In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has warned that farmers face real financial pain as a result of the EU budget that was set last week.

Further details are now emerging that show the budget for 2014-2020 was cut by 20%. Mr Lyon will raise his concerns with European Agriculture Commissioner Ciolos on Monday next week.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

"On the surface, the 12% cut for the 2014-2020 total budget for direct payments appears to be not too bad but if you dig a little deeper the reality is much worse.

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has welcomed the vote of the European Parliament which backed Commission proposals that would relax rules on the use of animal protein in the European food chain and backs the lifting of the BSE testing age for cattle to above 72 months.

The Roth-Behrendt Report recommends allowing proteins from pigs and chickens back into the system while keeping in place the ban on animal protein from cattle and sheep to ensure there is no chance of another BSE outbreak.

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has welcomed a vote of the European Agriculture Committee that brings greater transparency and honesty to the European milk market.

The legislation would introduce for the first time, written contracts will be required across the supply chain stating the volumes delivered and price paid for milk. It is hoped that this move will see dairy farmers receive a fairer price for their product at the farm-gate.

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has urged fellow MEPs to reject the proposal to cap payments to farmers in the vote on the CAP report drafted by German MEP Albert Dess. The report is due to be voted on Thursday 23^rd June.

Commenting ahead of the vote, Mr Lyon said:

"This is a critical vote towards reform of the Common Agriculture policy and it is vital for Scottish farmers that the proposal to cap payments for bigger farmers is rejected.

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has expressed his disappointment as MEPs on the European Transport Committee voted in favour of introducing a speed limit of 30km per hour in all European urban areas.

If approved by a majority of MEPs in a full meeting of the European Parliament road signs stating a speed limit of 18.64mph could be introduced in the UK.

George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has pressed the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, to drop restrictions on European beef exports brought in after BSE outbreak.

During a four day visit to Washington and New York to lobby senior US politicians, Mr Lyon joined with Chair of the European Agriculture Committee Paolo de Castro to make it clear to Mr Vilsack that European beef is safe and the restrictions placed on exports are unnecessary.

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Jim Tolson MSP for Dunfermline submitted a Scottish Parliamentary Motion welcoming the Kingdom of Industry exhibition at St Andrews Museum.

Jim commented "I was pleased to hear that Dunfermline would be given extensive coverage in the exhibition as the centre of textile production in the Fife. In the past, Dunfermline was well known for its production of linen-damask and silk. This exhibition which looks at Fife's industrial past and its legacy has been organised by University of St Andrews postgraduate museum and gallery studies students. I was interested to hear that the exhibition includes an oral history project involving members of the community who used to work in these industries as well as considering the possibilities of a revival in the textile industry".

Liberal Democrat Jim Tolson MSP for Dunfermline West has revealed that over 173,600 people in Fife will pay reduced income tax from April this year, thanks to the Liberal Democrat-led increase in the personal tax allowance. In addition, 6,560 people will not pay any income tax.

Liberal Democrats in the UK Government are increasing the personal tax allowance to £10,000, meaning no-one will pay any tax on the first £10,000 they earn.