The Liberal Democrats are making it easier to talk about mental health without stigma or discrimination.
The first time you go canvassing can feel daunting. For many people, going up to a stranger's door, knocking, and starting a conversation isn't something they do every day. They don't often ask people about how they want things to change, in their neighbourhood or across the country as a whole.
Read Party President Mark Pack's report back from the February Federal Board meeting
At our latest meeting, the Federal Board welcomed our newest member, Lisa Smart, who has been elected the new chair of the Federal Communications and Elections Committee (FCEC), taking over from James Gurling. Welcome on board, Lisa!
Responding to reports that the UK will use the 5th carbon budget as the basis of its commitments for climate action at COP26, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:
"The news that the government will be setting our commitments for the COP26 based on the fifth carbon budget is deeply worrying. That carbon budget is not based on the UK's new net-zero target, but instead based on targets the UK set itself when Gordon Brown was still Prime Minister.
"This Conservative government presents itself as taking the climate emergency seriously, but it is actions like this that tell a different story.
"The Tories are happy to pay lip service, while failing to grasp the scale of the challenge facing not just the UK, but the world.
"The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to set new updated targets for COP26 to ensure the UK is leading the path to net zero."
Today, Ed Davey and I have written to the Prime Minister, calling for him to reverse plans to scrap the BBC licence fee.
The British Press is by no means without criticism, but at its best, the BBC remains a beacon of independent journalism as well as high-quality entertainment. That's why Liberal Democrats will fight tooth and nail to save it. Read our letter in full below:
The United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015 flew under most people's radars - but for those of us involved in the Paris Agreement, it was the most important moment of our careers.
In the five years since then the world has changed, Shirley. Whilst Brexit, Trump and Johnson have fought for dominance of the agenda, a small, hardy band of activists and politicians have struggled to keep the climate emergency in the headlines. It has taken organisation, dedication and cooperation of progressives from many different parties and none.
On Thursday, at Birbeck College, I proposed that that's the approach we need if we're going to save our planet. When the UN Climate Change Conference takes place in Glasgow this year, it can't just be smoke filled rooms and plenary sessions and handshakes between the rich and powerful.
To tackle the greatest threat to our country, our people, and our planet, more voices must be heard. Every single one of us must take a serious role in holding key decision makers to account.
If we don't take action now, it's not political points or elections we lose. It's our planet. Our home.
The Liberal Democrats have always been ahead of the curve on climate policy and campaigns. Environmental action is in our DNA, and today it's more important than ever. So today, I'm asking you to be part of what comes next.
We're launching a climate emergency campaign in the next few weeks which will be as big as our Brexit campaign and force the government to take real, meaningful action. Will you fill in this short survey to help us build a people-powered campaign strategy that will help us save the planet?
Last month, the Chair of the Election Review, Dorothy Thornhill, was announced. Now, we're pleased to be able to announce the full review team.
They bring a wide range of skills and experience, in the party and outside to the review and will help the Chair ensure the review that is conducted is thorough.
Lisa Smart, the newly elected Chair of the Federal Communications and Elections Committee looks forward to campaigning in May's local elections and her new role.
That's the saying I live my life by, because taking action is the only way to change things in this world, and bugger me this world needs some change.
Come and join us at Moat College, Leicester for our Spring Conference on Saturday 7th March 2020.
Booking is now open! Please click HERE for the Conference page, where you will find more information about the day and the link to book your ticket.
Thanks
Conference Team
p.s. The East Midlands' Regional Conferences are organised by volunteers for volunteers! If you would like to volunteer to help out on the day, please email us at: conference@eastmidslibdems.org.uk
