Liberal Democrat Voice

++++Breaking….Luciana Berger joins the Liberal Democrats

By Caron Lindsay | Thu 5th September 2019 - 11:08 am

Liverpool Wavertree MP Luciana Berger is the newest member of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary team.

She said:

This is a moment of national crisis. The Liberal Democrats are unequivocal in wanting to stop Brexit and are committed to securing Britain’s future as a tolerant, open and inclusive society.

I am joining Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats today, in the national interest, to offer a vital, positive alternative to Johnson and Corbyn and help build a future that our country deserves.

Jo Swinson welcomed her:

Luciana is a passionate advocate for women’s and LGBT+ rights, and she’s at the forefront of efforts to counter anti-Semitism and prevent discrimination. I’m delighted to welcome her to the Liberal Democrats, where we can work together to stop Brexit and build a fairer, more equal society for all.

Posted in News | Tagged luciana berger | 42 Comments

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Sheffield diary – the campaigning importance of Fry’s Chocolate Cream four packs

By Paul Walter | Thu 5th September 2019 - 10:30 am

Laura Gordon in the Sheffield campaign HQ
Yesterday morning I caught the bus out to the HQ. After a most welcome cuppa, I packed up my rucksack and went off with a full load of leaflets and targeted envelopes.

“Sit down, love” – a father’s dilemma

By Johnny McDermott | Thu 5th September 2019 - 8:55 am

I am still not sure how I feel about my introducing politics to my twelve-year-old daughter. I don’t like the idea of indoctrination, and despite being open about my views, I try to balance them with what the opposing ideas are, so she doesn’t just take what I say as gospel.

It’s tricky. If I think “I’m right”, shouldn’t I teach her what “is right”? Yet, my father did not. A Labour man his whole life, and I barely knew it till he died. They did not shelter us from it. My parents allowed us to know the ideas and make our own choices. I want to try to do that for my daughter.

One thing I will not offer an “alternative view” for is the need for civilised discourse, the need to agree to disagree and make friendships across party-lines. She came home from school a little envious of her environmentally woke friends, who had chosen the subject for their end of primary school talks. We talked a while about the issues she thought important. Gender was chief amongst them.

I made the mistake of only really knowing about strong legal women, and it ended up tilting to Ruth Bader Ginsburg (we’d seen On the Basis of Sex – a Hollywood biopic about the second Supreme Court Justice – a month prior) and – to include the crossing-divides theme – Sandra Day O’Connor, of whom we knew nothing.

In the end it was a little convoluted and rushed – how to explain Constitutional Law and the Separation of Powers, gender equality and civilised debate in modern politics in 5-7 minutes was perhaps an editorial screw up on my part. But she understood it. Better, she came up with most of it herself. Did her own research and typed her own speech. It was very important to include SDC’s love of beef jerky because it showed she grew up on a ranch and was strong. Also RBG’s love of opera. Obviously.

Like any parent, I got a sting of disappointment for her when it didn’t get selected for their assembly; but I thought she’d gained a lot from it and was proud of herself. And more sure of herself, as a young woman.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged Jo Swinson and sexism | 15 Comments

Lib Dem Lords vs Brexit: Middle of night special

By Caron Lindsay | Thu 5th September 2019 - 1:02 am

It’s 12:55 am and the House of Lords just got to the amendments on the first paragraph of the timetable motion for the avoiding no deal bill. They have been going for the better part of 11 hours now and the vote they are on now is, I think, the 16th. According to Lib Dem Peer Paul Strasburger, this is the most votes ever in a single session.

This is part of the Government’s attempts to filibuster out the Bill to stop a no deal Brexit in its tracks which was passed by the Commons earlier.

There were rumours on Newsnight that Jeremy Corbyn had done a deal with the Government to allow an election in mid October in exchange for the filibustering to stop, but this appears to have been averted after MPs of all parties prevailed on Corbyn to not trust a word that comes from the Government.

So, No 10, I understand, has told the Lords to keep filibustering.

The Lords chamber is still pretty full. Every single vote has been won by the Rebel Alliance. And by some margin. It is the most colossal waste of time ever.

Some of our Lib Dem Lords may be in their element. It does rather read like a Lib Dem constitutional review, but even after an hour of watching, I am ready to throw things at the telly.

If you are trying to frustrate business with hundreds of frivolous amendments, you might at least make them interesting. I mean, why not include proposals for unlimited marshmallows to be provided, or to play beer pong at the bar of he House?

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, featured and house of lords | 21 Comments

4 September 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Wed 4th September 2019 - 11:00 pm

Time to put Liberal Democrat Voice to bed for the night, unlike our Parliamentary Party in the Lords, who are preparing for a long night of voting to stop Conservatives filibustering.

It’s been a dramatic day in Westminster, although there seem to be no shortage of those these days. But the media operations continues regardless…

Kicking the can down the road will not prevent Windrush-style scandal for EU citizens
Lib Dems: We have a duty to stand with the people of Hong Kong
Davey slams Spending Review as “fantasy figures”
Jane Dodds delivers maiden speech in Parliament
PM cannot be allowed to use an election to

…

Posted in News | Tagged Alistair Carmichael, brexit, christine jardine, ed davey, eu citizens, hong kong, jane dodds, Jo Swinson, maiden speeches and spending review | Leave a comment

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Two times Jo Swinson was awesome today

By Caron Lindsay | Wed 4th September 2019 - 10:00 pm

Today saw Jo Swinson’s first PMQs as leader against our incompetent and awful Prime Minister. She had intended to ask about a constituent’s mother who was having a hell of a time getting settled status despite living in this country for almost half a century.

Just before the end of PMQs, Slough MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi tackled the Prime Minister about his awful column in which he said horrific things about Muslim women. It’s worth remembering that these comments are not consequence free. Every woman of colour I know, whether she wears a hijab or not, noticed an increase in the racist, islamophobic crap they have to put up with every single day after he wrote that.

Typically, Johnson was incredibly dismissive of the challenge. Then it was Jo’s turn and she absolutely laid into him.

Unfortunately the embedding feature on Parliament TV isn’t working right now. Here’s a small clip:

"Our friends, colleagues and neighbours deserve better than Boris Johnson's failures and his carelessness with language." – @joswinson at today's #PMQS.

Demand better than Boris Johnson and Brexit 👇https://t.co/Mp2XkNJx4v pic.twitter.com/Y5Bv6uX2si

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) September 4, 2019

Here’s the text.

Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD)

The Prime Minister’s response to the hon. Member for Slough (Mr Dhesi) was appalling. An apology was required, rather than some kind of justification that there is ever any acceptable context for remarks such as the Prime Minister made in that column. He is the Prime Minister of our country. His words carry weight and he has to be more careful with what he says. My constituent Kristin is afraid because her mum, a European citizen, has been struggling to get settled status after 45 years in this country. Our friends, colleagues and neighbours deserve better than his failures and carelessness with language.

The Prime Minister

In the case of his constituent Kristin—

Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab)
His?

The Prime Minister

Her constituent Kristin—if she has indeed been here for 45 years, and I am sure she has—should be automatically eligible for settled status. Clearly, it is a difficult case, but the answer is for the hon. Member for East Dunbartonshire (Jo Swinson) to bring it to the Home Secretary, and I am sure we can sort it out.

The text alone doesn’t capture how utterly floored Johnson was by Jo’s question. It’s like a surprise to him that he isn’t universally loved.

Later on, during the debate on the Government motion for an election, Jo took apart Johnson’s arguments for an election. A general election, she said, should be held in a responsible manner, after an extension to article 50 had been assured.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged featured, Jo Swinson and PMQs | 14 Comments

Jane Dodds’ maiden speech

By Mary Reid | Wed 4th September 2019 - 6:34 pm

Jane Dodds has had an extraordinary introduction to Parliament. Yesterday she took her seat in the Commons, leading in Phillip Lee as he crossed the chamber. Today she gave her maiden speech in the Brexit debate.

This is what she said:

Thank you, Mr Speaker.

May I start by paying tribute to my predecessor, Mr. Chris Davies.

He worked hard for our local communities, raising awareness on the difficult issue of mental health and suicide in our farmers.

I thank him for his service.

Chris

…

Posted in News | Tagged jane dodds | 2 Comments

William Wallace writes: As seen from Westminster

By Lord William Wallace | Wed 4th September 2019 - 4:15 pm

Parliament is back – and humming with rumours of plots about hijacking the order paper, conversations with disillusioned Conservatives, and speculation about when the election will get under way.

Outside (on Tuesday afternoon, and into the evening) there are hundreds of demonstrators, the overwhelming majority of them opposed to Brexit. The arrival of the Yorkshire for Europe group, marching behind a tuba down the middle of the road, was a highlight for me; but when I went out to greet them I found Devon for Europe flags, a piper playing the Ode to joy on his bagpipes, and sustained chanting of ‘Stop the Coup’ all round the media on Abingdon Green.

The Remainers are a happier crowd than the minority of Brexiters, which makes a definite impression on those who come in and out of Westminster: threats, shouted claims of conspiracy, placards reading ‘Traitors in Parliament’ don’t win wavering hearts and minds.

Inside it’s impossible to say what will happen from one hour to the next. We have welcomed Philip Lee crossing the floor to become the sixteenth Liberal Democrat MP in this Parliament – and wonder if there may yet be one or two more to follow in the days that remain before prorogation. The Prime Minister looked rattled at times in answering questions on the G7 Statement on Tuesday afternoon: more like the stand-up comic that he should have been than the statesman that he aspires to become. I’ve talked in the corridors with MPs and peers of both the ‘old’ parties, who are as consumed by the situation as everyone else. I found one Conservative I knew and liked struggling between his conscience and his loyalty to his party. I was happily surprised to find a Labour MP already thinking about some form of informal arrangements at local or regjonal level if it comes to an early election.

Posted in Op-eds | 9 Comments

Sheffield diary

By Paul Walter | Wed 4th September 2019 - 12:45 pm

After a smooth train trip, helped by the debut of my senior railcard (yes, I know I only look 90!), I arrived in Sheffield on Monday evening.

I’m staying in a “super budget” hotel in the city centre, with which I am greatly impressed – mainly due to the price tag of £20 a night.

Posted in News | 2 Comments

What is the UK’s relationship with the British Overseas Territories?

By Caroline Padbury | Wed 4th September 2019 - 11:15 am

This is the second of a five-part series of pieces highlighting the issues of concern to Liberal Democrat members beyond our shores. For the first in the series, click here…

Liberal Democrats Overseas are an active Lib Dem group who support British citizens who live outside of the UK and Europe. We meet via video-conference, we operate online, but we also champion liberal values via events and meetings in countries throughout the world.

One of many areas we support is that of the British Overseas Territories Citizens. One of six types of British Citizens, who are individuals …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged british overseas territories and liberal democrats abroad | 6 Comments

Being a PPC with a Snap GE looming….

By Kirsten Johnson | Wed 4th September 2019 - 9:30 am

Needless to say, I have been busy lately! As have been PPCs and candidate selection teams up and down the country with the threat of looming General Election. Exciting times!

This uncertainty plays havoc with our mental health. We all have mental health, as we all have physical health. Not knowing whether one’s life is going to be put on hold in a few hours time for the next six weeks can be extraordinarily stressful.

At our local exec last night our team well-being was raised by a wise and concerned seasoned campaigner. He wanted us to first of all recognise the dangers of a 24/7 campaign and the huge pressure it puts everyone under; and secondly have a way of supporting our activists.

I have been at a lot of training sessions over the years since approved as a PPC in 2014. I can not remember any ALDC or party training in protecting and preserving the health and well-being of our campaigners and activists. There are usually lots of jokes about the junk food we all consume and the weight we gain due to poor hours, lack of sleep and not looking after ourselves – a feeling that our bodies might take a bashing during the campaign but its all worth it in the sacrifice for the Greater Good, i.e. winning.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged campaigning, mental health, mental health first aid and wellbeing | 8 Comments

Liberalism Down Under

By David Warren | Wed 4th September 2019 - 8:05 am

Australians recently went to the polls and elected a Liberal government. Unfortunately, Down Under the Liberal Party is a conservative body firmly fixed on the centre right of Aussie politics who with their allies the Nationals (previously known as the Country Party) have been in power for the majority of the country’s history. If it isn’t them in office, it’s Labor.

So what is the current state of our particular brand of liberalism in this part of the Commonwealth? Australia uses AV for the lower houses of its Federal and State parliaments while Upper Houses or Senates use STV, and the …

Posted in Europe / International | Tagged australian politics and liberalism | 10 Comments

Jo Swinson: We will stop Boris Johnson’s no deal plans in their tracks

By Caron Lindsay | Tue 3rd September 2019 - 11:45 pm

Jo Swinson’s reaction to the defeat of the government by 27 votes tonight:

The attempt to shut down Parliament by Boris Johnson is authoritarian and anti-democratic. The fact that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom wants to silence the people and their representatives shows that Boris Johnson will pursue Brexit at any cost, even at the cost of our democracy.

“That is why the Liberal Democrats, along with a majority of MPs in the House of Commons, have voted to take control of the order paper tomorrow.

Posted in News | Tagged Jo Swinson | 22 Comments

Our new deputy leader is…

By Caron Lindsay | Tue 3rd September 2019 - 11:19 pm

News: thrilled to be entrusted by parliamentary colleagues to be @LibDems Deputy Leader

Huge thanks to everyone for their support. Looking forward to working with my friend & leader @joswinson #LibDems are the united party leading the #StopBrexit fight https://t.co/bojQo6njJz

— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) September 3, 2019

And look who’s chuffed to bits

Posted in News | Tagged deputy leader, ed davey and Jo Swinson | 9 Comments

3 September 2019 – today’s (other) press releases

By Mark Valladares | Tue 3rd September 2019 - 11:00 pm

Readers may have noticed that the news of Phillip Lee’s defection was fast-tracked onto our front page earlier this afternoon, but his dramatic move to the Liberal Democrat benches shouldn’t overshadow the good news story that was Jane Dodds’s arrival on our benches, especially given how many Liberal Democrat Voice readers lent a hand in Brecon and Radnorshire…

HS2 Should not be funded with a ‘blank cheque’

In response to reports that HS2 could be delayed for up to seven years, with an additional estimated cost of over £20bn, former Liberal Democrat Leader Tim Farron said:

It is shameful that the Conservative Government

…

Posted in News | Tagged brecon and radnorshire, brexit, HS2, jane dodds, Jo Swinson and tim farron | Leave a comment

Phillip Lee MP joins the Liberal Democrats

By The Voice | Tue 3rd September 2019 - 3:43 pm

The Liberal Democrats have announced that Bracknell MP Phillip Lee has joined the party.

Phillip Lee, defecting from the Conservatives, joins the Liberal Democrats, having held the seat since 2010.

He is the fourth addition to the Liberal Democrat parliamentary party in the last few months.

Speaking after joining the party, Liberal Democrat MP Dr Phillip Lee said:

Over 27 years ago I joined the Conservative & Unionist Party led by Sir John Major. Since 2010 I have had the privilege of representing the Bracknell Constituency. The Party I joined in 1992 is not the Party I am leaving today.

This Conservative Government is aggressively pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways. It is putting lives and livelihoods at risk unnecessarily and it is wantonly endangering the integrity of the United Kingdom. More widely, it is undermining our country’s economy, democracy and role in the world. It is using political manipulation, bullying and lies. And it is doing these things in a deliberate and considered way.

That is why today I am joining Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats. I believe the Liberal Democrats are best placed to build the unifying and inspiring political force needed to heal our divisions, unleash our talents, equip us to take the opportunities and overcome the challenges that we face as a society – and leave our country and our world in a better place for the next generations.

Welcoming Dr Phillip Lee, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson said:

Posted in News | Tagged philip lee | 98 Comments

LDV at Sheffield Hallam on this important day

By Paul Walter | Tue 3rd September 2019 - 12:11 pm

I seem to have a habit of arriving in places on milestone days. I arrived in Llandrindod Wells on the day the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election writ was moved. Today I have arrived in Sheffield Hallam on the day the MP is expected to resign (2:30pm is the crucial moment).

Posted in News | 4 Comments

Jane Dodds and Beatrice Wishart take their seats in Westminster and Holyrood

By Caron Lindsay | Tue 3rd September 2019 - 10:25 am

Amidst today’s drama, let’s not forget that Jane Dodds, our new MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Beatrice Wishart, our new MSP for Shetland, take their seats today.

So not only are the Government content to shut down Parliament, they are now thinking of calling an election to silence MPs and enable a #NoDealBrexit.

These attempts to override MPs won’t succeed, we will continue the fight to take #NoDeal off the table. https://t.co/Xo4hEv70zk

— Jane Dodds AS/MS 🔶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@DoddsJane) September 2, 2019

I'm absolutely delighted to have been elected as the new MSP for Shetland. I am extremely proud of the positive campaign we have run. Thank you to the voters who put their faith in me. https://t.co/71UFNf5QMS

— Beatrice Wishart MSP (@BeatriceWishart) August 30, 2019

Posted in News | Tagged beatrice wishart and jane dodds | Leave a comment

All aboard the rollercoaster

By Caron Lindsay | Tue 3rd September 2019 - 8:00 am

A Prime Minister with no mandate intends to shut down Parliament to pursue a reckless agenda which could lead to food and medicine shortages. He threatens to end the careers of anyone on his side who defies him.

No, not the plot of some fanciful work of fiction I read on holiday. Quite possibly the plot of a film in a few years time.

There is a surreal feeling about what’s happening at the moment. A colleague of mine commented when we heard that Conservative MPs were being summoned to the garden of Downing Street that some of the rebels may not be allowed to leave.

An emergency debate today will lead to a Bill being introduced by the opposition tomorrow. That bill will compel the PM to ask for an extension to Article 50 to the end of January. If the European Council ask for it to be to a different date, MPs will have the chance to accept or reject that date.

Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats, have been heavily involved in planning over the Summer. Our aim is ultimately to stop Brexit by means of a People’s Vote. That is something that was supported by 280 MPs the last time it was debated.

Boris Johnson knows that there is a good chance that this legislation will pass. It was pretty extraordinary to see Michael Gove refuse to confirm that the Government would abide by this new law.

Last night’s ultimatum, when he threw a general election into the mix, looks like it may not succeed. The only way an election can be called is if Labour votes for it and it looks from what their people are saying that they will resist that, at least in the short term. My worry is that an election called for 14th could be delayed to 31st once Parliament is dissolved, when it’s too late to do anything to avert no deal, by a Prime Minister who is not exactly known for keeping his word.

This is a hugely anxious time for anyone with a liberal mindset. A government taking an increasingly authoritarian, anti-democratic course needs to be stopped. Every vote is going to shred our nerves and send our blood pressure through the roof. A longer term objective surely has to be to end the 15 minutes of drama that goes along with every Commons vote. Pressing a button would end that agony.

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, Jo Swinson and Parliament | 39 Comments

2 September 2019 – today’s (other) press releases

By Mark Valladares | Mon 2nd September 2019 - 11:00 pm

Leaked doc shows Govt has no answer to the Irish border question

Responding to the leaked civil service document showing the Government’s failure to come up with a viable alternative to the backstop, Liberal Democrat shadow Brexit secretary Tom Brake said:

As we continue to get closer to October 31st, with Boris Johnson attempting to shutdown our democracy, this leaked document rings alarm bells. It proves the Government has no deliverable solution to the Irish border, let alone being able to find one within the next few weeks.

The fact that in this document there is not a single option that can be

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit and tom brake | 6 Comments

Lib Dems sign cross-party Bill to stop no-deal

By Mark Valladares | Mon 2nd September 2019 - 6:28 pm

Today Liberal Democrat shadow Brexit Secretary Tom Brake has signed the cross-party Bill which, if passed, will force Boris Johnson to request a 3 month extension if Parliament has either not agreed a deal or agreed to no-deal by October 19th.

Following this, Tom Brake said:

This Bill provides the means to rule out a catastrophic no-deal Brexit. If passed, it will ensure that Boris Johnson has to seek an extension so that he cannot drag the country off the cliff edge.

The Liberal Democrats have been working with others to ensure that this Tory-created mess does not lead to us falling out

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit and tom brake | 38 Comments

Making British tourism work for everyone

By Dee Doocey | Mon 2nd September 2019 - 3:15 pm

Suppose you could create more jobs for young people and give them a springboard to a satisfying career. Suppose you could spread wealth all around Britain, especially in left behind regions. Suppose you could attract more money from overseas, just when the Conservatives are trying to barricade Britain.

In Bournemouth, you have the opportunity to endorse a blueprint to do just that. Sitting behind the motion Open Britain – policies to support the UK tourism industry is a detailed ‘spokesperson’s paper’, with a whole set of proposals to give tourism the attention in government that it deserves.

The critical …

Posted in Conference | Tagged policy development and tourism | 4 Comments

We must start to nail the big lie

By Brian Edmonds | Mon 2nd September 2019 - 1:08 pm

As Boris Johnson apparently snakes his way to a General Election in which he will represent himself as the people’s champion, fulfilling their will in the face of Parliamentary treachery, we must confront the central lie of their campaign. For three years Brexiteers have been allowed to establish a massive shield of credibility around the claim that the result of the EU Referendum in 2016 is sacrosanct for all time – an incontrovertible and irrevocable expression of the will of the British people. They have done so simply by repeating at every possible opportunity that to call for a fresh …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged brexit | 31 Comments

3-6 September 2019 – next week in the Lords

By Mark Valladares | Mon 2nd September 2019 - 11:47 am

Parliament resumes its Westminster based work this week after the Summer Recess, and whilst most people will be focusing on the drama at the Commons end of the building (and why wouldn’t they?), the Lords continues to exist on fairly slim pickings.

Tuesday sees one of those possibly unhelpful Oral Questions, from Conservative Peer, Lord Cormack, who will be asking about the powers available to recall Parliament during a prorogation in the event of a national or international crisis. It’s a good question, and it falls to either the Leader of the House, …

Posted in News | Tagged house of lords | 2 Comments

31 August – 1 September 2019 – the weekend’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Mon 2nd September 2019 - 7:34 am

Good morning, readers, and welcome to the start of another week here at Liberal Democrat Voice! Some of you may have been wondering where this feature got to over August, and the simple answer is that I’ve been away visiting family and looking at glaciers (but not at the same time). And now I’m back…

Stop chasing unicorn Brexit deal

Responding to Michel Barnier rejecting Boris Johnson’s demands for the Irish backstop to be scrapped, Liberal Democrat Shadow Brexit Secretary Tom Brake said;

Boris Johnson’s Brexit chaos is a national embarrassment. With just 60 days to go until we crash out of the

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit and tom brake | 11 Comments

Brits living abroad – let’s hear their voice too!

By George Cunningham and Rob Harrison | Sun 1st September 2019 - 10:24 am

Around five million British citizens live abroad. They come from all walks of life – working families with children, students, professionals, freelancers, and pensioners. Many continue to pay UK taxes, retaining close connections with the UK, regularly visiting relatives and friends living there. They have often built up business and cultural relationships between the UK and their adopted homeland.

However, our fellow citizens are now under pressure. A large number were disenfranchised in the 2016 EU referendum because of having lived for more than 15 years out of the country. Yet the 1-2 million Brits living in the rest of the EU have the most to lose, especially if there is a ‘no-deal’ Brexit. Freedom of movement and the right to live and work will be substantially restricted. Many EU countries have only provided short term solutions. Most are saying that their future rights will depend on how the UK treats its own citizens.

Outside the EU, Brits are facing other challenges. In Thailand for instance, tightening immigration restrictions in favour of big investors and high spending tourists are deliberately driving out ordinary Brits and other modest income foreigners. Young British citizens are discouraged from attending university in the UK as they are expected to pay fees at the overseas level.

That is why Lib Dems Overseas and Lib Dems in Europe will be launching their new policy proposals “Modernising the relationship between Britain and its citizens living abroad” at the Autumn Conference in Bournemouth. Look out for the fringe event Sunday lunchtime! These proposals will be the first presented by any political party specifically to help Brits living abroad.

We believe passionately that all British citizens, wherever they live, should be treated equally and fairly. The British diaspora’s importance to Britain’s soft power should be encouraged to full potential, especially if Brexit happens. What needs to be done then?

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged british citizens | 34 Comments

Huge thanks to Paul Walter and Mary Reid

By Caron Lindsay | Sun 1st September 2019 - 8:55 am

I have now returned from two weeks enjoying the restorative magic of Rosemarkie Beach. I needed that break so much. At the beginning of July, I felt so physically and mentally exhausted that I actually feared that I was going to fall over completely. My trip to Brecon, hard work though it was, revived my spirits a bit, but I was still in dire need of a proper break.

Editing LDV is a huge passion, but it can be a bit all-consuming at times, especially when trying to combine it with a day job and all the other assorted Lib Demmery in my life. Add to that some family health issues, and you can see that an extra 12 hours in each day would be very welcome.

I could not have had my break without the team stepping up to cover for me. Paul Walter and Mary Reid did a sterling job in my absence and I just wanted to say to them how grateful I am. They dealt with submissions, moderated comments and wrote some great stuff of their own.

Here are some of my highlights of their work during the last fortnight:

Paul’s coverage of the Stop the Coup protests yesterday.

Mary’s brilliant piece on diversity in film and theatre

Kirsten Johnson talks about the need for action on social care.

Miranda Roberts writes about making the Sheffield Hallam HQ family friendly.

Mary reporting on a recent lecture by the Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel 4 News, Dorothy Byrne, about the way politicians interact, or not, with the media.

Paul writing about how Irish travellers deserve our respect like any other ethnic group.

Posted in Op-eds | 3 Comments

WATCH: North Cornwall Lib Dem PPC Danny Chambers speak at #stopthecoup rally

By Caron Lindsay | Sat 31st August 2019 - 8:54 pm

The next generation, we hope, of Lib Dem MPs have been out and about speaking at Stop the Coup rallies today. Daisy Cooper spoke in St Albans, Laura Gordon in Sheffield Hallam and, courtesy of the wonderful Steve Jolly, we have video of North Cornwall’s Danny Chambers at the event in Bodmin.

As an added bonus, London Mayoral candidate Siobhan Benita was down there visiting her parents and she went along and the two of them did a video together.

Wherever you are, now is the time to stand up to this reckless Government and their bid to shut down democracy.
I joined @DannyVet in Bodmin today. #DefendOurDemocracy #StopTheCoup pic.twitter.com/qYn7VOs0Ya

— Siobhan Benita 🇺🇦🌻 (@SiobhanBenita) August 31, 2019

Posted in News | Tagged danny chambers, siobhan benita and stop the coup | 13 Comments

More photos from #StopTheCoup protests across the country

By Paul Walter | Sat 31st August 2019 - 5:00 pm

The range of large protests across the country today is incredible. It is particularly heartening to see Lib Dems marching alongside those from other parties and none.

#PlymouthLibDems parliamentary candidate @SimaDavarian gave a passionate & positively received speech in Plymouth today. Hundreds of us, from different groups & parties, were demonstrating against the suspension of Parliament & several speakers addressed the crowds. #StopTheCoup pic.twitter.com/0ICjCx2ynY

— Plymouth Liberal Democrats 🔶 (@PlymouthLibDems) August 31, 2019

Posted in News | Tagged #StopTheCoup and proroguing parliament | 6 Comments

And there’s more! #StopTheCoup protest photos from across the country part 3

By Paul Walter | Sat 31st August 2019 - 4:40 pm

#StopTheCoup demo in Oxford
Speakers from Greens, Labour, Lib Dems and even Tories, coming together to defend democracy. @LaylaMoran pic.twitter.com/WL6v33s4Na

— Dr Helen Salisbury (@HelenRSalisbury) August 31, 2019

Posted in News | Tagged #StopTheCoup and proroguing parliament | 1 Comment

Op-eds

Tom Arms’ World Review (Tom Arms)
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)

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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

++++Breaking….Luciana Berger joins the Liberal Democrats

Sheffield diary – the campaigning importance of Fry’s Chocolate Cream four packs

“Sit down, love” – a father’s dilemma

Lib Dem Lords vs Brexit: Middle of night special

4 September 2019 – today’s press releases

Two times Jo Swinson was awesome today

Jane Dodds’ maiden speech

William Wallace writes: As seen from Westminster

Sheffield diary

What is the UK’s relationship with the British Overseas Territories?

Being a PPC with a Snap GE looming….

Liberalism Down Under

Jo Swinson: We will stop Boris Johnson’s no deal plans in their tracks

Our new deputy leader is…

3 September 2019 – today’s (other) press releases

Phillip Lee MP joins the Liberal Democrats

LDV at Sheffield Hallam on this important day

Jane Dodds and Beatrice Wishart take their seats in Westminster and Holyrood

All aboard the rollercoaster

2 September 2019 – today’s (other) press releases

Lib Dems sign cross-party Bill to stop no-deal

Making British tourism work for everyone

We must start to nail the big lie

3-6 September 2019 – next week in the Lords

31 August – 1 September 2019 – the weekend’s press releases

Brits living abroad – let’s hear their voice too!

Huge thanks to Paul Walter and Mary Reid

WATCH: North Cornwall Lib Dem PPC Danny Chambers speak at #stopthecoup rally

More photos from #StopTheCoup protests across the country

And there’s more! #StopTheCoup protest photos from across the country part 3

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William Wallace writes: We should talk more about Liberalism

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An early win for affordable housing – now let councils build

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