What Clegg failed to mention

Nick Clegg’s speech
will be remembered for its visceral attack on Labour. But it was remarkable for other reasons, notably for what he neglected to say. Clegg said next to nothing about his government’s flagship education and welfare reforms. Only the increase in the pupil premium budget received a mention, as did the new ambition to send “at risk” children to a two week summer camp.

This oversight was odd, especially for a leader who talks so much about social mobility. As Coffee House has illustrated on numerous occasions, the academies programme (which was supported by the Liberal Democrats in opposition and throughout the coalition’s opening negotiations) is dramatically improving standards in sink schools, and opportunity is being extended to the socially neglected. Similarly, the government’s welfare reforms could provide a route to salvation for the dispossessed; but, this afternoon, Clegg suppressed his usually loud support for IDS’ reforms.

The audience in the hall, predominantly comprised by councillors and social democrats, may not want to hear of such radicalism; but the country deserves to.