power given to local people over the decisions that affect them, rather than hoarded by central Government and unelected civil servants in Whitehall. Plus we want proper measures introduced to safeguard our natural environment and to make sure Britain plays its part in tackling dangerous climate change.

Over the next parliamentary session, I will be working hard with all of our MPs to make the changes that matter to people. We will be defending our precious freedoms, which this Government seems determined to get rid of one by one. Most of all, we'll be fighting for a fairer and greener Britain.