Archive Press Releases/News

The Liberal Party notes with anguish the escalation of violence on the Israeli Lebanese border as the region approaches the first anniversary of the brutal Hamas 7th October attack on Israel

At this point in time the region is as far away from peace as at any point in the last 12 months despite considerable loss of life and destruction.

Whilst Hezbollah has provoked Israel along its northern border for months, the recent wave of assassinations using rigged electronic devices has only served to intensify the conflict and risks drawing Iran directly into the conflict.

After 12 months of death and destruction no party can any longer claim any monopoly on pain or loss. The Liberal Party again calls for an urgent de-escalation in the region and a humanitarian ceasefire to allow the evacuation of civilians and to restore essentials public services.

The Liberal Party NEC

We welcome the apology by the Prime Minister for the systemic failures in national and local government, all of which contributed to an entirely avoidable disaster in a tightknit community.

The completion of this report over 6 years is however only one further step of the process of healing and justice.

Over 4000 buildings in the UK still retain flammable cladding and urgent progress must be made to complete the removal of this from the exterior of buildings. 

We note that the report also does not look to the future and does not deal with the issue of no more high rise buildings, no more gas in flats and the wider issue of the use of cladding in the construction industry. 

The Liberal Party NEC

To the Rt Hon David Lammy MP

The Liberal Party has been a long-term supporter of the campaign for the recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign country and it being welcomed into the Commonwealth.

We would urge you to give recognition to the Republic of Somaliland as a functioning stable democracy for the last 30 years and its special relationship with the UK as a former protectorate.

There are long established Somaliland communities in the UK. Many former Somaliland men served in the British Armed Forces and the merchant navy.

The Liberal Party believes wider support for Commonwealth countries and greater dialogue promotes better understanding and co-operations with many sovereign states which values their historic links to the United Kingdom.

Yours Sincerely,
Stephen Graham,
Secretary to the Liberal Party NEC

The Liberal Party views with disgust and anger the continued civil violence and mindless destruction currently gripping several urban areas in the UK.

The party believes that a senseless minority, driven by largely imaginary grievances have exploited contentious issues such as immigration and attempted to vilify asylum seekers and minority groups most specifically, Muslims. 

Those fermenting such actions have become embolden by the previous failure of the police and government to contain protest matches at the tail end of the Covid lockdown and to deal firmly but fairly with quasi-legal assembles and marches.

Whilst social media has been used to mobilise local marches and gathering there is no evidence of a systematic attempt to organise the wave of violence the country is experiencing.

We view with pride the response of many communities caught in the crossfire as they attempt to repair and renew after the senseless destruction of vehicles and property.

Liberal Party NEC

The Liberal Party views with alarm the chancellor’s assertion that tax increases will be necessary in the October budget to balance a newly emerged £22bn shortfall in funding.

The party believes that ample scope exists for reforms of the tax system, including numerous tax rebates and allowances to balance the budget without either cuts to government spending or benefits such as the winter fuel allowance.

We believe that the Labour party risks being accused of mis-leading the electorate if it campaigns on a solemn election manifesto pledge not to raise taxes, but then rows back on this, however pressing they claim the situation to be.

Economic growth to fund spending can be stimulated by better support for small businesses and SME (such as increasing the VAT threshold to £150,000), who create economic activity, prosperity and employment in local communities.

These sectors offer the best avenue to increase productivity, tax receipts and reduce unemployment.

Liberal Party NEC

The Liberal Party views the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump with horror and revulsion. The party condemns any form of political violence, which has no place in any democratic system of government or society. Whilst the motives of the attack remain unclear it has been a reminder of the volatile political climate and the need for moderation and engagement with others of all political believes and inclinations. The Liberal Party wishes President Donald Trump, and the other victims of the shooting a speedy and full recovery after their trauma.

The Liberal Party NEC

Dear Rachael Reeves,
Firstly, congratulations on your appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer and we must welcome you on your aspirations for growth
Small businesses, social enterprises and charities can all play a part in this.
May we ask you consider taking 3 simple steps to assist this sector.

1. Raise the VAT threshold to 150k to enable businesses get established before being faced with disproportion burdens of tax administration.
2. Withdraw the imposition on small business to opt into workplace pensions where their employees are already of state pension age.
3. Review the way small businesses are dealt with in Employment tribunals and bring in a equality of evidence rather than presumption of guilt on the small businesses. Employment law should be less about procedural deadlines but the substance of what was reasonable for an employer to determine.

Cllr Steve Radford
Leader of the Liberal Party

Stronger Communities – Opportunities for All

Britain is broken and we need real change. Formed in 1859, The Liberal Party is as committed as ever to being an active driver for change.

AN ADDRESS FROM THE LIBERAL PARTY LEADER – CLLR STEVE RADFORD

“I would like to thank all Liberal Party members and I am grateful for the level of support to carry on this duty to lead the party into the General election.

Campaigning under the banner ‘Stronger Communities – Opportunities for All’ we will be at the forefront calling for greater devolution and sustainable financing for local government, a dynamic economy where small businesses and community enterprises are encouraged and the streamlining of our tax and welfare system that strangles so many people from progressing themselves”.

The Liberal party Election manifesto is now available from our website: https://liberal.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Liberal-Party-General-Election-2024-Manifesto-15th-June-2024.pdf

Liberal Party Promotion Video – Campaign for Change
Presented by Liberal Party Leader Cllr Steve Radford

Liberal Party Promotional Video
Vote Steve Radford for MP West Derby Constituency 4th July 2024

Promoted by Stephen Graham on behalf of the Liberal Party, 12 Dayworth Mews, Lundy Lane, Reading, RG30 2RR.

A big thank you to all those candidates who have stepped forward to represent The Liberal Party on the 4th July, and their supporters and benefactors.
The party will be contesting the following 12 seats.

Scotland:

1. Allan Steele – East Renfrewshire 

Cornwall: 

1. Paul Nicholson – St. Ives and The Isles of Scilly
2. Cllr Paul Holmes – Camborne and Redruth
3. Jay Latham – St. Austell and Newquay
4. Peter White – Truro and Falmouth

Lincolnshire: 

1. Cllr Charles Shaw – Lincoln Borough Constituency

Liverpool: 

1. Cllr Steve Radford – West Derby 
2. Cllr Billy Lake – Walton 
3. Alan Tormey – Garston
4. Sean Weaver – Riverside

Runcorn:

1. Danny Clark – Runcorn and Helsby

Cotswold:

1. Cllr Christopher Twells – South Cotswolds

In addition there are by-elections for Liverpool City Council on the same date where Liberal member Alan Tormey will be contesting Broad Green Ward and Alan Oscoft will be contesting the Clubmoor East Ward.

In addition to the general election on the 4th July, there are by-elections for Liverpool City Council on the same date where Liberal member Alan Tormey will be contesting Broad Green Ward and Alan Oscoft will be contesting the Clubmoor East Ward.

Promoted by Stephen Graham on behalf of the Liberal Party, 12 Dayworth Mews, Lundy Lane, Reading, RG30 2RR.