Open Letter to Andy Street and Nicola Richards
Former Mayor and local campaigners call on West Midland Mayor and local MP to urge property developer to withdraw their outrageous submission for a development on protected land off Wilderness Lane
Dear Mr Street and Ms Richards,
We welcome your recent call for Sandwell Council to prioritize use of brownfield sites for housing developments. A strategy we have long believed in. However, it does not address the problem of a property developer who has entered a planning submission (ID 10115), to develop on land protected by national legislation and also designated as a Site of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC) by Sandwell Council. They would be able to appeal to the Secretary of State for Housing if Sandwell Council’s planning officers do not include it in the Draft Black Country Plan, as they have said is likely.
Read moreMyanmar refugee crisis more uncertain and perilous
Reacting to the military arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Layla Moran MP urges focus on human rights and refugee crisis:
"Myanmar's military must step back from the brink, end this coup and release all civilian leaders immediately. Democracy and the rule of law need to be respected.
Hands off Wilderness Lane (and other Green Belt land)!
Local residents have contacted us concerned about the land off Wilderness Lane, between Peak House Road and Q3 Academy. They have asked us why no one knows about these plans? This is because there are not plans, yet. However, this does not mean there is no danger of houses being built on this land and as many people as possible should make their voice heard about this. Sign our petition and join the campaign to save this and other green belt land from Labour mismanagement and the Tory power grab over planning decisions. You can sign the petition here.
Although the Mayor of the West Midlands has said this land is under threat from developers who want to build hundreds of houses on it, the reason nobody in the area has heard it is because there has not been a planning application submitted to build on this land. And indeed, since the Council has not only designated this land NOT SUITABLE FOR HOUSING, and have also said it is important for nature conservation, we would expect our Planning Officers to recommend refusal of any such application, if one comes forward. If there is a planning application submitted for this land, the Council will write to all residents of Wilderness Lane and Peak House Road, and I suspect most of the other roads nearby.
Read moreLib Dems attempt to put Parliament “in the driving seat” on future relationship
The Liberal Democrats have tabled a series of amendments to the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill that demand the Government protect British businesses, the rights of UK nationals and ensure Parliament has proper scrutiny over the future relationship agreement.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey, who has said his Party will vote against the deal, warned the Government has committed an “affront to our democracy” by allowing Parliament just a few hours to debate the trade deal.
Read moreCourt of Appeal ruling exposes Johnson's broken promise to EU citizens
Responding to the Court of Appeal’s ruling that the Government has unlawfully discriminated against EU citizens with Pre-Settled Status by excluding them from Universal Credit, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said:
“Denying people the financial support they desperately need during this pandemic is an appalling way to treat the EU citizens who are our families and friends, our colleagues and carers.
Read moreChristmas greetings to our friends and supporters
Our outgoing Chair, Bob Smith, gives his thoughts on a difficult and challenging year, and the whole Sandwell Liberal Democrat team wish all our friends and supporters a happy, and safe, festive season.
Stay safe, and let's look forward to a better 2021.
Liberal Democrats fight to give carers a voice
BOB SMITH AND THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS FIGHT TO GIVE CARERS A VOICE
The Liberal Democrats are asking people across our community who care for relatives to get in touch and share their story – to mark national Carers Rights Day.
Liberal Democrat party leader Ed Davey has said he wants the party wants to be a "strong voice" for the millions across the country – including 29,284 people in Sandwell (Warley and West Bromwich East/West) who care for those who need it.
Read moreShubh Diwali! [Happy Diwali]
Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. 2020 has been a dark year for many of us, and Diwali’s message that light will triumph in the end is of comfort for us all. Happy Diwali. Given the recent news about the US election, and encouraging news about a vaccine for Covid-19, it is a particularly timely celebration this year.
Read more2020 AGM
We are delighted to announce that on Wednesday 18 November at 7:30 pm, the Sandwell Liberal Democrats will be hosting our Annual General Meeting over Zoom.
After the meeting at 8:30 pm, we’ll also be holding an online quiz - and we’d love it if you can join us.
Read moreExtend Free School Meals into Holiday Season
Sandwell Lib Dem Chair, Bob Smith and the local Liberal Democrats are demanding extra support for children living in poverty. In Sandwell, 12,198 children are at risk of going hungry and eligible for free school meals. Over 7,000 of these are at nursery or primary schools. We have launched a petition to try and persuade the government to make another u-turn on this issue. Extend Free School Meals in the Holiday Season
After a high-profile campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford, the Government provided food vouchers for the poorest families through the summer holidays. But in October, Conservative MPs voted against extending free school meals to future holidays. The Lib Dems are fighting to ensure every child living in poverty has access to free school meals in holidays and periods of lockdown.
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