Author Archives: The Voice

Willie Rennie’s New Year Message

By The Voice | Fri 3rd January 2020 - 8:55 am

This is Willie Rennie’s New Year message:

Around the globe, dark currents have buffeted liberal democracy. Boris Johnson’s Brexit threatens to cut us off from our European neighbours, while Donald Trump’s trade wars and Twitter tirades threaten to undo America’s status as a global leader. Meanwhile from Hong Kong to Xinjiang, protestors and activists face brutal clampdowns. These are the challenges we must face up to over the next twelve months.

Closer to home there are huge challenges too. From long waits for mental health treatment to the bungled rollout of the new childcare entitlement, Liberal Democrats will highlight, debate and scrutinise the government so that everyone can rely on great public services that help them to build a brighter future.

Posted in News | Tagged willie rennie | Leave a comment

Ed Davey’s New Year Message – Liberalism in action

By The Voice | Tue 31st December 2019 - 2:35 pm

What’s your New Year’s Resolution @LibDems? 👇 HNY! https://t.co/9oJFJZxTPA

— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) December 31, 2019

I’ve made a New Year’s Resolution.

I want to show my community better than ever what liberalism means in action.

So I’ll be working harder than ever in my constituency advice surgeries, helping local people with their financial problems, with their housing issues and working with local people to strengthen our communities, that we’re privileged to serve.

If that sounds like old-fashioned, grassroots, community politics, you’re hearing me.

Last December’s election was, on several levels, deeply depressing.

But flip it over. There’s actually a huge opportunity here for us, the Liberal Democrats.

Of course, we’ve a job to do, continuing to oppose Brexit. To remain Britain’s leading pro-European, internationalist party.

Yet that’s never been our sole purpose, has it? Liberalism is so much more.

We’ve always been a party determined to shake up the system.

Socially. Economically. Politically. Environmentally.

We know Liberal Democrats care passionately about tackling social injustice, creating opportunity, beating climate change.

The question for 2020 is can we show all that to the rest of the UK – our full Liberal purpose?

Posted in News | 7 Comments

Season’s greetings

By The Voice | Tue 24th December 2019 - 1:00 pm

We will be taking a break until later in the week. We won’t be checking emails to the voice address until we return, so please be patient.

And have a great time yourself!

Posted in Site news | 3 Comments

Thanks!

By The Voice | Fri 13th December 2019 - 10:36 pm

You viewed Liberal Democrat Voice 25,892 times today.

Thank you for making us the place you come to when the proverbial solids of fate hit the Vent-Axia© of the Electoral Process.

(RIP Humphrey Lyttelton).

Posted in Site news | Tagged 2019 general election and featured | 15 Comments

Jo Swinson speech following General Election

By The Voice | Fri 13th December 2019 - 2:25 pm

This winter election has been dark in more ways than one.

Leaders evading scrutiny, whether it was Corbyn ducking phone-ins or Johnson hiding in a fridge.

Voters feeling forced to choose the least worst option, squeezing out positivity.

Even before it started, we saw an exodus of MPs, especially women, ground down by abuse, intimidation and threats.

I’m proud that the Liberal Democrats provided a welcoming home for those abandoned by their parties, those who were hounded out, like Luciana Berger.

sadly the results have seen us lose Luciana from Parliament and many other talented MPs such as Tom Brake, Sam Gyimah, Chuka Umunna, Jane …

Posted in News | Tagged Jo Swinson | 28 Comments

Bamber Gascoigne supports Sarah Olney in Richmond Park

By The Voice | Wed 11th December 2019 - 6:38 pm

University Challenge legend Bamber Gascoigne has thrown his support behind Lib Dem candidate Sarah Olney in Richmond Park.

“It’s very important that we win back Richmond,” says Bamber who presented the hit TV quiz show for 25 years.

Posted in News | Tagged bomber gascoigne, endorsements, general election 2019, richmond park and sarah olney | 3 Comments

Rob’s Liberal Democrat rap

By The Voice | Tue 10th December 2019 - 11:58 am

Liberal Democrat Rob Castell thought he would be standing against Dominic Grieve in Beaconsfield. However, he stood aside when the election was announced. Dominic Grieve has been an important pro-Remain voice in the Commons, crucial to stopping Brexit. He is standing as an independent and the Liberal Democrats locally and nationally agreed not to oppose him.

Rob has been campaigning with Dominic Grieve, who is picking up much unexpected support.

Rob’s generosity in standing aside is clear. He has been a great and positive presence on social media during the campaign, though. Recently, he was put in touch with the producers of Politix and Chill, a new BBC Sussex podcast for young people. They asked him to write and record a rap about politics. Two others, from the Conservatives and Labour, were also invited to do so and they were judged by talent scouts.

Rob told me that it was a great experience and he hopes it will make politics more accessible for young people.

Watch it here.

Three politicians… One rap battle 🔥 This is Fire in the Polling Booth 🎙 #BBCPolitix @BBCSounds @BBCPolitics @_robcastell @GoLocalVoteJoe @BellaSankey pic.twitter.com/LxZYREAzzT

— BBC Sussex (@BBCSussex) December 5, 2019

The words to Rob’s rap are below:

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged bbc sussex, general election 2019, music and rob castelll | 1 Comment

Steve Coogan campaigns for Lib Dem Oli Henman in Lewes

By The Voice | Tue 10th December 2019 - 8:55 am

As part of an initiative to encourage tactical voting, comedian Steve Coogan joined Liberal Democrat candidate for Lewes Oli Henman for a campaigning session:

Fantastic to have the support of STEVE COOGAN for my campaign to be the next MP for #Lewes #Seaford #Newhaven #Polegate – as he says, we need to box clever and #VoteTactically to defeat the #Tories #StopBoris #GTTO #VoteHenman #BrighterFuture pic.twitter.com/LdH7pL84fw

— Oli Henman (@OliHenman) December 8, 2019

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged general election 2019, lewes and oli henman | Leave a comment

TV legend Esther Rantzen backs Luciana Berger

By The Voice | Sun 8th December 2019 - 8:12 am

Television presenter Esther Rantzen is throwing her support behind the Lib Dem candidate in Finchley and Golders Green. She said:

As a floating voter myself, I believe we need to support outstanding individuals to ensure we elect the best politicians with integrity and determination.

Although I do not live in her constituency, I am greatly impressed by Luciana’s courage and commitment in standing for election when she has in the past as an MP suffered appalling abuse and prejudice.

She has put herself in the firing line for fearlessly exposing anti-Jewish racism.

It might have been tempting to decide to leave politics when women, especially Jewish women, have come under so much vicious attack. Instead she has decided to fight prejudice and resist hatred and xenophobia.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged esther rantzen, featured and luciana berger | Leave a comment

Dom Joly: I’m backing Lib Dem Max Wilkinson in Cheltenham

By The Voice | Wed 4th December 2019 - 3:20 pm

Dom Joly, the TV comedian, is throwing his support behind the Lib Dem candidate in Cheltenham, Max Wilkinson:

For so long, due to our ridiculously unfair first-past-the-post electoral system, my vote has meant nothing when cast in a constituency with a massive majority for the sitting MP.

This is why I’m so excited, having just moved to Cheltenham, to feel that my vote really can make a difference in this Lib-Dem/Tory marginal. I am putting all my support behind the Lib-Dem candidate, Max Wilkinson, as I think he will make a superb local MP.

Posted in News | Tagged dom joly, endorsements and general election 2019 | 2 Comments

Jo Swinson’s statement on the London Bridge attacks: Those who seek to terrorise or divide us will never succeed

By The Voice | Fri 29th November 2019 - 7:35 pm

Jo has issued the following statement on the London Bridge attacks:

Our emergency services have once again displayed the courage and professionalism that keeps us safe everyday. I am hugely grateful to each and every one of them.

My thoughts are with the people who were injured and all those affected by this appalling display of violence.

Today’s incident reminds us that we can never take our security for granted. We must never forget the vital work that our police and security services do to keep us safe.

Those who seek to terrorise us, divide us or undermine our freedoms will never succeed.

Posted in News | 2 Comments

Lib Dems publish plan to end rough sleeping

By The Voice | Thu 28th November 2019 - 9:12 am

Today the Liberal Democrats will set out a bold plan to end rough sleeping within five years, spanning social housing, welfare, local authority funding and legal changes.

Shadow Housing Secretary Tim Farron declared that “nobody should have to spend a night sleeping on the streets” and announced a package of measures to prevent rough sleeping, including:

Scrapping the Vagrancy Act
Introducing a “somewhere safe to stay” duty on local authorities to provide immediate emergency accommodation
Abolishing Section 21 “no fault” evictions
Increasing Local Housing Allowance payments
Providing accommodation and support for survivors of domestic abuse
Extending the “move

…

Posted in News | Tagged homelessness, rough sleeping and tim farron | 5 Comments

Lib Dems announce war on plastics

By The Voice | Wed 27th November 2019 - 12:42 pm

Yesterday, the Liberal Democrats will set out a raft of policies as part of a radical plan to end the UK’s addiction to plastic.

These policies include:

Requiring all retailers to reduce the amount of plastics and non-recyclable packaging they use
Implementing a deposit return scheme
Ending plastic exports abroad by 2030

Following this announcement, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, Wera Hobhouse said:

The UK produces 2.26 million tonnes of plastic packaging every year, but less than half of this is being recycled. The Conservatives have claimed they will cut plastic pollution but all they have done in reality is attempt to get

…

Posted in News | Tagged recycling, single use plastics and wera hobhouse | 5 Comments

Umunna: Defence budget would be £1bn higher under Lib Dems than Tories

By The Voice | Tue 26th November 2019 - 12:21 pm

If the UK leaves the EU under Johnson’s leadership we will become more reliant on Trump, and risk becoming a vassal state of the United States.
Johnson is part of a network of populist, right-wing, authoritarian nationalists
In order to stop Boris Johnson getting a majority, seats need to be taken from the Tories which the Lib Dems are best placed to do
Ahead of the NATO Summit the Liberal Democrats are committing to spend extra money on defence and aid.

Yesterday, Liberal Democrat Foreign Secretary Chuka Umunna delivered a speech in Watford ahead of the NATO leaders conference.

The Liberal Democrats’ Shadow Foreign …

Posted in News | Tagged chuka umunna, defence spending and international development | 4 Comments

Greg Dyke: Why I’m backing the Lib Dems

By The Voice | Tue 26th November 2019 - 9:35 am

Greg Dyke, the broadcaster and former Director-General of the BBC is endorsing the Liberal Democrats in the General Election:

This is the most important general election in living memory. As a staunch remainer I’ll be supporting the Liberal Democrats partly because they are the leading anti-Brexit party but also because they have a progressive, centre-left, business friendly agenda. There is no way in a million years I could bring myself to support a party led by Boris Johnson, a man no-one should trust, or a party led by Jeremy Corbyn, a lifelong anti-European pretending he’s not. This is our last chance to stay in the EU.

Posted in News | Tagged general election 2019, greg dyke, lib dem endorsements and liberal democrat supporters | 7 Comments

Michael Heseltine: Reject Boris Johnson and vote Lib Dem

By The Voice | Tue 26th November 2019 - 6:15 am

It’s been a weekend of high profile endorsements of the Lib Dems.

First, Alastair Campbell went canvassing with our Luciana Berger in Finchley and Golders Green:

Fascinating few hours with @schooltruth out canvassing for @lucianaberger in Finchley and Golders Green. I know @UKLabour second last time but the anti-Semitism and general views re Corbyn mean she is the best placed pre @peoplesvote_uk candidate. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/WiGfaYcqNq

— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) November 24, 2019

Then Dominic Raab’s predecessor as Conservative MP for Esher and Walton backed Lib Dem Monica Harding.

From the Surrey Comet:

In a dramatic twist in the race for his old seat, Mr Taylor urged residents not to vote Conservative and said the Lib Dem’s candidate Monica Harding was “worthy of support” instead.

Brexit has scrambled traditional party allegiances and loyalties. Brexit will seriously damage and fragment the UK. My Independent friends need massive backing@DominicGrieve1 @DavidGauke @AnneMilton In my former constituency @monicabeharding is worthy of support. Here's why: pic.twitter.com/JbHG3FkmLH

— Ian Colin Taylor (@iancolintaylor) November 25, 2019

Monica welcomed Ian Taylor’s endorsement:

I am extremely grateful for @iancolintaylor support & the growing support I am receiving from constituents across #EsherandWalton who are fed up with #DominicRaab’s extreme right wing politics. I represent the moderate ground. Vote for me @GE219 @unitetoremain #TacticalVoting https://t.co/tedA35uIru

— Monica Harding (@monicabeharding) November 25, 2019

And last night, Michael Heseltine, always on the left of the Tory Party until he was ejected from it for saying he was voting for us during the Euros, announced he was doing the same again.

Posted in News | Tagged alastair campbell, general election 2019, ian taylor, lib dem endorsements, lib dem supporters, michael heseltine and monica harding | 2 Comments

WATCH: Alliance Party Party Election Broadcast – Demand Better

By The Voice | Fri 22nd November 2019 - 10:23 am

Our sister party in Northern Ireland has produced a heavily pro EU election broadcast.

Posted in News | Tagged Alliance party of northern ireland | 5 Comments

Broadcaster John Tusa backs the Lib Dems

By The Voice | Thu 21st November 2019 - 10:48 am

The broadcaster and former Newsnight presenter John Tusa has declared his support for the Lib Dems…

I am British by citizenship, Czech by birth, European by culture, history and identity. The Lib Dems are the only party to believe in our continuing membership of the European Union. They are the only party not taken over by the extreme factions in national politics. They are the only non-sectarian party. They are the only party that puts the sovereignty of parliament at the heart of our representative democracy.

Posted in News | Tagged backing Lib Dems, general election 2019, john tusa and liberal democrat supporters | 32 Comments

WATCH: Jo Swinson launching the manifesto

By The Voice | Wed 20th November 2019 - 10:16 pm

Jo Swinson launched the Lib Dem manifesto today.

Here’s her speech:

Posted in News | Tagged general election 2019, Jo Swinson and liberal democrat manifesto | 18 Comments

£10 billion for schools and 20,000 more teachers is an investment in our children’s future

By The Voice | Wed 20th November 2019 - 8:04 am

Today, the Liberal Democrats will announce plans to spend £10 billion more a year on schools and hire 20,000 more teachers by the end of the next Parliament. This comes ahead of the Liberal Democrat manifesto launch later today.

A Liberal Democrat government will reverse frontline school cuts since 2015 with an emergency cash injection of £4.6 billion next year.

By 2024/25, the party will spend £10.6 billion more on schools than in 2019/20. This is more than the Conservatives have offered in every year of the Parliament.

Liberal Democrats will use this money to boost teaching numbers by 20,000 …

Posted in News | Tagged education spending, Jo Swinson and layla moran | 10 Comments

Jo’s ITV interview – the highlights

By The Voice | Tue 19th November 2019 - 11:07 pm

Here are the higlights of Jo’s ITV interview:

On uniting the country by tacking the issues that made Leave voters feel so dissatisfied in the first place:

Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson says she would revoke Article 50 if she were to be elected prime minister #ITVinterviews https://t.co/MtNtsEXhha pic.twitter.com/y9stbzcDTS

— ITV News (@itvnews) November 19, 2019

And on tackling the climate emergency and how the EU helps us:

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged general election 2019 and Jo Swinson | 53 Comments

Jo’s take on the #itvdebate

By The Voice | Tue 19th November 2019 - 9:23 pm

Jo Swinson has taken to Twitter to make her points in the Leaders’ debate from which she has been excluded. A shout out to the people who so quickly cut together excerpts from the debate and clips of Jo putting the alternative view for people to share on social media.

What Johnson and Corbyn won't tell you is that whatever happens if we leave the EU, this is the beginning of years of negotiations. The Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit on day one and build a brighter future #ITVDebate pic.twitter.com/TtDaHtVd8I

— Jo Swinson (@joswinson) November 19, 2019

Johnson and Corbyn won't tell you the truth – the biggest threat to our NHS is Brexit. Only the Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit and protect our NHS. #ITVDebate pic.twitter.com/VEOMbhygcU

— Jo Swinson (@joswinson) November 19, 2019

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged general election 2019, itvdebate and Jo Swinson | 2 Comments

Lib Dems will invest £35 billion and stop Brexit to protect NHS

By The Voice | Tue 19th November 2019 - 7:45 am

The Liberal Democrats have today set out their plans to protect the NHS, by stopping Brexit and investing an extra £35 billion in the health service and social care over the next five years.

The Liberal Democrats would raise £7 billion a year in additional revenue, ring-fenced for the NHS and social care services, by adding a penny on income tax. On top of this, the party has announced a £10 billion capital fund to upgrade equipment, ambulances, hospitals and other NHS buildings to bring them into the 21st Century.

The Liberal Democrats have also set out plans to tackle the severe …

Posted in News | Tagged health spending, luciana berger and NHS | 15 Comments

WATCH: Jo Swinson’s speech to the CBI

By The Voice | Mon 18th November 2019 - 9:00 pm

Courtesy of the Guardian’s You Tube channel.

Jo talked about the Lib Dems being the party of business and set out our strategy:

The speech went down reasonably well. Carolyn Fairbairn, the CBI head said afterwards:

Posted in News | Tagged business, cbi, general election 2019 and Jo Swinson | 12 Comments

WATCH: Jo Swinson’s LBC interview with Iain Dale

By The Voice | Mon 18th November 2019 - 11:55 am

Yesterday, Jo Swinson spoke to Iain Dale about the brighter future that the Liberal Democrats are offering to the British people on December 12th.

Posted in News | Tagged general election 2019 and Jo Swinson | 1 Comment

Swinson: The Liberal Democrats are the party of business

By The Voice | Mon 18th November 2019 - 8:22 am

Today (18/11/19), Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson will be making a speech to business leaders at the CBI annual conference. She will be making the case that the Liberal Democrats are the natural party of business.

Jo Swinson is expected to say:

In an interview last week, Carolyn asked who the party of business is today.

The answer is clear. The Liberal Democrats are the natural party of business.

With the Conservatives in the pocket of Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn stuck in the 1970s, we are the only ones standing up for you.

Because we believe

…

Posted in News | Tagged business and Jo Swinson | 21 Comments

Lib Dem Jobwatch: Do you want to work on the Lib Dems’ election campaign?

By The Voice | Sun 10th November 2019 - 12:30 pm

The Lib Dems are looking for field organisers to work for the party in the run up to the General Election.

The party is looking for people who have the following skills:

Essential Skills and Experience

A positive attitude with the ability to inspire others.
An enthusiastic approach to the job.
An open and approachable personality.
Confident talking to new people, both volunteers and members of the public.
The ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Strong verbal communication skills.
Sympathy with the aims and objectives of the Liberal Democrats

.Desirable Skills and Experience

A full clean driving license and access to a

…

Posted in News | Tagged general election 2019 and lib dem job watch | Leave a comment

Jo Swinson’s statement for Remembrance Sunday

By The Voice | Sun 10th November 2019 - 9:15 am

Here is Jo Swinson’s statement for Remembrance Sunday

Today we remember all those who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom. We also give our heartfelt thanks to those members of our armed forces, to veterans and their families, for all they do and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.

We know it is so hard for people to be away from their loved ones and we owe them a debt of gratitude. We should also pause to reflect and remember today how fragile peace can be and how important it is that we all continue to stand up alongside our allies to preserve it.

Posted in News | Tagged remembrance sunday | 13 Comments

Boost free childcare to build a brighter future

By The Voice | Sat 9th November 2019 - 9:14 am

The Liberal Democrats will today (09/11/19) announce bold plans to introduce free childcare from 9 months, transforming the lives of parents and children across the UK.

Today’s high cost of childcare means that too many parents are unable to return to work without risking real financial hardship. With the average cost of 25 hours nursery care for a child under two running to more than £6500 per year, many parents are effectively excluded from work due to the burden of childcare costs.

A Liberal Democrat government will build a fairer economy by providing free, high-quality childcare for every child aged two to …

Posted in News | Tagged childcare, education, Jo Swinson and layla moran | 8 Comments

Three poll boosts for Lib Dem candidates

By The Voice | Fri 8th November 2019 - 10:25 am

Three constituency election polls put Lib Dems in touching distance of taking Dominic Raab’s Esher and Walton seat. This is great news for Lib Dem candidate Monica Harding.

The polling work was done before the announcement that Esher and Walton was part of the Unite to Remain arrangement.

Thank you to @TheGreenParty for standing aside in #EsherandWalton through the @unitetoremain agreement. This is a brave decision allowing me a clear run against a hardline Brexit Conservative. Together we can #RejectRaab, #StopBrexit and tackle the climate emergency. Join me. pic.twitter.com/79hN2VzeFj

— Monica Harding (@monicabeharding) November 7, 2019

Another poll put is on course to win South Cambridgeshire where Ian Sollom is our candidate

South Cambridgeshire, constituency voting intention:

LDEM: 40% (+21)
CON: 36% (-16)
LAB: 12% (-15)
BREX: 7% (+7)
GRN: 4% (+2)

via @Survation, 04 – 05 Nov
Chgs. w/ GE2017 result

— Britain Elects (@BritainElects) November 6, 2019

And with just under 5 weeks to go, Dr Phillip Lee is only 4 points behind John Redwood in Wokingham.

Posted in News | Tagged general election 2019, ian sollom, monica harding, phillip lee and Polls | 4 Comments

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What’s going on with party strategy?

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Author Archives: The Voice

Willie Rennie’s New Year Message

Ed Davey’s New Year Message – Liberalism in action

Season’s greetings

Thanks!

Jo Swinson speech following General Election

Bamber Gascoigne supports Sarah Olney in Richmond Park

Rob’s Liberal Democrat rap

Steve Coogan campaigns for Lib Dem Oli Henman in Lewes

TV legend Esther Rantzen backs Luciana Berger

Dom Joly: I’m backing Lib Dem Max Wilkinson in Cheltenham

Jo Swinson’s statement on the London Bridge attacks: Those who seek to terrorise or divide us will never succeed

Lib Dems publish plan to end rough sleeping

Lib Dems announce war on plastics

Umunna: Defence budget would be £1bn higher under Lib Dems than Tories

Greg Dyke: Why I’m backing the Lib Dems

Michael Heseltine: Reject Boris Johnson and vote Lib Dem

WATCH: Alliance Party Party Election Broadcast – Demand Better

Broadcaster John Tusa backs the Lib Dems

WATCH: Jo Swinson launching the manifesto

£10 billion for schools and 20,000 more teachers is an investment in our children’s future

Jo’s ITV interview – the highlights

Jo’s take on the #itvdebate

Lib Dems will invest £35 billion and stop Brexit to protect NHS

WATCH: Jo Swinson’s speech to the CBI

WATCH: Jo Swinson’s LBC interview with Iain Dale

Swinson: The Liberal Democrats are the party of business

Lib Dem Jobwatch: Do you want to work on the Lib Dems’ election campaign?

Jo Swinson’s statement for Remembrance Sunday

Boost free childcare to build a brighter future

Three poll boosts for Lib Dem candidates

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Josh Babarinde writes…The Lib Dem Summer of Strategy

Alison Suttie writes: Thank you to our volunteers

What’s going on with party strategy?

A strange but welcome feeling

Author Archives: The Voice

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