Much has happened in Europe since the party last reviewed policy in The Future of Europe (policy paper 56) in 2003: there has been a substantial enlargement of the European Union, significant uncertainty about its institutional arrangements following signature of the constitutional treaty and growing challenges (such as climate change, globalisation, migration, criminality and human rights abuses) in many of the policy areas in which the EU operates.
10 reasons why we love the EU. 1 Peace between EU nations since WWII. 2 Freedom to trade with our neighbours in the world's largest market. 3 Greater emphasis on human rights. 4 Green policies that we might not otherwise adopt. 5 Easier to travel (single currency & border controls). 6 Cheaper phone calls. 7 Cleaner beaches and rivers. 8 More statutory holidays. 9 Stricter safety standards. 10 The amount of aid given to developing countries. See the Independent for another 50 reasons (some quite amusing) -http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2377695.ece
A new working group, which includes our chair Ed Featherstone, has been set up to produce a consultation paper for Autumn Federal Conference. (You will shortly have the opportunity to give your comments.) The remit says, "Much has happened in Europe since the party last reviewed policy in 'The Future of Europe' (policy paper 56) in 2003: there has been a substantial enlargement of the European Union, significant uncertainty about its institutional arrangements following signature of the constitutional treaty and growing challenges (such as climate change, globalisation, migration, criminality and human rights abuses) in many of the policy areas in which the EU operates.
Bill Newton Dunn, MEP for the East Midlands, was the main speaker at the Oakham Public Meeting on Thurs Nov 2nd. There was a lively discussion on the challenges ahead for Europe such as climate change and cross-border crime. Bill had had a great success last week in encouraging the European Parliament to vote for a formal study on the need for a federal police force for Europe.
LDEG had a very successful conference with three packed fringe events and a busy stall. The first fringe event was "The EU Constitution - what next?" with Andrew Duff MEP and Michael Moore MP, followed by "Can the EU switch off climate change?" with Chris Davies MEP, Chris Huhne MP and Fiona Harvey (FT environment correspondent). The third event was "Question Time on the EU" with Paddy Ashdown, HE The Turkish Ambassador, Diana Wallis MEP and Steve Richards (political correspondent with The Independent). Ed Featherstone was in the chair. Full details of these events will be published in the next newsletter and all events are now available on video (see navigation menu).
Greenpeace's Executive Director Stephen Tindale says of Ming's latest environment speech: "Ming Campbell has set the gold standard for green speeches". Speaking in response to the Lib Dem Leader's keynote speech on the environment in Norwich, he said Greenpeace endorsed Ming's challenge to the other parties, adding, "there's too much talk from New Labour and not yet enough substance from the Conservatives."
Pippa Heylings MP becomes Liberal Democrat Energy Security and Net Zero Spokesperson with vow to take take green issues to the heart of Westminster
Pippa took part in the Commons debate in Westminster Hall on UK priorities for COP29, the UN climate change conference, on Sep 10th
In one of their first votes in Parliament, the new Liberal Democrat MPs for Cambridgeshire have voted in support of an amendment to the King's Speech which would see action taken on sewage dumping, cost of living and the NHS
Pippa Heylings joined with Cam Valley Forum campaigners on Sunday 19th May for a swim to celebrate Sheep’s Green in Cambridge receiving a Bathing Water Designation
On Wednesday, Conservative MPs including South Cambs MP Anthony Browne voted against a new law which would have seen water companies in court for sewage spills.
The 2024 ENDS Power List for politicians who have championed environmental causes has been published. It is a list of 50 politicians in the country and Pippa is honoured to be part of that list!
