Author Archives: Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie

Disagree well

By Willie Rennie | Wed 22nd March 2023 - 11:24 am

I have always felt very comfortable to be a member of a party that is able to disagree well. Sometimes Liberal Democrats have been so bloody reasonable we have taken the side of our opponents in a debate!

However, I have been increasingly concerned that this almost unique characteristic has at times been at risk of being lost in the recent debate on gender identity and the recent call for members who disagree to leave the party has compelled me to speak out.

I voted for the Gender Recognition Reform Bill in the Scottish Parliament. Several party members opposed the bill on perfectly understandable grounds. Many have been members for decades and are dedicated to the party and its beliefs. Now they are being told they are no longer welcome because they just can’t agree with the official position of the party.

Some seem to believe that to question the implications of self-identification, even in a nuanced way, is to question the very rights of trans people.  However, I believe it is possible to disagree but still defend the rights of trans people. I know these members; they are generous and kind liberals, and I would never describe them as transphobes.

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie’s New Year Message: Lib Dems will put recovery first

By Willie Rennie | Thu 31st December 2020 - 8:55 am

https://www.flickr.com/photos/policyexchange/9815585233/in/photolist-fXnrwa-4C63rJ-fQSzEG-4rW51x-5Z4kL2-4C1Kca-6jhoX5-nSybs-GtLAXb-EFShm-nZJzu-nSycj-atnm6F-53aUVG-FjDVj-QqjFZR-rKPkDc-rKJgQr-rKH3hN-rtng5p-rKJgiK-rruKrF-rHwGqu-qP3HST-rKJ6ho-rKH3oQ-rKJgGv-qNPxv7-rKPkoT-rKJgBR-rteyLw-rtngf4-rKH35o-rKPkcv2020 has been a year like no other. The stresses and strains of it will be etched in our memories for many years to come.”New Year is usually a point to reflect on a year that’s passed and set new goals for the year ahead. This year that feels different. We have to pause to take stock of the enormity of our loss.  The virus has devastated so many families and ripped the fabric of our liberal society apart too.

However, we can be proud, proud of the effort we’ve made as …

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie’s New Year message: The forces of openness and tolerance tolerance must win the argument in 2018

By Willie Rennie | Sun 31st December 2017 - 10:30 am

In recent years we have witnessed the forces of division making advances in the court of public opinion. It has made our country more introspective and insular instead of the outward looking, optimistic nation that it has traditionally been.

In 2018, it is my ambition to make sure the forces of openness and tolerance start winning the argument again.

We should begin with immigration. It is good for our social fabric, our culture and our economy. Bringing people from across the globe enriches us with talented and energetic people who want to give to their new home

…

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie’s New Year Message: Lib Dems THE pro UK, pro EU progressive party

By Willie Rennie | Sun 1st January 2017 - 3:24 pm

Last year Liberal Democrats started winning again. Our wins in the May elections, our victory in local council elections and our stunning win in Richmond were great progress. Those wins combined with our thousands of new members means the Liberal Democrats are back. We started winning again because people want champions for an open, tolerant, generous, internationalist, progressive kind of country.

This year our ambitions are for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union, Scotland to remain in the UK and Scotland to adopt a progressive programme to make us the best again.

Liberal Democrats are the only party that is Pro UK, Pro EU and Progressive.

My colleagues and I will make the powerful case for a Brexit Deal Referendum on the terms of the deal. It would only be right for voters to have the final say rather than just signing a blank cheque for the Prime Minister to agree any deal she likes no matter what the consequences.

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie’s Christmas message

By Willie Rennie | Sat 24th December 2016 - 10:55 am

The festive season affords us the opportunity to reflect on what is important in life.

During the festive season we witness the joy that comes from acts of generosity and we can see that there is much to be celebrated. Our thanks must go out to those who work over Christmas including the emergency services who keep us safe. Our thoughts are with those who are unwell, alone or struggling. And our appreciation is with those who come to their aid.

However, there is little doubt we are in a more uncertain and dark place in global affairs. The election of President Trump and the decision to sever links with our friends in Europe have taken our society in the wrong direction.

With attacks in Turkey, the conflict in Yemen, and the war in Syria with its awful reports from Aleppo, it is imperative we do not turn our backs no matter how difficult the challenge.

Yet there is hope in the response to these conflicts and to the rise of divisive politics. The positive alternative of government and charitable international aid combined with alternative voices that promote tolerance, optimism, openness and unity means that there is light amongst this darkness.

There is hope at Christmas.

Enjoy Christmas.

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie’s New Year Message: Let’s unite Scotland with a positive liberal message

By Willie Rennie | Thu 31st December 2015 - 6:00 am

So what can we look forward in 2016? The Forth Road Bridge’s continued opening (we hope). Scots athletes excelling as part of Team GB at the Rio Olympics. Andy Murray mounting another challenge at Wimbledon.

And the small matter of a Scottish Parliament election that will set the direction of the country for five years.

As ever, at this election voters face a choice.

They can choose five more years of constitutional division and grievances with the SNP who have failed to protect crucial services.

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie’s Christmas message: Reach out to those suffering mental ill health

By Willie Rennie | Thu 24th December 2015 - 8:59 am

The innocence of the young is one of the great joys of Christmas. It is the job of the political leaders to protect that innocence from the, sometimes ugly, world around us.

The scale of the challenge that the international community faces in Syria cannot be understated. We have seen the impact of the conflict on our television screens and the beaches of the Mediterranean.

But where there is darkness there is also light.  The response across the globe to the Paris attacks was uplifting. Singing together at the football, standing together on the streets and even the United Nations speaking together with one voice showed that we are at one against Daesh.

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie MSP writes… Trident: We must consider effect of disarmament on our international relationships

By Willie Rennie | Sun 20th September 2015 - 7:30 am

Our party has always had a sceptical view of nuclear weapons. Whether we personally adhere to a multi-lateral or unilateral route to disarm, few members feel comfortable with the concept or reality of such a powerful weapons system.

There are issues of geo-diplomacy and security and not just party positioning at stake. Although not in power now, we need to consider our policy as if we were in government not just a party in opposition hunting for differentiation.

The United Kingdom is a stable partner amongst the nuclear defended nations of the world. The importance of stable partners should not be understated especially when the Non Proliferation talks take place every five years. Britain has been an important cog in the reduction of nuclear capability across the globe through these talks.

We need to consider the effects on geo-diplomacy if we unilaterally disarm. It is a delicate balance and we should be extremely careful when seeking to change that balance.

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie MSP writes…You wouldn’t put UKIP in charge of Europe, so you wouldn’t put the SNP in charge of the UK

By Willie Rennie | Thu 19th February 2015 - 11:55 am

If you ask me about coalitions and the SNP, I will keep it simple.

Just as you wouldn’t put UKIP in charge of Europe, you would not put the SNP in charge of Britain. It’s not going to happen. Anyway, the SNP leader at Westminster told an interviewer from the New Statesman last week that he wasn’t interested. So, it’s definitely not going to happen.

I know from long years in politics that parlour style discussions about hypotheticals and coalitions don’t translate onto the doorsteps.

We’re in the Liberal Democrats because we want to build a stronger economy and a fairer society, …

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie MSP’s New Year Message

By Willie Rennie | Tue 31st December 2013 - 10:00 am

I am hopeful for 2014.  I’ve been checking the tea leaves and it’s going to be a good year.

I am confident the economy will continue to grow and that we’ll create more jobs, cut taxes further and increase pension higher.

I am also confident we’ll reaffirm Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom family of nations so we can share risk and reward for generations to come. We won’t undermine the progress by splitting Scotland from the UK.

My confidence also extends to a boost to nursery education to give children the best start in life.

And I am confident that there will be …

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie MSP’s Christmas message

By Willie Rennie | Tue 24th December 2013 - 10:25 am

As we mark the loss of close friends and distant heroes it’s important to take a moment to think and reflect on the year.

Christmas is also a time to make a special effort to reach out to others. Whether it be the distant friend, the estranged family member or the quiet neighbour, Christmas is a good excuse to make new.

It’s also a time to reflect on the year past with its successes and its challenges. It’s no different for me.

The progress with the Liberal Democrats in the last year has been significant.

We’re delivering our £700 tax cut for those on …

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie MSP writes…Equal marriage is an important step to a fairer society

By Willie Rennie | Fri 22nd November 2013 - 1:49 pm

Most people know that politicians can sometimes talk up goings on in Parliament in the hope of gaining a bit of newspaper coverage. Observers of Scottish politics will be familiar with claims that this or that debate marks a momentous change from what has gone before.

But this week at Holyrood we discussed legislation that can legitimately be described as historic. There is no need to exaggerate the impact it will have because it is plain to see that this Bill will change the lives of thousands of Scots around the country.an act that offers same-sex couples the same protections and …

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Willie Rennie

Conference: Willie Rennie MSP – A stronger Scotland within the UK

By Willie Rennie | Sat 14th September 2013 - 5:01 pm

William RennieSpeaking to Scottish Liberal Democrat Autumn conference in Glasgow, Willie Rennie MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats said:

On the first Sunday of this month I took part in a relay race over the Comrie hills near Perth.

Covering 20 miles with teams of five runners we battled clubs from across Scotland.

For the third year in a row my partner was David Greig.

That’s right. David Greig, one of Scotland’s foremost playwrights.

We are equally matched runners.  Less equally matched playwrights.

We support each other up and down the hills.

Through the bogs and over the heather.

We both run for the team – Carnegie Harriers.

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie MSP’s New Year Message: 3 vital issues we must tackle in 2013

By Willie Rennie | Mon 31st December 2012 - 3:59 pm

Saltire - St Andrews Flag - Scotland - Some rights reserved by byronv2After the merriment of Christmas, New Year is a time to look forward. A time to set new goals and ambitions. A time to confront those things that we have put off in previous years.

For most, this will mean eating less and exercising more but as a nation we are confronted with far greater challenges than losing a few pounds.

The welfare state was constructed and sustained with the goal of eradicating what Beveridge called “the five giant evils of society” – squalor, ignorance, want, idleness and disease.

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie MSP’s Christmas message: Strong liberal voices fight for young people, stand up to vested interests and work with others

By Willie Rennie | Mon 24th December 2012 - 5:43 pm

Scotland supporter Murrayfield - Some rights reserved by Random Things Entering My field Of VisionOver the last year journalists, opponents, perhaps even some supporters were writing us off.  How could a group of five MSPs, cut by two thirds in the Scottish Parliamentary Elections, make any impact on the Scottish political scene? Although our opponents will always deride us in public, I know that in private they are fizzing that Liberal Democrats continue to punch above our weight.

Scotland is, by and large, a tolerant, liberal, understanding, compassionate country. Its …

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie writes: Salmond must tell us what Ryder Cup trip cost

By Willie Rennie | Wed 10th October 2012 - 7:47 pm

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Willie Rennie writes for local newspapers in his Mid Scotland and Fife constituency:

The excitement surrounding Team Europe’s victory in the Ryder Cup should bring the opportunity that comes our way at Gleneagles in two years time into sharp focus.

250,000 people poured onto the course between the first strike of the ball during the practice rounds and the last putt of the final pairings.

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie’s New Year Message

By Willie Rennie | Sat 31st December 2011 - 11:55 am

In May, we were nearly wiped off from the Scottish Parliamentary map. I got it. I understood why that happened.

But equally I am convinced that liberalism, not nationalism, will dominate Scottish political landscape in the years ahead.  Our values are embedded in a rich seem of Scottish history and endure despite political setbacks.

Our small team in the Scottish Parliament has shown over the last six months why we need strong liberal voices.

On centralising of the police, places for college students, housing for those in need, the Supreme Court, equal marriage, riots, prison reform, sectarianism and so many other issues we …

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie’s Christmas Message

By Willie Rennie | Fri 23rd December 2011 - 3:55 pm

As we gather with friends and family this Christmas, it is important that we, both individually and collectively, look back, take stock and reflect on the last year.

There is no doubt it has been an extremely testing time for political leaders with falling budgets, economic turbulence, growing unemployment and social problems that threaten to rip the fabric of society.

Making decisions when there are no easy answers is difficult but those problems are nought compared with those who are unemployed, face the threat of unemployment or are struggling to make ends meet.

To be fair, this is the focus of all politicians …

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Willie Rennie

Willie Rennie MSP writes: Time for radical action on alcohol misuse in Scotland

By Willie Rennie | Mon 6th June 2011 - 1:57 pm

Alcohol misuse continues to blight the whole of Scottish society, wrecking individual lives and harming families and communities. I have seen and heard the impact when I am talking to people on doorsteps. From damaging public health, through crime in local neighbourhoods, to dependence pulling families apart, we all suffer. I believe that radical action is needed and will therefore support moves to introduce a minimum unit pricing mechanism in Scotland.

​There is no quick fix to Scotland’s alcohol problem. The scale and complexity of the challenge requires a fundamental change to our culture of drinking to excess. Over the last few years we have seen significant changes to licensing law and many positive new powers have been put in place. A Licensing Act came into force in 2009, banning happy hours and irresponsible promotions in pubs and clubs. More recently the 2010 Alcohol Act bans multi-buy promotions in shops and supermarkets, restricts promotional material on display in shops and requires all retailers to operate the ‘Challenge 25’ scheme to tackle underage sales.

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Willie Rennie

Opinion: How the Liberal Democrats should fight the European elections

By Willie Rennie | Thu 8th January 2009 - 12:13 pm

European cooperation was initially designed to avoid another world war but because this has been so successful only a few on the extremes believe there is any prospect of war between western European countries today. It’s not a danger that most British people think is realistic. Although Lib Dems will highlight this major achievement in the European Elections in June it is unlikely to shift a significant number of votes in our favour.

The European Union has also made significant improvements to the lives of people which is something we will highlight in our communications. Yet people rarely …

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