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LIVE: Clegg's conference speech LIVE: Clegg's conference speech
(10 minutes later)
Watch Nick Clegg's speech as it happens from 1500 BSTWatch Nick Clegg's speech as it happens from 1500 BST
By Emma GriffithsBy Emma Griffiths
1552 A wave at Chris Huhne as Mr Clegg goes through a "liberal Democrat cabinet", which he has noted may include "the odd heated meeting". Mr Huhne would look "sternly over his glasses" at any bureaucrats refusing to tow the line, he says.
1551 Vince Cable gets his third or fourth name check - I've lost count, but it's a crowd pleaser in the hall, despite the flak he apparently has been getting from the party's MPs over his mansion tax plan.
1550 Mr Clegg notes a bit of uneasiness on the front row at the "safe seats" comment - he assures his own MPs he wasn't talking about them - to some chuckles.
1549 Mr Clegg moves onto the issue of MPs' expenses and says the other parties can't be trusted to clean up politics. His reference to "fair votes for everyone" - the Lib Dems want the voting system changed - goes down well. "We must do away with safe seats," he says.
1548 From BBC News Channel chief political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg: Mr Clegg goes through the party's tax plans. He wants people to believe the Lib Dems tax changes would make the whole system fairer. He hopes the plan to take 4 million people on low incomes out of paying tax altogether will appeal in those constituencies up and down the country where people who voted Labour in 1997 but have been disappointed by their performance in government. But one of the memories of this week will be the front bench team's unhappiness about not being consulted over the planned property tax. Read BBCLauraK's tweets.
1547 Mr Clegg is moving onto tax now - an issue that has proved difficult for him this week. He has mentioned the so-called "mansion tax" - although he doesn't call it that. He says people in big houses who live rich lifestyles will "pay more" - "that is fair" he says - to applause.
Nick Clegg talks about pay cuts at the top level but what about what's happening in Leeds? The Lib Dem leader of the council is cutting the wages of bin men by up to £6,000 - bin men could see their wages cut from £18,000 to £12,000 - not exactly hitting the high level earners.Harpreet, Yorkshire
Nick Clegg just isn't very likeable - comes across quite arrogant, he's not really doing anything to change that todayAndy, London
1545 A personal anecdote from Mr Clegg as he relates how his seven-year-old son has started writing letters and doesn't understand why the Queen hasn't written back yet. It came after a point about the less bright children of wealthy parents overtaking the brighter children of poorer parents by the age of seven.
1543 Mr Clegg is outlining some plans to tackle youth unemployment - including a "paid internship" on £55 a week to give people experience.
1542 "If it's between 15p off a cinema ticket and a decent future I know what we should choose," he says - which goes down very well in the hall.
1541 The speech turns to young people and the problems they face with debt and unemployment: "I will not let you down," he pledges. He says young people should not be unemployed for more than 90 days before a Lib Dem government would find them work or training. Sounds like a pledge. Lots of clapping as Mr Clegg says he would scrap the temporary VAT cut to pay to "invest in young people's futures".
1539 In a choice between protecting pay discipline and mass redundancies protecting jobs "must come first" - he says1539 In a choice between protecting pay discipline and mass redundancies protecting jobs "must come first" - he says
1538 Mr Clegg is still talking about making savings - Lib Dem members listen quietly as he talks about reforming public sector pensions. But there is applause as he says it is "only right" for "the broadest shoulders to take the most weight"1538 Mr Clegg is still talking about making savings - Lib Dem members listen quietly as he talks about reforming public sector pensions. But there is applause as he says it is "only right" for "the broadest shoulders to take the most weight"
1536 In a nod to those who have criticised his use of the word "savage" when talking about cuts, he says he knows it doesn't always "feel comfortable" to talk about cuts. Taking difficult decisions is the "price of fairness" he says. There is applause but a quick scan of the audience shows not everyone is clapping1536 In a nod to those who have criticised his use of the word "savage" when talking about cuts, he says he knows it doesn't always "feel comfortable" to talk about cuts. Taking difficult decisions is the "price of fairness" he says. There is applause but a quick scan of the audience shows not everyone is clapping
Tudortweet tweets:'Progressive austerity' will need a bit of unpacking for public consumption. Read Tudortweet's tweets.Tudortweet tweets:'Progressive austerity' will need a bit of unpacking for public consumption. Read Tudortweet's tweets.
1535 Cutting Trident submarines from four to three - as floated by the PM at the UN today - is welcomed by Mr Clegg, but he says "no" to a "like for like replacement" - this gets a round of applause1535 Cutting Trident submarines from four to three - as floated by the PM at the UN today - is welcomed by Mr Clegg, but he says "no" to a "like for like replacement" - this gets a round of applause
OxfordSpring tweets:Clegg's talk of public spending is where he will get into trouble. Can he persuade his party of the necessary belt-tightening? Read OxfordSpring's tweets.OxfordSpring tweets:Clegg's talk of public spending is where he will get into trouble. Can he persuade his party of the necessary belt-tightening? Read OxfordSpring's tweets.
1535 Mr Clegg says he will not "salami slice budgets like Labour and the Conservatives" - saying voters know you can't save billions by "using fewer paperclips". He says he will cancel things that don't work to protect the important things. "That is progressive austerity" he says.1535 Mr Clegg says he will not "salami slice budgets like Labour and the Conservatives" - saying voters know you can't save billions by "using fewer paperclips". He says he will cancel things that don't work to protect the important things. "That is progressive austerity" he says.
This chap will never be in power, I just don't see the point of the LibDems at all. I'm sorry I would love to because I think the other two 'main' parties are a total waste of time but seriously - no-one's going to vote these guys they're not credible - sad but true.Mike, BristolThis chap will never be in power, I just don't see the point of the LibDems at all. I'm sorry I would love to because I think the other two 'main' parties are a total waste of time but seriously - no-one's going to vote these guys they're not credible - sad but true.Mike, Bristol
From BBC chief political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg: Progressive austerity - perhaps not the most easily understandable phrase for members of the public. What the Lib Dem leader means we're told, is that while he would cut public spending, he would do it fairly - but it's not exactly a message of hope for voters. Members of the front bench may well grimace at this bit - Steve Webb, their work and pensions spokesman yesterday warned against the party selling 'gloom'. Read BBCLauraK's tweets. From BBC chief political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg: Progressive austerity - perhaps not the most easily understandable phrase for members of the public. What the Lib Dem leader means we're told, is that while he would cut public spending, he would do it fairly - but it's not exactly a message of hope for voters. Members of the front bench may well grimace at this bit - Steve Webb, their work and pensions spokesman yesterday warned against the party selling 'gloom'. Read BBCLauraK's tweets.
OxfordSpring tweets:Camera keeps looking at Vince and Paddy- makes Clegg look so young, inexperienced and energised (?) Read OxfordSpring's tweets.OxfordSpring tweets:Camera keeps looking at Vince and Paddy- makes Clegg look so young, inexperienced and energised (?) Read OxfordSpring's tweets.
1532 Now he's moving onto controversial territory - the spending cuts suggestion. The audience is quiet when he says the previous pledges were right "for an age of plenty" but now something else is needed.1532 Now he's moving onto controversial territory - the spending cuts suggestion. The audience is quiet when he says the previous pledges were right "for an age of plenty" but now something else is needed.
Tudortweet tweets:Oh dear. Early jokey attack on David Cameron. Conservative script-writers sharpen pens and knives ... Read Tudortweet's tweets.Tudortweet tweets:Oh dear. Early jokey attack on David Cameron. Conservative script-writers sharpen pens and knives ... Read Tudortweet's tweets.
1531 Mr Clegg's pops at the Tories are going down well in the conference hall. He finishes his attack by calling them "hollow" and offering only "an illusion of change" - the Tories are making an effort to poach Lib Dem voters.1531 Mr Clegg's pops at the Tories are going down well in the conference hall. He finishes his attack by calling them "hollow" and offering only "an illusion of change" - the Tories are making an effort to poach Lib Dem voters.
1530 A roll call of former leaders is appreciated by the audience - although Mr Clegg initially doesn't spot Lord Ashdown. He also name checks Vince Cable and his foresight on the economy - Mr Cable's mansion tax announcement doesn't seem to have dented his popularity - the clapping gets louder. Big shouts when Mr Clegg says the Tories supported Iraq and only the Lib Dems "said no".1530 A roll call of former leaders is appreciated by the audience - although Mr Clegg initially doesn't spot Lord Ashdown. He also name checks Vince Cable and his foresight on the economy - Mr Cable's mansion tax announcement doesn't seem to have dented his popularity - the clapping gets louder. Big shouts when Mr Clegg says the Tories supported Iraq and only the Lib Dems "said no".
By emailNick Clegg could be a good leader if he was decisive, honest, forthright, and with good policies - his problem seems to be that he has not captured the attention of the British people. JanBy emailNick Clegg could be a good leader if he was decisive, honest, forthright, and with good policies - his problem seems to be that he has not captured the attention of the British people. Jan
1528 From BBC chief political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg: Nick Clegg's admission that he has sometimes been 'too blunt' in interviews is almost an apology for using the phrase 'savage cuts', when outlining his approach to public spending in an interview with a newspaper at the weekend. It upset a lot of delegates here and horrified some of the party's MPs. Read BBCLauraK's tweets.1528 From BBC chief political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg: Nick Clegg's admission that he has sometimes been 'too blunt' in interviews is almost an apology for using the phrase 'savage cuts', when outlining his approach to public spending in an interview with a newspaper at the weekend. It upset a lot of delegates here and horrified some of the party's MPs. Read BBCLauraK's tweets.
1526 Mr Clegg says people try to "goad him" by saying he's like Mr Cameron - just because they share height and a birthday in the mid 1960s. In that case he's got a lot in common with Brad Pitt he jokes - noting that his wife Miriam might not agree. It is their anniversary by the way - the man himself has just confirmed it.1526 Mr Clegg says people try to "goad him" by saying he's like Mr Cameron - just because they share height and a birthday in the mid 1960s. In that case he's got a lot in common with Brad Pitt he jokes - noting that his wife Miriam might not agree. It is their anniversary by the way - the man himself has just confirmed it.
1524 Now Mr Clegg's turned his fire on David Cameron, the Tory leader - he says "Britain deserves better" - to loud applause from the audience1524 Now Mr Clegg's turned his fire on David Cameron, the Tory leader - he says "Britain deserves better" - to loud applause from the audience
1523 Mr Clegg says he wants "real change in Britain" and an end to the old "red-blue politics" - he adds a quick pop culture reference to Big Brother contestants' similarity to Labour MPs - they're both about to be "taken off air for good". Judging by their smiles Vince Cable and Lord Ashdown liked that one1523 Mr Clegg says he wants "real change in Britain" and an end to the old "red-blue politics" - he adds a quick pop culture reference to Big Brother contestants' similarity to Labour MPs - they're both about to be "taken off air for good". Judging by their smiles Vince Cable and Lord Ashdown liked that one
1521 MP Evan Harris smiles as Mr Clegg references his comments about his own leadership - to some laughter from the audience. He says he's pleased to be in a party that debates things democratically1521 MP Evan Harris smiles as Mr Clegg references his comments about his own leadership - to some laughter from the audience. He says he's pleased to be in a party that debates things democratically
BBC Political Correspondent Laura Kuenssberg tweets:Clegg wants to sound ambitious 'I want to be PM'-no notes either Read BBCLauraK's tweets.BBC Political Correspondent Laura Kuenssberg tweets:Clegg wants to sound ambitious 'I want to be PM'-no notes either Read BBCLauraK's tweets.
1520 Mr Clegg starts off a series of sentences "I want to be prime minister" - spelling out his serious ambitions for the party.1520 Mr Clegg starts off a series of sentences "I want to be prime minister" - spelling out his serious ambitions for the party.
1519 Mr Clegg says he "wants to be prime minister" to change the country for the good and outlines his wish list, which include an end to prejudice, tackling the environment and civil liberties1519 Mr Clegg says he "wants to be prime minister" to change the country for the good and outlines his wish list, which include an end to prejudice, tackling the environment and civil liberties
1518 Mr Clegg says Mr Brown must show leadership: "You cannot win a war on half horse power" he says. He says the war must be "done properly" or "not at all".1518 Mr Clegg says Mr Brown must show leadership: "You cannot win a war on half horse power" he says. He says the war must be "done properly" or "not at all".
1516 From BBC chief political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg: It's notable that the Lib Dem leader starts his speech with Afghanistan - in the last week the party has hardened up their line on the war, saying explicitly that unless the government changes the strategy in Afghanistan, then British troops should be withdrawn. It's not clear how he'd determine that the strategy had changed to the party's liking, but Mr Clegg is trying to create a dividing line between the Lib Dems and the other two main parties on Afghanistan. They party is well aware that it's objection to the Iraq was was an electoral advantage for them in 2005. Read BBCLauraK's tweets.1516 From BBC chief political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg: It's notable that the Lib Dem leader starts his speech with Afghanistan - in the last week the party has hardened up their line on the war, saying explicitly that unless the government changes the strategy in Afghanistan, then British troops should be withdrawn. It's not clear how he'd determine that the strategy had changed to the party's liking, but Mr Clegg is trying to create a dividing line between the Lib Dems and the other two main parties on Afghanistan. They party is well aware that it's objection to the Iraq was was an electoral advantage for them in 2005. Read BBCLauraK's tweets.
1516 More applause as he mentions the bravery of soldiers' families, he repeats his call for the war to "change course" and says some Lib Dems believe troops should withdraw now "hear hear" shouts someone in the audience.1516 More applause as he mentions the bravery of soldiers' families, he repeats his call for the war to "change course" and says some Lib Dems believe troops should withdraw now "hear hear" shouts someone in the audience.
1514 Mr Clegg strikes a sombre tone by starting his speech with the death toll of soldiers in Afghanistan - Paddy Ashdown nods in the audience. Big round of applause as he pays tribute to them.1514 Mr Clegg strikes a sombre tone by starting his speech with the death toll of soldiers in Afghanistan - Paddy Ashdown nods in the audience. Big round of applause as he pays tribute to them.
1512 A big round of applause as Mr Clegg walks on stage to some striking music - just 11 mins late. The news channels have to decide between Mr Clegg or Barack Obama talking at the UN.1512 A big round of applause as Mr Clegg walks on stage to some striking music - just 11 mins late. The news channels have to decide between Mr Clegg or Barack Obama talking at the UN.
1511 I've just been told, and I've no reason to think it's untrue - that today is a big day for Mr Clegg in more ways than one. It's his ninth wedding anniversary apparently - his wife Miriam has been spotted walking around with him today for the cameras. They had their third child earlier this year.1511 I've just been told, and I've no reason to think it's untrue - that today is a big day for Mr Clegg in more ways than one. It's his ninth wedding anniversary apparently - his wife Miriam has been spotted walking around with him today for the cameras. They had their third child earlier this year.
1509 The lights are dimmed. Music is playing and the usual pre-speech video is up on the big screen.1509 The lights are dimmed. Music is playing and the usual pre-speech video is up on the big screen.
1505 If the compere is to believed - Phil Willis is standing outside the conference hall in a Pudsey bear outfit - raising money for the Lib Dems, not Children in Need, I hasten to add. He's just name checked Nick Clegg so he must be in the room.1505 If the compere is to believed - Phil Willis is standing outside the conference hall in a Pudsey bear outfit - raising money for the Lib Dems, not Children in Need, I hasten to add. He's just name checked Nick Clegg so he must be in the room.
1503 The stage is filling up - not long now.1503 The stage is filling up - not long now.
1501 Members are being asked to give as much money as possible to support the Lib Dems' election efforts. Can't see Nick Clegg yet but the rows of seats seem to have filled up. Wonder how Barack Obama is getting on at the UN? The US president's speech is clashing with Mr Clegg's - the Lib Dem leader might delay for a few minutes until he finishes speaking.1501 Members are being asked to give as much money as possible to support the Lib Dems' election efforts. Can't see Nick Clegg yet but the rows of seats seem to have filled up. Wonder how Barack Obama is getting on at the UN? The US president's speech is clashing with Mr Clegg's - the Lib Dem leader might delay for a few minutes until he finishes speaking.
1459 The conference hall is filling up and a compere is on stage warming up the masses - he says Richard Dawkins has apparently been at the conference but as he hasn't seen him, he doesn't believe he exists - to a smattering of laughter1459 The conference hall is filling up and a compere is on stage warming up the masses - he says Richard Dawkins has apparently been at the conference but as he hasn't seen him, he doesn't believe he exists - to a smattering of laughter
1457 Vince Cable, the usually sure footed Treasury spokesman, admits to the BBC that he regrets not having consulted more widely on his "mansion tax" plans: "We could have had more consultation on the detail but we had discussed the broad principle before - it is about making the tax system fairer."1457 Vince Cable, the usually sure footed Treasury spokesman, admits to the BBC that he regrets not having consulted more widely on his "mansion tax" plans: "We could have had more consultation on the detail but we had discussed the broad principle before - it is about making the tax system fairer."
1455 Danny Alexander - the man in charge of the Lib Dem manifesto - says Mr Clegg's speech will be "upbeat and confident". "There's perhaps been a few stresses and strains along the way, it's in very good shape," he tells the BBC. The controversial "mansion tax" will get a mention, he insists1455 Danny Alexander - the man in charge of the Lib Dem manifesto - says Mr Clegg's speech will be "upbeat and confident". "There's perhaps been a few stresses and strains along the way, it's in very good shape," he tells the BBC. The controversial "mansion tax" will get a mention, he insists
1453 Hello and welcome to our live text commentary of Nick Clegg's big speech - what will he tell the party faithful? There's been a few bumps this week in Bournemouth and not all members - not even all Lib Dem MPs - seem won over by Vince Cable's so called "mansion tax" - on properties worth more than £1m. Others were bothered by Mr Clegg's use of the word "savage" when describing future spending cuts. And a hint that the party may not be able to afford to pledge an end to university tuition fees in England did not go down well in all quarters. Mr Clegg is likely to have a go at the Conservatives - we already know he will urge disaffected Labour voters not to think the Tories are the only option.1453 Hello and welcome to our live text commentary of Nick Clegg's big speech - what will he tell the party faithful? There's been a few bumps this week in Bournemouth and not all members - not even all Lib Dem MPs - seem won over by Vince Cable's so called "mansion tax" - on properties worth more than £1m. Others were bothered by Mr Clegg's use of the word "savage" when describing future spending cuts. And a hint that the party may not be able to afford to pledge an end to university tuition fees in England did not go down well in all quarters. Mr Clegg is likely to have a go at the Conservatives - we already know he will urge disaffected Labour voters not to think the Tories are the only option.