Nick Clegg told our spring conference that if you have faith in this country, if you believe in Britain’s values, then we have to fight for them.

Last month, Nick Clegg challenged Nigel Farage to a debate on Britain’s future in Europe. He did so because an ungenerous, backwards-looking politics had emerged in Britain.

The politics of blame has found an acceptable face: it wears a big smile and looks like someone you could have a pint with down the pub.

Nick Clegg is drawing a line in the sand. He is going to defend the tolerant and modern Britain we love, and is going to start by showing people what’s at stake at the upcoming European elections: do you want Britain in Europe, or out? Thousands of people have already backed our campaign to protect jobs and keep Britain in Europe.

The Liberal Democrats is now Britain’s only party out there explaining the clear benefits of Britain’s place in Europe and the only party giving people the facts.

Being in Europe creates jobs, helps us fight climate change and allows our police forces to work together to catch criminals who cross borders. These things matter too much for us to ignore them.

Bob Bailey, President of Brighton And Hove Liberal Democrats