Liberal Left: why I’m underwhelmed
In theory, the launch of Liberal Left is something I should welcome as I’ve always thought that more and stronger party bodies make for a healthy party. … Read the full post »
Social Liberal Forum
The Social Liberal Forum (SLF) is a Liberal Democrat linked pressure group promoting social liberalism. It was founded in 2009:
The Social Liberal Forum exists to nurture and demonstrate progressive liberal values, working with social liberals across all political parties and none.
We challenge current inward-looking, pessimistic narratives, by offering credible solutions to society’s problems. These are based on the founding Beveridge principles that the welfare state should provide a safety net beneath which none shall fall but all can rise.
We take action together and as individuals to increase social justice, to ensure that all citizens have access to the wealth, power and opportunity needed to maximise their talents to the full.
Above all, we emphasise freedom and fairness so that everyone, regardless of background, is free from conformity and social hardship.
My letter in today’s Guardian: Liberal Democrat conference
I do wonder how much attention Martin Kettle paid to the Liberal Democrat conference this year. … Read the full post »
Some party rebellions are good for the party leader
Saturday at Liberal Democrat conference in Birmingham was the scene for two party rebellions to surface – one opposed by the party leadership and one likely to bring the leadership benefits. … Read the full post »
Chris Huhne: we need smart regulation in the energy sector
Chris Huhne spoke at the Social Liberal Forum‘s conference on smart regulation for the energy sector. … Read the full post »
The Guardian cottons on to rise and rise of the Social Liberal Forum
The Social Liberal Forum got a profile in The Guardian this week, rightly highlighting its growing influence in the party. … Read the full post »
What question would you like me to ask Vince Cable?
Mary Reid has done an excellent job organising a series of blogger interviews during the Social Liberal Forum conference on Saturday. … Read the full post »
Lib Dem grassroots pressure stepped up over NHS plans
With yesterday’s holding announcement from Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley – yes, the health plans might be changed but no, there are no details as yet – the future of the health White Paper is very much up for grabs. … Read the full post »
Conference emergency motion: tougher action on banks and bonuses
Sunday morning’s emergency motion debate at the Liberal Democrat conference in Sheffield was on banking, moved by sometime Lib Dem Voice contributor Prateek Buch. … Read the full post »
Ten comments on Saturday at Lib Dem party conference
Being introduced at a meeting or in a debate at Liberal Democrat conference as a “Minister” is still a plus point, often triggering a round of applause. … Read the full post »
Conference preview: the four best fringe meetings
With the Liberal Democrat (federal party) spring conference coming up in Sheffield on 11-13th March, I am going to be doing a series of posts previewing some of the main items up for debate. … Read the full post »