February Message from the Chair
Now more than ever!
We are witnessing a backlash against environmentalism and sustainability, with critics citing the costs of transitioning to a zero-carbon future as a significant barrier. This reaction, predictable as it may be, overlooks the inevitable costs of stranded assets, insurance payouts, and other economic impacts. Those hesitating to embrace the green trend early on will soon regret their delay. Politically we have to remain a positive opposition to the divisive rhetoric of cynical populism. Green Liberal Democrats will remain a bulwark against this.
It has been a few months since I took the role of Chair at the Green Liberal Democrats earlier this year. We will remain steadfast in supporting our new MPs and ensuring that our party's environmental commitments are not just articulated in conferences and policy papers, but actively promoted to the public and on the doorstep.
The Liberal Democrats currently occupy a unique political space as the parliamentary opposition to Labour's environmental policies, uncontested by the increasingly anti-environmental Conservatives or the Green Party, whose four MPs struggle to form a cohesive parliamentary presence.
With more than 20 MPs, GLD has a significant place in our parliamentary party. Consequently, the workload for our members, executive, and staff has dramatically increased.
When I took on this role, I did not anticipate spending so many unpaid hours a week managing and promoting GLD. Despite our challenges, we are looking forward to Harrogate at the end of March, where we will once again have a stand and host engaging fringe events.
I am pleased to be leading a training session with my colleagues at ALDC, focusing on appealing to Environmentally Conscious Voters. This session aims to equip our candidates and strategists in local parties to be better able to understand the electoral importance of our environmental credentials and to recruit new members and activists. Whether they are rural conservationists, or urban active transport fans, there are ECVs receptive to our message of sustainability and social justice.
Our work, which ranges from informing senior politicians, organising policy debates at conferences to supporting campaigns, poses significant financial challenges. While I understand others in the party may have already asked for your support, if you are interested in becoming a super-sponsor for any of our activities or assisting with direct expenses for our office and full time staff member, please reach out to me directly, and I will explain how your help will genuinely make a difference.
Our membership now stands steady at above 1,000, yet our executive acknowledges the need to enhance our offerings to our members, particularly new members, to underscore the pivotal role GLD plays within the party.
As always, feel free to contact us with ideas for GLD's development or if you need some from us. Looking forward to seeing you at Harrogate!
Councillor Graham Neale
Chair Green Liberal Democrat
Graham J Neale