By Dr Anthony Lynch, president, Forest of Dean Liberal Democrats
The views expressed are those of the author
Life for everyone is made better by the caring actions of others. Sadly, nowadays and increasingly, there is a want of care…At the highest levels of government we are wanting care: we continue to supply military-ware to Israel for Netanyahu to destroy homes and hospitals, and to kill thousands of Palestinians; – for Putin to bomb Ukraine and Trump to flatten world trade with tariffs, and to cramp higher education and the sciences and studies which, when they are encouraged, increase our knowledge of the world.
Our community has always thrived when individuals come together with the shared purpose of creating a brighter future. By focusing on grassroots initiatives, we can address the unique challenges faced in our constituency while setting a model for others to follow. Through the creation of sustainable housing projects, investment in renewable energy, and the support of local businesses, we can lay the groundwork for a more prosperous and equitable society and to safeguard the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and progress. Our constituency while steeped in natural beauty and history, faces challenges that demand our collective effort and innovative approaches. Housing affordability, climate change, access to quality healthcare, and robust education systems are areas where proactive leadership can make a difference. By cultivating partnerships, listening to diverse voices, and standing firm against divisive rhetoric, we can turn our aspirations into achievements.
At home Farage and Reform replace the nastiest voices of the Tories and add their own brands of crowd-raising hate. Even as I write this, the news breaks that immigrant numbers are to be brought down. One significant effect is that nursing homes and hospitals will not have the work forces needed to keep them going. This action by the Prime Minister has been made in a knee jerk response to Reform; but as with many reflexes it turns back to kick the kicker and his party and where the sick and poor and very old are gathered. Any good ideas about reducing the unwanted effects of immigration have been lost in the aggressive manner of delivery. More care was needed.
Against caring: are the selfish, the right-wing politicians and similar tyrants and semi tyrants and their supporters whose aim is for themselves; and to take over the world.
The accompanying chart shows how council seats changed in Gloucestershire in May's election, and how those shifts compared for 23 councils across the country as a whole.
Summary in Shire Hall: Liberal Democrats have 27 seats and the remainder 28.
Remember that Liberal democrats have a long and continuing history of working locally and so winning more Councillors and therefore by building on success, gaining more MP’s. Our liberal and democratic core principles of equality, freedom of speech, protection under the law, fair government….all these could be expressed as caring - in every aspect of political and everyday life. This is well illustrated and exampled by Sir Ed Davey in his speeches, in his life, and in his new book “Why I Care”.
For us power resides with the people. We will continue to act for people.
The Executive and I thank those who stood as candidates in the recent elections to keep The Liberal Democrats in front of the voters.
What you dear reader and we can do now is important and necessary before the next elections. Will you deliver leaflets and work with others to knock on doors? We will have numerous examples of work done and action taken by Liberal Democrats locally (in District and County Councils) and nationally. Talk about these Liberal Democrats to your friends. Ask a friend or several to join with us.
Look at the chart again. See how the ball is rolling with us – but The Forest of Dean has a sole Lib Dem County Councillor - Gill Moseley. Let us build up membership and make contact with and care for the voters. Give Gill more company at Shire Hall.
2 June 2025
