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Article: May 11, 2022
By Diana Catton
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Dear Members,
Today is the final day for earlybird tickets to "A Turning Point" at Nottingham University on Saturday, June 11th:
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Here's what you'll get with your ticket:
- 'Green Debut' councillor and candidate training sessions.
- Keynote speeches.
- Panel discussions with our MPs, colleagues, and partner organisations.
- Special Interest Groups to produce policy motions.
- Campaign planning roundtables.
- Networking opportunities.
- Vegan lunch!
Best wishes,
Diana Catton
Treasurer, 2022
treasurer@greenlibdems.org.uk
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| P.S: Again, earlybird tickets are available up until 23:59 today. Once they're gone, they're gone! |
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Article: May 10, 2022
By Green Liberal Democrats
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We had a bumper election.
From winning the new unitaries of Somerset and Westmorland & Furness, taking control of Kingston upon Hull, Woking, Gosport, to becoming the largest party in Powys - Lib Dems are #winninghere.
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So many of you won seats and councils from Conservatives, Labour, Greens, the SNP, Plaid Cymru, and independents throughout the UK.
We worked hard for our wins, but now the real work begins.
We get elected because we know how transformative it can be when Liberal Democrats represent their communities and the climate.
That's why, on June 11th, the Green Liberal Democrat Summer School will feature training and panel discussions designed to promote environmental action on your council.
We are facing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. As 2022 Spring Conference Motion F34 - COP27 and Climate Empowerment for Local Government - accentuated:
'As place-shapers, only local government holds the wide range of delivery powers and assets - and the potential for market and nonmarket mechanisms to finance action at scale - that are necessary to decarbonise housing, transport, waste and generate nature-based solutions.'
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Sir Ed Davey MP was correct, this election marks a 'turning point' for our party. We are a legitimate electoral force again.
Our 223 new councillors and 5 new councils (so far!) represent the opportunity to ratchet up the pressure for real action around the UK.
To find out what you can do to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss where you are, register as a delegate to the GLD Summer School and Conference within the next 48 hours to take advantage of our earlybird price of just £40.
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New Member Deal!
For those without GLD membership, we offer the 2022 ticket - where they can join GLD for £20 and get a discounted £22 ticket for the Conference, a total of £42.
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P.S: Earlybird tickets are only available until Wednesday 11th! Be sure to get in early and lock down the low price!
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Article: May 7, 2022
Click here to see the full results of Thursday's election results in Mole Valley.
Across Mole Valley, the Lib Dem share of the vote in these seats increased from 38.5% in 2018 to 45.3%
The following Lib Dem councillors retained their seats:
- Elizabeth Daly - Bookham South
- David Draper - Dorking North
- Margaret Cooksey - Dorking North
- Raj Haque - Fetcham West
- Clayton Wellman - Holmwoods
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Article: May 3, 2022
By Wera Hobhouse
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As you may know, I started in local government. As a Councillor in Rochdale, I was proud of our efforts to make our council greener, cleaner and healthier.
Every week I meet with Councillors, Group Leaders and Council Leaders from across the country and I am heartened to hear about the brilliant work being done by so many of our colleagues throughout the UK.
Liberal Democrat-run Local Authorities are on the frontline of tackling the climate emergency and our Councillors have a strong record:
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Cllr Sarah Dyke and South Somerset District Council have developed 70 megawatts of battery storage for renewable energy.
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Cllr Christian Vassie's work on York City Council has pushed the North Yorkshire Pension Fund to invest £140 million in a Climate Opportunities Fund.
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Mayor Dave Hodgson and Bedford Borough Council have reduced carbon emissions across their Council properties by 62% since 2009.
I want to see more of you doing great things. But first, we have to get elected.
It takes a lot of work to get onto the Council. The national crises of the Conservative Party and mismanagement of Labour Councils make this a great opportunity. But, we need people like you and I to deliver leaflets, knock on doors, and help in any way that you can.
Liberal Democrats become Councillors not because we hope to benefit from it, but because we truly care about how our Council is run.
That's why I loved being a Councillor and it's why I am out on the doorstep helping our candidates get over the line.
In the final week, we can push forward. And by Friday morning we will welcome a new group of Liberal Democrat councillors.
Let's get out there.
Best of luck,
Wera
Wera Hobhouse MP
Member of Parliament for Bath
Green Liberal Democrats Vice President
wera.hobhouse@greenlibdems.org.uk
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Article: May 3, 2022
By Green Liberal Democrats
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This morning, BP reported a sizzling $6.2 billion (£5bn) of underlying profit.
Despite efforts to disguise windfalls under an apparent loss from exiting interests in Russia, BP outperformed projections significantly, benefiting from surging utility prices.
The oil and gas giant could have invested this windfall in green infrastructure, promoting energy security and reducing our carbon footprint. Instead, $2.5 billion has been committed to share buybacks over the next quarter, returning cash to shareholders and executives over improving our energy mix.
BP's Chief Executive Bernard Looney has compared the organisation to a 'cash machine' with 'more cash than we know what to do with'. We have some suggestions. Liberal Democrats have called for a 'Robin Hood' windfall tax on energy giants to support households throughout the UK with spiking bills.
A one-off levy would raise over £10bn over the next year, supporting families and households by allowing us to:
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Double the Warm Homes Discount and extend it to all those receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
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Double the Winter Fuel Allowance.
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Insulate homes to slash heating bills long-term.
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Cut VAT to 17.5%, saving households £600 per year.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson sat on Good Morning Britain and told the public that a windfall tax on energy companies will 'discourage them from making the investments that we want to see.'
With 7.5 million households set to enter fuel poverty, we cannot afford to ignore the problem, to stick our heads in the sand.
Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak state that energy companies will figure it out for us.
This morning, BP gave us $2.5 billion of evidence to the contrary.
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Sir Ed Davey MP spoke on BBC Breakfast, reiterating calls for an urgent windfall tax.
Watch his statement here:
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The Campaign:
We've collated a pack of urgent resources in our Windfall Tax campaign for you to respond to today's news:
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Social Media:
We've produced a variety of social media graphics.
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Press Release:
Respond to BP's profit announcement with a renewed call for a Windfall Tax.
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Local Data:
View the benefits of a Windfall Tax for your area.
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Drop-in:
The Campaigns Hub have produced full and two-colour Focus drop-in articles highlighting the need for a Windfall Tax.
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P.S: In March, Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng MP appointed the Chair of BP Europe Peter Mather to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) executive board.
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Article: May 3, 2022
The Liberal Democrats have slammed the Conservative Government for being soft on crime, as they reveal that 83.8% of burglaries in Surrey went unsolved by the police last year.
Analysis by the Liberal Democrats of new Home Office figures show that 3265 burglary cases were closed by Surrey in 2021, but in 2735 of them no suspect was identified. That equates to 53 unsolved local burglaries every week.
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Article: Apr 29, 2022
Dear friends, here is our update on local and "not-so-local-but-relevant" developments during April. Have a good long weekend !
Council updates:
- At this month's Council meeting, the Borough agreed to help local residents taking part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme. We supported an amendment from Labour pointing out the huge problems with the visa scheme, but this was defeated since the RA were not willing to criticise the government.
- The Council have finally agreed to clamp-down on motorists idling in their cars, following our Motion on the topic last year. Details here.
- A mixed update on Planning. The backlog of applications is still reducing (let us know if any you have any issues) but the new Local Plan, with its locally-framed policies, is delayed yet again. This means that we will continue to lack the ammunition to defeat inappropriate planning applications for some time yet.
- Also from Planning, this month's Committee meeting approved the conversion of the empty office block at 3-13 Church Street into a residential care facility. David proposed an additional Condition to seek to improve the environmental credentials of the conversion, which was accepted.
- Officers continue to monitor the situation at the Chalk Pit with detailed updates sent to local residents. The latest round of data captured from monitoring equipment is currently being analysed but there is still no actual enforcement action being taken. We fear the steady enfeeblement by central government of both local authorities and the Environmental Agency has led to this situation.
- There is still time to get your ideas into the CIL process. Many thanks for your suggestions so far and as a result we are submitting a bid to improve the notice boards across all the allotments in the Borough (some of your other ideas didn't meet the CIL criteria).
- EV charging points are being installed in both Hook Road and Ashley Centre car parks.
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Article: Apr 28, 2022
By Kate Parminter
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I just wanted to write a quick post to thank you for all the work that you've been doing in the runup to next Thursday, and take a moment to wish you all the best of luck.
Every year, I'm amazed by the efforts put in by our activists, and Green Liberal Democrats throughout the country have been acting with the urgency that our party - and planet - requires.
I count it a privilege to do all I can in the Lords to fight for positive action on the environment. Our team hold the Government to account and advocate for a fair deal from Westminster.
But we cannot do this alone.
Throughout the country, our campaigners and councillors are doing the work to make sure that we fight the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity on a local level. I don't need to tell you the effect that Liberal Democrats can have in their Local Authorities, driving positive environmental action for our communities.
But they can't get there without your help.
That's why I'm writing not only to thank you, but to urge you to keep working hard. It's amazing what we can make happen in only 7 days, so do what you can, and let's win some more seats!
Best wishes,
Kate Parminter (Baroness Parminter)
@kateparminter
kate.parminter@greenlibdems.org.uk
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| P.S: I use this map to find where elections are being held in various areas. I hope you find it helpful! |
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Article: Apr 27, 2022
By Keith Melton
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It may be difficult to imagine planning beyond next Thursday, 5th May, at this moment.
Polling day is on the horizon and based on the feedback we are getting from across the board, we may be looking to have some remarkable successes for our party this year.
This kind of result has the potential to be great for our planet.
That's why, this summer, our Green Liberal Democrats Summer School and Conference is indispensable. If we hit the ground running, this can be "A Turning Point" in our fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.
Tickets to "A Turning Point" at Nottingham University on Saturday, June 11th - are available now:
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Keep your eyes peeled for the full agenda. Here's a slice of what to expect:
- 'Green Debut' training sessions for councillors and candidates.
- Panel discussions with our MPs, colleagues, and partner organisations.
- Special Interest Group sessions to produce policy motions.
- Strategy roundtables to plan campaigning and messaging.
- Vegan lunch for all!
We're working hard to make sure that we carry the dynamic of these Local Elections into practical environmental activism, so join us in Nottingham this summer!
You need to book your early bird tickets before the 11th May.
Best of luck next week. If you don't have elections in your area and would like to help our GLD Accredited Candidates in target wards, volunteer here.
Warm regards,
Keith Melton
Chair, 2022
chair@greenlibdems.org.uk
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| P.S: Early bird tickets are available only until the 11th May. Make sure you get in early! |
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Article: Apr 20, 2022
Cllr Claire Malcomson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, updates on the recent achievements and plans for the environment in Mole Valley.
And see here how you can lower your own carbon footprint:
molevalley.gov.uk/goinggreen
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