The tectonic plates are shifting!
By Anita Day in Postcard from a Lincolnshire Liberal
Originally published by South Lincolnshire Liberal Democrats
Last weekend I attended my first Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in York. If you've never been to a national conference…. well, it was simply phenomenal! I had expected there to be well-argued debates in which ordinary members could influence Lib Dem policy (tick!); thought-provoking fringe meetings (tick!); excellent training (tick!); opportunities to chat to knowledgeable Liberal Democrats (tick!); and time to laugh & have fun (also tick!).
It was wonderful to see Lib Dems passing motions to re-open the Dubs child refugee scheme, and demand NHS 'passports' for EU doctors & nurses. But it was also good to hear the discussions on Trident, over-crowding in prisons, the crisis in health & social care, education policy, NATO, EU associate citizenship, press control, and more. I particularly enjoyed a fringe meeting at which 2 politicians (one Lib Dem; one Labour who had voted against her party whip on Article 50) came together to discuss how to achieve social justice at a time of economic deficits (given that the economic situation will probably worsen post-Brexit).
New members commented that debates felt really inclusive, & respectful of differing opinions. But, more than anything, I loved the spirit of the Conference! There was a noticeable buzz about the place - our biggest ever Spring Conference received more press publicity than the Tory & SNP conferences which were running at the same time - and a real feeling that we are gaining political momentum (the highest membership this century & higher donations in the last 3 months than Labour!) Ordinary members are starting to talk about the Lib Dems becoming the party of government, not just the opposition! It was inspiring! If you haven't had the chance yet to hear Tim Farron's conference closing speech, here is a link…. it's 45 mins long but well worth the effort: http://www.libdems.org.uk/tim-farron-conference-speech
That buzz continued last night when we had a gathering of current and past members & supporters at the home of Harrish Bisnauthsing, who is standing with me in Stamford in the County Council elections on 4 May. It was a pleasure to meet some people for the first time, alongside those I know well, and to enjoy some of Harrish's famous Mauritian curries! But there was a serious purpose too.
As Tim said in his speech, it feels like the tectonic plates of UK politics are shifting… and, with your help, we intend to 'encourage' the shift right here! ;-)
Take care, and speak soon
PS: If you are interested in any of my previous Postcards, you can find them here: https://southlincslibdems.org.uk/en/page/postcards-from-a-lincolnshire-liberal
Tel: 07410 709338 / @AnitadayA / FB: Anita.Day.LD