New chair and executive team elected
David Chalmers, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for Torridge and West Devon, has been elected chair of the Liberal Democrat European Group, which influences the party's European policy and campaigns.
Chalmers said: 'Teresa May's disgraceful attack on MPs and Parliament, which was reminiscent of a dictator in the mould of Hugo Chavez, was a disgraceful attempt to stir up hatred seldom if ever seen before by a British Prime Minister. She and her Brexit have become a threat to the reputation of our institutions, the safety of MPs and our traditional liberal approach to public debate. I vow to continue the fight to keep the UK in the European Union and ensure the Group promotes and protects liberal and European values.'
Chalmers supports an Exit from Brexit and was one of many Liberal Democrat European Group members on the rally on 23 March 2019 in London.
'The Liberal Democrats have consistently argued the British people should have a choice between the Government's Brexit Deal and Remaining in the EU. We are preparing to win the Peoples Vote and field candidates in European Elections. The local election campaigns in May offer us an opportunity to show how Brexit is already harming the livelihoods of the British people. This Government's obsession with taking us out of the EU has distracted it from dealing with the many pressing issues confronting our communities. We need to show voters that should the Brexiters, actually succeed in taking us out of the EU, how things will only get worse.'
The goal for the Group is to promote European policy at all levels of the party and the regions. The new executive will work with Parliamentarians and fellow Lib Dem international organisations here as well as our sister parties in the ALDE - Alliance of Liberal and Democratic Parties across Europe.
'I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Exec of LDEG for all their hard work, especially Nick Hopkinson, for his stewardship of the Group over the past years. I am delighted Nick has decided to stay on as Vice Chair. We are joined by a strong team of passionate individuals, who will help to foster greater understanding of Europe and maintain our influence as a leading force on the party's European policy.'
ENDS