Mark Pack

Three immediate lessons for Lib Dems from Donald Trump’s victory

There will be more and better analysis as the evidence gets digested, but here are three initial thoughts on lessons from Donald Trump's surprise victory. First, the polls were wrong, but not by very much. The final polls had Clinton about three points ahead in the popular vote and she looks set to end up being about one point ahead. That's a small enough margin to continue to have faith in polls at being able to paint the big picture where margins of more than a couple of points are involved. (It was the same picture in the European Referendum - most polls were only off by a handful of points rather than by dozens.)

MP
10 Nov 2016
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Brexit Consultation

Urgent questions to our MPs regarding Article 50

There was rather worrying news from the regional conferences this weekend in which several parliamentarians, including Chief Whip Tom Brake, implied that the party would not vote against an Act of Parliament triggering Article 50 and/or repealing the European Communities Act 1972. I and many other members are increasingly concerned about this turn of events. Less than two months ago, we passed a policy at Conference that committed the party to remain inside the European Union. Our reputation for many years has been that of a Europhile party, and nearly all of our votes are aware of this fact. So too are the thousands of new members who joined after the referendum. To not vote against would not only be betraying party members, it would be betraying our voters too. After a bruising period in coalition in which we lost the trust of many of our members, I fear that retreating from our pro-European principles poses an existential threat to the party.

SN
8 Nov 2016
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What do you want from Parliament’s Article 50 debate?

With the issue of whether Article 50 needs parliamentary approval currently before the courts, there is some discussion of what Parliament ought to do with the process if it gets the chance. While clearly there is no majority for simply blocking article 50, it is quite reasonable for MPs to put constructive amendments to the proposal, respectful of the mandate from June, and to vote against if those amendments are not accepted - as one would with any other bill before Parliament.

JO
8 Nov 2016
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The Observer view on the high court ruling on Brexit and parliament

The judgment is not about sabotaging Britain's EU exit. It's about respecting democracy and getting the best deal possible It has become painfully clear since June's vote to leave the European Union that Theresa May's government and its supporters have little or no idea where the country is heading. Lacking a plan or a shared philosophy, they are united by an arbitrary and destructive rush to the exit. Their hysterical reaction to last week's unanimous high court ruling that Britain cannot quit the EU without parliament's consent also reveals extraordinary ignorance about where we, as a country, have come from. It is dismaying that those who campaigned so passionately to reclaim British sovereignty appear not to have the first idea about their country's long-established constitutional arrangements.

7 Nov 2016
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UK Lib Dem news

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Latest UK News

Fair Votes Now!

The Liberal Democrats have long championed proportional representation, advocating for a voting system where every vote truly counts. We believe that reforming our electoral system is crucial for a fairer democracy and better governance.

LD
16 Sep 2024
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Health, Care & the NHS

Saving our NHS

We believe everyone deserves high-quality healthcare, accessible when and where it’s needed and free at the point of use.

LD
15 Sep 2024
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Environment

National Nature Parks

The Liberal Democrats have laid out a bold and ambitious plan to restore the UK’s natural environment and ensure that everyone can access a clean, healthy, and thriving green space.

LD
15 Sep 2024
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High Peak Liberal Democrats AGM Notice 7.30pm, 4 December 2024

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