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Article: May 19, 2022
By Green Liberal Democrats
A byelection has been called.
Only weeks away, on Thursday 23rd June.
A rural seat, with a huge Conservative majority, held by the party under various conceptions since the 1800s, bar a brief Liberal interlude for Tiverton in 1923.
An MP resigned in disgrace.
Liberal Democrats already the bookies' favourite.
Sounding familiar?
The stage is set for another brilliant Liberal Democrat victory in Tiverton & Honiton.
But to win we need your help.
The new office in Honiton is nearly election-ready, and there are big action days this weekend. Events are available for registration and all information can be found here:
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The tide is with us, but we won't even come close to winning without you.
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We've shown what we can do twice now in the last 12 months; in Chesham & Amersham, and then again in North Shropshire.
If we can bring that level of passion and enthusiasm once again to Tiverton & Honiton, we can prove that those amazing victories were not flukes, and that the Liberal Democrats are back, and a force to be reckoned with.
There's no secret recipe to Liberal Democrat election success, just the energy of activists and commitment to a weekend, an evening, and whatever support or time they can offer.
We've made history twice in a row.
Let's do it again.
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P.S: We want to get off to a flying start this weekend in Tiverton and Honiton. In North Shropshire, we learned just how vital it is to frame the conversation early.
This is what the London School of Economics said about our campaigning following Helen Morgan MP's election:
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Article: May 13, 2022
By ALDC
The Green Liberal Democrats are running their 2022 Summer School & Conference - A Turning Point - in Nottingham on June 11th.
2022 Chair Keith Melton states:
"I am sure you have been as delighted as we are by the results that our party has enjoyed in the recent Local Elections.
Throughout the United Kingdom we are better placed to represent our communities and Liberal Democrat values.
In turn, we are able to spark ideas and projects to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Whilst those in positions running councils are particularly influential, even one Lib Dem can push for transformative action.
That's why our Green Liberal Democrat Summer School and Conference is built upon training and panel discussions from experienced and inspiring councillors, leading the way in environmental Local Authority initiatives.
I look forward to seeing you there!"
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Article: May 11, 2022
By Diana Catton
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
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 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 2, 2022
By Wera Hobhouse
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: Apr 28, 2022
By Kate Parminter
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
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 18, 2022
By Green Liberal Democrats
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Energy bills are spiking. 7.5 million households are set to enter fuel poverty. We are all feeling the squeeze.
On the first of April 2022, the energy price cap rose by 54%, burdening 22 million customers with increased bills. Those on default tariffs paying by direct debit will see an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 per year, whilst prepayment customers are experiencing an increase of £708, from £1,309 to £2,017.
It's our job as Liberal Democrats to advocate for these people.
Whilst we have presented a full plan for reducing the cost of living, home insulation has increased in relevance in light of the campaigning efforts of groups like Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain.
A fabric first approach to reducing costs by investing in better homes could transform the experience of opening utility bills at the end of the month.
This briefing and campaign pack will outline how we can promote our plan for better homes and lower bills.
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Well insulated homes save £671 in energy bills per year. Not to mention the human cost.
In the winter of 2018-19, 17,000 lives were lost due to cold housing conditions, the highest since 1976. A greater quantity than the cumulative deaths from breast and brain cancers in the same period.
The UK has the second worst cold weather mortality rate of 30 European countries, and when balanced for wealth, rank amongst the worst in the world.
In turn, energy usage in our homes accounts for 14% of UK emissions. To tackle the climate emergency, we know that we must urgently reduce our carbon footprint. The phrase 'activism starts at home' could not be more true. It shouldn't cost the earth to live in a healthy, comfortable dwelling.
But instead of helping households to reduce their costs, tackling the health crisis of draughty homes, and reducing our carbon emissions, the Government slashed regulations for developers, costing those in new homes £361 million extra every year.
The price of inaction is too high for our communities and climate.
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In the Spring of 2021, the Liberal Democrats proposed that the Windfall from auctions of offshore wind farm rights should be used to invest in a Sovereign Green Wealth Fund. This would finance an emergency ten-year programme to insulate every home.
Sir Ed Davey MP called for 'Lower heating bills for everyone - and an end to fuel poverty. Warmer homes for everyone - and green jobs in every village, town and city across the UK.'
E3G analysis found that for every £1 of government money invested in retrofit, £3.20 comes back into the economy by way of increased GDP. This is an opportunity we cannot afford to waste.
This reiterates pledges made in our 2019 manifesto, which you can read here.
Our plan calls on the government to:
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Invest in grants to upgrade insulation in all existing homes, creating over 500,000 skilled green jobs.
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Require all new homes to be eco-friendly, tackling developers who cut corners with higher standards and regular inspections.
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Increase minimum efficiency standards for privately rented properties and remove the cost cap on improvements, so tenants aren't trapped in cold homes.
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Empower councils to develop community energy-saving projects, including delivering housing energy efficiency improvements street by street.
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Grade Stamp Duty Land Tax by the energy rating of the property.
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The Campaign:
We've produced a pack of essential resources for campaigning on improving our homes:
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Drop-in:
We have full and two-colour Focus drop-in articles highlighting our call for better homes and lower bills.
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Social Media:
We've produced a variety of social media graphics for use in your campaign efforts.
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Press Release:
Working closely with your local media is essential. Promote the Liberal Democrat campaign for better homes and lower bills, featuring Wera Hobhouse MP.
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Local Data:
We've produced a guide and form to identify the burden that low-standard buildings have placed on those in your area.
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Petition:
Start a local petition calling on the Government to introduce urgent measures to protect and improve our air.
We're providing Accredited Candidates with 1,000 free petition leaflets on issues from sewage through clean air and green homes.
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P.S: It may be too late to select a campaign for the runup to May, but we are Liberal Democrats. We campaign all year round!
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Article: Apr 12, 2022
By Jules Ewart
When launching our training last week, a few eagle-eyed members asked for more details about our Green Liberal Democrat Summer Conference.
The Turning Point in June 2022 will feature:
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A panel discussion and keynote speech from our Vice President, Wera Hobhouse MP
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Extensive campaign and governance training
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Meetings of our Special Interest Groups
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Sessions from partner organisations
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And plenty of social opportunities!
More details will follow, but save the date - the 11th June, at Nottingham Conferences, NG7 2RJ.
You can add the event to your calendar here:

I look forward to seeing you there!
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