Who should you back to defeat Reform in the Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor election on 1 May? The StopReform tactical voting site makes its recommendation clear: As the site explains: This is a new election. The most recent local election results (in 2023 and 2024) over the same area show the Lib Dems ahead of Labour in both areas, Hull and East Yorkshire, which means that the Lib Dems are better placed to challenge Reform (who appear to be ahead of the Tories). This is supported by an opinion poll and by the betting odds. You can find more information on Mike Ross, our candidate for Hull and East Yorkshire, here .  Like this blog? Tell your friends!! Don't like it? Tell us! - BrentYoungLiberals@gmail.com

  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...

Sky News reports that Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper has secured a significant assurance from the government during a Parliamentary debate on emergency legislation aimed at safeguarding the future of the Scunthorpe steelworks. While welcoming the government's intervention to protect the site, Cooper raised concerns about the sweeping powers granted under the emergency legislation. She warned that the Labour government is “trying to give itself unprecedented powers” to intervene in the steel industry, describing the proposed measures as “huge and unconstrained,” and cautioning that they “could set a very dangerous precedent.” Addressing the Business Secretary directly, Cooper urged: “I urge the Secretary of State, in the strongest possible terms, to make a simple commitment today — that these powers will be repealed as soon as possible, within six months at the latest. And if they are still needed after that, he must return to this House to seek another vote.” In...

Conservative councillors have voted against a Liberal Democrat proposal to work towards making Bromley an Age Friendly Community – a move slammed by the Lib Dems as showing a lack of care and concern for the borough’s older population. The Liberal Democrat motion – tabled at a meeting on 7 April and supported by Labour and Chislehurst Matters – called for the Council to join the UK Network of  Age-friendly Communities , an initiative supported by the  Centre for Ageing Better  which helps local authorities create inclusive, supportive environments for older people. Bromley’s growing proportion of older residents is the highest of any London borough, but despite this the Conservatives refused to support the plan to make everyday life safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for them. Speaking at the meeting, Lib Dem councillors highlighted the very real challenges many older residents face, including fear of crossing roads due to speeding; uneven pavements; lack of publi...

Our very own Christina Nowell is in Cornwall to lend our Lib Dem colleagues a helping hand as we gear up to turn the South West golden! For those of you who'd like to join her, here are the details: ✅ Accommodation is provided for all those joining the Cornish Lib Dems, however                      travel will not be provided for.  ✅ Campaigners will be travelling from London Paddington to Penzance, which is a                       direct train (and a pleasant journey btw)  Please get in contact with Christina at BrentYoungLiberals@gmail.com for more information! Oh, and remember. It's always jam first! ☕ 🍰  Like this blog? Tell your friends!! Don't like it? Tell us! - BrentYoungLiberals@gmail.com

AllAAll Former Health Secretary under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, Stephen Dorrell, is standing for the Lib Dems in the upcoming Worcester county council elections.  The decision to stand by Dorrell, MP for Loughborough and subsequently Charnwood, pits him against Cllr Alan Amos, himself a former Conservative MP for Hexham, who is now a candidate for Reform UK having initially won his seat on Worcester county council as a Conservative.  For Young Liberals across the country, Dorrell's candidacy is a reminder that the fight for liberal values isn't just on the national stage or in the Westminster Village - it's in council chambers, local communities, on doorsteps, and at the grassroots. With more voters disillusioned Labour and Conservative, it is clear, as the Dorrell-Amos standoff attests, that the fight is now between Lib Dems and Reform. You can read the Worcester News' coverage of this here .  What is happening in Worcester is happening all across the country w...

This Thursday, we need your support in Sutton Central. Labour is throwing everything they’ve got at this race, despite knowing they can’t win. It’s a clear sign that they’re feeling the pressure and know that we’re a strong, united force here in Sutton. Why are they so desperate? Because they know that our community is ready for change — that we’re standing up for what truly matters: safer streets, better public services, and a council that listens to its residents.  But here's the thing: we don't back down when the going gets tough, we rise to the challenge. Our result in 2024 proved that. That's why we are asking for your help to make sure we have the momentum to take this to the finish line.  You can sign up here . Happy Campaigning! Like this blog? Tell your friends!! Don't like it? Tell us! - BrentYoungLiberals@gmail.com

 by Archie Rankin, Vice Chair I've signed the Safe Homes Now   petition . Why? Because residents have a right to live in safe, well-maintained homes — and to be listened to. This is true for all London residents and beyond.  Our colleagues at Wandsworth Liberal Democrats will be making sure of this shortly at the  Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where they will be  informing councillors of the growing number of people who’ve signed the petition and highlighting the strength of feeling behind our campaign. Here are their key demands:    ✅ An independent investigation into the Burke Close explosion, with findings made public ✅ Urgent safety checks on all council homes, starting with Roehampton ✅ A clear and published timeline for fixing all overdue fire and electrical safety actions ✅ A full review of resident engagement failures ✅ A public apology from council leadership to the residents of Burke Close   You can follow the meeting live or...

  Merton Labour councillors voted unanimously to cut welfare and disability payments following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement. One hundred and eight 18-21-year-olds in Merton will miss out on £4,680 per year due to their age. Government impact assessment says 50,000 more children in the UK will grow up in relative poverty. Labour councillors in Merton have voted unanimously to back the Government's welfare and benefits reforms at the Council meeting on 2 April. This comes despite the Liberal Democrats raising the alarm over severe consequences for local residents. The Government's own impact analysis estimated that 50,000 more children in the UK will be pushed into relative poverty by 2029/30 because of the cuts to benefits support. In Merton, 1 in 4 children already grow up in relative poverty.  This figure rises to 4 in 10 children within the Mitcham & Morden parliamentary constituency  - which has remained broadly the case for the last decade. Further a...

Community pressure has led to Transport for London (TfL) taking long-overdue action to improve the reliability of the 154 bus route. In 2024, journeys on the 154 bus were cut short more than 2,000 times. A petition, started by local MP Bobby Dean, demanding urgent improvements gathered over 600 signatures. In February, TfL introduced temporary measures and has now brought forward a long term plan to improve the reliability of the 154. The plan will see the length of time between stops increased to take account of recurring traffic and delays on the route. Bobby Dean MP, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Carshalton and Wallington said:  “This is a big win for local residents who have been let down time and time again by the unreliability of the 154. “I’m pleased TfL has finally listened to the community and taken action. Residents should see some improvement and I would encourage them to contact me if they do not. “But either way, I’ll be keeping the pressure on to make sure...

Luke Taylor, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for London and MP for Sutton and Cheam, has called for a new approach to tackling knife crime in the capital. Speaking in Westminster Hall, the MP has hit out at “failure on the watch of consecutive mayors of both main parties” to deal with the issue, saying Londoners “have had enough of senseless stabbing after senseless stabbing.” Taylor called for the Government to adopt a “public health approach”, similar to the one in place in Scotland, to get a grip on surging knife violence in the capital. He called on the Government to adopt a raft of measures to enable the approach, including supporting the Met with new recruitment, ringfencing local authority Early Intervention services, putting victim awareness on the national curriculum and getting new funding to Violence Reduction Units (VRUs). The approach, which is supported by crime experts, is characterised by joining up various public, private and third sector bodies to ensure that violence i...

 by Archie Rankin, Vice Chair I’m so excited to be serving as Vice Chair of the Brent Young Liberals , working alongside Christina to champion liberal values in our borough — and to bring together our brilliant young people as campaigners, activists, and community leaders. Christina is a real trailblazer when it comes to campaigning for a fair deal for Brent. As Membership Development Officer for the Brent Liberal Democrats, she cares deeply about opening up local politics for young people, and championing the things that matter most to our borough.   Together, we launched Brent YL because young people in Brent need a stronger voice. From housing and education to climate action and community safety, we know that our generation has so much to say — and so much to give. We're building a platform for that energy. A space where anyone under 30 who shares our values can get involved in local campaigns, develop skills, meet others, and help shape the future of liberalism in our...

by Archie Rankin, Vice Chair This blog exists for one reason: to give young liberals a voice. Brent Young Liberals is about more than just leaflets and elections (though we’re fans of both). We want to create a space where people under 30 can speak up, challenge ideas, share experiences, and shape the future of liberalism — locally and nationally. From housing to climate, civil liberties to community organising, young people have a lot to say — and even more to contribute. This blog is where those thoughts come to life. We’ll be publishing regular pieces from young people across Brent and beyond: 🔸 reflections from the campaign trail 🔸 views on national and local policy 🔸 interviews, ideas, and provocations 🔸 and maybe even the occasional meme (no promises) Whether you’re a student, a first-time voter, or someone who's been knocking doors since you were 12, this space is for you. And if you're not a member yet — no worries. If you’ve got something to say, and you s...