Author Archives: The Voice

Maiden Speeches: Steve Darling MP for Torbay

Steve Darling made his maiden speech on Wednesday 16th October in a debate on the Carer’s Allowance:

Here is the full text of the speech:

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is a great honour to stand here as the MP for Torbay. It is right and proper that I acknowledge the hard work of my predecessor, Kevin Foster. I also reflect on his predecessor, Adrian Sanders, with whom Toggle showing location ofColumn 867I worked for 18 years to support constituents in Torbay. I learned from Adrian how to put the community at the heart of all one does as a constituency MP. I look forward to building on that over this parliamentary term.

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WATCH: Josh Babarinde MP speaks in Black History Month debate

This week, our Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde spoke in the Debate for Black History Month. It is quite shocking, as he acknowledged himself, that it has taken until 2024 for us to elect a black MP. Britain, he said, was far more than than the divisive minorities in some parts of the country and even, he said, in the House itself:

The text is below:

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Who are the Lib Dem MPs on Select Committees?

It always takes a while to set up a new Parliament’s infrastructure and with this week’s publication of Select Committee memberships, some of the 72 Liberal Democrat MPs now have another avenue to exert influence.

Select Committees are an important avenue for scrutiny of the Government by questioning and by holiding enquiries into specific areas of policy or performance.

Our status as third party gives us three Select Committee Chairs who have already been announced: Layla Moran at Health and Social Care, Alistair Carmichael at Environment and Rural Affairs and Jamie Stone on the Petitions Committee.

So which Committees will have Liberal Democrat representation? Here are the ones announced so far and we’ll update as more news comes out.

Welsh Affairs Committee: David Chadwick MP

Defence Committee: Ian Roome MP

Women and Equalities Committee: Alex Brewer MP

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee: Lee Dillon MP

Business and Trade Committee: Joshua Reynolds MP

Home Affairs Committee: Ben Maguire MP, Paul Kohler MP

Public Accounts Committee: Rachel Gilmour MP

Culture, Media and Sport Committee: Liz Jarvis MP

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Christine Jardine’s message for Black History Month

Christine Jardine, the Party’s spokesperson for Women and Equalities, has posted a message for Black History Month whcih comes to an end on Thursday:

October is Black History Month – a chance to celebrate the Black British community, acknowledge their contributions and discover their stories.

It feels particularly timely given this year’s theme of ā€˜Reclaiming Narratives’, which encourages us to challenge how we perceive history and the world around us. We owe an enormous amount to the Black British community for their contributions to our society – not least the Windrush generation’s key role in building the NHS.

But here in the UK, far too many people’s lives are still blighted by prejudice, discrimination, and inequality. As we saw in the riots this summer, racism is still far too prevalent in our society. We all have a responsibility to recognise this reality – but also the role that we can play in challenging this injustice.

I’m proud that Liberal Democrats are committed to fighting for racial equality. That means unequivocally condemning racism in all its forms and tackling injustice wherever we see it.

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Maiden speeches: John Milne MP for Horsham

John Milne made his maiden speech on Tuesday 8th October during a debate on VAT: Independent Schools:

Here is the full text of the speech:

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

First, I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Sir Jeremy Quin, who represented Horsham for the last 10 years. He was a dedicated MP, and in my first couple of months I have heard praise from many constituents for his past help. An MP’s best work is often unsung and behind the scenes, and I intend to continue his campaigns on issues such as child trust funds.

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Maiden speeches: Rachel Gilmour MP for Tiverton & Minehead

Rachel Gilmour made her maiden speech on Monday 14th October during a debate on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill:

Here is the full text of the speech:

Thank you for calling me to make my maiden speech, Madam Deputy Speaker. Before I do, may I commend Figen Murray and her family and friends for the excellent campaign they have continued, completely selflessly? I am sure it will save the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of people. They are a great example to us all.

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Maiden speeches: Steff Aquarone MP for North Norfolk

Steff Aquarone made his maiden speech on Tuesday 15th October during a debate on the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill:

Here is the full text of the speech:

Hello! It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Mid and South Pembrokeshire (Henry Tufnell), and I extend my warmest regards to all the Members making their maiden speeches today.

First, I would like to acknowledge my predecessor, Duncan Baker. He was an attentive and hard-working Member, and I wish him well in his future pursuits in industry. Before him, Norman Lamb served in this House for 19 years and left an extraordinary legacy in the realm of mental health, a cause that he continues to be a dedicated advocate for. It was in no small part Norman’s commitment to speaking the truth to power and giving a voice to the voiceless that made him such a hero to the people of North Norfolk, and which attracted me to politics fully seven years ago, when I was first elected as a county councillor—and I draw Members’ attention to the Register of Members’ Financial Interests in connection with my continued role there.

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Maiden speeches: Ben Maguire MP for North Cornwall

Ben Maguire made his maiden speech on Thursday 10th October in a debate entitled “Sport: TeamGB and ParalympicsGB”:

Here is the full text of the speech:

Many congratulations to the hon. Member for West Bromwich (Sarah Coombes) on an excellent maiden speech.

It is the greatest honour of my life to be giving my maiden speech in this place as the Member for my home constituency of North Cornwall, where I was born and brought up. I will always be grateful to the people of North Cornwall for putting their trust in me. There are unfortunately too many supporters, friends and family to thank for their hard work and dedication in getting me to this place, but I must say a special thanks to my mother, Jennifer, my father, Joseph, and my husband, Manuel, for their unwavering love and support; and a huge thank you to my agent and sister, Rosie. To every single member of my campaign: you are quite simply the best team that any candidate could wish for and you have showed such amazing dedication to our area. I would not be here without you and I will not let you down.

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Maiden speeches: David Chadwick MP for Brecon, Radnor & Cwm Tawe

David Chadwick made his maiden speech on Tuesday 8th October during a debate on Farming & Food Security:

Here is the full text of the speech:

I stand here as the first ever MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe. It is the largest constituency in England and Wales, and I therefore have a foot in two worlds—one in rural mid-Wales and the other in the Swansea valley. I wish to pay tribute to my predecessors, Fay Jones and Christina Rees, for their commitment to Welsh politics and their service to these communities.

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Maiden speeches: Vikki Slade MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole

Vikki Slade made her maiden speech on Thursday 10th October in a debate entitled “Sport: TeamGB and ParalympicsGB”:

Here is the full text:

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for calling me to make my maiden speech in this uplifting debate to celebrate the success of the Olympics and Paralympics. I congratulate the hon. Member for Warrington South (Sarah Hall); I completely agree with her sentiments about children who are beneath the radar, and I will do everything I can to ensure that they are lifted and seen.

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Maiden speeches: Roz Savage, MP for South Cotswolds

Roz Savage made her maiden speech last week. You may remember that we highlighted her last week, after her success in being given the chance to introduce a private members bill on Climate Change and Nature. However she choose the Farming and Food Security Bill for her maiden speech.

And here is the full text:

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Maiden speeches: Luke Taylor, MP for Sutton and Cheam

Luke Taylor made his maiden speech last week in the debate on Farming and Food Security.

Here is his speech in full:

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Leicester Liberal Democrats pay tribute to Roger Blackmore

Leicester Liberal Democrats have shared their tribute to former Lord Mayor and Council Leader, Roger Blackmore, who died last month.

Roger was a lifelong Liberal and for many decades the pre-eminent Liberal personality in Leicester, respected and admired by many irrespective of party affiliation.

Bernard Greaves recalls first coming across Roger in 1967 in a parliamentary by-election at Brierley Hill in the West Midlands. The Liberal Party had decided not to fight the seat, but the Young Liberals fielded their own candidate supported by hundreds of activists from around the country. They all ran around making a lot of noise to no electoral effect whatsoever.

Even then Roger stood out as an effusive, energetic, campaigner encouraging everyone to enjoy themselves as much as possible. Having moved to Leicester in 1963 when he became a student at Leicester University, joining the local party whose brief revival that year quickly faded.

Roger managed to establish himself as the main voice for Liberalism in the City as well as contesting the Gainsborough constituency in Lincolnshire. He fought the seat four times, his campaigns being the stuff of legend.

Roger was born to be a parliamentary candidate, a larger-than-life personality his campaigns were fun to be part of but deadly serious in intent. He secured over 30% of the vote three times. In 1979, with the Liberal party facing a calamity of an election after the Lib/Lab pact, Roger still retained the same share of the vote as in the 1974 elections.

Asked what his secret was he confessed that his Labour opponent, Willie Bach, had been contesting a city council seat in Leicester on the same day and Roger christened him ā€œBilly two seatsā€. The name stuck and Roger retained his second place with 30% plus share of the vote.

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Four Lib Dem MPs try to change the law

Four Liberal Democrat MPs submitted Bills to the House of Commons today:

Max Wilkinson wants to change the law to make installation of solar panels on new homes compulsory.

Roz Savage has revived the Climate and Nature Bill

Danny Chambers wants to tackle puppy smuggling

Wendy Chamberlain wants to remove the limits for lotteries on for charity fundraising.

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PMQs: Danny Chambers, Ed Davey and Ben Maguire quiz Starmer

This Parliament is only in its infancy but for the second time a Lib Dem kicked off Prime Minister’s Questions. Back in July it was Calum Miller. Today it was Winchester’s own Danny Chambers, asking about local maternity services.


 

The text is below:

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Maiden speeches: Monica Harding, MP for Esher and Walton

Monica Harding made her maiden speech on Monday 7 October in the debate on the NHS.

The text is below:

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Senior Liberal Democrats comment on the passing of Alex Salmond

Senior Liberal Democrats have commented on the sudden death of former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, highlighting his impact on Scottish politics and expressing sympathy for his wife Moira.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

Alex Salmond was a substantial figure who left an undeniable impact on Scottish politics. Our thoughts are with Moira Salmond tonight.

In 2015 and 2016, Christine Jardine fought Alex Salmond in the Gordon Westminster seat. But this was far from the first time she had met him. She first interviewed him as a young reporter in the late 80s.

She said:

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s passing. A towering figure in Scottish politics, his talent was undeniable. We may never have agreed politically but I did enjoy our jousts, in journalism and in politics. My thoughts are with his family.

Jim Wallace was Deputy First Minister for the first eight years of the Scottish Parliament when Alex Salmond was the Leader of the Opposition. He said:

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Roz Savage to introduce Climate and NatureĀ Bill

We have an extraordinary group of new MPs, bringing a wide range of experience to our Parliamentary team. But one of them is truly unique. Dr Roz Savage, MP for South Cotswolds, is the only woman in the world who has rowed solo across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. She holds four Guinness World Records.

And Roz is also very lucky because she drew the third ticket in the private members bill ballot. Not surprisingly she is very interested in environmental issues, so she will be reviving the Climate and NatureĀ Bill, which had previously been proposed on two separate occasions by Caroline Lucas (Green) and by Olivia Blake and Alex Sobel (both Labour). She believes that the time is now ripe to gain wide support in the Commons.

Roz said:

It’s a great honour to have been drawn third in the private members’ bill ballot, but it’s also been a huge challenge to choose the subject of my bill. My postbag and inbox have been bursting with hundreds of messages from constituents asking me to support important and worthwhile causes.

However, the largest number of letters urged me to champion the Climate and Nature Bill, which is also a subject dear to my heart, having been an environmental campaigner for the last twenty years, and having pledged my support for the CAN Bill back in April. Given that a great number of my constituents clearly care deeply about the climate and ecological crisis, as do I, my choice was clear. I am delighted to have this opportunity to potentially get the CAN Bill passed into law.

When rowing across the ocean, I came face to face with the immensity of the natural world—and the vulnerability of our human race. To stand the strongest chance of tackling the interconnected climate and ecological emergency, the UK needs a joined-up, science-led strategy. A bold, new, long-term plan to restore our depleted wildlife, and deliver the just transition we need. That means green jobs, clean air and rivers, cheaper bills, and a nature-rich UK.

I’m proud to be leading the campaign for the ā€˜CAN Act’ and I’m looking forward to working with MPs from across the Commons to pass this Bill, and put climate and nature at the centre of cross-government missions.

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Maiden speeches: Susan Murray, MP for Mid Dunbartonshire

Parliament is back and that, at the moment, means more Lib Dem maiden speeches. Susan Murray, our new MP for Mid Dunbartonshire, made her debut yesterday in a debate on the NHS, talking about her experience of caring for her husband – and also spoke up for fair votes.

The text is below:

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Maiden Speeches: Manuela Perteghella MP for Stratford-Upon-Avon

Up to the West Midlands now for the maiden speech of Manuela Perteghella who spoke on 12 September in the debate in memory of David Amess MP.

The text is below:

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Maiden speeches: Freddie Van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame

Oxfordshire now has five Liberal Democrat MPs. Freddie Van Mierlo, who represents Henley and Thame, gave his maiden speech on 12 September in the debate remembering David Amess MP.

The text is below:

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Maiden speeches: Edward Morello, MP for West Dorset

The next stop on our maiden speeches tour is West Dorset MP Edward Morello, who made his debut on 12 September in an adjournment debate held to remember the MP David Amess who was murdered during a constituency surgery in 2021.

The text is below:

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Ed Davey on 7th October one year on: ā€œWe must stand with the Jewish community against hate and violenceā€

Commenting on the one year anniversary of the 7th October terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

As we remember the terror and pain of October 7th, we must all come together and stand in solidarity against hate and violence. One year ago, we awoke to those horrifying scenes in Israel of Hamas’s brutal terrorist atrocities.

When I visited Israel and Palestine a few months ago, I saw for myself the destruction and devastation at the Kfar Aza kibbutz and the festival site in Re’im. I met Itzik, a father waiting for news of his

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Maiden Speeches: Helen Maguire MP for Epsom and Ewell

Back to Surrey for the next stop in our maiden speeches tour. Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell spoke in the adjournment debate in memory of David Amess MP.

The text is below:

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Maiden Speeches: Sarah Gibson, MP for Chippenham

Sarah Gibson, newly elected Lib Dem MP for Chippenham, made her maiden speech in the Building Safety and Resilience debate on 11 September.

The text is below:

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Lib Dem MPs comment on Middle East escalation

If any of us aren’t pretty scared and worried by what is going on in the Middle East, we probably should be.

Lib Dem MPs have been reacting to events as Israel steps up its actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran attacks Israel.

And all of this, at the heart, are people facing a humanitarian disaster, living in the most appalling conditions without food or shelter.

On Twitter this morning, Layla Moran said:

All my life my grandparents warned that if we didn’t achieve peace in Palestine it would risk wider war. With Iran’s actions overnight it seems we are inching closer to chaos rather than closure. I am so scared for my family and the future of the region. I pray I’m wrong to be.

On Iran’s attacks, Ed Davey said:

Liberal Democrats totally condemn Iran’s attacks on Israel. My thoughts are with all innocent civilians – in Israel and across the region – who are sheltering tonight.

The UK Government must do all it can to bring the region back from the brink of all out war, working closely with our allies. Too many innocent civilians have already been killed.

We must keep our focus on securing a lasting peace and a two state solution. Only diplomacy can deliver the security across the region that people so desperately need with the hostages home to their families and an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

On Monday, Calum Miller, our new Foreign Affairs spokesperson wrote to Foreign Secretary David Lammy about the deepening crisis:

He said:

We must pursue the conditions for peace despite the bleak outlook. I’ll continue to urge the Government to adopt the proposals made by Liberal Democrats at our conference earlier this month.

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Public Service Announcement: Liberal Democrat Voice announces an update to our Privacy Policy

You know how it is with these “back office” things on websites – times change, technology moves on and the site evolves as you deal with that. The consequences of that aren’t always as thoroughly appreciated…

However, it has been noticed that our privacy policy made reference to two elements:

  • The Members’ Forum, which had faded away unloved and unremarked upon, until we put it to sleep forever in January 2022, removing the material from it the following month.
  • The use of a nifty piece of software which allowed the site to verify that those claiming to be members were

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Maiden speech: Zoe Franklin, MP for Guildford

Zoe Franklin, our new MP for Guildford, made her maiden speech on 11 September, in a debate on building safety.

THe text is below:

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Maiden speech: Tom Morrison, MP for Cheadle

Tom Morrison, our new MP for Cheadle, made his maiden speech on 5 September on the Great British Energy Bill.

The text is below:

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Maiden speech: Liz Jarvis, MP for Eastleigh

Liz Jarvis, the Lib Dem MP for Eastleigh, made her maiden speech on 5 September on a debate on the Great British Energy Bill. Enjoy.

The text is below:

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