Clegg and Cameron in happier times

Clegg sets up battle with Cameron over benefit cuts

Clegg sets up battle with Cameron over benefit cuts

By Charles Maggs

Plans to cut benefits have been "knocked on the head", Nick Clegg claimed today.

The deputy prime minister said he would oppose additional cuts put forward by George Osborne  which would scrap housing benefits for under 25s.

It follows Lib Dem MP Simon Hughes' statement on Question Time last night that he would oppose the move and be "very surprised" if his leader did.

It had been reported that Clegg had agreed to the move, but has said the government should prioritise taxing the wealthy, rather than cutting benefits.