Author Archives: The Voice

The Voice

Conference Countdown: Federal Policy Committee Report

By The Voice | Thu 21st August 2025 - 9:21 am

Federal Committees report to each Conference. It’s an important way for members to hold them to account. Conference votes on whether to accept or reject each report. You can read the reports here.  Members can also ask questions which need to be submitted here by 1pm on 8th September.  We’ll be looking at what they say. 

Our next stop on our meander through the agenda is the Federal Policy Committee report written by vice chairs Jeremy Hargreaves, Lucy Nethsingha and Helen Morgan MP.

They set out what the Committee has been doing during the past year including the policy review chaired by the Young Liberals’  and Women Lib Dems’ Eleanor Kelly, which will be voted on separately at Conference. Other policy papers to be debated at the Conference are on climate change and opportunity and skills.

Two working groups set up by FPC earlier this year, on mental health and town centres and high streets have consultation sessions at this Conference.

They also report on recruitment for further working groups on Defending Democracy and Primary Healthcare, international security and re-invigorating the economy.

FPC has also been reviewing how it operates, particularly with relation to diversity:

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The Voice

Welsh Liberal Democrats announce candidates for two Senedd constituencies

By The Voice | Thu 21st August 2025 - 7:30 am

Mike Hamilton will head the Party’s list for the Casnewydd Islwyn (Newport and Islwyn) constituency at the 2026 Senedd election following a party selection process in the constituency.

Casnewydd Islwyn is one of the new constituencies for the 2026 Welsh Parliament elections, covering the Westminster constituencies of Newport East and Newport West and Islwyn.

Dr Mike Hamilton is a former Merchant Navy Engineer and archaeologist, who is well known in Newport for his community campaigning. He is a former Deputy Leader of Newport Council. Speaking following his selection, Dr Hamilton thanked local Party members for backing him, and said:

Wales needs change after 26 years of mismanagement. We need proper strategic management of the Welsh economy, not endless money wasting on vanity projects. We need to fix the fundamental problems with the Welsh NHS, where Welsh patients wait much longer than English patients for key operations, despite equivalent per-patient spending. And we need to ensure that Wales shows moral leadership on Gaza, where war crimes and human rights abuses have been met with a supine response by the UK Labour Government.

Mike Hamilton will be joined on the Party list for the constituency by John Miller.

Meanwhile, Kevin Wilkins will head the Party’s list for the Sir Fynwy Torfaen constituency at the 2026 Senedd election following a party selection process in the constituency.

Sir Fynwy Torfaen is one of the new constituencies for the 2026 Welsh Parliament elections, covering the Westminster constituencies of Monmouthshire and Torfaen.

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The Voice

Chancellor needs to take bolder action on inflation – Daisy Cooper

By The Voice | Wed 20th August 2025 - 11:58 am

July’s inflation figure of 3.8% is a sign that the Chancellor needs to take stronger action says Lib Dem Treasury Spokesperson Daisy Cooper. And she has an idea up her sleeve about how to do that:

Rising inflation is grim news for families, pensioners and businesses still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

After the Conservative Government oversaw the biggest fall in living standards on record, people desperately need things to change. But, so far, Labour has failed to offer a vision for the economy or a strategy to bring down the cost of living.

The Chancellor needs to take far bolder action, starting with the Liberal Democrat plan to halve energy bills by 2035.

Details of that plan to halve energy bills can be found here:

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The Voice

Conference Countdown: Federal Conference Committee report

By The Voice | Wed 20th August 2025 - 8:51 am

Federal Committees report to each Conference. It’s an important way for members to hold them to account. Conference votes on whether to accept or reject each report. You can read the reports here.  Members can also ask questions which need to be submitted here by 1pm on 8th September.  We’ll be looking at what they say. Our meander through the agenda starts with the Federal Conference Committee report written by chair Nick Da Costa. Here are the highlights: 

I am delighted that we are returning to Bournemouth for Autumn Conference 2025, once again at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). It’s a venue we know and love and the team here have been tremendously supportive in helping us deliver what promises to be one of our biggest Conferences yet.
Since Spring Conference in Harrogate, the Liberal Democrats have gone from strength to strength. In the May local elections, we gained an impressive 163 Councillors and won control of three Councils. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who helped achieve those fantastic results!

If this is your first Conference, welcome! And if you’ve been coming for years – welcome back!

FCC Helpdesk & Training
As always, the FCC is here to help you get the most out of Conference. Whether you have questions about the agenda, submitting motions, or speaking in debates – come and find us.

The FCC Helpdesk will be open at the following times:
● Saturday: 10:30 – 11:30 & 13:00 – 14:00
● Sunday: 10:30 – 11:30
● Monday: 10:30 – 11:30

We are also running two training sessions on Saturday:
● How to Survive Conference: 09:30 – 10:45
● How to Write a Motion: 11:00 – 12:15

Everyone is welcome whether you’re a seasoned Conference-goer or attending for the first time.

Agenda & Selections

As ever, time in the auditorium is limited and FCC had to make some difficult choices in selecting motions for debate. We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to submit motions and proposals.

This year, we selected three Federal Policy Committee (FPC) papers for debate: climate change, opportunities and skills, and Leading the Way: Policy Review Paper. We also selected several motions on international affairs including a motion on resetting the UK’s relationship with the EU and defending women’s rights across the globe. Healthcare is another strong theme of this
Conference, and we’ve included motions on emergency care reform, supporting hospice care, and justice for victims of the contaminated blood scandal. In addition, there is a wide range of motions covering topics such as education, housing, policing, and transport amongst others.

We have also reserved a slot for a topic debate, plus slots for emergency motions enabling us to respond to fast-moving developments and critical issues as they arise.

He also invites anyone thinking of standing for FCC in this year’s internal elections to have a chat at Bournemouth.

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The Voice

Palestine Action arrests: Lib Dems call on terrorism tsar to review law

By The Voice | Fri 15th August 2025 - 8:43 pm

Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart has written to the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism legislation Jonathan Hall KC to ask him to review the legislation that led to the arrest of more than 500 people for expressing support for proscribed organisation Palestine Action.

To cover all her bases, she has also written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to ask her to order an independent investigation by Jonathan Hall.

She said:

Acts of terrorism, antisemitic hate and violence, and violent disorder should all be punished to the fullest extent of the law and are totally unacceptable. It is right that the police already have the powers to make clear to organisations and individuals that we, as a society, will not stand for it and the consequences will be serious.

In the case of arresting hundreds of peaceful protesters not engaging in these actions, in a country that prides itself on democratic debate, these measures appear disproportionate. The Conservatives clamped down on the right to protest peacefully and this Labour government now risks doing the same.

We must protect the pillars of our democracy and where there is a chance they have been put at risk, we must look again. That is why I am urging the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation to take up this review and if it is found the Government’s actions are indeed chilling freedom of speech then they must change course and address this in legislation.

Here is her letter to Jonathan Hall in full:

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The Voice

Get ready for Autumn Conference – papers published

By The Voice | Mon 4th August 2025 - 7:33 pm

It’s just six weeks on Saturday until we all gather in Bournemouth for Autumn Conference.

Over the past few days, the party has published the final agenda, Conference reports and the outcome of the Policy Review. You can read them all here.

The four days of Conference will see debates on topics ranging from youth work to climate change to emergency care, transport, reducing harm from gambling, helping contaminated blood victims, giving Ukrainian children certainty in the UK and protecting women’s rights across the globe.

On Monday afternoon the Policy Review will be debated. This is the outcome of a year’s work by a group chaired by Ed Davey. It seeks to identify any areas where they think our policy needs to be updated in the run-up to the next election.

From the forward:

The Liberal Democrats’ purpose in British politics, however, is much
greater than just vanquishing what’s left of the Conservative Party and
being the careful scrutineers of Labour’s actions – crucial though those
jobs are. Our purpose is as it has always been, as it is spelt out in our
party’s constitution: to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society,
in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality
and community, and in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty,
ignorance or conformity.

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The Voice

A Celebration of the life of David Boyle

By The Voice | Tue 29th July 2025 - 11:19 am

There will be a Celebration of the Life of David Boyle on Wednesday 10th September at the Cocktail Bar of The Bedford Balham, 77 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9HD from 7pm.

You can read a tribute to David here.

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The Voice

Housing expert selected to represent Scottish Lib Dems in Central Scotland and Lothians West

By The Voice | Sat 26th July 2025 - 12:04 pm

Scottish Liberal Democrats have today announced homelessness and community campaigner Paul McGarry as their candidate for the Central Scotland and Lothians West regional list at the forthcoming Scottish election.

Made homeless at the age of 16, Paul was driven into politics by a desire to tackle the root causes of homelessness and support some of the poorest communities in his area.

For several years, he worked in youth projects across Scotland, including Lanark, Motherwell, East Kilbride, Falkirk and Hamilton.

He now works a senior Business Development Manager at a national training provider, helping organisations across the UK improve health, safety and wellbeing.

As the Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for housing and homelessness, he is a longstanding campaigner for new schools, new community centres and more affordable housing.

Paul McGarry said:

I got into politics to make a difference. Becoming homeless at 16 showed me how fragile the system can be, how easily people can fall through the cracks and how vital it is to have someone fighting your corner.

Living in central Scotland, I see how much people are struggling. They feel like they’re stuck on a permanent waiting list, from NHS treatment to affordable housing.

As a Liberal Democrat, I am committed to giving people the representation they deserve. That means fixing our broken health service, tackling the housing crisis, lifting up local economies and delivering the best education for our children.

I don’t consider myself a typical politician. I’ve seen life’s challenges up close and personal, and that’s what motivates me as a parliamentary candidate. I want to change things for the better and get results for the people of Central Scotland and Lothians West.

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The Voice

Councillor and environmental campaigner tops Edinburgh and Lothians East regional list

By The Voice | Fri 25th July 2025 - 8:16 am

Scottish Liberal Democrats have today announced that local councillor and environmental campaigner Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has been selected as the party’s lead candidate for the Edinburgh and Lothians East regional list at next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

Sanne has lived in Edinburgh for 23 years. In her professional life, Sanne raises money for charities that provide educational opportunities, and helped to establish an ocean protection initiative. She has a strong record of community action, speaking out to secure better cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, more protection for Wardie Bay and to protect the Roseburn Path.

In 2022, Sanne was elected as an Edinburgh Councillor for Forth ward, topping the poll ahead of Scottish Labour’s then Edinburgh leader. She sits on the Finance & Resources and Policy & Sustainability committees. Sanne is also contesting the seat of Edinburgh Northern.

The other candidates selected for the list are counsellor and therapist Jane Pickard, charity chief executive Charles Dundas and Edinburgh councillor Lewis Younie.

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The Voice

Lib Dems pick charity chief exec and environmental campaigner to top South Scotland list

By The Voice | Thu 24th July 2025 - 2:02 pm

Scottish Liberal Democrats have announced that charity chief executive Duncan Dunlop and environmental campaigner Ray Georgeson will top the party’s list for the South of Scotland region at the Scottish Parliament election next May.

Duncan was born in Kinloch Rannoch on the edge of the Scottish Highlands. After studying at Edinburgh University, he lived in many places across the world and the UK, before returning to Scotland in 2008. He is a keen rugby enthusiast and coaches mini rugby.

Professionally Duncan is a qualified youth worker and an experienced chief executive who specializes in care system reform with over 25 years’ experience of working with and for vulnerable young people in the UK, New Zealand, West Africa, post-communist Lithuania and post-conflict Western Balkans.

For nearly a decade he was the Chief Executive of Who Cares? Scotland, which he transformed into a globally respected advocacy organization, refining its focus to boldly represent care experienced voices and champion their rights. Duncan led the case for reforming care in Scotland which created the Scottish Care Review (2017). He was the expert independent adviser to the English Care Review (2022) and New Zealand Review (2015).

Ray Georgeson is an award-winning recycling campaigner and experienced former local councillor and council leader. He has had a successful career in the recycling and resource management industries over many decades, with roles in the public, private and voluntary sectors. He is presently a senior manager in a major Scottish environmental organisation. Ray contested Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk for the Liberal Democrats in the 2024 General Election.

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The Voice

Lib Dems oppose London Police counter closures

By The Voice | Wed 23rd July 2025 - 3:46 pm

Lsst week, the BBC reported that the Met Police had radical plans to close half its public front desks due to budget cuts.

There were further revelations about entrenched misogyny and racism, leading to the force attempting to rebuild trust with Londoners with a two-year plan making fresh commitments on community policing, in its A New Met for London strategy.

A key commitment was to have at least one 24/7 front counter in each of London’s 32 boroughs to make it easier for people to report crime.

But the BBC has seen leaked plans for the Met Police that show only eight counters will remain open 24/7, and there will also be reduced hours at 11 front counters, closing at 10pm weekdays and 7pm weekends.

Lib Dems in West London understand that Twickenham and Merton will lose their front desks.   The nearest 24 hour counters to Richmond will be Acton, Sutton & Lambeth.

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The Voice

Make your nominations for ALDC’s Campaigner Awards

By The Voice | Tue 22nd July 2025 - 10:26 am

The highlight of any Saturday night at Federal Conference is the ALDC’s Campaigner Awards which highlight the wonderful things our councillors and campaigners have been doing over the past year and the brilliant ways we have won elections.

In preparation for this year’s event in Bournemouth on 20th August, they are now looking for nominations in each category.

You don’t have to be an ALDC member to enter.

The Categories

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The Voice

Nominate someone for a party award: Deadline August 11

By The Voice | Wed 16th July 2025 - 2:25 pm

One of the best moments of any party conference is when we honour the people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for the party.

Party members are invited to nominate party colleagues for the following awards for this Autumn’s conference in Bourmemouth by 11th August.

The President’s Award

Eligibility: open to any Party Member elected to public office and who has demonstrated excellence and commitment, either in that role or both in that role and other roles for the party.

Criteria: the winner will be recognised for outstanding commitment and service to the Party. Local, regional, and state parties should be seeking to nominate people who deserve recognition for their hard work, long service, and demonstrable dedication to the party, at whatever level. It is expected to be special awards to be awarded from the Party for whom public recognition is overdue.

The Harriet Smith Liberal Democrat Distinguished Service Award

Background: this award is named for Harriet Smith, who campaigned and worked tirelessly for the Party, notably alongside Paddy Ashdown, with the Federal Conference Committee, and in the Bath party. A beloved figure, she is also missed from the Conference revue and by the team at the Liberator Magazine.

Eligibility: open to any Party Member never elected to public office.

Criteria: the Harriet Smith Award shares its conditions with the President’s award.

The Belinda Eyre-Brook Award

Background: this award is named for legendary campaigner Belinda Eyre-Brook, whose achievements with the Party include being Ed Davey’s agent in 1997, overturning 15,000 Tory Majority, and establishing one of the party’s longest-serving MPs.

Eligibility: given to recognise and celebrate the efforts of people working for our elected representatives in their local areas – from local party employees to political assistants to council groups, to people working in MPs’ constituency offices.

Criteria: the winner of this award will care about their local area and be committed to the success of Liberal Democrats within it. Turning local political priorities into electoral success, and priorities for elected officials is a key part of the work of successful local Party figures – as is linking with the national party.

The Dadabhai Naoroji award

Background: this award is named for the ‘Grand Old Man of India’, Liberal MP, and joint founder of the Indian National Congress, Dadabhai Naoroji. His work highlighting the reality of British rule over India and campaign for justice is an example to us all and his place in history, as the first non-white and first Indian Parliamentarian, is assured.

Eligibility: presented annually to the local Party that has done most to promote ethnic minority participants to elected office as Councillors, Assembly Members or Members of Parliament.

Criteria: this award is designed to encourage local parties to work towards the goal of increasing their ethnic diversity to more accurately reflect the areas they represent, and to recognise those that already make a great effort to involve different communities in their work.

The Penhaligon award

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The Voice

Ed Davey to set out plans to halve energy bills in a decade

By The Voice | Wed 16th July 2025 - 10:28 am

This afternoon, Ed Davey will give a major speech at the Institute for Public Policy Research in London.

We’re used to hearing from the right that our high energy prices are all to do with nasty net zero. Ed will tackle that nonsense

As an alternative, he will set out a plan to dramatically slash bills for families and businesses still struggling through a cost-of-living crisis.

He will call for “a Liberal Democrat energy policy in service of the British people, not a Nigel Farage energy policy in service of Vladimir Putin”.

He will set out a plan to break the link between gas prices and electricity costs, so people get the benefits of cheap, clean power. As well as accelerating investment in cheap renewable power and home insulation, the plan would move older expensive renewable projects to cheaper Contracts for Difference – which were pioneered by Ed Davey when he was Energy Secretary. Experts have estimated that this move alone could cut bills by around £200 a year for a typical household.

Here are some snippets that the party has released ahead of the speech:

After nearly a decade of criminally negligent energy policies under the Conservatives, that pushed up everyone’s bills, I believe the right policies now could cut energy bills in half – at least – within ten years.

That should be the goal. Nothing less. A Liberal Democrat energy policy in service of the British people. Not a Nigel Farage energy policy in service of Vladimir Putin.

On the sky-high bills facing families and businesses

Families and pensioners are being clobbered with bills that are still more than £50 a month higher than they were five years ago. So many people, who were already struggling to make ends meet, having to find an extra £50 a month – just to keep the lights on, or keep their homes warm this winter.

And businesses are suffering too. Even with the welcome extra help promised in the new Industrial Strategy, parts of British industry will continue to face some of the highest electricity prices in the OECD. We have to get those prices down – to boost living standards and grow our economy.

Addressing the myths peddled by the likes of Farage and Badenoch:

The narrative – seized upon by Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch – says the reason energy bills are so high is that we’re investing too much in renewable power. And if we just stopped that investment – and relied more on oil and gas instead – bills would magically come down for everyone.

The experience of record high gas prices in recent years shows that’s not true. And even when gas prices are softer, the long history of volatility in fossil fuel prices means it’s only a matter of time before high prices return. So we know that tying ourselves ever more to fossil fuels would only benefit foreign dictators like Vladimir Putin – which is probably why Farage is so keen on it.

But refusing to engage hasn’t stopped his myths from spreading, from gaining traction in the new world of fake news. So we must change that.

On breaking the link between gas prices and electricity costs:

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The Voice

Christine Jardine’s response in full

By The Voice | Thu 10th July 2025 - 3:26 pm

Following on from yesterday’s report of her sacking as the Party’s Spokesperson for Women and Equalities, and Scotland, Christine Jardine has published what can only be described as a classy response…

Dear Ed,

It is with sadness I am responding to your decision to remove me as the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women and Equalities, and Scotland following the Welfare Bill votes.

I wanted to thank you for all the support you have given me over the past 8 years. Please know I wish my successors all the best, and I will do anything I can to aid them in their

…

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The Voice

Has Christine Jardine been sacked from Lib Dem Front Bench?

By The Voice | Wed 9th July 2025 - 9:15 pm

Patrick Maguire, the Times lead political commentator, has reported tonight that Christine Jardine has been fired from her positions as spokesperson on Women and Equalities and on Scotland for defying the Lib Dem whip and voting against rather than abstaining on a Tory amendment to the Universal Credit and PIP Bill.

He said:

The quote from the Lib Dem source was quite something:

Christine Jardine has been sacked from the Lib Dem frontbench for voting against Tory amendment to the welfare bill – Ed Davey whipped MPs to abstain LD source: “We are not in the business of dancing to the tune of the Conservatives through symbolic votes and virtue signalling.”

But Kait Borsay of Times Radio says that Christine had not been informed of this:

We’ve just spoken to Christine Jardine

@TimesRadio

who says she’d not been told she’d been sacked.. (or not read the email).. but was warned it was likely. Seemed to accept the punishment as expected..

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The Voice

Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine strongly oppose the Government’s chilling extension of terrorism powers to deal with protest groups like Palestine Action

By The Voice | Mon 7th July 2025 - 11:48 am

Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine have issued the following statement about in response to the Government’s decision to proscribe “Palestine Action”.

The Liberal Democrats are the party of civil liberties. We oppose government overreach and seek to defend the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. The UK Government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation poses a grave threat to these fundamental rights and represents a dangerous expansion of counterterrorism
powers.

The definition of terrorism is intended to cover acts that cause death, serious personal injury or hostage taking. Palestine Action is a non violent direct-action group targeting companies complicit in the Israeli military-industrial complex. Its methods include occupying premises and damaging factory or military equipment. The persons accused of the actions at Brize Norton
were not charged with terrorism offences. LDFP believes that existing criminal legislation more than covers their actions and any offences should be dealt with as a criminal matter.

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The Voice

A great way to celebrate your first anniversary as MP

By The Voice | Fri 4th July 2025 - 2:43 pm

Today, most of our MPs celebrate the first anniversary of the General Election which saw them elected to Parliament.

For one of them, Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, it was a double celebration as his bill to ban the import of puppies, kittens and ferrets cleared all its Commons stages with Government backing.  It now heads to the Lords. The Bill bans the import of animals younger than six months old and also heavily pregnant animals who may be shipped  back and forth, at great harm to their welfare.

Danny said:

I’m so proud that this Bill has passed in the Commons. It will stop pet mutilation in Britain once and for all. This legislation will transform animal welfare in the UK and eradicate cruel practices that should have been wiped out years ago.

We are now one crucial step closer to closing the loopholes that allow that kind of animal abuse to happen in this country. Mutilated animals can face horrendous injuries, infections, and psychological issues, which vets like myself see each and every day.

Even more worryingly, the illegal smuggling of puppies has long caused serious public health worries that dangerous diseases could be brought back into the UK. This bill will curb those concerns – stamping out savage practices that endanger animals everywhere.

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The Voice

Three Lib Dem MPs nominated for Political Purpose Awards

By The Voice | Wed 2nd July 2025 - 5:30 pm

Three Lib Dem MPs have been shortlisted in the Political Purpose Awards.

From the Nature 2030 website:

The Political Purpose Awards recognise the efforts of UK politicians who have supported and championed environmental causes over the last year, incentivising more MPs to devote their time to protecting nature.

The awards return for their third edition in 2025, in partnership with Ecotricity. This year’s awards celebrate eight categories, including two new awards: Wildlife Crime Prevention and Rewilding and Restoring Nature.

This year’s shortlist was judged by an esteemed panel of campaigners, NGOs, and journalists, all of whom are deeply involved in environmental causes and are therefore exposed to the very best (and the worst) work by our elected representatives.

So, who are the three Lib Dem nominees:

Danny Chambers

Up for the Animal Welfare award, because of his Bill to restrict the import of puppies and other small animals, including ferrets. His citation says:

Danny Chambers has been a vocal supporter of legislation to combat puppy smuggling and improve animal welfare. In November 2024, Chambers supported the Puppy Smuggling Bill, which aims to strengthen regulations on dog imports to prevent illegal trading and improve welfare standards. The bill includes measures to raise the minimum age for imported puppies from 15 to 24 weeks, introduce stricter requirements for rabies testing, and limit the number of dogs that can be transported by a single person.

Tim Farron

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The Voice

Ed Davey: we must work for diplomatic solution

By The Voice | Sun 22nd June 2025 - 10:55 am

Ed Davey has commented on the US attacks on Iran:

Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose a grave threat to regional stability and global security. That threat can only truly be eliminated through robust diplomacy.

Following the US strikes, it is essential that we work to deescalate the conflict and achieve that diplomatic solution.

Do you think this is the right approach? Should he be more vocal in opposition to Trump’s actions?

let us know your views in the comments.

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The Voice

Lib Dems react to Spending Review “smoke and mirrors”

By The Voice | Wed 11th June 2025 - 2:16 pm

The Liberal Democrats have reacted to the Spending Review.

Daisy Cooper has warned that Rachel Reeves may have left a black hole for social care funding. This is based on local government having their funding cut by 1.4% during the period of the review. Councils have a statutory duty to provide social care and this does not help them.

This spending review was a missed opportunity to repair the damage done by the Conservatives and finally deliver on the promise of change.

Behind the smoke and mirrors is a potential blackhole for social care as local government budgets remain at breaking point. Putting more money into the NHS without fixing social care is like pouring water into a leaky bucket.

The Chancellor must also raise her ambition for the country and boost growth through a much closer trade deal with the EU. That’s the best way to improve people’s living standards and unlock billions of pounds more for our public services.

Welsh Lib Dem MP David Chadwick was distinctly unimpressed with Labour’s plans to invest in Welsh rail:

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The Voice

Ed and Emily Davey talk to This Morning about caring for their son

By The Voice | Wed 11th June 2025 - 9:55 am

Yesterday Ed Davey and his wife Emily, who is also the Housing Portfolio holder at Kingston Council, went on This Morning to talk about Ed’s book, Why I care and why care matters. which you can buy from the publishers Harper Collins or from other bookstores.

They talked about their own experience of caring for their disabled son John and about why supporting family carers is so important. Without them, the NHS and social care would literally fall apart.

You can see the whole interview on ITVx or STV Player or watch this clip:

Wales online reports:

Their son remains without an official diagnosis, with Ed explaining that John finds walking and communicating difficult, adding: “Because he’s undiagnosed, you’re on a journey both with the people in the health service, and other carers.”

“He’s our wonderful boy and we’ve tried to help him become as independent as possible,” Ed, who also shares daughter Ellie with his wife, said.

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Tribute: HRH Nana Gyamera-Gyechie I (Godfried Eugene Gyechie)

By The Voice | Thu 29th May 2025 - 9:39 am

Back in 2016 Lib Dem Voice published a unique post in which we announced that a former Lib Dem councillor had been enthroned as a prince in Ghana. Sadly we have recently heard that he died on 22nd April. His funeral will be held on Monday 2nd June at 11.30am at Perry Rise Baptist Church.

We have received this tribute from some of his friends and colleagues.

  • Prince and Chief Advisor in Ghana
  • Former Lib Dem Councillor
  • Ethnic Minority Lib Dems Treasurer

We wish to pay tribute to the life and work of his HRH Nana Gyamera-Gyechie I, commonly known as Godfried Eugene Gyechie.

Godfried was the first black Lib Dem councillor to represent Blackheath ward in Lewisham, from 2006-2010.

Michael Bukola writes:

It can be difficult being one of Francis Urquhart’s “backroom boys”, but as we know, it takes all types to make a political party and Godfried was a quiet warrior who met life’s storms with strength and left this world far too soon. He endured at times periods of ill health with grace, humour, and an unwavering positivity that inspired everyone who knew him.

Godfried was a model professional, his dedication to his work, to his constituents is a credit to his unwavering focus, the time, and effort he poured into his work as an accountant and as a politician. This was epitomised by his contribution during the 2010 General Election during “Cleggmania” where the infamous Yellow Battle bus arrived in Blackheath during the final days of the campaign. This was where I first met Godfried on the ‘heath’ literally for the first time, amongst the screams of “I agree with Nick”.

Julliet Makhapila writes:

He spoke about the importance of better representation in UK Politics from amongst underrepresented Ethnic Communities. He also cared about education, and promoting the Arts and Cultural heritage of the African Ghana communities.

From BLAC Lib Dems and LDCRE:

We send our condolences, thoughts and prayers to Godfried’s family.

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The Voice

Lisa Smart on standing up to divisive politics

By The Voice | Wed 14th May 2025 - 1:55 pm

Earlier this week, Liberal Democrat MPs forced a vote on an amendment which would have allowed asylum seekers to work if they had been waiting on their decision for more than three months. Of course Labour, Tories and Reform voted against it.

Here is our Home Affairs Spokesperson Lisa Smart introducing this in Parliament.

Allowing asylum seekers to work has long been an aim of our party. In the last Parliament Christine Jardine attempted to bring in a private members bill which would implement this.

Lisa  has been writing on the party website about this week’s vote and why we need to stand up to divisive politics:

The UK has a long, proud history of welcoming newcomers – whether people seeking to build their lives here, or refugees fleeing war and persecution.

People from all over the world have greatly enriched our economy, our culture and our communities. For me, I’m immensely proud that our country took in my Nan aged 18 when she was fleeing the Nazis in 1939. I’m also really pleased the surgeon who performed my Dad’s kidney transplant brought his skills and talents to the UK having been born elsewhere.

We must do everything in our power to protect this legacy – not least after everything the Conservatives did to trash it.

They closed down safe and legal routes for refugees, putting more power in the hands of traffickers. They allowed the asylum backlog to balloon on their watch, trapping asylum seekers in limbo for months or even years. And they threatened the fundamental right to asylum with their cruel Illegal Migration Act and failed Rwanda scheme.

Now, the Labour government has a real opportunity to fix this mess and start building a more compassionate, effective system. But sadly, they have so far failed to bring forward the positive change that people deserve.

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The Voice

All 72 LibDem MPs sign letter to Wes Streeting expressing concerns about the delivery plan for ME/CFS

By The Voice | Tue 13th May 2025 - 2:28 pm

Tessa Munt MP has organised a letter from all 72 LibDem MPs to Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, expressing concern about the viability of the forthcoming delivery plan for combatting ME/CFS. Here is the text of the letter (see also photo above):

As World ME Day on Monday 12™ May approaches, we — all 72 LibDem MPs — write to raise our concern about a lack of funding for the forthcoming Final Delivery Plan for ME/CFS and to request a meeting to discuss this further.

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The Voice

Immigration: Clear plan needed to make it easier to recruit British workers for vacancies instead

By The Voice | Mon 12th May 2025 - 3:05 pm

Normally, this would be published later in the day but, as it has already drawn a response from one of our readers, it seems appropriate to publish it now…

Responding to the Government’s new immigration policy, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, Lisa Smart MP:

After the previous Conservative Government’s dire mismanagement, our immigration system has been left in tatters and public trust has been shattered. It’s right that the government is taking steps to fix our broken immigration system to ensure it works for our country.

However, this must be coupled with a clear plan to make it easier to recruit

…

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The Voice

VE Day: “British leadership” a “force for good” – 80 years ago and today

By The Voice | Thu 8th May 2025 - 7:30 am

Marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

80 years ago today, huge crowds of people across the country came together to celebrate the news that Britain and our allies had secured victory in Europe. What it must’ve felt like for the people in those crowds.

Today and always we should be proud of everything they achieved, and remember with gratitude all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country and our freedoms – who gave their tomorrows for our todays.

British leadership offered real hope for the world, and has continued to,

…

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The Voice

Ed Davey: Kemi Badenoch facing a “reckoning at the ballot box” as former Conservative voters rally behind Liberal Democrats

By The Voice | Wed 30th April 2025 - 10:30 pm

Ed Davey and Lib Dem MPs and activists with many diamonds launch election campaign

The polls open in eight and a half hours. I hope that all the bundling is done and the Eve of Polls are out and all campaigners are tucked up in bed sleeping soundly ahead of an early start with the Good Mornings.

All the very best from the LDV team to everyone getting out the vote tomorrow and a huge thanks for all the work that you have all done. Elections are not won on polling day. It’s been a long, hard slog. Thanks to everyone from agents to stakeboarders, to organisers to candidates who have achieved so much.

Ahead of polling day, Ed has predicted that Kemi Badenoch faces a reckoning at the ballot box as Conservative voters back the Liberal Democrats. I suspect she may come to regret that comment about us fixing roofs instead of being on Twitter.

He said:

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The Voice

Last chance: Opportunities in our disciplinary and appeals system

By The Voice | Wed 23rd April 2025 - 10:10 am

A reminder of some vacancies for have been advertised for two important volunteer roles in the Party. The deadline for the Disciplinary Sub Group post is this Friday, 25th April at noon so get your applications in now.

Disciplinary Sub Group

The Disciplinary Sub Group ” is responsible for ensuring the independence, efficiency and effectiveness of the Complaints Procedure. As part of this it will monitor, review and amend the procedure and relevant guidance on an ongoing basis and support Party staff in their roles within the Complaints Procedure. The DSG is not involved in the handling of individual complaints.”

Applications are sought from party members who can:

demonstrate their affinity with the values of the party, as well as an understanding of its structures and the context within which the party’s internal processes operate.

A commitment to the Liberal Democrats is required but evidence of substantial prior involvement is not and induction and training will be available. The Party is keen to encourage new talent.

In making its appointments, the Board will take into account:

  • Specialist skills, knowledge and experience including in one of more of creating and delivering training; data recording and/or case management systems;, law, disciplinary matters or HR; drafting policies and procedures, including ensuring they embed best practice on diversity and inclusion; and specialist knowledge and/or training in addressing certain types of complaint (e.g. sexual impropriety cases, protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, religious representation or social media management);

  • All aspects of diversity, and the need to reflect the representation from all three State Parties;

  • Previous experience with the Complaints’ Procedure, or with similar procedures inside or outside of the party; and

  • The need for DSG members to, and to be seen to, exercise objective and impartial judgement in assessing the efficacy of the procedure.

The closing date for applications is 25 April 2025. Full details of how to apply are here.

Federal Appeals Panel

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The Voice

Christine Jardine requests meeting with Minister over LGBTQ+ rights

By The Voice | Fri 18th April 2025 - 3:43 pm

Official portrait of Christine Jardine @HouseofCommons/Roger HarrisLib Dem Women and Equalities Spokesperson Christine Jardine has written to Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson to ask for an urgent meeting to address the implications for the LGBTQ+ community in the wake of this week’s Supreme Court judgement.

On social media, Christine said:

I am increasingly disappointed that the concerns of the #LGBTQ+ community over what the Supreme Court judgement means for them are not yet being addressed. I have written to the Government asking them to make clear how trans and non binary rights will be protected.

In her letter, she asks that before any decisions are made, trans and non binary people are fully comsulted. She said:

I therefore urge your government to bring forward urgent guidance on how existing legislation will protect those rights, whether fresh legislation is envisaged and how the ruling’s practical implications will be resolved.

This must include significant steps to provide trans and non-binary people with the reassurance they deserve. To do this, the guidance must ensure rights that trans people have freely used for decades are not overturned.

These steps should also include open consultation with trans and non-binary communities, to better understand the ruling’s impact and whether any further legislative or policy change is needed to ensure that everyone’s rights are protected.

The full text of her letter is below.

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