Join the Brent & Ealing Young Liberals for Our First Social! We’re thrilled to announce that two brand-new Young Liberals branches—Brent and Ealing—are teaming up for our first social event! Whether you’re a seasoned campaigner, a curious newcomer, or somewhere in between, this is a relaxed, friendly space to build ties, spark ideas, and plan our next steps together. 📅 Date & Time Friday, 16 May 2025, 6:30 PM–10:00 PM 📍 Location Duke of York, 8 Dering St, London W1S 2AF 🔗 RSVP on Facebook Join the event We can’t wait to meet you and kick off a new chapter of Liberal activism in Brent and Ealing. See you on 16 May! Like this blog? Tell your friends!! Don't like it? Tell us! - BrentYoungLiberals@gmail.com

The  Express and Star   reports  of Cllr Luke Hamblett: Dudley’s Liberal Democrats got a boost when a former Labour councillor defected to their ranks after attacking government tax policy. Councillor Luke Hamblett, who represents the Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood ward on Dudley Council, has been sitting as an independent since his decision to quit Labour in March. He was one of a string of Labour councillors, including group leader Councillor Pete Lowe, who turned their backs on Sir Keir Starmer’s government in protest at the way the country is being run. Like this blog? Tell your friends!! Don't like it? Tell us! - BrentYoungLiberals@gmail.com

Tonight from 7pm to 10pm, Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats and QMUL Liberal Democrats* are hosting a relaxed evening of conversation, connection, and community spirit at The Captain Kidd pub, 108 Wapping High Street, London E1W 2NE. 🗺️🍺 It’s a chilled-out chance to meet the local exec team and fellow Lib Dem members from across the area — whether you’re a lifelong liberal or brand new to the party. 🧡 Come for the politics, stay for the pints (or the chat)! 🗣️✨ 🎟️ The event is free, but registering in advance helps the organisers plan — and keeps the vibe flowing smoothly. For us at Brent Young Liberals, it’s the perfect excuse to cross borough lines, hear fresh ideas, and meet the wider Lib Dem fam. Let’s show up, share a drink, and strengthen our community of young progressives across London. 🌍✊ See you there! 👋🍻💛 *Archie Rankin is Vice Chair of the Brent Young Liberals, Chair of the QMUL Liberal Democrats, and a member of the Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats Executive....

Southwark’s recycling rate has stalled – and it’s local residents left picking up the pieces. In the latest figures, just 30.5% of waste in Southwark was recycled in 2023/24 – still 5% lower than a decade ago . Despite all the flashy talk on climate and sustainability, Labour-run Southwark Council has failed year after year to turn words into action. While they drag their feet, other councils are showing what’s possible. The top six councils for recycling in the UK are all Lib Dem-run , with rates over 60%. Here in London, three Liberal Democrat councils rank in the city’s top five – including Ed Davey’s Kingston, which is recycling almost half of all waste. Southwark Liberal Democrats are calling for urgent action to clean up the borough: 🏢 More accessible recycling and food waste collections for flats and estates 🚫 Tougher enforcement on fly-tipping hotspots 📢 Better communication and education on what can actually be recycled 🧼 Investment in clean streets and bi...

 After US Senator JD Vance claimed there’s a “good chance” of a UK-US trade deal under a Trump presidency, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey was clear: Parliament must not be left out of the conversation. “It would be deeply undemocratic,” he said, “if MPs were sidelined while a Trump-backed deal risks slashing food standards, selling off parts of the NHS, or watering down vital protections for children online.” We all want a strong trade relationship with the US — one that genuinely benefits both sides. But Trump has a track record of breaking deals and bending rules. He and his ally JD Vance shouldn’t be allowed to pressure the UK into accepting a raw deal. The UK Government must stand firm. That means protecting British farmers, defending our NHS, and upholding the online safety laws we’ve fought hard for — not trading them away to keep Trump sweet. Like this blog? Tell your friends!! Don't like it? Tell us! - BrentYoungLiberals@gmail.com

 by Archie Rankin, Vice Chair and Member of the London Young Liberals Executive I attended the London Young Liberals Executive Committee meeting yesterday, here's what was discussed... 🗳 Winning in Sutton — and What’s Next Report from Sam, Chair of London YLs We recently held two fantastic action days in Sutton Central , where local members joined forces with activists from across London. A special shoutout to Elin from Lambeth for her support on day one, and to all the Sutton members who turned out on day two. The result? A resounding by-election victory —and a historic one, as we elected the first Hongkonger to Sutton Council . But the campaign trail doesn’t stop there. We’re now preparing for a second by-election in Carshalton South & Clockhouse , a much tighter contest in a split ward currently held by two Conservative councillors. Sam will be coordinating with Joel to organise action days—so watch this space if you’d like to get involved! On polling day, Joel also ste...