National News

Response to Council bid for City of Culture from Medway Liberal Democrats

Medway Liberal Democrats are concerned by the news that the Council intends to bid to become the UK City of Culture in 2025, we believe the money invested in the bidding process should be strictly limited to ensure there is not a significant draw on local government finances. John Castle, spokesperson for Medway Liberal Democrats, said "We would love to give this our wholehearted support. Medway is a high-profile, culturally rich region, however the announcement comes after news that the future of the Castle Concerts areunsustainable. We support any new initiatives that would boost Medway's cultural spirit, but we believe that the Council should take a prudent and considered approach as it looks at ways to funding the bid. That the costs incurred in bidding, would be better spent on essential services."

AW
3 Aug 2019
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Lib Dems overturn 8,000 majority in by-election

The Liberal Democrats have won the parlimentary by-election of Brecon & Radnorshire. The Lib Dems overturned a 8,000 majority to win the seat from the conservatives and with it reduces Prime Minister Johnson's majority to just one.

3 Aug 2019
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Rebecca Trimnell and Lib Dem campaigners outside police HQ

Rising crime in Gloucester is no great surprise, say Lib Dems

Crime in Gloucester has risen by 11% in the past year and is further proof of the impact of police cuts in the city, according to the Liberal Democrats. Gloucestershire Police has nearly 300 fewer police officer than a decade ago and police and community support officers have also been cut by 34% since 2009. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said there was an 11% rise in recorded crime between March 2018 and March 2019. Across the county there was a 3% rise in crime - with Gloucester seeing the highest rise in Gloucestershire. Yet Cheltenham, Stroud and the Forest of Dean saw a reduction in crime in the last 12 months. Other recent published ONS statistics show that knife crime in the county rose 12% in 2018/19 from 2017/18. Dr Rebecca Trimnell, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokeswoman for Gloucester, said: "I'm deeply concerned by this latest rise in crime in the city. "Gloucestershire Police has had to make savings of £32 million, so it is no wonder that the Thin Blue Line is getting even thinner.

2 Aug 2019
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