Paddy Ashdown was a great ambassador for both his party and for his country. A political great, Paddy had a unique skill in making each and every person he spoke to feel as though they were close friends. This was a skill he used on me each time we spoke. Sadly, we learnt today that … More RIP Lord Ashdown, Paddy
Today, British Prime Minister Theresa May announced that she will ask Members of Parliament to call a General Election on June 8. Part of me wanted to write something about this for Officially Peter, but time was not on my side. Instead I will share this short statement from the Young European Movement. Today we … More The Snap General Election
Ben Thomas is president of the group NUSceptics which aims to encourage colleges and universities to disaffiliate from the National Union of Students (NUS). The Liberal Democrat member is currently working towards a PhD in atmospheric chemistry at Reading University. Read why he believes it’s time to wave goodbye to the NUS. The National Union of Students … More The NUS is no longer of use to students
Friday was one of the most heartbreaking days of my life. In the early hours of Friday morning it was announced that the people of the UK had voted to leave the European Union. Ok, so Scotland, Northern Ireland, London and Gibraltar voted to stay – but they’re being dragged out anyway. This means that … More I’m Still European
For the past five months (and for a number of years before) people have been campaigning to save something that is very important to me. They have been fighting to save workers’ rights. They have been fighting to save international cooperation. They have been fighting to save the European Union. Yesterday, Thursday 23 June, people … More The Nation Speaks: We’re Coming Out
Polls have just opened for what is certainly the most important decision we will ever be asked to make. If you’re over the age of 18 and registered to vote, you’ve got until 10pm to go to your nearest polling station (find out where that is on the Democracy Club website) and cast your vote. … More The Most Important Vote in a Generation
In 18 days people throughout the United Kingdom will go to the polls to cast their vote on the future of Britain’s place in Europe. In February I published a post about why I would be voting to remain a member of the European Union.My view on the referendum hasn’t changed – I will still be … More 18 Days to Go
As I write this I am overcome by emotion. Emotions of pride, honour and a renewed commitment. At the same time I know the reason for those emotions is not down to me alone. Today I was presented with a Civic Award by the Lord Mayor for my work with Portsmouth Youth Voice (and Portsmouth … More My Civic Award
Yesterday people all over the United Kingdom voted for who they want to represent them in a range of elected roles. Elections were held for 125 English councils, four directly elected mayors (of London, of Liverpool, of Bristol and of Salford), three regional or national assemblies ( the London Assembly, the National Assembly for Wales … More Local Election Results 2016
Four years ago I was walking the streets of Cosham and Wymering (that’s where I live for those of you who don’t know) delivering leaflets and knocking doors for a man called Aiden Gray. Aiden was running for election. He was aiming to become the first Liberal Democrat councillor for Cosham and I was proud … More A Final Goodbye
Peter Marcus 