New Year resolutions
February 17, 2007 4:25 PM
Happy New Year! One month in and so the obvious question is, what is the success rate with your new year's resolutions? I don't mean the personal ones - thought they might be interesting, they are not my business. But I do mean the political ones. It's only 3 months until Scottish and Welsh general elections and the many local elections in England. So for those of you without elections of your own, if you have not already done so I hope you will make a renewed commitment now.
Firstly, in England, if your local party or local council group does not have elections, then please talk to your regional campaign officer now and agree to twin with and support a constituency or council which does. Second, if you are not personally able to travel to help over a border, then there is telephone canvassing and other work which can be done locally or from home. Again, please organise now, as the best time to canvass is between now and the beginning of April. And third, I hope many of you will find the time either personally or telephonically to help in Scotland and in Wales. Like many other parliamentary colleagues from English seats I shall very soon be going north of Hadrian's Wall and west of Offa's Dyke to make sure we continue to make progress in Holyrood and Cardiff.
There are some real battles to fight and additional resources in February and March will be very well used. Edinburgh and Cardiff headquarters will provide all the information you need (Cardiff 029 2031 3400, Edinburgh 0131 337 2314).
Seriously, a weekend break in Scotland or Wales, or a few days away during half-term or over the Easter holiday could be booked now in key seats for us and could make a huge difference. Students, pensioners, parents, young people of school age - save the planet, don't travel abroad this winter and spring, enjoy Britain and help the party at the same time!
_____________________
As some of you may know, for the first time I spent Christmas in Israel and Palestine. It was my first visit there for over ten years. As for any Christian, to take part in the Christmas Eve service within yards of Christ's birthplace was a memorable experience. But generally - and appropriately - it was the least comfortable Christmas I had ever spent. The Anglican bishop of Jerusalem in his sermon made three telling points: the road to peace in Baghdad and the wider middle east lies through Bethlehem and Jerusalem; the energies and technologies of authorities would be far better spent using concrete for bridges and not walls, and the peoples of the land that is holy to three world faiths need to learn to live together not just exist side by side.
Renewed impetus in the search for peace by our government, by other governments and by liberals in our party and in all Liberal International parties around the world is an immediate priority. I'm hoping to set up a twinning arrangement between one of the primary schools in Bermondsey and one in Bethlehem. Other initiatives to support those working to build bridges between the communities are worthy of our backing. The Open Bethlehem Campaign, Mar Elias Educational Institutions and One Voice are all really worthy of support (www.openbethlehem.org, www.meei.org, www.onevoicemovement.org )
As we decide our party's views on Trident, weapons, defence and foreign affairs we should never forget that peaceful futures for Christians, Jews, Muslims and those of other faiths and none in the Middle East is one of the biggest prizes for politicians in this country and all over the world.
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats