#liberal-democrats

#liberal-democrats

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history,

A campaigning "patriotic millionaire" has urged the Liberal Democrats to get behind a new wealth tax, as the party debates how to position itself on the economy. Mark Robinson, who joked to activists he was the "most left-wing man in commercial real estate", welcomed the party's call this week for a windfall tax on big banks. But he argued the projected 7bn a year raised under the policy was a "drop in the ocean" compared to "properly" implemented taxes on wealth.

But leader Sir Ed Davey said "times have changed" and the party should look at the issue again and not be "knee-jerk" in its opposition. He said he had been impressed by a visit to Estonia, where a liberal government had brought in digital ID that he said was "very different" to the scheme proposed by Tony Blair when he was prime minister.

Farron told a hall full of activists to "stop being so flaming squeamish and English" and reclaim the UK's flags from groups who seek to "divide and destroy". "Be proud of your country, the British flag and the flags of our four nations," he said. "They are ours. They belong to all of us. Let's take them back. Let's wave them with pride."

I think we're finding on the ground that people are coming towards us, partly because they like what we're saying on things like the NHS and social care. We're the only party pressing Labour for a solution on social care, but they also like our community politics, where we're actually on the doors talking to people, listening to them and then responding to their issues. Whether it's something in their local road or something in their borough.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats says he does not regret publicly asking the party's Welsh leader to reflect on her position in light of her role in a historic church abuse case. Speaking ahead of the Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth, Sir Ed Davey said it was "good" Jane Dodds had apologised. Dodds, a Member of the Senedd (MS) for Mid and West Wales, previously admitted their relationship "would take time to repair".

The Betterpoints app has cost Southwark council £171,000 with only 1,300 active users, raising concerns over its effectiveness and value for money.

"It's clearly not right that a platform now more watched than almost any traditional broadcaster is still operating under a 'lighter touch' advertising regime."

"The Liberal Democrats have called for air-conditioned buildings, such as gyms and libraries, to be opened to the public as "cool hubs" during heatwaves."

The Liberal Democrats have submitted an amendment to the ongoing Football Governance Bill, aiming to make at least 10 Premier League matches available on free-to-air TV each season.

Ed Davey criticized Keir Starmer for lacking vision and ambition, suggesting he risks becoming merely a continuation of Rishi Sunak's policies without clarity in leadership.

The victory of the Liberal Democrats in the Chesham and Amersham by-election is a clear indicator that they pose a significant threat to the Conservatives now.

Cllr Victor Chamberlain stated that Cllr Williams' resignation speaks volumes about Labour's failures, emphasizing the need for change in Southwark leadership.

The Conservative councillor mentioned that the funding gap is tied to rising demand and inflation, necessitating consideration of charges for non-statutory services like green waste collection.

Voters are increasingly sophisticated in tactical voting, with Labour, Lib Dem, and Green members switching to the party best positioned to beat Conservatives.

These proposed welfare cuts will lead to more than 15,000 households in Southwark losing support, totaling £33 million stripped from residents receiving disability-related payments.