Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.

The United Kingdom has a proud tradition of fairness. Many of the most fundamental components of our modern society were created by Liberals, such as the introduction of state pensions, unemployment benefits, health insurance and free secondary education. It is now hard to imagine what this country would be like without those things, but when Liberals introduced them they were regarded as radical ideas that threatened the status quo. More recently Liberal Democrats have continued to challenge both Labour and the Conservatives on crucial matters such as the invasion of Iraq and for Hard Brexit.

But today's Liberal Democrats are much more than just a collection of anti-Brexit campaigners. We want to help make this country into a stronger, fairer society. The Liberal Democrats, through the work of MPs such as Lynn Featherstone, Danny Alexander, Stephen Webb and David Laws were able to introduce Same-sex Marriages, greatly raised Income Tax thresolds (freeing many of our least well-paid workers from paying Income Tax), pension reforms and free, nutritious school meals for all infant school pupils and a Pupil Premium to provide targeted help to ensure children from poorer families aren't held back.

The Liberal Democrats are unafraid to champion less fashionable causes. We speak up for those who who struggle to have their voice heard. Norman Lamb has campaigned for many years for mental health funding to be increased. Sadly the Conservative government too often selects mental health facilities as the first to be cut back, as happened to Spencer Ward in Buxton's Cavendish Hospital. Only the Liberal Democrats are honest enough to admit that providing the NHS we need will mean that we have to pay a bit

more in tax to fund it.

If you want to help make Britain a fairer, more tolerant and more successful society, please join us. We are fighting to keep Britain in the EU which helps ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for us and our children. We are fighting to ensure proper, sustainable funding for the NHS. We are fighting homelessness and believe nobody should have to sleep rough.

  • Tom Brake
    Article: Oct 28, 2019


    Responding to the news that the EU27 have granted an extension until the end of January, Liberal Democrat Shadow Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake MP said:

    "It is welcome news that a three-month extension has been granted. A no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for our NHS, jobs, and the environment.

  • Jo Swinson
    Article: Oct 27, 2019
    In BBC

    Listen to Jo here from 18.50 minutes in.

  • jo Swinson
    Article: Oct 27, 2019
    By Michael Savage and Toby Helm in The Observer

    Amendment to Fixed-Term Parliaments Act could prevent Brexit deal coming back to Commons

    Boris Johnson has been offered a route to securing the pre-Christmas election that he has been seeking, through a plan that would only require the support of a simple majority of MPs.

    With most Labour MPs still against the idea of a snap election, the prime minister looks set to lose his bid to secure a December poll on Monday in a vote that requires the backing of two-thirds of MPs. Other parties are also opposing an election until the EU has granted a three-month Brexit delay, although the DUP hinted on Saturday it could back the move.

  • March )ct 19
    Article: Oct 27, 2019
    By James Stibbs

    Could you persuade two people to vote Liberal Democrat? Could a group of you persuade 45 people? If so, then it could be you making the difference between adding another Remain voice to parliament - or letting in another voice for division.

    In 2017, there were seats as close as two votes in North East Fife, and as close as 45 votes in Richmond Park.

  • Sal brinton
    Article: Oct 27, 2019
    By Sal Brinton

    I chair the all-party parliamentary group on bullying. We focus on helping young people and we know many schools now use the THINK acronym to teach good communication (Is it True; Is it Helpful; Is it Inspiring; Is it Necessary; Is it Kind?).

    As a party, I think we need our own version of THINK:

    Is it True