The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Nick Clegg apologises for tuition fees pledge

"There's no easy way to say this: we made a pledge, we didn't stick to it and for that I am sorry."

By Helen Lewis Published 19 September 2012 19:47

Nick Clegg. Source: ITV News

Nick Clegg has filmed an apology for the party's pledge over tuition fees, which will be broadcast to coincide with the Liberal Democrat party conference.

The Lib Dem leader says:

"I'd like to take the opportunity to set a few things straight. When I meet people around the country, it's obvious that you have strong and pretty mixed reactions to things the Liberal Democrats have done in government . . . I meet people who are disappointed and angry that we couldn't keep all our promises, above all our promise not to raise tuition fees."

He that it was a "mistake" to make the pledge, when the only way that Lib Dems would be in power was as a coalition partner of Labour or the Tories, who wanted to raise fees. Clegg adds:

"There's no easy way to say this: we made a pledge, we didn't stick to it and for that I am sorry. . . When we're wrong, we hold our hands up. But when we're right we hold our heads up too. We were right to leave the comfort of opposition to face the realities of Government and I know we are fighting for the right things."

Making the video is a bold move from Clegg: will it "detoxify" the Lib Dem brand, or cement the image of him as a weak leader who has lost his core voters' support? Here's the video, courtesy of ITV: decide for yourself.

Tags: Nick Clegg

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9 comments

Thu, 2012-09-20 12:18 — sarahgrabham

The Lib Dems made this promise amid great publicity, and gained many votes, especially in university towns, on the strength of it.
Now Clegg apologises, not for breaking the promise, but for making it at all. It could never have been kept, he says.

So he is asking us to forgive a wholly cynical vote winning exercise.

Well, the Lib dems won't get many votes next time. What worries me more is that a swathe of young people, having put their faith in a politician once, will be completely disillusioned with the process. Understandably.

Thu, 2012-09-20 11:05 — SpunkyMonkey (not verified)

Liberal Democrat Leader apologises for appearing to have principles?
Bravo I'll vote for him now.
The last thing we need in our leaders is the appearance of principles.

Thu, 2012-09-20 08:12 — New statesman II (not verified)

Is this going to be a weekly cast that he does?
Given what Cable is doing with employment rights, I suspect another apology will be required soon.

Ironically one definition of 'liberal' is:
'Open to new behaviour or opinions and willing to discard traditional values.' (replace values with pledges)

So they can certainly hold their head up high to being as liberal as any part could be. As for the democrats part. They could be considered very democratic, as they let the majority - the Tory MPs, run the show.

Thu, 2012-09-20 04:48 — Sam998 (not verified)

Have to admit, that's a very good apology and comes across as genuine without seeming desperate. I wonder how many people will actually see the apology because if most people only hear about it rather than see it for themselves then they'll just be cynical about it.

Thu, 2012-09-20 02:29 — Mbrecker (not verified)

If the Lib Dems really want to be bold, Clegg should do another clip. In it, he should publically admit that the national debt will never be repaid because the debt to GDP ratio is astronomical. Therefore, write it off, completely nationalize the banks. Re-capitalize the system until it's stable. Then, start over.

If he did do this, his political career would be over. On the other hand, I think many would actually respect him for telling the truth. Too bad he'll never do this.

Thu, 2012-09-20 02:24 — Mbrecker (not verified)

His first mistake was actually signing a pledge. Where did the Lib Dems pick that up from? Has this clip saved his reputation? Realistically, no. Too many people will always say you sold us out by forming a coalition with the Tories.

Wed, 2012-09-19 22:58 — What a tool! (not verified)

First he signs a pledge, obviously fully expecting never to have any say at all so what does it matter, then he goes back on it, but in stead of apologizing there and then - like a decent person might do when caught red-handed: 'it's a fair cop guv.' and all that - he waits to see if he has got away with it before apologizing; he is just drawing attention to his failings, failings I had not quite forgotten but which had at least been overshadowed by Osbournes 'omnishambles' budget fiasco.

Wed, 2012-09-19 22:02 — kenelmist (not verified)

Odious lying creep.

Wed, 2012-09-19 21:11 — jasonblacko1

Clegg's developing chubby faced look says it all. This man has now tasted ministerial life. The free food and cars and everybody interested in what he has to say for once. Consequently, the squirming, gutless toady has gained a little weight.

Unfortunately, the British public have long, long memories and they are not going to forget a liar. For if you can't believe a politicians pledges what can you believe? The pledge is all a politician ever has.

So keep scoffing the free posh nosh Clegg because after the next election you and your party of liars will be consigned to the political dustbin.