News

Press release on the Autumn Statement.

Lib Dems condemn “chaotic and incompetent” budget

Sewage in our Rivers

The sheer quantity of raw sewage being dumped into Britain’s rivers and coastal areas is a scandal and a disgrace.

New Rail Figures Reveal Massive Demand for Commuter Buses. Tring Councillor condemns "Tory Bus Blunder"

Reading the Hemel Gazette this week, I was interested to note their article on Tring Station parking difficulties. Apparently, Rail bosses have blamed an 'incredible' rise in passenger numbers for the fact commuters cannot get parked at Tring railway station after 9am on weekdays.

Liberal Democrats say that the “inadequate” grading received by Surrey’s Children’s Services is a shocking wake up call for the Conservative administration.

OFSTED carried out an inspection of services for children in need of help and protection, children looked after and care leavers in Surrey in October and November 2014. Today it published its inspection report with the overall judgment that Surrey County Council's Children's Services are "inadequate".

Threat to Swimming Pools

Decisions on education funding taken in the last 12 months may well spell the death knell of some of our Community Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres. Over the years schools funding helped run buildings such as SpArC and the Church Stretton Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre. This meant schools had good sports facilities and the community could also use them for recreation and exercise on prescription.

Our tribute to Charles Kennedy

Our best tribute to Charles Kennedy would be to make sure what he said here, 10 years ago, is understood by those who need to understand it. "The vast majority of people seeking refuge in our country, as they have historically over decades and centuries are here for probably for the worst reason in the country that they are leaving and the very best reasons our country represents internationally. If somebody arrives in Britain with documentation but they've flown from some war torn area of civil strife or persecution, then you might not expect us all to have packed our toothbrush, our passport, our necessary papers in such circumstances, if they're running for their lives." (Quote found courtesy of Refugee Council). Refugee Council's photo. Refugee Council Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Charles Kennedy today. When the asylum debate was at its most toxic 10+ years ago and few politicians were speaking up for refugees, this is what he said.

City to host first Lib Dem leadership hustings

Plymouth will this Friday play host to the Devon and Cornwall hustings for Liberal Democrats choosing their new party leader. It is the first in a series of hustings events to be held across the country. Lib Dem MPs and leadership contenders Tim Farron and Norman Lamb will set out their visions for the party and answer questions from party members. Both candidates have made it clear that they are very keen to support the rebuilding of the party in the region after a very bad set of results for the Liberal Democrats at last month's General Election. Local party chair Hugh Janes said, "Last month's results were tough for the Lib Dems, with many excellent, local MPs like Adrian Sanders defeated. But we have seen a massive jump in party membership - up over 16,500 nationally, including a great many here in Plymouth - and we have two superb candidates wanting to lead the party in the coming years. "I and other local Lib Dems are looking forward to hearing from Norman and Tim, and quiz them too on their ideas

Since death of Charles Kennedy, more than 1200 people have joined the Liberal Democrat Party. He'd take that as a fine legacy