Hale End Library threatened with demolition and more flats in its place
Issue number 133 of the FOCUS Newsletter leads with the news that Hale End Library is threatened with destruction by Waltham Forest’s Labour-controlled Council.
You can sign the residents’ online petition.
The latest edition of the Liberal Democrat Hale End & Highams Park FOCUS Newsletter has just gone to press. It will be delivered across the ward.
If you would like to help deliver some copies near your home, please contact Sheila on 020 8504 3839 or email her at: [email protected].
Access an advance copy here: Hale End 133
Today is a day for reflection, as we consider the consequences of the fateful decision to go to war in Iraq.
Our first thoughts need to be with the families across the world who have grieved loved ones, experienced life-changing injuries, and witnessed destruction and despair often beyond description.
There is no justice that can compensate their loss, and today we have learned from the Chilcot Report what we all knew already in our hearts – it did not have to be this way.
For many members in my local party, the Iraq war was a genuine turning point.
Many others chose to join the Liberal Democrats when they saw Charles Kennedy step up to the challenge, in difficult times, and provide the strong, principled leadership our country so desperately needed.
In 2003, every Liberal Democrat MP voted AGAINST going to war in Iraq.
It was the right thing to do, and that has been proven again today. Sir John Chilcot’s report has shown that this was a war of choice, that options for a peaceful resolution still existed, and that our Prime Minister wilfully mislead parliament and the British people to march us into a war he had already decided to launch.
I was proud to see our leader Charles Kennedy refuse to compromise, despite enormous pressure and abuse pouring in from all sides, on the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to internationalism and respect for international law.
You can see Charles’ speeches below, he was a real example of principled leadership in a time of crisis. It is not just Liberal Democrats who are missing Charles today. Our whole country is all the poorer without him.
Finally, while Chilcot gives us the chance to reflect on past mistakes, we still have a duty to oppose the mistakes that our leaders are making today!
Right now, Britain risks cutting herself off from our most valuable allies and trading partners, putting millions of jobs at risk and doing massive harm to our economy. I’m proud of Tim Farron for showing equal determination and leadership to fight Brexit and put Britain back where we belong, at the heart of an open, tolerant, free, and prosperous Europe.
If you agreed with us in 2003, if you agree with us now in 2016 – it is time to join the party that is proudly and passionately fighting for the better future we all believe in.
The latest edition of the Liberal Democrat Hale End & Highams Park Newsletter has just gone to press. It will be delivered across the ward.
If you would like to help deliver some copies near your home, please contact Sheila on 0210 8504 3839 or email her at: [email protected].
Access an advance copy here: Hale End 132
The latest edition of the Liberal Democrat Hale End & Highams Park Newsletter has just gone to press. It will be delivbered by our volunteers to every house in the ward.
If you would like to help deliver some copies near your home, please contact Sheila on 0210 8504 3839 or email her at: [email protected].
Access an advance copy here: Hale End 131
Residents gathered outside the Town Hall to protest about road closures in the ‘Mini Holland’ scheme
The recent protest by over 1,200 residents against the road closures in Walthamstow and Leyton showed that the Council’s Mini Holland plans, including closing local roads, does not have the support of all residents despite the Council saying that they had.
Protesters not against the scheme or cyclists, but against road closures
The protesters went out of their way to say that they were not against the scheme or cyclists, but against the road closures. The Council’s plans have succeeded in causing division and anger across the Borough. The closing of roads has forced vehicles onto the already congested main roads like Lea Bridge, Hoe Street, and Leyton High Road and has resulted in a massive slow down of traffic, increased congestion and increased pollution.
Congestion and pollution bad for all
All of this is detrimental to residents, cyclists, pedestrians and bus users. Focus Team member Bob Sullivan, who was in the Town Hall listening to the Mini Holland debate, was appalled by the Labour Council restricting residents from hearing the debate, as they only allowed 12 protesters in, although the chamber can hold over a hundred. He was shocked by the arrogant, illiberal attitude with which Labour Councillors treated residents’ concerns. They were not prepared to review the Mini Holland plans despite residents’ requests and their own Labour MP’s request.
Council continues to ignore residents
They are, in fact, going to ignore residents and continue to put in similar divisive plans across Leyton, Leytonstone and Chingford!
The FOCUS Team reminds all drivers to be aware of the changes in regulations regarding the ‘paper’ driving licence.
Since polls closed last Thursday, more than 10,000 new members have joined the Liberal Democrats.
The surge continues as Liberal Democrats across the country have been fighting back and making the case for liberal values of freedom, liberty and change.
Liberal Democrat President Baroness Sal Brinton said:
Something quite extraordinary is happening across the country and our party membership has never grown faster. Events are taking place all over the country and we are delighted so many new people are joining the liberal fight back.
People were devastated by the results last week, but rather than sit back and lick their wounds, people have been invigorated and inspired.
They are coming together to rebuild a strong, Liberal Democrat party, showing that the politics of hope and tolerance can thrive in the face of the politics of grievance and fear.
The following are quotes from independent organisations following publication of the Liberal Democrat Manifesto:
EEF, The Manufacturers’ Organisation
“Business will welcome the clear emphasis on economic growth and a skilled workforce to deliver it. The fact this is at the heart of the (Liberal Democrat) manifesto shows a clear grasp of what the UK economy needs to propel it forwards.”
Nuffield Trust
“Taken with the party’s welcome commitment to increase funding on the NHS by a total of £8bn by 2020 and their ambitious pledges on public health, the (Lib Dem) manifesto sets an encouraging tone for how the NHS and social care will be treated in any coalition negotiations.”
National Union of Teachers
“We welcome the Liberal Democrats’ prioritisation of education funding. We also welcome the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to putting a qualified teacher in every classroom.”
Malcolm Trobe, Deputy General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders
“We very much welcome the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to increasing real terms funding for education during the next parliament and that they have pledged to do so on the basis of per pupil spending. This is essential in ensuring that funding keeps pace with the forecast increase in the number of pupils.”
Doug Parr, Greenpeace Chief Scientist
“If many of these (Liberal Democrat)pledges on energy and nature protection were to be enacted it would be a huge win for the environment.”
Vicky Pryce, Chief Economic Adviser at Centre for Economics & Business Research
“There is much here to woo female voters. [The Liberal Democrats’] plan to make [free hours of childcare] available for all 2 year olds too and to extend it to all working parents from the end of their paid parental leave when their child is nine months old is the strongest of the three main parties. They also make the clearest pledge of all parties to directly address the gender pay gap.”
Brian Berry, Federation of Master Builders
“The Liberal Democrat pledge to only borrow for capital spending that enhances economic growth or financial stability, will not only boost the economy, it will also help address the housing shortfall. Also the Party’s commitment to ensure that investment in infrastructure, including in housing and energy efficiency, continues to rise both in absolute terms and as a share of the economy is much-needed and welcome.
Alistair MacDonald QC, Bar Council Chair
“In a week of manifesto launches, today feels like it is third time lucky. Promises were long over-due on reversing the hike in up-front court fees, reviewing tribunal fees, ensuring legal aid is available to those who need it and re-introducing legal aid for judicial review. But today they were delivered. The commitment to maintaining a viable, competitive and diverse market of legal aid providers is also one we can fully support.”
Christian Aid
“Today’s Liberal Democrat manifesto offers a vision of a fair and sustainable future for all, including the world’s poorest people. Christian Aid welcomes the Liberal Democrats’ ambitious proposals which would see this country continuing to lead the world on the most vital matters over the next five years. The party’s policies for promoting the UK’s low-carbon economy and dealing with global environmental problems amount to a coherent package which would be a strong opening gambit in any negotiations with other parties. We are also really pleased to see the party’s recognition that helping people living in poverty requires commitment across many UK government departments – it cannot be left to just one.”
Anne Crook
Here the Liberal Democrat candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green, Anne Crook, explains why you should vote for her.
The Lib Dems would increase funding for the NHS by 8bn a year in real terms by 2020 making it easier for residents to get appointments. In housing, we would help first time buyers who cannot afford a deposit by introducing a Rent to Own scheme where buyers steadily build up a share in their home.