East Midlands Liberal Democrats News Stories (Grantham and Stamford Liberal Democrats)

Oct 22, 2011:
- Ethnic Minorities
  Ethnic Minorities Liberal Democrats Autumn Conference Follow up Following on from the Party Autumn Conference in Birmingham last month. The EMLD/New Generation networking reception was successful, with Vince Cable MP discussing the importance of having more BAME individuals coming forward and having a more diverse Parliament. As Chair, I also spoke about the work of EMLD going forward. The Reaching out! Campaigning with diverse communities training sessions organised at the Autumn Conference was very popular and received positive feedback. It was brilliant seeing so many new members interested in the New Generation work and we would like to send a warm welcome to all our new members. Leadership Programme update It was great to see such interest and enthusiasm for the Leadership Programme at the Autumn Conference last month. The programme was successfully launched at the Leader's Reception in Birmingham and so far it has recruited 11 individuals from under represented groups, including New Generation members, Chris Lucas, Yahaya Kiyingi and Waliur Rahman. Congratulations to all of them! Applications for the Programme have now closed, and a large number of applications have been received. The process of shortlisting and interviewing is now taking place, and we will send more information once the final cohort is recruited. 2010 Ethnic Minority British Election Survey Workshop Thursday 27 October 2011 from 2 pm - 5.30 pm followed by a drinks reception A workshop reporting on the findings of the 2010 Ethnic Minority British Election Survey will take place on Thursday 27 October. The survey, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, is the most comprehensive study ever undertaken in Britain of the political concerns, orientations, voting patterns and integration of ethnic minorities in the political process. Further information about the event, or if you are interested in attending, can be seen here. Diwali event 9 Nov, Bombay Palace London Liberal Democrats request the pleasure of your company to celebrate Diwali at the Bombay Palace, 50 Connaught Street, W2 2AA Wednesday 9 November 2011, 7 for 7:30 pm. Special guests: Simon Hughes MP and Baroness Ros Scott. Issan Ghazni East Midlands Regional Diversity Champion 07989568885 issanghazni@email.com Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 21, 2011:
- Gender Balance
  Campaign for Gender Balance Future Women MPs Weekend - application deadline extended Due to the interest shown at the recent Autumn Conference, the deadline for applications has been moved to 5pm on Monday 31st October- apply now if you would like to attend! CGB is pleased to announce the next annual Future Women MPs Weekend - an intensive residential training weekend specifically designed for women who want to stand in competitive seats in this electoral cycle. Participants will receive expert training from top trainers and Party representatives on the skills and knowledge needed for these seats, personalised advice and guidance on their political career, and chance to network with other future women candidates. Previous participants have given the following feedback on the course: "A motivating and inspiring weekend. The courses were informative and interesting and the trainers were brilliant. I left after the weekend with new friends and contacts and a good support network." "Re-invigorating, empowering, and inspiring....I'm so glad I came!" "The weekend really made a huge difference to me in terms of understanding the challenge ahead, knowing what support I would receive, making a lot of useful contacts and friends and above all being encouraged to go for it. It was invaluable!" If you would like to participate on the 2011 course, please fill out the attached application form, and return it to diversity@libdems.org.uk by 5 pm on Monday, 31st October. Unfortunately we have a strictly limited number of spaces on the course, but we will be in touch as soon as we can after the deadline to let you know if you have been allocated a place. Please note that if you are selected for a place on the course, we ask for a £75 contribution towards the costs, which includes all accommodation and meals for the duration of the weekend (financial assistance may be available if the cost is prohibitive for you). Progressive Women - Leadership Workshop Series Progressive Women are delighted to announce a series of Leadership workshops in partnership with ANKLe (a New Kind of Leadership). This is an exclusive opportunity for high quality professional training (normally circa +£300) for just £20. Please see below for upcoming events: 26 October - Embracing the hidden potential of your voice with Julia Williams Julia's workshop will focus on communication skills and facing up to the barriers that hold us back whether this is dealing with nerves, speaking too quickly, not daring to speak up or fearing being too emotional. Julia runs her own company and works with some of the biggest brands in business from the BBC, Barclays, Accenture, HSBC, JP Morgan, HM Treasury to name a few of her clients. Tickets cost £20. Venue: YWCA Central Club, 44 Portland Place, London W1B 1NE, 5 minutes from Oxford Circus. Find out more and buy your ticket for this workshop here: http://progressivewomenankle2.eventbrite.com 9 November Women's Leadership - Why it's different and how to sustain it with Isobel Gowan. Isobel will facilitate a workshop on women's leadership where she will focus on what you want to achieve from leadership and how you can get there. Isobel is a highly skilled leadership coach with extensive experience in the NHS latterly as Chief Executive of a large acute and community Trust. Isobel now runs her own company and works with Boards to develop their effectiveness. Tickets cost £20. Venue: YWCA Central Club, 44 Portland Place, London W1B 1NE, 5 minutes from Oxford Circus. Find out more and buy your ticket for this workshop here: http://progressivewomenankle3.eventbrite.com If you want the full background details of the series and future dates go to http://bit.ly/pXg7jO. Contact - Roxana Cimpeanu, Diversity Projects Coordinator, Diversity Unit, Liberal Democrats HQ, 8-10 Great George Street, Westminster, SW1P 3AE, t: 0207 2271319, e: roxana.cimpeanu@libdems.org.uk http://genderbalance.org.uk/en/ Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 16, 2011:
- Regional Conference elects new officers to the Executive
  Saturday 15th October was the East Midlands Region Liberal Democrat Conference, hosted at the Crown Hotel, in Skegness. The Conference also hosted the Annual General Meeting of the region, in which we saw the elections for positions on the Regional Executive. Hustings were held for the contested positions of President, Chair, Regional Candidates Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Conference Secretary, Policy Officer, Ordinary member from Derbyshire, Ordinary Member from the Unitary Authority of Lecicerster. Following a secret ballot the following results were declared (please note those positions in italics were not contested): Stuart Bray (President). Anthony Rogers, commonly known has Tony Rogers, (Chair). Craig Gunton-Day, commonly known has Craig Day (Vice-Chair). Ross Pepper (Regional Candidates Chair). Jane Hollis (Secretary). Chris Stanbra (Treasurer). Joan Garity (Conference Secretary), Mathew Hulbert (Regional Media Co-Ordinator). Phil Knowles (Policy Officer). Bob Charlesworth (Local Elections Officer). Michael Mullaney (Training Officer). Shirley Holt (Recruitment Officer). Alan Fox (Regional Newsletter editor). Patricia Wildgoose, Anthony Bolton, Al McIntosh (Ordinary Members for Derbyshire). Michael Thornton (Ordinary Member for Leicestershire and Rutland). Fiona Martin, Barry Coward (Ordinary Member for Lincolnshire). Scott Collins (Ordinary Member for Northamptonshire). Scott Kennedy-Lount (Ordinary Member from the Unitary Authority of Leicester). Issan Ghazni (Ordinary Member from the Unitary Authority of Nottingham). Michael Thornton (Candidates Committee Member from Leicestershire and Rutland). Charles Shaw (Candidates Committee Member from Lincolnshire). Scott Collins (Candidates Committee Member from Northamptonshire). Bob Charlesworth (Candidates Committee Member from Nottinghamshire) Scott Collins, Michael Thornton, Craig Gunton-Day, Ross Pepper (English Council) A full list of new Executive members and their details can be found at: http://eastmidslibdems.org.uk/en/page/the-east-midlands-executive-team-2012 A full list of current Executive members and their details can be found at: http://eastmidslibdems.org.uk/en/page/the-east-midlands-executive-team-2011-current Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Sep 5, 2011:
- LIB DEM GAIN FROM LABOUR!
  It hasn't happened often since last May but with your help it can, right here in the East Midlands, according to Ed Maxfield. On 15th September, voters in Carlton, just outside Nottingham, go to the polls to choose a new Borough Councillor. The by-election follows the resignation of a Labour councillor who served just three months in the job. The Liberal Democrat candidate in the election is Andrew Ellwood who was the ward's councillor until May when he lost to Labour by just FOUR votes. Ed Maxfield, one of our 2009 European Election candidates, spent Saturday evening canvassing with Andrew in the ward. Ed says: "The election can be won if Andrew gets enough help between now and polling day. "People are cross with Labour because their councillor quit after such a short time in the job. But I was really struck by how many people recognised the hard work Andrew had done as their local councillor up to May.. The election will be close, and the Labour Party machine will pull out all the stops to hold the seat. Andrew deserves to win, though, and he deserves your help." The Gedling Borough Council by-election for Phoenix Ward will take place on Thursday 15th September. You can contact Andrew on on 0115 8599168 or mobile 07776 410556 or you can email him on andrewmellwood@yahoo.co.uk Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 19, 2011:
- New rights for patients to seek healthcare abroad
  Members of the European Parliament have today paved the way for new European rules allowing people to receive medical treatment in other EU Member States. The new rules would mean that if a patient's home country is unable to provide essential medical care within a reasonable timeframe the patient would be allowed to have their treatment in another Member State, fully paid for or with the ability claim back the money spent. Currently, UK citizens who fall ill abroad can already access emergency care across the EU with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The new scheme is designed to help in cases where a particular treatment can be provided faster or more expertly abroad or where the nearest hospital, or specialist clinic is in a neighbouring country. Bill Newton Dunn, Liberal Democrat MEP for the East Midlands, said, "The new rules provide a coherent and clear legislative framework for UK patients seeking treatment in another EU Member State and are a real milestone for cross-border healthcare in Europe. "Alongside this, I think we have found the right balance between protecting national health systems and strengthening patients' rights. "NHS doctors will still have to give prior authorisation for treatments abroad that can be reimbursed. There will be clear rules and guidelines for doctors, and decisions must be taken on a case-by-case basis. "Importantly, the new rules are not designed to encourage health tourism. Patients are only entitled to reimbursement for treatment that their home health authority would normally provide. Travel or hotel costs cannot be claimed back. "Furthermore, patients from other Member States travelling to the UK specifically for healthcare will have to pay the full NHS cost of treatment." The new cross-border health care legislation will now have to be transposed into national legislation. The new rules could be in place as early as 2013. Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 25, 2010:
- To bee or not to bee
  Bill Newton Dunn has called for greater support for Europe's beekeepers Bill Newton Dunn is calling for continued EU support for the beekeeping industry. Bees are under threat from many factors and their numbers are falling. The number of beekeepers across Europe is also declining, so the whole industry is suffering. With so many plant species dependent on bees for pollination, any threat to these important little insects is not just about honey, but also concerns other foodstuffs, and agriculture more generally. Bill and his fellow MEPs have now called on the European Commission and on EU Member States to step up the fight to protect Europe's bees. Commenting after a vote on the beekeeping situation, Bill Newton Dunn said: "The continued decline of the beekeeping sector is very worrying for the East Midlands. We need bees in great numbers for pollination across the countryside, and we also need to support our local beekeeping industries. Bees are important for sustaining biodiversity, too. "That is why I and other MEPs have called on the European Commission to develop a long-term support strategy for the beekeeping sector. We have asked for more and better coordinated action across Europe on research and data gathering, information sharing, veterinary treatment, and the recruitment and training of young beekeepers." MEPs also called for clearer labels for honey products, taking into account that 40% of the European honey market is dependent on imports. Bill Newton Dunn added: "We also called for better labelling of honey to avoid misleading consumers as to whether their honey is really the high quality EU produced honey they expect, or has in fact been imported from elsewhere. "I hope these rules will have a positive effect for honey producers in the East Midlands" Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Sep 29, 2010:
- "Last chance to cut poverty by 2015" - Local MEP at UN MDGs Summit
  East Midlands LibDem Euro-MP Bill Newton Dunn and his MEP colleagues in New York last week urged nations of the world to "sprint to the finish line" in the race to meet global poverty-reduction targets by their 2015 deadline. Newton Dunn was one of the EU's official representatives alongside 150 heads of state and government at a three-day UN summit to accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, a planetary roadmap to fight hunger, disease and maternal and child mortality, provide basic education for all and protect the environment. Although many of the targets contained in the MDGs are currently off-track, Newton Dunn welcomed the great progress that has been made over the past decade. "The MDGs are achievable - we are on track to halve the number of people globally living below the poverty line, and have made real progress on treating and preventing malaria and HIV, for example. But other targets, particularly concerning infant mortality and maternal health, are not being met. "Rich countries - including EU Member States - must not falter. Even in these tough economic times, it is imperative that we keep our promises to the poor and commit 0.7% of GNI to development aid. When it comes to development and the MDGs, we are talking about the very poorest people in the world. Their nations are often the most fragile when it comes to coping with international crises, yet it was not their bankers and mortgage brokers who caused the recent financial and economic turmoil. We cannot turn our backs on them now. The need to stay committed is actually greater than ever. "I was pleased to note the findings of a recent survey of European citizens1, that despite our own troubles, a resounding 80% of Europeans support our commitments to the 0.7% GNI figure. As the world's largest donor, the EU is well placed to take on this call from its citizens and to continue to lead the MDG agenda. "It is also absolutely clear that public aid alone will not be enough. We have to bring the private sector on board, work together with emerging development partners - especially China, and look at new funding sources. And, all aid and other assistance must be used as efficiently and effectively as possible." "We must seize all available means in the remaining 5 years, to ensure all the goals become reality." Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Sep 9, 2010:
- Animals used in scientific experiments to enjoy greater protection
  Liberal Democrat MEP for the East Midlands Bill Newton Dunn has warmly welcomed today's vote by the European Parliament to strengthen EU rules on the welfare of animals used in experiments. With this vote MEPs gave their approval to a compromise package that is the result of nearly two years of negotiations on the extremely sensitive and controversial topic of use of animals for scientific research and experimentation. EU governments, the European Parliament and Commission, in consultation with many different stakeholders, have been negotiating the revision of the existing EU legislation dating from 1986. The 20 year-old standards badly needed to be brought up to date with current scientific methods and knowledge on the alternatives to animal testing and how to minimise harm to animals where they must be used. The difficulty has been to strike balance between both ensuring animal welfare, and allowing for vital medical and other scientific research. Newton Dunn believes this balance has been achieved, and standards have been advanced 20 years as of today: "Many East Midlands constituents have conveyed to me their strong views on the use of animals in scientific experiments, and I shared the concern that this legislation should promote the highest standards of animal welfare in the EU. I am satisfied that the compromise reached provides animals used in experiments with a very good level of protection, and that it will also greatly reduce the number of animals used for these purposes. "I am pleased that the Liberal group in the Parliament succeeded in pressing for an absolute limit to the pain an animal may suffer, and an EU inspection of national laboratories where there are grounds for concern. "The UK and other EU member states with existing standards higher than those being laid down can still retain them, whilst member states lagging behind must now tighten their rules in line with the new legislation." "However, the opportunity to use animals in research is still vital in some cases, for instance in trying to understand and find cures for some diseases. The new standards will allow this to continue. "The legislation will be reviewed again in a few years time to keep pace with developments in scientific techniques. With this significant progress secured for animal welfare in Europe, we should now look at other areas where standards are still lagging behind, particularly in the long-distance transportation of live animals for slaughter. Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Farmers must get more for what they produce
  Reacting to the adoption today by the European Parliament of a report on 'fair revenues for farmers; a better functioning food supply chain, local Euro-MP Bill Newton Dunn said he believes farmers are not getting a fair deal. He commented: "European Commission research shows that since 1995 the only group in the food supply chain whose share of the retail price is decreasing are the farmers. It is manifestly unfair that farmers should always have to look for savings in order to meet the demands of the supermarket giants, who continue to increase their profits. "But in addition, if farmers don't earn a fair return for the effort they put in, they will go out of business, and the EU will become even more dependent on food imports. "It is time that the Commission investigated, and where necessary it must take action to help ensure farming remains competitive. This is particularly important for the smaller scale producers who are being squeezed out." "If we want our countryside to survive and to be vibrant and we wish to have a good quality food supply chain in Europe, protect our cultural heritage and maintain high animal welfare standards, then farmers must get a more for what they produce. " Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Good riddance to bad lighting
  The EU-wide ban on old style 75 watt light bulbs took effect on 1 September, following last September's banning of 100W bulbs. This latest stage in the phasing out of old bulbs has not provoked the same outrage as occurred last September, although there were reports of panic buying of 75W bulbs in some European countries, and, rather oddly, I noted some furious reports in US press. The fact is that we are far better off without the outdated incandescent light bulb. The further phasing out of 60 and 40 watt bulbs by 2012 will help complete the picture, so companies can focus on providing better alternatives for consumers. Incandescent light bulbs waste 95% of the energy they consume - mostly as heat - with only 5% being used to give light. The energy saved by switching to more energy efficient types of lighting could by 2020 be as much as the total amount of electricity Romania uses in a year. But all that wasted energy is also wasted money when it comes to household or business' electricity bills. And, since fluorescent or LED bulbs can last 6-10 times longer than the old ones, they do not need to be replaced very often. It is estimated that replacing incandescent with new forms of lighting could save householders £20-£40 a year, even taking into account the higher initial cost of new kinds of light bulb. The industry is very innovative and compound fluorescent light bulbs are only one option for energy efficient lighting. Local DIY stores already have on sale two or three other types in addition to compact fluorescent bulbs, and the quality and range of options will only improve in the next few years as the old light bulbs disappear. Getting rid of the old bulbs is also great for the environment, giving all of us an easy, and really cost-saving way to make a huge difference in the fight against climate change. The EU has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020. It is estimated that the ban on incandescent light bulbs will save around 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The EU is not alone in introducing bans to phase out incandescent bulbs. The United States is due to start the first phase on 1st January 2012. The benefits of doing so are absolutely clear and inescapable. Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Sep 5, 2010:
- From Drugs to Chainsaws, Fake Goods Cost Lives and Jobs - Newton Dunn
  Speaking at the European Parliament launch of the exhibition Fakes Cost More and prize-giving for school-children who entered the European Parliament and Commission competition, Real Fake, Bill Newton Dunn MEP (UK, Liberal Democrat) has warned of the "real danger" associated with buying counterfeit and contraband goods. Newton Dunn, who co-chairs the European Parliament Forum Against Counterfeit, Contraband and Organised Crime, said: "The sale of fake goods amounts to stealing from legitimate business while fanning the flames of organised crime. "In Europe's creative industries alone, 1.2 million jobs and 240 billion euro in legitimate revenue will be lost by 2015. "And the World Cup is a reminder of just how rife the fakes market is: the UK Border Agency had already seized thousands of fake football shirts at Coventry's international postal hub by the start of June. "But this isn't just about profits, it's about safety too. "When you buy a fake good, it's always a risk - especially if you don't know the item is a copy. "From medicines to chainsaws and brake pads, fakes are all around us and we need to raise awareness and counter that trend. "I warmly congratulate the schoolchildren whose Real Fake entries have made more people aware of this growing problem. "Now we need joined-up policing across the EU and tighter intellectual property laws to really help stamp it out." ENDS. Video footage is available here: http://www.itveuropeandyou.co.uk/EN/video597region2category16.aspx Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
May 18, 2010:
- Euro-Parliament votes to make organ transplants easier
  East Midlands LibDem MEP Bill Newton Dunn has welcomed moves that will shorten waiting times for people in need of organ transplants. Common European rules on organ transplants, approved by the Euro-Parliament today, will also make them safer for East Midlands residents. Almost 60,000 patients are on waiting lists EU-wide and every day 12 of them die still waiting for a transplant. Of these, 10,000 are in the UK alone. The problem has been that, although there are two groups of countries that already exchange information and organs, the UK belongs to neither group and works in isolation. The creation of a European area of organ transplants, with harmonised quality standards and improved procedures between all 27 European states, will help increase the availability of suitable organs for citizens in need and will improve safety for recipients. Bill said, "This is EU legislation that will really benefit my East Midlands constituents. Rules making it easier for organs to be shared across European borders will increase the number of organs available for patients on waiting lists to receive them. This will ensure more people get the organs they need to survive, and within a shorter time. "The increased cooperation between European states and requirement that all organs conform to high quality standards will guarantee the safety of all people receiving organ transplants. "I am confident that the greater pool of quality organs will increase the chances of success for people with unusual blood groups, who have more difficulty finding suitable matches. "As well as the obvious benefits to patients in the East Midlands, it is great news for people living in European countries where the number of donors is low." Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
May 10, 2010:
- East Midlands MEP in India for talks
  Bill Newton Dunn met the Speaker of the Indian parliament's lower house (the Lok Sahba) in Delhi last week, to discuss how the EU and India can ensure their relations best help Indian and European citizens. Bill was in India as part of a European Parliament delegation to discuss the EU-India Trade Agreement currently being negotiated. Talks with Indian politicians, business and civil society covered issues of importance to citizens in the East Midlands and India alike, such as climate change, counter-terrorism, energy, and medical and hi-tech industry. Bill noted that, "In all our discussions, the key role of India not just in its own neighbourhood but also globally, has been a recurring theme". Bill was also delighted to meet a group of young children who, through EU funding, had been rescued from a life working in the fields and sent to school. "It is great news that EU funds are used in projects like this, which has still a further million villages to reach", he said. Bill hopes to protect the interests of the East Midlands in his ongoing work as a member of the European Parliament's standing group for relations with India. "The next big event will be a return visit from Indian MPs to the European Parliament, later this year. I am very much looking forward to continuing discussions, in the hope of reaching agreement with our Indian counterparts on matters of concern to my East Midlands constituents" Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 30, 2010:
- Undecided voters swing to Lib Dems following final Leaders Debate
  Last night was the final of the three televised Leaders' debates. Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, debated with Gordon Brown and David Cameron about the economy. Subjects discussed included breaking up the banks, creating more jobs and reinvigorating the British economy. Most post-debate polls scored this final debate to David Cameron, but again put Nick Clegg clearly ahead of Gordon Brown. An analysis by pollsters Angus Reid of previously undecided voters who watched the debate gave Nick Clegg 37%, David Cameron 25%, Gordon Brown 22% and Not sure 16%. Angus Reid found that 32% of undecided voters say they are now more likely to vote for the Liberal Democrats after watching the final debate, with just 18% Conservative and 15% Labour. In his closing statement at the final leaders' debate, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: "Everything I've said during these three television debates is driven by my simple belief that if we do things differently this time, we can create a fairer, better Britain. "As you decide how to cast your vote, of course you'll be told by these two, that real change is dangerous, that it can't be done. "Don't let anyone scare you from following your instincts. Together next week we can change Britain for good. "Just think how many times you've been given lots of promises by these two old parties - only to discover when they get into Government that nothing really changes. "We can do so much better than that this time. "Of course I can't guarantee that every problem you face will be solved overnight. But I can guarantee that I will work tirelessly to deliver greater fairness for you. "Fairer taxes, so that you pay less but people at the top pay their fair share. "A fair start, smaller class sizes, for your children. "A different approach to the economy. "And open, decent politics which you can trust once again. "I believe all this can happen. This is your election. This is your country. "When you go to vote next week, choose the future you really want. If you believe like I do that we can do things differently this time, then together we will really change Britain. "Don't let anyone tell you it can't happen. It can. This time, you can make the difference." Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 23, 2010:
- Clegg Scores Second Win in Party Leaders Debate
  An average of five polls conducted immediately after the Sky TV Leaders Election debate on Thursday night put Nick Clegg as the winner, with all instant polls showing him ahead of Gordon Brown. After the Foreign Affairs-led debate from Bristol dominated by issues like Iraq, immigration and climate change, Nick Clegg won 3 of the 5 polls on the night, building on his position after the first debate. The five "instant" poll results on the night: Guardian/ICM: Clegg 33%, Cameron 29%, Brown 29% YouGov: Clegg 32%, Cameron 36%, Brown 29% ComRes: Clegg 33%, Cameron 30%, Brown 30% Angus Reid: Clegg 33%, Cameron 32%, Brown 23% Populus: Clegg 36%, Cameron 37%, Brown 26% Poll Average: Clegg 33.4%, Cameron 32.8%, Brown 27.4% The election has been thrown wide open by Nick Clegg's first debate win. A number of polls have shown that the Lib Dems and the Conservatives are neck and neck, with Labour trailing in third. BBC journalist Michael Crick said on Newsnight "The momentum is still with Clegg." Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 21, 2010:
- Labour "chickens out" of Ashfield hustings
  Labour's new candidate in Ashfield has caused a storm by suddenly pulling out of four local election hustings meetings. Gloria De Piero had previously said she would attend hustings on the BBC politics show (25th April), a chamber of commerce breakfast hustings (22nd April), a Nottingham Evening Post hustings (28th April) and Sutton-in-Ashfield churches together hustings (29th April) but has now pulled out. Liberal Democrat spokesman Stuart Bray said "Labour are clearly running scared in Ashfield. Geoff Hoon's antics have caused much anger locally and people feel let down." "Gloria De Piero had pledged to be open and accessible to local people but at the first opportunity that local residents had to question her she has chickened out. She has caused a storm in last weeks national press by refusing to talk to the media too. With her background as a London TV presenter surely she is not camera shy? What has she got to hide? "We can only presume that she is afraid that her lack of record of action for Ashfield people will be exposed at these public meetings. Jason Zadrozny has a record of action in this area. He will be only too happy to debate with Miss De Piero at any local hustings meetings." Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Second Party Leaders' TV debate: Foreign Affairs
  The second Party Leaders Debate is taking place this Thursday starting at 8pm on Sky News. Nick Clegg, Gordon Brown and David Cameron will again be going head to head in a TV debate in the run up to the General Election on May 6th, this time leading on Foreign Affairs. The first half of the 90 minute Election Debate on Sky News will be devoted to Foreign Affairs, with the rest on any topic. The debate comes from Bristol, and will be chaired by Adam Boulton. Sky are inviting questions before the debate, with more information at http://news.sky.com/skynews/Election/debatequestion You can see the debate live anywhere that you usually watch Sky News: Sky Digital Channel 501, Virgin Media Channel 602 and Freeview Channel 82 and online at skynews.com Live Video Streaming. BBC 2 will also be showing the debate in full at 11.30pm after Newsnight. The third debate will take place on the BBC on 29th April at 8.30pm, focusing on the Economy. Nick Clegg is widely judged to have won the first Party Leaders debate, watched by 9.9 million people, with the ITV/ComRes poll after the debate giving Nick Clegg 43% of the vote. Over the last week, the Liberal Democrats have seen a massive surge in the opinion polls. In polls published on Tuesday, the Liberal Democrats lead in two, and polled between 34-26% of the vote in all of them: Angus Reid for PoliticalBetting: LIB DEM 33%, CON 32%, LAB 23% YouGov in The Sun: LIB DEM 34%, CON 31%, LAB 26% Populus in The Times: CON 32%, LIB DEM 31%, LAB 28% ComRes for the Independent/ITV: CON 35%, LIB DEM 26%, LAB 26% There are a number of ways you can show your support for the Liberal Democrats General Election campaign: You can download free posters to print and put in your window to support the Lib Dems at http://www.libdems.org.uk/posters.aspx You can buy an "I agree with Nick" window poster and badge at http://tinyurl.com/y3tc5hs Over the last week, thousands on new members have joined the Liberal Democrats. If you are not already a member, you too can join today online at https://www.libdems.org.uk/join_us.aspx Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 16, 2010:
- Nick Clegg Storms First Ever Party Leaders Debate
  The polls following the first ever Party Leaders General Election debate on ITV are showing that Nick Clegg has won a convincing victory over David Cameron and Gordon Brown. The debate was the first ever Leaders debate during a UK General Election campaign, and the pollsters are giving it as a big victory for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats. The ITV / COMRES poll held by ITV and announced shortly after the debate gave Nick Clegg as the winner by a huge margin: Nick Clegg 43% David Cameron 26% Gordon Brown 20% YouGov, Channel 4, Guardian, Daily Mail, The Times and Angus Reid polls following the debate also scored Nick Clegg as the clear winner of the first Leaders debate. Angus Reid said that 42% of voters were more likely to vote for the Liberal Democrats as a result of the debate. The Daily Telegraph's headline following the debate said "Clegg's star rises in great TV showdown". The Times comment "Enter the Outsider: Nick Clegg seizes his moment in historic TV debate". Even Conservative commentator and blogger Iain Dale said "I think Nick Clegg won the day". In summing up the debate, Nick Clegg said Labour and the Tories have made the "same old mistakes over and over again. Despite all the problems and challenges we have, we can be hopeful about the future if we chose something different." Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 14, 2010:
- Fairness - The Liberal Democrat Manifesto Launch
  Nick Clegg has launched the Liberal Democrat General Election manifesto. The manifesto sets out four clear priorities of fair taxes, a fair chance for every child, a fair economy, and a fair deal by cleaning up politics. At the launch, Nick Clegg said: "Every manifesto needs to have an idea at its heart. The basic idea that animates this manifesto is something I have always believed. I believe every single person is extraordinary. "The tragedy is that we have a society where too many people never get to fulfil that extraordinary potential. "My view - the liberal view - is that government's job is to help them to do it. Not to tell people how to live their lives. But to make their choices possible, to release their potential, no matter who they are. "The way to do that is to take power away from those who hoard it. To challenge vested interests. To break down privilege. To clear out the bottlenecks in our society that block opportunity and block progress. And so give everyone a chance to live the life they want. "There's a simple word for those ideas, and it's a word this manifesto is built on: fairness." The Liberal Democrat manifesto outlines 4 steps to a fairer Britain: Fair taxes that put money back in your pocket The first £10,000 you earn tax-free: a tax cut of £700 for most people 3.6 million low earners and pensioners freed from income tax completely Paid for in full by closing loopholes that unfairly benefit the wealthy and polluters A fair future creating jobs by making Britain greener Break up the banks and get them lending again to protect real businesses Honesty about the tough choices needed to cut the deficit Green growth and jobs that last by investing in infrastructure A fair chance for every child Ensure children get the individual attention they need by cutting class sizes Made possible by investing £2.5 billion in schools targeted to help struggling pupils Give schools the freedom to make the right choices for their pupils A fair deal by cleaning up politics Put trust back into politics by giving you the right to sack corrupt MPs Restore and protect hard-won British civil liberties with a Freedom Bill Overhaul Westminster completely: fair votes, an elected House of Lords, all politicians to pay full British taxes You can download the Liberal Democrat manifesto at http://www.libdems.org.uk/our_manifesto.aspx along with summary documents and videos for each of the key areas, order a paper copy and find audio and easy read text versions. Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- How Northampton North would benefit under the Lib Dems
  Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, Andrew Simpson, has released figures of how local people have fared under Labour since 1997 and how they would benefit under his party's manifesto plans. Labour's record in Northampton: · 7 out of 9 secondary schools still failing to get 50% of pupils 5 good GCSEs · 3700 people still waiting for a home despite 3000 properties lying empty · 131st out of 151 in terms of health spending per head How Northampton would benefit under the Liberal Democrats: · An extra £23 million invested in local schools · A £700 tax cut for average earners in Northampton North · 22% of workers in Northampton North would pay 0% income tax Speaking after Nick Clegg's manifesto launch, Andrew said: "Northampton has been consistently overlooked by Labour. "NHS spending per head here is among the lowest in the country, despite being the UK's third biggest town. "Housing waiting lists are on the up, with the Council caught between the Conservatives' right-to-buy law and Labour's negative subsidy rules, which cost tenants nearly £9 million a year. "And most of our children are still not getting five good GCSE's, including English and Maths, with only our single-sex schools faring better. "Under our education plans, local schools would get a £23 million boost. "Average earners would get a £700 tax cut, with over one in five people in work being lifted out of income tax. "These are just a few of the positive changes Northampton would see under the Liberal Democrats. "As polling day approaches, I will be doing everything I can to let people know they have a real chance to make local electoral history this time." ENDS Notes to Editors: 1. Northampton North policy figures are available via the downloads section of Andrew's website: http://andrew-simpson.org.uk/resources/index/ 2. Andrew needs a 6% swing from Labour to become the town's first Liberal MP since 1923. Published and promoted by Shirley Holt on behalf of East Midlands Liberal Democrats at The Barn, High Street, Stoney Middleton, Hope Valley, S32 4TL email: webmaster@eastmidslibdems.org.uk Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

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