Wycombe Liberal Democrats

“I know there are people who agree with a lot of what we’ve got to say. But who still don’t vote Liberal Democrat. You don’t think we’re contenders. I urge you to think again.

If you don’t agree with our policies;if you don’t want big change in Britain. Then don’t vote for us.

But if you like what you hear; if you share our vision for a different kind of future. Then go with your instincts; vote Liberal Democrat.

Elections are decided by your cross on the ballot paper.

Power is not any party’s to be inherited. Power is yours to give to whoever you choose.

So don’t turn away, don’t stay at home, don’t vote Conservative just because you think it is the only option.

This is Britain. We don’t settle for second best because we think it is inevitable; we don’t compromise on our beliefs because people might not agree with us; we stand up for our values with our heads held high.

Make no mistake: the Liberal Democrats will do things differently in Britain.

But if you want real change in Britain, you have to take a stand. If you want what we propose, you have to vote for it.

If you want tax cuts for ordinary people, paid for by closing loopholes for the very rich; if you want the right to sack your MP if they’re proved corrupt; if you want children to start at school in classes of just 15 – then vote for it.

This is a vital moment in the history of our country. And you have the power to shape it.

Labour is lost. They haven’t the ideas, energy or vision to start again.

If you voted for them in the past, you have a choice: You can give away your vote to a fringe party, you can stay at home in despair, or you can join with the Liberal Democrats and make the difference.

If you supported Labour in 1997 because you wanted fairness; you wanted young people to flourish; you wanted political reform; you wanted the environment protected; or you simply believed in a better future – turn to the Liberal Democrats.

The choice at the next election is fake change from the Conservatives, or real change from the Liberal Democrats.

At a time like this, a time of real crisis, Britain cannot afford to be taken in by David Cameron’s illusion of change.

Britain needs leadership from a party with real passion, and it’s the Liberal Democrats.

There is hope for a different future, a different way of doing things in Britain, if we are brave enough to make a fresh start.

So let today be the first day of the future of British politics. It may be only the beginning; but it is the beginning – the beginning of real change in Britain.”

Nick Clegg MP

Leader of the Liberal Democrats

For the complete text of this speech click here