Liberal Democrat Voice

Rumour: Jo Swinson set to be awarded a peerage

By Paul Walter | Fri 10th January 2020 - 4:55 pm

This fortnight’s edition of Private Eye is proving to be quite a goldmine. I thoroughly recommend buying a copy at your local newsagent or similar outlet.

Posted in News | Tagged featured, honours list, house of lords and Jo Swinson | 48 Comments

Advert

Opinion from an activist: What is happening now is just not good enough

By Garth Shephard | Fri 10th January 2020 - 3:20 pm

Embed from Getty Images
Billy Joel once wrote:

You’re not the only one who’s made mistakes
But they’re the only thing that you can truly call your own

This implies two things. Firstly, that you recognise a mistake when it happens. Secondly, you learn how not to make the same mistake again.

The Liberal Democrat leadership shows little realisation of step one and no recognition that step two might be helpful.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged 2019 general election and billy joel | 33 Comments

Observations of an Expat – New Year, Bad Start

By Tom Arms | Fri 10th January 2020 - 1:12 pm

2020 was never going to be a good year. A veritable armoury of Damocles swords hangs over us – Brexit, Ukraine, impeachment, tariffs, the cohesion of the Western Alliance, US presidential elections and, of course, that perennial headache, the Middle East.

Donald Trump’s killing of General Qassem Soleimani almost completely severed the threat suspending the Middle Eastern sword. Frantic efforts are being made to retreat from disaster. Hopefully they will be successful, but serious damage has already been done and governments around the world are reassessing their positions in light of the New Year developments.

At the heart of the issue is …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged donald trump, iran and us foreign policy | 6 Comments

Is it time for co-leaders?

By David Warren | Fri 10th January 2020 - 11:42 am

We are all reeling from what was a very disappointing set of General Election results.

Personally I was hoping for at least 15 per cent of the national vote share and a substantial increase in the number of MPs, but it wasn’t to be. On a night of losses I was particularly sad to see Tom Brake defeated. I had the pleasure of meeting Tom back in 2016 and I know he was an excellent constituency MP.

Of course, the headline loss was our new leader Jo Swinson in Dunbartonshire. I can’t help thinking that the pressures of having to head up a national campaign was a factor in her defeat. Clearly she wasn’t able to spend as much time in her constituency given the need to travel the length and breadth of the country spreading the party’s message. That was something she did with distinction. I was particularly impressed by her performance in the Andrew Neil interview, where she matched him very well.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged liberal democrat leadership | 25 Comments

“Her disastrous miscalculation” – Sir Nick Harvey’s view on Jo Swinson’s support for December election

By Paul Walter | Fri 10th January 2020 - 9:50 am

Former North Devon MP, Sir Nick Harvey stood down as Liberal Democrat party chief executive shortly before 20th October last year.

In this fortnight’s Private Eye, a letter from Nick is published which severely criticises a decision made by the then party leader, Jo Swinson, soon after he left the role on 28th October.

Posted in News | Tagged 2019 general election, featured, Jo Swinson and sir nick harvey | 99 Comments

Advert

10 January 2020 – the overnight press releases

By Mark Valladares | Fri 10th January 2020 - 7:53 am

Govt must stop young people falling prey to ‘county lines’ gangs
Tories failing children’s mental health

Govt must stop young people falling prey to ‘county lines’ gangs

Responding to a report released today by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services into ‘county lines’ gangs, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine said:

When children as young as 12 are being exploited by drug gangs, the Government’s approach clearly needs to change. We need to stop both the supply and demand of illegal hard drugs.

Unnecessary Tory cuts to the police have made it easier for organised criminal networks to spread. Cuts to

…

Posted in News | Tagged child mental health, christine jardine, county lines, Drug Policy and munira wilson | Leave a comment

9 January 2020 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Thu 9th January 2020 - 11:53 pm

Transport Secretary needs to sack Northern
A&E waiting times will be worse with Tories’ extreme Brexit
Jardine secures Govt commitment to introduce Domestic Abuse Bill by Easter
Lib Dems continue to oppose dangerous Withdrawal Bill

Transport Secretary needs to sack Northern

The Liberal Democrats have called for the Transport Secretary to “sack Northern” following the announcement that the Government is considering awarding Northern a short-term contract.

Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Tim Farron said:

The Conservative Government’s big announcement on Northern is just more delay, something that rail passengers in the North are all too familiar with.

It’s completely unthinkable that the Secretary of State is prepared to award

…

Posted in News | Tagged Alistair Carmichael, brexit, christine jardine, domestic abuse bill, eu withdrawal bill, munira wilson, NHS staffing, rail franchises and tim farron | 2 Comments

Lord Martin Thomas warns the Government against interfering with judiciary independence

By Martin Thomas | Thu 9th January 2020 - 3:40 pm

Liberal Democrat Voice is pleased to see Lord Thomas of Greenford back in his usual place in the House of Lords, following a period of ill-health. Yesterday, he made a typically punchy intervention during the Queen’s Speech debate warning over potential political interference with the judiciary…

My Lords, in 1978 I was the guest of a senior lawyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That evening at home, he answered a phone call and came back wreathed in smiles: “The Republicans are struggling to get their legislation through the State Senate”, he told me. “The Democrats have told them they have to pay a

…

Posted in Parliament | Tagged free judiciary, house of lords and martin thomas | 9 Comments

Fifty Ps for Refugees

By John Death | Thu 9th January 2020 - 10:25 am

Remainers haven’t reacted well to the repeated Government announcements of a ‘special’ 50p coin to mark the withdrawal from the EU. So that puts a grin on the face of every Tory and Faragist. The most common response of vocal Remainers is to say that they will boycott the coin, which is not an easy strategy in a crowded shop and, I imagine, might result in people having to forego their change if they won’t accept legal tender (and lead to wry smiles from those trying to use Scottish notes in parts of England).

Another response is needed, my friends. …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged brexit | 14 Comments

8 January 2020 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Wed 8th January 2020 - 11:30 pm

Iran’s actions on US airbases “unacceptable”
Johnson’s hard negotiation deadline is unrealistic
Farron: Child refugees vote reveals Tory MPs’ true colours
Johnson’s govt must stand up to use of death penalty abroad
UK Govt must not abandon Iran Nuclear Treaty

Iran’s actions on US airbases “unacceptable”

Responding to Iran’s missile strikes on US airbases in Iraq, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

Iran’s actions against US airbases last night were unacceptable and should be unequivocally condemned.

It is vital Boris Johnson does all he can to ensure dialogue and a de-escalation of this intensifying situation.

The Prime Minister must also take every step

…

Posted in News | Tagged Alistair Carmichael, bahrain, brexit, child refugees, death penalty, ed davey, iran, nuclear weapons, tim farron and ursula von der leyen | Leave a comment

Opening up party conferences for all

By The Voice | Wed 8th January 2020 - 6:30 pm

If you would like to attend the Spring Conference in York from March 15th – 17th and are worried about the cost of attending, then the Conference Access Fund may be able to help you.

The fund is taking applications up until January 22nd.

If you would like help with the accommodation, travel, childcare, disability or access-related costs related to attending the conference, then please do apply using this form.

Posted in Party policy and internal matters | Tagged conference access fund and spring conference 2020 | Leave a comment

Ed Davey: We must not allow President Trump to drag the UK into yet another war, like Iraq

By The Voice | Wed 8th January 2020 - 5:05 pm

Embed from Getty Images

Ed Davey, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, has just written to Liberal Democrat members summarising the party’s position on the Iran crisis:

We are living in dangerous times.

The assassination of a key Iranian leader, General Suleinami, ordered by President Trump, has raised tensions across the Middle East.

It’s too early to know if today’s inevitable if unacceptable Iranian response will lead to further US retaliation but huge diplomatic efforts must be made now to de-escalate.

Britain must continue to work with European allies to lead that diplomacy.

Posted in News | Tagged iran, Suleimani assassination and trump | 8 Comments

An update on Lighthouse – our new Local Party Management tool

By Greg Foster | Wed 8th January 2020 - 3:30 pm

Happy New Year!

Over Christmas and New Year, a team of HQ staff and almost 60 volunteer testers from across the party as well as the team at Prater Raines have been hard at work testing Lighthouse, the party’s new Local Party Management tool.

The feedback from those users has been really encouraging. They’ve found the system really intuitive and easy to use.

It’ll also work for all parts of the party – from branches up to state parties and will solve a number of other long standing issues as well (thought not all on day 1!)

Of course, launch day is fast approaching – and you’ll all soon be able to get your hands on it.

This is how we’re planning to roll out Lighthouse:

Posted in Party policy and internal matters | Tagged liberal democrats and Lighthouse | 6 Comments

Whatever happened to the class of 2015? – the full list

By Paul Walter | Wed 8th January 2020 - 11:20 am

Embed from Getty Images

I suppose that it is very easy to get into the mindset that politics is everything in life. But it turns out that there is life outside of Westminster.

I read the other day that former Labour Deputy Leader, Tom Watson, is training to become a gym instructor.

That started me thinking about what had happened to our vast number of MPs from before the election in 2015.

Stephen Gilbert, former MP for St Austell and Newquay, for example. Whatever happened to him after he posted a “Gone Surfing” post-it note on his Twitter account in 2015? Well, it turns out he’s a teacher.

I then thought I’d better find about some of the others and, before I knew it, I was launching a vast spreadsheet and had started a huge task.

Anyway, here is the result of my researches, in alphabetical order. If you spot any omissions or errors, please let me know in the comments below:

Posted in Party policy and internal matters | Tagged 2015 general election and featured | 23 Comments

Billy Kelleher MEP writes: Britain didn’t become more illiberal and less tolerant overnight

By Billy Kelleher | Wed 8th January 2020 - 9:44 am

Embed from Getty ImagesBrexit’s happening. There I said it. It is not what I, my party, or my island wants. I know it’s not what the Lib Dems want, but we are where we are.

The deal that Prime Minister Johnson agreed with the EU is not as good as Theresa May’s deal. While it is good for Northern Ireland, it may prove damaging for East-West trade between Ireland and Great Britain if a future relationship agreement isn’t agreed in time.

For the first time, the islands of Ireland and Great Britain are not on the same course – we are diverging. This brings with it huge challenges for all of us who live on either island.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged brexit, fianna fail, ireland and renew europe | 23 Comments

Understanding the Johnson-Cummings government reforms

By Paul Reynolds | Tue 7th January 2020 - 1:28 pm

What should Lib Dems make of the ‘radical’ constitutional, political, judicial and administrative reforms apparently pre-planned by the Johnson government and key adviser Dominic Cummings?

I shall try and shed some light.

Statements from Downing St have included scathing criticisms of the UK civil service. The substance of these, as far as can be gleaned, include major changes to recruitment, departmental ‘tenure’ of civil servants, capital spending and the ability of ministers (not the public) to hold civil servants responsible for screw-ups, wastefulness or incompetence.

They criticise the alleged ‘blame avoidance merry-go-round ’ practice of keeping civil servants in post for …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged civil service reform and dominic cummings | 12 Comments

Whatever happened to the class of 2015? – third and final excerpt

By Paul Walter | Tue 7th January 2020 - 11:00 am

Embed from Getty Images

I suppose that it is very easy to get into the mindset that politics is everything in life. But it turns out that there is life outside of Westminster.

I read the other day that former Labour Deputy Leader, Tom Watson, is training to become a gym instructor.

That started me thinking about what had happened to our vast number of MPs from before the election in 2015.

I then thought I’d better find about some of the others and, before I knew it, I was launching a vast spreadsheet and had started a huge task.

Anyway, here is the third and final part of my researches, from P to W in alphabetical order (Part 1 is available here and part two is here). If you spot any omissions or errors, please let me know in the comments below:

Posted in Party policy and internal matters | Tagged 2015 general election | 12 Comments

Alastair Campbell plays his annual bagpipe lament to Charles Kennedy at his graveside

By Paul Walter | Tue 7th January 2020 - 9:30 am

This is quite something. Handkerchieves at the ready. Thank you to @JohnPugh2017 who retweeted this.

Posted in News | Tagged alistair campbell and charles kennedy | 5 Comments

Ed Davey announces new Liberal Democrat front bench team in the House of Commons

By News Meerkat | Mon 6th January 2020 - 7:45 pm

Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, has today announced the new Lib Dem team in the House of Commons.

The new team will speak up for the millions of people who voted for the party in the recent general election and the millions more who are dismayed with the current Conservative government.

Speaking on the announcement, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

Posted in News | Tagged ed davey and liberal democrat front bench team | 33 Comments

Whatever happened to the class of 2015? (2)

By Paul Walter | Mon 6th January 2020 - 4:30 pm

Embed from Getty Images

I suppose that it is very easy to get into the mindset that politics is everything in life. But it turns out that there is life outside of Westminster.

I read the other day that former Labour Deputy Leader, Tom Watson, is training to become a gym instructor.

That started me thinking about what had happened to our vast number of MPs from before the election in 2015.

I then thought I’d better find about some of the others and, before I knew it, I was launching a vast spreadsheet and had started a huge task.

Anyway, here is the second part of my researches, from H to M in alphabetical order (Part 1 is available here). If you spot any omissions or errors, please let me know in the comments below:

Posted in Party policy and internal matters | Tagged 2015 general election | 3 Comments

Music news: Two albums released by former Lib Dem MPs

By Paul Walter | Mon 6th January 2020 - 3:00 pm

During my researches for my “Class of 2015” articles, I have been delighted to find that two of our MPs from the “Class of 2015” have released musical albums.

Norman Baker, who lost his Lewes seat in 2015 and previously recorded with his band “The Reform Club”, has released a solo album called “Staying Blue” which is available widely on Angel Air Records. A couple of the tracks are on YouTube including “Shipping Forecast” (above) which includes a snippet of the BBC Radio 4 Shipping Forecast and these classic lines:

Posted in Party policy and internal matters | Tagged greg mulholland and norman baker | 1 Comment

Christine Jardine considers… What next?

By Christine Jardine MP | Mon 6th January 2020 - 12:35 pm

Sometimes stepping back for a moment, and not thinking about an issue, can give you a whole new perspective on it.

This is, I believe, one of those moments for the party.

In the brief, frantic, space between the election result and Christmas it sometimes felt as if we were continuing to hurtle at the same uncontrollable pace which had propelled us into the election.

Before any work had been done to work out what had gone wrong there was, it seemed an almost reckless determination to launch ourselves into a new leadership contest.

Too soon, for me, in so …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged future party strategy and leadership | 72 Comments

Keeping the flame alive

By John King | Mon 6th January 2020 - 11:30 am

It was over two years ago that I wrote in these pages about the virtues of patience, if we desire to re-enter the EU. Roger Liddle, the Labour peer and former adviser to Tony Blair, had predicted the conservatives would inevitably triumph and our best bet would be to re-apply under article 49, once the fuss had died down and the country had woken up to reality.

He was, unfortunately, right, but as for rejoining the EU in the foreseeable future the prospects look very limited. The idea that Britons will suddenly wake up and come to their senses is mistaken; experience has shown that if the going gets rough, Leavers harden their resolve. Furthermore, an attempt to negotiate inferior membership terms from a weakened position is not likely to go down well with either the public or the media.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged european union | 41 Comments

Lib Dems: Raab defence of Trump not in UK’s interests

By The Voice | Mon 6th January 2020 - 8:11 am

Following Dominic Raab’s appearance on the Andrew Marr show yesterday morning, Liberal Democrat Acting Leader Ed Davey said:

Dominic Raab’s lapdog defence of Donald Trump’s reckless action against Iran is seriously misguided and not in Britain’s best interests.

The United States’ so-called strategy with Iran and across the Middle East is so incoherent and inconsistent that it is making the search for peace and security far more problematic. So it is a huge mistake for the Foreign Secretary to give Trump a blank cheque of unequivocal support, especially when the Government was not even consulted before this action and this could backfire

…

Posted in News | Tagged ed davey, foreign policy, iran and middle east | 22 Comments

Reminder: there’s still time to get the early bird discount for the York Spring Conference

By Paul Walter | Sun 5th January 2020 - 1:04 pm

This is a gentle reminder that you can still take advantage of the “early bird” discount if you register before January 7th – that’s this coming Tuesday – for the York Spring Conference.

Due to feedback from our esteemed LDV editor, Caron, the deadline was extended especially to allow people sufficient time after the hard work of the election.

Posted in Party policy and internal matters | Tagged 2020 York spring conference | Leave a comment

Rolling the boulder back up the hill again….

By John Pugh | Sun 5th January 2020 - 10:00 am

Embed from Getty Images
In ancient mythology Sisyphus is condemned to spend eternity in Hades rolling a huge stone up a hill only to see it roll down again and have to repeat the process. Judging by the reaction of many Lib Dems to the 2019 General Election, that seems a good metaphor for the predicament party members and activists feel themselves to be in.

The most common injunction is currently is to go back to basics, build up the local base, immerse ourselves in community politics,set out on the long march again.

Like Sisyphus we may find this necessary even obligatory- even if tinged with reluctance and a sense of sad futility. We can see it as a consequence of living in this vale of tears where FPTP rules and political power inevitably goes to those with most economic clout. Breaking the mould can seem impossible if you don’t control those forces that set the mould in the first place.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged brexit and coalition | 110 Comments

Spare a thought for our poor agents…

By The Voice | Sat 4th January 2020 - 4:08 pm

Embed from Getty Images

While most of us are enjoying a bit of rest and recuperation following the election, spare a thought for our agents.

After ensuring that a “thank you” leaflet went out, most of them are having to knuckle down to sort out the expenses.

They are over-shadowed by a huge pile of receipts and facing a form, the complexity of which makes an HMRC Self-assessment form look simple.

Added to that, they face legal penalties if they don’t do it all correctly and on time.

No pressure then…

So this is a big “thank you” to all our agents for the complex and highly responsible job that you do!

Posted in Party policy and internal matters | Tagged election expenses | 6 Comments

Whatever happened to the class of 2015? (1)

By Paul Walter | Sat 4th January 2020 - 1:32 pm

Embed from Getty Images

I suppose that it is very easy to get into the mindset that politics is everything in life. But it turns out that there is life outside of Westminster.

I read the other day that former Labour Deputy Leader, Tom Watson, is training to become a gym instructor.

That started me thinking about what had happened to our vast number of MPs from before the election in 2015.

I then thought I’d better find about some of the others and, before I knew it, I was launching a vast spreadsheet and had started a huge task.

Anyway, here is the first part of my researches, starting in alphabetical order. If you spot any omissions or errors, please let me know in the comments below:

Posted in Liberal History | Tagged general election 2015 | 15 Comments

Iran: War is not the answer

By Jonathan Fryer | Sat 4th January 2020 - 10:08 am

Embed from Getty Images

The assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani at Baghdad international airport, on the specific orders of US President Donald Trump, risks enflaming the whole Persian Gulf region and maybe beyond.

I am no supporter of what the deceased General’s Al Quds brigade has been up to in Iraq and Syria, but the extrajudicial killing of a such a senior Iranian figure is reckless beyond words. And counter-productive.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged iran, president trump and Soleimani | 27 Comments

Op-eds

Observations of an Expat An Iranian Who’s Who (Tom Arms)
The Independent View: Are mutuals the answer to the water crisis? (People's Commission on the Water Sector)
William Wallace writes: We should talk more about Liberalism (Lord William Wallace)
The future of war has arrived: It’s the Navy (Edward Marsh)
The law has never told you which door to use (Tanya Park)

Advert

William Wallace writes: We should talk more about Liberalism

Vince Cable writes: The rebirth of council housing

An early win for affordable housing – now let councils build

William Wallace writes: The case for higher taxes

Rumour: Jo Swinson set to be awarded a peerage

Opinion from an activist: What is happening now is just not good enough

Observations of an Expat – New Year, Bad Start

Is it time for co-leaders?

“Her disastrous miscalculation” – Sir Nick Harvey’s view on Jo Swinson’s support for December election

10 January 2020 – the overnight press releases

9 January 2020 – today’s press releases

Lord Martin Thomas warns the Government against interfering with judiciary independence

Fifty Ps for Refugees

8 January 2020 – today’s press releases

Opening up party conferences for all

Ed Davey: We must not allow President Trump to drag the UK into yet another war, like Iraq

An update on Lighthouse – our new Local Party Management tool

Whatever happened to the class of 2015? – the full list

Billy Kelleher MEP writes: Britain didn’t become more illiberal and less tolerant overnight

Understanding the Johnson-Cummings government reforms

Whatever happened to the class of 2015? – third and final excerpt

Alastair Campbell plays his annual bagpipe lament to Charles Kennedy at his graveside

Ed Davey announces new Liberal Democrat front bench team in the House of Commons

Whatever happened to the class of 2015? (2)

Music news: Two albums released by former Lib Dem MPs

Christine Jardine considers… What next?

Keeping the flame alive

Lib Dems: Raab defence of Trump not in UK’s interests

Reminder: there’s still time to get the early bird discount for the York Spring Conference

Rolling the boulder back up the hill again….

Spare a thought for our poor agents…

Whatever happened to the class of 2015? (1)

Iran: War is not the answer

Most Read

Op-eds

Recent Comments

William Wallace writes: We should talk more about Liberalism

Vince Cable writes: The rebirth of council housing

An early win for affordable housing – now let councils build

William Wallace writes: The case for higher taxes

Subscribe

Most Read

Search

Op-eds

Recent Comments