Simon Hughes on PM just now

Simon Hughes has just been speaking to Carolyn Quinn on BBC Radio 4's PM programme.

He confirmed what I said yesterday, that the Lib Dem's "two-timing" talks with Labour were a necessary step. Nick Clegg needed these talks to happen, simply so he could show his MPs and activists that he had explored every option. The fact that talks with Labour took place should be enough to allow a deal with the Tories to get through the Lib Dem's "triple lock" - however much some Lib Dem grandees may want to hold their noses.