Nick Clegg on Mumsnet this Thursday (16th Sept) evening between 8 and 9 pm

[JustineMumsnet]

We're delighted that the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, will be joining us for a webchat this Thursday evening 8 and 9pm.

Next week the Deputy PM will be joining other world leaders, celebrities and business leaders who are gathering in New York for the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit. He will be aiming for global action to reduce the shocking number of women who die during pregnancy and childbirth in the world's poorest countries.

Nick is happy to answer your questions on the UN summit as well as on his role as Deputy Prime Minster. Join us on Thursday evening or if you can't make it along then post your question (one each only please) here.

Thanks.

Dear Mr Clegg

Your concern for maternal and infant mortality in developing nations and associated issues is commendable. I hope you are able to understand our concerns for our sisters across the world, our desire to give them the care they deserve and represent this.

However, given your Government's plans to change the NHS ( or 'destroy' as most would say ) do you expect to see infant and maternal mortality rise here and if not, why not?

None of your policies appear evidence based to me, but I am no expert, so I would be interested if you could give us evidence for why the choices you have made in Healthcare are the right ones from real experts, not opportunistic politicians who appear to want to give power and cash to their mates.

Regards

The reason I ask is because I am concerned that the technocratic model of childbirth, which is damaging for women with its emphasis on obstetrician-led care, episiotomy and formula feeding, (which is probably partly responsible for the shocking maternal death rate in the U.S) will replace mother-led birthing in developing countries at a profit to western companies.
Can you reassure me that world leaders will not try to impose the capitalistic-technocratic model on birthing mothers worldwide, but instead focus on tackling poverty?

Personally, I'm far more concerned about there not being fire personnel and police about when I ring 999 than pregnancy and childbirth in a foreign country.

Also about the plans to sack soldiers the second they're no longer sticking their necks out to serve the country's needs.

But of course, Mr Clegg won't touch on any of that here.

You reap what you sow.

Don't be silly expat, somebody's got to pay for the celebrities to fly to this conference, and you're talking about indulgences. Pffft.

cheeky,push push and push even more,my friend had cervical cancer at the age of 27.

"formula feeding, (which is probably partly responsible for the shocking maternal death rate in the U.S)"

Really? Has someone not told them they're suppose to give it to the babies, not subside on it themselves?

formula feeding was refering to infant mortality rate but my specific concern is the way the technocratic, obstetric model of care is being rolled out accross the world at great profit to the capitalists, and that the main ethos of this conference is to maximise profit in the third world.
Ever heard of Nestle?

Does power tend to corrupt and absolute power corrupt absolutely?

Not so topical, but to me a very important question, so please answer it if you can.

Nick. Do you remember your visit to the Nag's Head in Malvern on your campaign trail? Do you remember a woman giving you a letter from a Facebook group, and kissing her baby (who was waving a yellow "We agree with Nick" flag)?
You should remember it as it was your first (and only?) baby kissing moment on your campaign trail. Do you remember that baby's name? Florence Rose.

What I would like to know is how come your new mate Dave ended up giving his daughter exactly the same name? Even Endellion is very similar to her surname. Is this a coincidence? If not I am very cross and would like an apology.

Incidentally, neither of us agree with Nick any more. Dave put a stop to that.

Nick - I live in your constituency and voted for you last time. I do not intend to waste my precious vote in the same manner again.

Thanks to you and your colleagues, DH will not have a job post 2012 despite 20 years of loyal service protecting the public purse.

How are you going to win back my vote?

Thanks

Please answer the Fawcett question.

Thanks.

I voted LibDem and will again. As Vesela (quick aside - ahoj veselo, jak se mas? :)) says, the libdems did what they said they'd do - I don't agree with all that they have compromised on, but don't expect them to be able to please everyone - how could they?

My question is a bit crap and not quite on topic, but here goes:

I've been really impressed with the breastfeeding support in my local area (Hertfordshire), but am aware that such resources are not available throughout the UK. given that breastfeeding is supposed to be the best way to feed a baby, and that many thrid world countries supposedly follow the example of the western world, and thus see formula feeding as a desirable option (hence high child mortality rates through contaminated water, malnutrition, etc etc), will there be a greater emphasis on breastfeeding support in the UK to try and normalise it as a feeding method here and elsewhere?

Hi Nick,

The best way to help mothers and babies in poor countries would be to make sure they all have access to free healthcare, that countries have propoerly equipped clinics in rural and urban areas, with properly trained medical staff. Are you going to support poorer countries to give their women and children free care? How will you address the shortage of nurses and doctors?

Dear Mr Clegg
Why, with the coalition government supported by only 57 Liberal Democrat seats and 307 Conservative seats (Labour support in 258 seats did not demonstrate a whitewash for the Conservatives), do you feel that you have a mandate for the radical changes that you are imposing on public service provision?

80% of voters in this country did not vote Liberal Democrat and yet you are our Deputy Prime Minister. Surely the electoral reform that you are proposing will make a situation like this even more likely in future?

Please note in your reply that I am aware of the 'deficit mantra' and that I already understand the electoral system and the technicalities, I am asking about the mandate for change which I do not believe that you have.

Hi Nick

I also voted Lib Dem at the last election. I will vote Lib Dem again, and I think that you are doing a good job working with the party that had the strongest mandate.

I'm learning Spanish at my local college and it does concern me that adult education is a very easy area to cut. However, colleges do provide a vital service. Many young people are not motivated to learn while at school, but return to education with a new hunger later in life. Please remember that acquisition of skills is a life long process, and that a strong adult education sector is vital, particularly in a recession when people are changing careers. Gracias.

Nick,

Why is the Government refusing to agree to sign the EU directive on human trafficking? Don't you think that this is exactly the type of issue that needs cooperation at a European level?

He has, Penelope, really?

EEwww.

Mr Clegg

It has been said, that the PAYE scheme, currently being administered by Employers, is to be transferred to the Revenue.

Your comments please.

Hi Nick,
Why are there so few women in the cabinet & what is the coalition going to do to make sure this situation improves?

Why is mumsnet deleting so many messages?
I want to know what they said!! My question is, If Nick Clegg and co can make our lives a total misery and jeapordise our family homes and livelihoods, even though Nick Clegg only led the THIRD most popular party at the election, then why can't WE say whatever we want to him????

It was possibly a bit slanderous, msy - and after the whole SWMNBN-rockets-to-Lebanon situation, MN are a bit trigger-happy when it comes to slander (or indeed libel)[not a lawyer]