Yes, it is that time of year again. No, I am not referring to the autumnal rain that appears to have manifested from nowhere; instead I am referring to the autumn party conference season. Kicking off on the 17th September are the Lib Dems who will be determined, I am sure, to emphasise the positive effect they have been having in government. Before you all begin yawning and groaning, I think it is imperative that we begin to look seriously at precisely what they have achieved thus far. The reasons for doing this are simple: firstly, whilst it has been easy to kick the Lib Dems since they stepped into office, what has been less easy is to objectively view what Nick Clegg and his fellow ministers have actually accomplished since forming their now infamous - and altogether ill-fitting - coalition. Secondly, as we lefties nervously anticipate a long spell of Tory rule - let us be honest, Labour are hardly fuelling our progressive fires - it is essential that we leave all of our alternative doors widely open.
So far, much of the debate surrounding the Liberal Democrats' spell in power has consisted of the continual condemnation over the party's U-Turn on tuition fees. Whilst I agree that this reversal in policy was abhorrent and shameful, it should not deter voters from examining numerous other influences and realisations the party has attained. In recent weeks especially, Nick Clegg has restored his coherent and logical rigor; standing up to his coalition partners on issues such as education and crime. He has stood up for the so-called 'little people' by insisting that Michael Gove's free schools operate for the "whole community", not just the "privileged few". He also spoke much sense when addressing the issue of the role of a modern teacher. He rightly argued that teachers are given too much to do: "Teachers are not surrogate mothers and fathers. They cannot do it all". He was one of very few politicians willing to accept the findings of Essex University that found that "alienation from the political class" may have played a major role in this summer's riots; demonstrating a willingness to listen and understand the problems within our society.
Where Clegg appears to differ from Labour leader Ed Miliband is that he is willing to stick his neck on the line and come up with genuine solutions to Tory wrongdoing. Over the last year, Miliband has merely denounced David Cameron's principles and plans in parliament; falling miserably short by failing to provide satisfying and workable substitute policies. Clegg on the other hand has utilised his position in government to provide the public with interesting - often worthwhile - counters and alternatives. He opposed Cameron on the banks. He opposed Cameron on the NHS. He even went to battle with him over reform of the voting system. Naturally, we should still be wary though. Many of you will be correctly thinking, 'How hard is it to sit as a junior partner in coalition and spout your objections to what is taking place?' We have no concrete proof that Clegg can actually govern. But this is where radical idealism is necessary. In order to instigate progress and change you must take a risk.
Unfortunately, what you are likely to hear in Birmingham (host city of the Lib Dem conference) is a tedious listing off of manifesto pledges that have been fulfilled; igniting the old argument, 'What about tuition fees?' It is important that the party steers clear of such feeble and monotonous tactics. Instead they should look to the future, always remembering that they are a single party with its own identity. Hiding behind coalition achievements is nonsensical and could potentially be highly damaging. Nevertheless, manifesto commitments are relevant and need to be closely scrutinised. The Lib Dem's commitment to increasing the income tax threshold was successfully implemented, lifting nearly 1million low earners out of tax completely. Labour's unpopular ID card scheme was immediately abolished, something Clegg referred to as a victory for "hard-won British freedoms". Children no longer suffer the appalling experience of immigration detention centres as a direct result of Lib Dem influence. The list is endless and certainly suggests that the party has used its time in office wisely.
This significantly stirs the imagination: just what could the Liberal Democrats achieve in office alone? It is undeniable that many of the coalitions more extreme and ostracised proposals have been Tory led positions. If you think what is occurring now is bad, just imagine what a Britain without the Lib Dems presence would look like; with Thatcherite agendas being fully executed left right and centre. Thankfully, and particularly since the AV defeat, Clegg has mustered up the guts to take on the Conservatives and push his once admired liberal agenda - an agenda that nearly 7million of us voted for (nearly a quarter of voters). With a continued hardline stance towards championing equality, fairness and liberalism - all concepts we universally covet - surely the party are worth another chance. When you view the Lib Dem's conference, forget tuition fees, forget "broken promises" (what politician cannot be accused of that?) and forget near enough everything you have read about the party since May 2010 and start afresh.
Instead, focus on the future. Remind yourself what your chief principles are. Do you agree with Clegg's view that education ought to be available to everyone, regardless of your wealth? In light of the recent Baha Mousa inquiry, do you agree with Paddy Ashdown's Question Time assertion: "Is torture ever justified? No, I don't think it is". Do you agree with Shirley Williams' defence of the NHS: "But why have they tried to get away from the NHS as a public service, among the most efficient, least expensive and fairest anywhere in the world?" How many of you consider yourself neither left nor right following successively poor governments? Surely Clegg's declaration, "We are not on the left and we are not on the right. We have our own label: Liberal", appeals to you. Perhaps it is time we reassessed our views on the Liberal Democrats and offer them a clean slate. Give them an opportunity in Birmingham to regain your faith.
Look beyond the dull monologues - the self congratulating ones listing off manifesto accomplishments - and cast your mind back to before 2010's general election. To a time when Clegg was speaking of reforming Britain; preaching freedom and equality and detonating a renaissance in liberalism and open-mindedness. His vision on immigration, the education system and taxes were especially inspiring and laudable and enabled Clegg to entice a quarter of Britons to endorse his way of thinking. It is unfair - and wholly wrong - to judge Clegg solely on his performance over the last 16 months - which, after all, has not been too disastrous. Ignore this months Lib Dem conference at your peril, for it may just signal the resurrection of Britain's belief and longing for an equal, free and open society; concepts only the Lib Dems truly espouse.