Lib Dem's praise for NHS

Sep 3 2007 By Poppy Brady

The Lib Dem veteran went walkabout in Washwood Heath's bustling Alum Rock Road to talk to residents, while giving his support to local councillor Tariq Khan, who is also a Lib Dem prospective Parliamentary candidate.

Pressed on whether be thought Gordon Brown would call an autumn election, Mr Hughes said the chances were more likely to be in May, but October "couldn't be ruled out".

But whatever the date, he said he was confident the Lib Dems would be adding Hodge Hill constituency to their already growing list of Birmingham seats which include Yardley and Solihull.

"Birmingham is the second greatest city in the UK and if we are a serious political party then we need to to be represented not just within the city council, but also at Parliamentary level," said Mr Hughes, whose mother has received treatment at Edgbaston's Queen Elizabeth and Priory hospitals.

He praised Mr Khan as a strong candidate who had made great strides since defecting from the Labour party to the Liberal Democrats in 2001.

Mr Khan, who along with Mr Hughes, has spoken out publicly against the war in Iraq, said: "I was also totally against any of the proposals put forward by Karren Brady for a casino in this area as this is one of the most deprived wards in the city.

"There are far more important issues to address such as the environmental living conditions for people in Washwood Heath, good health care and good schools."