Author Archives: The Voice

Friday night fun with Farron and Forde

Tim Farron went on Matt Forde’s Political Party the other night and the recording has been released today. It is hilarious. Tim is very funny, but also shows the substance and the principles behind everything he does.

Pour yourself a wee glass of something nice, put your feet up and enjoy. This is just what you need on a bank holiday weekend, if it is one where you live.

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Jonny Oates tells House of Lords about his experience of depression

In a speech to the House of Lords yesterday, Liberal Democrat peer Jonny Oates talked about his experience of depression as a young man.

This experience was not unrelated to the times in which he was growing up. As a young gay man, having the government legislate against him was not easy to deal with. He also suggests that the churches should reflect on the impact they can have on people’s mental health, referring to Archbishop Michael Ramsey who was Archbishop of Canterbury at the time homosexuality was legalised and who was supportive of that change in the law.

Here is the speech in full:

My Lords, I welcome the opportunity to take part in this important debate on the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health initiated by my noble friend Lady Brinton. As my noble friend said, mental health is a topic which touches almost everyone in this country, whether through direct personal experience or through families and friends who have suffered from mental ill-health.

For much of the time when I was growing up, it was pretty much a taboo subject. Few people talked openly about mental illness; it was too often a personal burden not to be shared, understood or tackled but to be hidden away even from those closest to one. In recent years there has been a welcome shift in our attitudes, and I pay tribute to the mental health charities and the many activists and campaigners, such as Alastair Campbell, who have helped break down taboos and get mental health on the agenda, but I also pay a real and heartfelt tribute to Norman Lamb in particular who, as a Health Minister in the previous Government, strongly supported by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, did so much to push the issue of mental health right up the government agenda, placing mental health literally on the front page of the Liberal Democrat manifesto.

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Farron: Brexit threatens farmers and consumers

Tim Farron was in the west country yesterday.

He went to Yeovil for a spot of EU referendum campaigning:

While he was there, he visited a dairy farm whose owner is keen to remain in the EU.

Tim said:

Brexit is a real threat to our farming industry, and the many families that rely on exports for their livelihoods.

Our free access to 500m customers is invaluable, with 73% of UK agricultural and food exports going to the EU. Leaving would hit jobs and devastate rural communities.

The survival of rural businesses – and the precious environment they protect – is a fragile thing, and should not be put at risk by leaving.

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ICYMI: Shirley Williams speaking on the EU at the National Liberal Club

On Monday, Shirley Williams came out of retirement to give a speech on why Britain should remain in the EU at the National Liberal Club.

The party made very good use of Facebook Live to broadcast the event – and you can watch the speech again here.

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Competition: How has the EU helped your area?

Dunfermline Liberal Democrats have come up with a way of highlighting how every town has benefitted from Britain’s membership of the EU. As you are out and about, keep your eyes peeled for signs that show that projects have been funded by the EU. Tweet them to @dunflibdems and whoever provides the most will get “a fantastic prize.”

This is the brainchild of local member Aude Boubaker and it’s a great way of understanding how the EU affects our daily lives.

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Yesterday in the Lords, 3 on the #EURef

The other day, a very senior German Minister said to me, “Whenever I go into a European Union meeting with my British colleagues, their very first question is: ‘Excuse me, please tell me the way to the exit?’”. They are spending so much energy trying to get out that they spend none building the alliances to try to win the things that we want. Canning and Castlereagh would be spinning in their graves. The truth of it is that there ​are things we can win in the European Union, but we will not win them by removing ourselves from it.

So said Paddy Ashdown yesterday in the Queens speech debate which touched on the imminent EU referendum. You can read the full speech here.

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LibLink: Alistair Carmichael on the Extremism Bill

 

We have just caught up with an article by Alistair Carmichael in The Independent. The headline itself offers a jolt: “The Extremism Bill means that the Queen’s speech might be the only one you hear from now on”. Writing just before the Queen’s Speech last week he claimed:

This Government still seems wedded to the notion that if you ban something it will go away.They banned psychoactive substances, despite zero evidence that it would reduce harm. They tried banning encryption, making all of our data less secure. Now they are trying to ban “extremist speech” via an Extremism Bill which they will introduce in the Queen’s Speech tomorrow.

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Lib Dem Jobwatch – Do you fancy working in Scotland or Somerset?

Two very different jobs working for the Liberal Democrats are on offer over at W4MP

The Scottish Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Parliament are looking for a Press Officer who will be based at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

The primary responsibilities of the postholder will be to work in a leading role in the small staff team at Holyrood to ensure that the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ media relations are delivered in a professional manner. This will provide Liberal Democrat MSPs, and to a more limited extent the wider Scottish Liberal Democrat party, with press and media support.

The post-holder will be expected to demonstrate an ability to understand and promote political positions and policy; they will be expected to build credibility with journalist and commentators; they will be expected to work quickly and accurately under pressure; and they should demonstrate an affinity with the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats.

Responsibilities include:

Timely drafting and distribution of reactive lines to breaking news and the issues of the day;
Working with other staff to produce pro-active media initiatives;
Alerting MSPs, staff and, where appropriate, other senior Scottish Liberal Democrat figures to significant news stories;
Maintaining the news content of the Scottish Liberal Democrat website;
Filling broadcasting bids for radio and television;
Drafting articles for campaign leaders and MSPs;
Accompanying MSPs on visits away from Parliament when a media presence is anticipated;
Working with other staff to ensure that MSPs are fully briefed before media appearances;
Providing on-call cover at the weekends and in the evening as part of a rota;
Pro-actively seeking slots on broadcast media for campaign leaders;
Developing a professional working relationship with Scottish based political and specialist journalists;
Representing the views and outlook of the Scottish Liberal Democrat MSPs – and wider party – to journalists;
Maintaining an up to date distribution list for journalists, stakeholders and Liberal Democrats;
Working with party staff to support party conferences and other events;
Working with other staff and MSPs to develop and implement a media strategy;
Maintaining an overview and awareness of political and policy developments in Scotland and elsewhere by different parties and governments;
Other duties as may be required to support the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

A previous holder of that job was seen to say on Facebook last night how much she loved it. The closing date is 31st May.

In Somerset, Wells Liberal Democrats are looking for an organiser.

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LDV’s Sunday Best: our 7 most-read articles this week

7 bestMany thanks to the 12,000 visitors who dropped by Lib Dem Voice this week. Here’s our 7 most-read posts…

+++Breaking: Welsh Special Conference to decide whether Kirsty Williams should enter Cabinet as Education Secretary (45 comments) by Caron Lindsay

David Rendel 1949-2016 (6 comments) by Paul Walter

Tim Farron on BBC Question Time tonight (22 comments) by Caron Lindsay

Clegg speaks at #libdempint anniversary (37 comments) by The Voice

Facts on immigration (41 comments) by Antony Hook

Former Liberal Democrat MP David Rendel dies (5 comments) by The Voice

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Register for the Lib Dem Summer webinar series – refugees, EU campaign briefing and same sex marriage

The Lib Dems are holding a series of monthly webinars. Last month saw the first, on the election campaigns. On Wednesday, the second, on the refugee crisis, takes place at 6:30 pm.

If you are a party member, you will have had an email from Sal Brinton on 26th April which will have all the links to register at the entire Summer series. Those links are unique to you.

Next month’s, on Wednesday 8th June, is a briefing as we head into the last fortnight of the referendum campaign.

And on July 27th, we celebrate 3 years since we introduced same …

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ICYMI: Tim on Question Time

Tim Farron was on Question Time the other night and was everything you would want a Liberal Democrat to be – positive, optimistic, passionately internationalist and pro-NHS, progressive and practical.

Here is why he is voting to Remain:

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National Liberal Club elects its first ever woman chairman

Word reaches us that the National Liberal Club has, for the first time ever, elected a woman take over its running. Janet Berridge is its new chairman.

We do have to wonder what took it so long, but we’re happy to see this development.

Janet said, on her election:

I am tremendously honoured to have been elected the new chairman of the National Liberal Club. Situated in the heart of London, the club appeals to a wide variety of professions and age groups and provides an environment to suit different interests and requirements. There is no such thing as a “typical club member” at the NLC – the diversity that has been nurtured over many years is reflected by its members. My aim in the coming years is to make sure that our club’s foundations are fit for the 21st century while maintaining its traditions and much-loved customs. By embracing the values of Liberalism espoused by the club’s founders and their successors, I am confident that this challenge can be met and achieved.

And a little bit about Janet and the history of the NLC from the club:

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The man who braved the Bradford riots & was slated by a Tory secretary of State is now Lib Dem Lord Mayor of Bradford

Geoff ReidThis week, Liberal Democrat Councillor Geoff Reid became Lord Mayor of Bradford. He was proposed for the office by fellow Councillor Jeanette Sunderland. Extracts from her speech follow. It’s longer than our usual articles, but it’s a fascinating read.

Geoff has a lifelong record of community service as a Methodist minister and Councillor. He has spoken truth to power and provoked the ire of a Conservative Cabinet Minister. He played a pivotal role in providing support and healing for communities in Bradford after the riots.

You can read more about him on the Telegraph and Argus site here.

It is with great pleasure that I ask for the support for the nomination of Councillor Geoff Reid to be the Lord Mayor of Bradford for the municipal year 2016-2017.

Geoff Reid will bring a depth to the role of Lord Mayor which finds it roots in his history as a Methodist Minister, a politician, a collaborative write, a visitor to pubs and his love of public transport.
Geoff Reid born on the same day in 1946 as Freddie Mercury, in a two room flat in the Scotswood Road area of Newcastle upon Tyne. His parents wanted a council house but having only one child failed to qualify.

His father, who had returned from five years as a Prisoner of War to become a leading light of the Tyneside Anglo-German Friendship Society, joined a self-build group of 32 men who completed 32 houses in their spare time. Geoff moved across the city to North Heaton, eventually attending Heaton Grammar School. In the 1950s he came on an early visit to Ilkley with Newcastle Methodist Mission Poor Children’s Summer Camp.

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Wounded Liberal Democrats – roll of honour

DSCF0088Earlier this month, we reported, tongue-in-cheek, on two Wounded Liberal Democrats nursing dog bitten fingers.

We’ve now been contacted with news of two Liberal Democrats who have recently sustained broken bones in the course of campaigning for the party.

We’d like to send these virtual flowers to the two members as well as listing them on this roll of honour.

Posted in LDV Awards and News | Tagged | 11 Comments

WATCH: In full: Tim Farron on the Queen’s Speech

Here is Tim Farron’s speech in full from the Queen’s Speech debate. He cracks some pretty decent jokes, maybe a couple that aren’t quite as funny, and sets out what we would have done differently.

He also took time to pay tribute to David Rendel.

The text follows.

Mr Speaker, may I first start by commending the Honourable Member for Meriden and the Honourable Member for Bracknell for the grace and humour with which they moved and seconded the humble address.

These occasions often show the House at its best and its worst and I think we would all agree that their speeches were examples of the former.

And as the Prime Minister did, may I pay tribute to Harry Harpham and Michael Meacher whose contributions here will be missed.

Can I also take this opportunity to remember my former colleague, David Rendel, who died just this week, and whose by-election victory was transformational to the fortunes of our party.

Those of us who knew him will remember his phenomenal hard work and absolute commitment to the people of Newbury that continued long after he ceased to be the Member of Parliament. He will be sadly missed by many of us.

Spaceport
Mr Speaker, may I start by saying I was most excited to learn that the Modern Transport Bill will enable the development of the UK’s first commercial spaceports, just like Mos Eisley, the spaceport in Star Wars.

I don’t know what inspired the Prime Minister to invest in something that Obi Wan Kenobi said was ‘no greater hive of scum and villainy’… But I’m sure it was definitely… probably… nothing to do with the emergence of the Leave Campaign whatsoever.

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Lib Dems condemn Gove’s prison reforms

So the Government thinks the solution to the crisis in our prisons is to give governors more power rather than have a more strategic sense of what the prison system is for and how best to lessen re-offending and properly rehabilitate offenders.

Liberal Democrat peer Jonathan Marks is unimpressed with the Government’s plans. He said:

It is a scary thought that the grand architect who oversaw the dismantling of the school system as we knew it is now getting his hands all over the nation’s prisons.

It is no secret that our prison system is in crisis. We lock up far too many people each year with inadequate facilities and staffing.

These reforms might tackle the problems at the surface but without root and branch reform of our criminal justice system the whole process will be built to fail.

The academy model for schools is falling apart as we speak so why the Government feels that this template is appropriate for prisons is incomprehensible.

Instead we should be focusing on ensuring that our criminal justice system is centred on rehabilitation and diverting people away from prisons wherever possible rather than this continued obsession with locking them up.

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Tim Farron and Paddy Ashdown pay tribute to David Rendel

David Rendel on Newbury Town Hall steps - Some rights reserved  by Martin TodPaying tribute to David Rendel, former Liberal Democrat MP for Newbury who passed away last night, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said:

I am hugely saddened by the loss of David Rendel. He was a committed, selfless individual who I will remember particularly for his unyielding campaigning over so many years. I will miss him.

He won a stunning by-election victory in Newbury where he and his team showed the Liberal Democrats had the fight and passion to deliver a fantastic result in a challenging political climate. It was inspirational then, and is inspirational today as Liberal Democrats fight to rebuild.

His continuing work with the party, standing again as a candidate in the 2010 and 2015 elections, and serving on the party’s Federal Executive typified the resilience, commitment and resolve with which he approached politics.

He was a friend and colleague who I know will be sorely missed by his friends, family and the party.

Posted in Obituaries | Tagged , and | 7 Comments

Former Liberal Democrat MP David Rendel dies

We’re very sorry to report that former Liberal Democrat MP David Rendel has died. Our sincere thoughts are with David’s family at this very sad time.

Party leader, Tim Farron has tweeted:

Posted in Obituaries | 5 Comments

Clegg speaks at #libdempint’s first birthday – on the Lib Dem recovery and the stark choice we have on EU

After 20,000 people joined us in the wake of the horrific election result last year, a few of them had the idea of trying to get a few of them together in London for a drink. A few hundred turned up, Nick Clegg came to speak and the #libdempint phenomenon was born. They’ve spread across the country and are characterised by a few speeches from ordinary members as well as the occasional appearance from the great and the good.

#libdempint celebrates its first birthday today. It was obvious that the guest of honour had to be Nick Clegg. For the next 22 hours or so, you can watch his speech, thanks to Jon Ball putting it up on Periscope. Enjoy.

Posted in News | Tagged and | 38 Comments

LDV’s Sunday Best: our 7 most-read articles this week

7 bestMany thanks to the 13,200  visitors who dropped by Lib Dem Voice this week. Here’s our 7 most-read posts…

The Liberal case for Leave (121 comments) by Anne Cremin

John Pugh MP writes…2 lessons from Thursday (15 comments) by John Pugh MP

Election expenses: Nine of the Tory MPs being investigated named (7 comments) by The Voice

Tim Pickstone writes…45 gains must only be the start (23 comments) by Tim Pickstone

Liberal Democrats for free trade (59 comments) by Richard Flowers

Progress for Lib Dems in local elections (31 comments) by Thomas Shakespeare

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Watch: Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus say why he thinks Britain should stay in the EU

It’s like Lib Dem Christmas this weekend, with Eurovision and a National Day of campaigning to stay in the EU.

So many readers will be pleased to see that Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus has come out for Remain. Watch his interview here:

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Rennie calls for Minister for Mental Health

Willie Rennie and therapetWillie Rennie, seen here seemingly enacting a scene from Lady and the Tramp with a therapet during the election campaign, has called on Nicola Sturgeon to appoint a dedicated minister for mental health when the new Scottish government is announced next week.

A major part of the Liberal Democrat election campaign was a call for a step change in the way mental health services are supported.  Willie said that this appointment would send a clear message that the Scottish Government is taking mental health issues seriously:

Mental health spending has been cut as a share of the overall NHS budget every year since 2009 and too many young people still wait more than a year for urgent treatment.

Everywhere I went during the election people came up to me to say how important they felt it was to hear a political leader speaking out on mental health. It has been kept as a Cinderella service for too long.

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Rennie: It’s time for answers on China deal

During the election, the Scottish Liberal Demcorats raised questions about a trade deal signed between the SNP Government and Chinese companies with dubious human rights records.

Willie Rennie has now stepped up his quest for more information by tabling  a series of parliamentary questions.

During the election it emerged that the China Railway Group, who own one of the companies involved, had been blacklisted for investment by the Norwegian government’s oil fund over corruption allegations and criticised by Amnesty International over forced evictions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The First Minister admitted that due diligence was not completed on the businesses involved in a deal that it is claimed could be worth up to £10bn. Scottish Government officials failed to respond to Freedom of Information requests from journalists on the deal ahead of the election last week.

Willie said:

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Kramer: Cameron and Osborne must stand up to despots and oligarchs

Lib Dem Economics Spokesperson Susan Kramer was not entirely impressed with David Cameron’s pronouncements on corruption. It’s fair to say she won’t be holding her breath. She said:

We welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement that those buying property in the UK or bidding for government contracts will be required to register, but quick action is vital for him to show sincerity, and any such register should be publicly available.

Don’t forget, we have heard similar platitudes before that have amounted to nothing. Back at the G8 conference in 2013 a new drive against tax havens was heralded, and the Panama Papers have exposed just how pathetic that action turned out to be.

When push comes to shove, Cameron and Osborne have shown they will always cater to the whims of corrupt billionaires from across the globe rather than pushing through real change. Unless they are willing to stand up to despots and oligarchs from places like China, Russia and Nigeria, any commitment will prove to be utterly shallow.

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Rennie calls for new rural affairs secretary after SNP CAP payments disaster

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said there is no way that the First Minister can keep Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead in his post following repeated delays to vital EU payments.

Farmers and crofters have been hit by extended delays to Common Agricultural Policy payments as a result of the failure of a Scottish Government IT system. Mr Lochhead was informed of potential problems with the £178m IT system before the referendum but waited for months before warning farmers that payments could be delayed.

It also emerged during the election campaign that farmers receiving support from an emergency Scottish Government scheme could face punitive interest charges.

Willie said:

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Last chance to shape Lib Dem policy on liberty and security and social security

When should the state be able to collect data about you? Should you be able to be tried in a secret court and not informed of the evidence against you? How can we make sure that our social security system is sustainable and needs-based?

The party is currently trying to answer these questions with two consultations, one on liberty and security and another on social security. They have been seeking input for some time from party members, charities and NGOs and members of the public.

Today is the last day that you can give your opinion before the two working groups draw up their final proposals which will be debated at Conference in Brighton in September.

Each will take you 10 minutes. It is worth it to have a say on these important issues.

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LDV’s Sunday Best: our 7 most-read articles this week

7 bestMany thanks to the 20,700 visitors who dropped by Lib Dem Voice this week. Here’s our 7 most-read posts…

Undeclared Conservative election expenses unearthed by Channel 4 News (20 comments) by The Voice

Nick Clegg tells the inside story of how the Conservatives put party before country (17 comments) by Caron Lindsay

Willie Rennie gets the biggest cheer of the final Scottish leaders’ debate (13 comments) by Caron Lindsay

Caroline Pidgeon elected in London (30 comments) by Mary Reid

Kirsty Williams stands down as Leader of Welsh Lib Dems (16 comments) by Mary Reid

The new Liberal Democrat Director of Campaigns and Elections is… (8 comments) by Caron Lindsay

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Great news from Torbay: Lib Dems gain seat from Conservatives in council by-election

Excellent news.

Nicholas Pentney, the son of Ruth, who was Adrian Sanders’ long time agent and who sadly died last year, has won the Tormahun by-election in Torbay.

It’s unusually to get this sort of news on a Sunday morning, but the result has just been declared:

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged and | 6 Comments

Mark Williams MP is the new Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader

Mark Williams MP by LIberal Democrats

Ceredigion MP Mark Williams has been confirmed as the new Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader by the Welsh National Executive Committee. As the only other Parliamentarian after Kirsty Williams stood down yesterday in the wake of the election results, he is the only other person eligible for the job as the Welsh Constitution outlines:

The Leader of the Party shall be elected from the Welsh Liberal Democrat members of the European Parliament, House of Commons and the National Assembly for Wales and shall become Leader of whichever Group they originate from.

From the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ website:

The National Executive Committee has announced Ceredigion MP Mark Williams as Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats following a meeting today.

Mark Williams was first elected the MP for Ceredigion in 2005. He studied at Aberystwyth University before working for Geraint Howells, the Liberal MP for Ceredigion, and then becoming a Research Assistant to Liberal Peers in the House of Lords. He later worked as a Primary School Teacher and Deputy Headteacher before being elected to Parliament.

Following the meeting, Mark Williams MP said:

“It is a great honour to become leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

“It is a great challenge to follow in the footsteps of Kirsty Williams, who has served us outstandingly for eight years through challenging times. Every one of us owe her a huge debt of gratitude.

“These coming months and years will test the flame of liberalism, and I will do everything possible to ensure that flame burns brightly again across our great nation.

“Despite the election results, I’m heartened by the growing number of members and activists joining us because they believe in our cause, and I call on any person who shares our values to join us in our fight.”

 

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Over 22,000 page views on Liberal Democrat Voice yesterday – thank you!

Yesterday a stonking 22,189 Liberal Democrat Voice pages were viewed by readers. We feel privileged and honoured that Liberal Democrat supporters turn to us in such numbers for news of elections.

Thank you!

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