If you wanted proof that Cameron has softened his stance towards Europe since the hard chill of December, then just look to the Lib Dems. Nick Clegg, unlike then, was sat next to the Prime Minister as he gave his statement to the Commons this afternoon. And the questions that followed from the likes of Menzies Campbell and Simon Hughes were generally warm and approving. Campbell started by, in his...

Simon Hughes MP writes at Comment is Free, following the publication of the latest UCAS figures. He acknowledges the top-line 8% decline in applications and the mass protest that followed the original decision, but points out that applications from students in deprived areas have barely declined at all: …a more objective analysis of the data

Lib Dem MPs, including the party’s deputy leader Simon Hughes, look set to obtain concessions from Iain Duncan Smith to win their support for the Coalition’s controversial welfare bill, which will introduce a benefit cap of a maximum of £26,000. Here’s how The Guardian reports the news: The government is expected to make a series

I swore blind that I would not get drawn into what promises to be a long running battle over Scottish independence but Simon Hughes’ call for an English Parliament to answer the West Lothian Question has prompted me to pen this piece. Scottish Nationalists wrongly claim that there is an easy solution to the West

...here are some posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the weekend: Douglas Murray attacks William Hague's misplaced optimism. James Forsyth reports on Ed Miliband's defiant performance on the Marr show, and reports on Simon Hughes' comments about the benefits cap. Jonathan Jones reckons that Ed Balls' attempt at credibility fell short, and sees Miliband trump Miliband in the poll...

In the Cameroon effort to redefine the politics of fairness, the benefit cap of £26,000 a year is key. When George Osborne announced it in his 2010 conference speech, he explained it – rightly – as a matter of fairness that ‘no family on out-of-work benefits will get more than the average family gets by going out to work’.   The Tories were also aware of just how ...

The government's proposed benefits cap will "break up families" Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes warns ministers.

Lib Dem deputy leader Simon Hughes renews his party's attack on Conservative plans for tax breaks for married couples.

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats warns his Conservative coalition partners that their EU veto will isolate Britain from Europe and damage market confidence.

Southwark Lib Dem councillors and local MP Simon Hughes have been in the spotlight the past 24 hours following their support for a planning application submitted by the Ministry of Sound, a prominent donor to the party. BBC News reports: Political donations to the Liberal Democrats from a nightclub chain totalling almost £80,000 went undeclared