The Economist has endorsed the Liberal Democrats one week out from polling day. It says they “consider a vote for the Lib Dems as a down-payment for the future.”

The influential magazine argues that “the leaders of both main parties have turned away from a decades-old vision of an open, liberal country” leaving only Tim Farron and the Liberal Democrats representing the large majority of British voters who want to live in an open, tolerant and united Britain.

Why the Liberal Democrats get our vote https://t.co/jGlUiSsFi8

— The Economist (@TheEconomist) June 1, 2017

The Liberal Democrats, like the experts at The Economist, believe that Britain should remain open: to business, investment and people. This used to be common-sense but both the Conservatives and Labour have abandoned the centre ground. Theresa May is pursuing an extreme Brexit that will damage our economy and our relationship with our neighbours whilst, Corbyn has veered off to what the Economist dubs as “the loony left”. This leaves us, standing up for those who want a better future for their children.

Spelling out the reasons to vote Liberal Democrat on 8 June, The Economist says it boils down to the fact that:

• We want membership of the single market and free movement.
• We are more honest than the Tories about the need to raise taxes for public services;
• And more sensible than Labour, spreading the burden rather than leaning only on high-earners
• We are on the right side of other issues: for devolution of power from London, reform of the voting system and the House of Lords, and regulation of markets for drugs and sex

We are the “radical centre, essential for a thriving, prosperous Britain” as The Economist puts it. Vote Lib Dem on 8 June.

In last night’s leaders’ debate, Tim Farron did what he always does: he held the other parties’ feet to the fire.

With style and substance, he called them out on their failures and communicated a positive vision for Britain’s future.

Theresa May, meanwhile, didn’t even show up – demonstrating her complacency and utter disdain for the British people.

Here are five times Tim Farron came out on top:

1.

When he exploded Twitter by asking where Theresa May was: “She might be outside, sizing up your house”.

2.

When he called out Corbyn for supporting Brexit: “If Jeremy cared, he would not have trooped through the lobbies with the Conservatives and UKIP to trigger Article 50.”

3.

When he scolded UKIP and the Tories for their anti-immigration policies: “The Conservative immigration policy is written to appease UKIP.”

4.

When he celebrated European unity and shared values in the face of terrorism: “We must stand together with our neighbours to fight it.”

5.

When he said the British people’s time would be better spent watching Bake Off than listening to Theresa May: “She can’t be bothered, so why should you?”

Tim Farron came out on top of tonight’s debate showing that he is the voice for those people who want a brighter future than Theresa May’s cold, mean-spirited vision for Britain.

He will stand up for the people of Britain on Brexit, the NHS and schools.

Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat Campaign Spokesperson, said: “Tim Farron is a leader with principles and passion.”

“Tim showed that he has the determination to stand up to the Conservatives over their dementia tax, their cuts to the NHS and schools and to their extreme version of Brexit that will cost jobs and put up prices.

“Unlike Jeremy Corbyn, Theresa May and Paul Nuttall, Tim trusts the people on Brexit and will give them the final say on the Brexit deal, not the politicians.

“Tim Farron showed that he is the voice for those people who want a brighter future than Theresa May’s cold, mean-spirited vision for Britain. He will stand up for people like you on Brexit, the NHS and schools.

“Theresa May was the big loser tonight. The fact that Theresa May wasn’t here tonight tells you exactly what she thinks about you. She is taking you for granted.

“Jeremy Corbyn voted for Brexit alongside UKIP and the Conservatives. He has written Theresa May a blank cheque to do as she pleases.”

As the Lib Dem Climate Change Secretary, I think it’s an utter disgrace that Trump is preparing to withdraw from the Paris Climate Change Agreement. He clearly has utter contempt for science and the planet.

What’s also disgraceful is Theresa May’s failure to challenge him. Where are the Conservatives’ priorities? Where’s their foresight? Where’s their courage?

The Liberal Democrats are calling on Theresa May to urgently speak out and oppose Donald Trump’s planned withdrawal. Why?

Because the deal was the result of two decades of international negotiations – a huge positive step forward for the future of humanity. And now, because of political insanity and cowardice, it’s on the brink of unravelling. This could be a disaster for our environment and a betrayal of every generation to come.

It’s time for Theresa May to speak out. She must join the Liberal Democrats and the global scientific community, in condemning President Trump publicly.

This is too important for Britain to stay silent.

If you support our progressive policies on the environment, vote Lib Dem on 8th June.

I’m backing you

Thank you,

Ed Davey

Theresa May called this election, but now won’t even turn up to debate the issues. I think her elusiveness, just like her policies, demonstrates her utter lack of regard for the British people.

She’s clearly terrified of having to defend the cruel and heartless policies in the Conservative manifesto, 20 of which she’s said she’ll review AFTER the election.

This is simply not good enough.

From Brexit to the Dementia Tax, to restricting winter fuel payments and capping energy bills, Theresa May is keeping us in the dark on these issues. What is she plotting? How cold and mean-spirited will her vision for Britain become? The British people deserve to know.

The more Liberal Democrat MPs are elected, the more we can hold Theresa May to account on her yet-to-be finalised policies.

If you support us in our bold opposition, vote Lib Dem on 8th June.

Thank you,

Tim Farron