North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats

In a time of political crisis, we have some good news, and an invitation to demand democracy.

I want Proportional Representation

We have signed the Good Systems Agreement, alongside other parties, organisations and public figures.

Together we have achieved something that has never been done in the UK. We're securing broad consensus about the principles that define good voting systems. Most importantly, seats won in Parliament must closely reflect the votes cast. We have also agreed that the best voting system for the UK would ideally be determined by citizens. This could be done through an evidence-based, deliberative process, like a citizens' assembly.

Highways England are carrying out a public consultation on plans to improve travel between Milton Keynes and Cambridge, proposing a new 10 mile dual carriageway between the Black Cat and Caxton Gibbet roundabouts.

Eight consultation events will be taking place at local venues across the area, a mobile visitor centre will visit popular locations and pop up events will be held in Milton Keynes and Bedford shopping centres. Click here to view a full list of events.

Party members - check your inboxes!

Ballots for our leadership election have now gone out. If you were a member by the 7th June, you get a say in deciding the next leader of our party.

It's a really exciting time to be a Liberal Democrat - and we're extraordinarily lucky to have 2 solid candidates in Sir Ed Davey and Jo Swinson. Either would be a fabulous leader for our party.

Free bandstand concerts are coming back to Mill Meadows on the Embankment this summer.

This 2019 concert series at the Victorian Bandstand is being kindly sponsored by The Longholme, who will be providing seasonal catering and refreshments at each event.

A number of different groups will perform these traditional bandstand music concerts, on the following dates:

Responding to Healthwatch England's report showing that councils across England are struggling to meet key legal duties in social care services for people with dementia, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Judith Jolly said "As dementia patients suffer because they are not getting the care they need, families are sacrificing their own health through lack of sleep and the constant care of loved ones, to ensure they are filling the ever growing gaps in care."

Brian Paddick, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson in the Lords, has launched a five-point plan to tackle the knife crime epidemic.

His public health approach which he has called on the Conservative Government to enact is outlined below:

1. Enabling parents to be there for their children by tackling in-work poverty & providing the support parents and their children need.
2. Safe and healthy alternatives to gangs: providing a positive safety net for those whose parents can't provide the support their children need.
3. Healing the damage caused by Adverse Childhood Experiences by addressing the psychological impact with intervention at 'teachable moments' and countering the normalisation of violence through compulsory sex and relationship education.
4. Inclusive education: fewer excluded pupils, adaptable education that addresses every pupil's needs, including teaching the realities of criminal gangs.
5. United against knife crime: restoring community policing so police and communities can work on the same side against the knife carriers.

Mayor Dave Hodgson cut the ribbon as the global software specialist MatsSoft officially opened their new office in Bedford Heights recently.

MatsSoft provides software used by businesses including household name brands like Nationwide Building Society, Vodafone and Thomas Cook to deliver business apps to customers and staff alike.

Next week the Court of Appeal will hear the challenge against the decision to award an environmental permit for the Covanta Incinerator at Rookery South Pit near Stewartby. With the court date just days away on 2nd or 3rd July, the fundraising appeal by local campaign group Bedfordshire Against Covanta Incinerator (BACI) is still over £12,000 short of its £38,000 target.