When circumstances change, I change my in the party, it can be easy to feel overmind. What do you do? whelmed and overlooked. This organisaJ.M. Keynes tion is finally starting to realize it's potential again. Activate is back and a roaring The political landscape has changed mas- success; Freshers will be bigger and betsively in the 13 months I've been Chair. ter than ever, and our membership is goLabour seems to have lost all hope and is ing through the roof. far beyond the point of no return. The We're facing a General Election within a Tories are ahead, but with a Government year. Now it's about pushing Liberal drowning in it's own mess as much as La- Youth further than it's ever been before bour are, you have to ask - why aren't and making sure we reach our potential. they doing better? It's about not sitting on our laurels and Lib Dems are doing well, but have ques- thinking a half-decent Facebook group tions of our own to answer too. With La- equals a campaign and that a semibour doing so badly, why did we still functioning University branch is good come third in Norwich North? Why aren't enough. we attracting the big donors we need? It's more important than ever to push ourWhat happens after selves. To campaign all year round, conRennard? stantly recruit new members and work So where does all this leave us? With the together to build branches in every corner massive upheaval that's been happening of the country.
The exec are here to support and enable everyone in the organisation to achieve this together - because Liberal Youth doesn't start and finish with the exec. I'll leave you with some words from my trip to NUS conference, from someone who was talking about how to beat the BNP. Next time you think we're going to end up losing the seat you‟re in; Conservative Future put on a more successful event than yours or that target seat doesn't look so promising anymore, think of this and just do it: "Get off your arse and do something!!" Have a great Freshers - don't forget to order your pack!
Elaine Bagshaw National Chair
Liberal Ladies
Liberal Youth’s femme fatale’s tell the Libertine a bit about themselves Alex Royden Which issues get you really fired up? Pretty much anything which involves ensuring fairness and equality - so ID cards and general civil liberties. I‟m also interested in reducing the growing class rift, top up fees make my blood boil! I am really fired up by the need to sort out politics, reform the system and combat the apathy that is the result of years of neglect. I‟m a vet student and keep on top of animal welfare, agriculture and farming - I wouldn't suggest asking me about foot and mouth before lunch! What was your first political memory? When I was 11 years old my dad (who is now in his 3rd year as a County Councillor) took me down to the shops to help with a petition asking the Deputy Prime Minister to force the local council to hold a ballot on whether there should be an Urban Council or a Parish Council. This was successfully decided at the ballot and the Borough Council had to accept it. Just one petition organised by a handful of people has made such a difference to the whole ward. Brickhill Parish Council has been able to set up a „Cop Shop‟ and set up a Friday night youth group, both of which have significantly lowered crime rates. Who’s you’re greatest political hero? Marcus Tullius Cicero. This guy inspired me from the first minute of Latin A Level, so I'm a geek, I live with it, Cicero was elected Consul of the Roman Republic, the highest public office, and he raised himself
to it from nothing - no royal blood, no political predecessors, just him. He never showed intimidation or fear and always fought with style, using the power of his rhetoric and his cunning to defeat his opponents. He believed in honour and loyalty and he never gave in to Caesar, even when his life was on the line. If only more MPs were like that. Its June 4th, Nick Clegg is Prime Minister – what’s the first thing you want him to do? Everyone's going to say this, but proportional representation. We've all had enough. Let's sort it out.
Jenn Warren Which issues get you really fired up? Votes at 16, Why should we have to pay tax and national insurance, be able to join the forces and die for our country, leave full time education and get jobs, get married and start having children without being able to vote? Youth Transport costs also really frustrate me. I am also pretty environmentally conscious and I am interested in eating disorders, as I don‟t think there is enough support from the government and local authorities for those vulnerable to them. What was your first political memory? I remember the 1997 election, I was about 4 years old, and I had been aware that John Major was PM before, but then it was Tony Blair.
Who’s you’re greatest political hero? My greatest political hero is probably Emily Davison, the suffragette martyr, I also allow myself to be inspired [in moderation] by Margaret Thatcher, as she is such an important figure for women in politics. Winston Churchill was a terrific wit and I like him too. I also look up to Vince Cable, because everybody loves him, even my Granny, who is very Conservative [sadly] Its June 4th, Nick Clegg is Prime Minister – what’s the first thing you want him to do? WHEN nick gets to be PM I think I would like him to extend child bus and train fares to 18, right after he lowers the voting age to 16
Cara Drury Which issues get you really fired up? I get pretty fired up about discrimination it's the biggest blight on our society right now. What was your first political memory? I guess I remember the 1997 general election quite vividly - I remember it being a really exciting time. I think that's the first time I started taking an interest in what was going on. Who’s you’re greatest political hero? Chris Ward – a Councillor in Guildford and a really good friend of mine Its June 4th, Nick Clegg is Prime Minister – what’s the first thing you want him to do? I'd like some sort of timetable for decommissioning Trident, and a real plan to combat student debt.