Catherine Bearder MEP writes…Golden opportunity to end the illegal ivory trade wasted

I was honoured to be part of the European Parliament's observer delegation to the CITES CoP17 in South Africa. As a campaigner for wildlife protection I know the opportunity to influence protection at the highest level is rare. Before I headed to South Africa I voted in favour of a European Parliament resolution calling for all elephants to be listed on Appendix 1 of CITES (the Convention in Trade of Endangered Species) This would mean in effect a total ban on the international trade in elephants.

Federal Committee Elections

Following the approval of the proposed motion aimed at reforming the Party's governance structures at the Autumn conference in Brighton a few weeks ago and as the party's acting returning officer I am pleased to be able to confirm to you the timetable for the election of the Party's federal committees. Nominations Open 17th September 2016 Close of Nominations 2nd November 2016 Dispatch of Voting instructions 21st to 23rd November 2016 Close of ballot 14th December 2016 Count 17th December 2016 Any member who joins before the close of nominations (2nd November) is able to vote in the election, so this is a fantastic time to ask local supporters and former members to join the party. The easiest way for them to join is online at libdems.org.uk/ask-to-join.

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Nick Clegg: Brexit is proving the Tories are no longer the party of business

New policy on City passporting rights, business rates and airport expansion will all harm the private sector If you pay £16,500 you can have an advert on the canvas bags or lanyards issued to delegates. If you want an exhibition stand in a plum spot you'll pay anything up to £27,500. And, according to press reports, you'll need to cough up more than £3,000 to rub shoulders very briefly over lunch with national luminaries such as Liam Fox, Chris Grayling or even Theresa May herself.