Tag Archives: bbc parliament

Tonight, 8pm, BBC Parliament – Conversation with Shirley Williams

By Caron Lindsay | Sun 16th July 2017 - 8:55 am

Shirley Williams is probably my biggest political hero. It was she who inspired me in 1981 when she fought the Crosby by-election. Her sharp intellect, indefatigable energy and ability to communicate with her audience have all made sure that she is loved by many of all political persuasions.

She came up to Scotland during the last few days of the horribly divisive independence referendum in 2014. It was a painful time. However, as Shirley stepped on to Dunfermline High Street, one of the Yes campaigners came across and took her hand and said how much she had always admired her. It was a rare moment of togetherness during that most unpleasant of campaigns.

I was distraught that I missed her when she came up to Edinburgh West and East Dunbartonshire during the General Election. At 86, she was still supporting and helping other women get to Westminster.

Posted in News | Also tagged shirley williams | 12 Comments

Mary Reid sums up Liberal Democrats’ year on The Week at Westminster

By NewsHound | Sat 14th December 2013 - 12:14 pm

BBC Parliament’s The Week at Westminster had a review of 2013, with Conservative Home’s Andrew Gimson, Labour tweeter and blogger Paul Richards and our own Mary Reid.

What was striking was that none of the three of them were particularly optimistic. Richards felt that Labour were being too complacent and there isn’t enough in the way of bold policy ideas to seal the deal with the electorate. He was also none too chuffed with his party’s actions over Syria. Gimson was candid that the Tories found it difficult to persuade people that they were on their side.

Mary gave a very balanced …

Posted in News | Also tagged mary reid and the week at westminster | 2 Comments

CommentIsLinked@LDV: David Steel – The night Labour self-destructed

By The Voice | Sat 28th March 2009 - 6:25 pm

Over at the Daily Mail, former Liberal party leader Lord (David) Steel recalls the dramatic evening of 28 March 1979, when the Labour Government lost a confidence motion by one vote, and the then Prime Minister James Callaghan was forced to call an early General Election. It was this election that swept Margaret Thatcher to victory. Here’s an excerpt:

The tension was palpable, politicians from all parties talking and arguing with one another, all speculating about what was going to happen next.

I had never seen the chamber so packed before. Not one of us had the slightest idea what the

…

Posted in LibLink and Parliament | Also tagged david steel | 1 Comment