http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/newsarchive.php Recent News Stories from Rutland & Melton Liberal Democrats en-GB Rutland & Melton Liberal Democrats http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/ Prater Raines Ltd http://www.praterraines.co.uk/ (c) 2008 Rutland & Melton Liberal Democrats 2008-09-05T23:09+01:00 United Kingdom http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000139/barbecue.html Peter Beanland's annual Rutland & Melton Lib Dem barbecue will take place on Sunday the 7th September, 12.30pm, at 11 The Dell, Oakham. We usually have good weather but are prepared for all eventualities. Hope to see you there. For more information please contact info@rutlandlibdems.org.uk 2008-08-29T10:05+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000138/conference_at_bournemouth.html The Liberal Democrat Federal Conference will take place at Bournemouth this year between the dates of 13th and 17th September. All Liberal Democrat members are welcome to attend. Rutland and Melton representatives will include Grahame Hudson, our parliamentary candidate and Carol Weaver who is chairing an LDEG fringe event on the EU and Conflict Resolution with speakers including the Ambassador from Azerbaijan, Lord William Wallace and Dr Julie Smith. 2008-08-24T11:37+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000137/grahame_hudson_selected_again_as_ppc.html The Liberal Democrats are delighted to announce that Grahame Hudson, 47, will be their prospective parliamentary candidate in Rutland and Melton for the next general election. Grahame has a keen interest in local and national politics and is an experienced and enthusiastic campaigner, having previously stood as the parliamentary candidate for Rutland and Melton in the May 2005 general election, increasing the Liberal Democrat share of the vote. He is a founder member of the Liberal Democrat Friends of the Armed Forces group, campaigning for better welfare and support for both serving and retired servicemen and women. 2008-08-20T20:18+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000136/john_twidell_takes_on_roger_helmer.html Prof John Twidell of Rutland and Melton Lib Dems has taken on Conservative MEP Roger Helmer and his unorthodox view that climate change is not man made and new technology is not necessary. The exchange of views has taken place in the Leicester Mercury and John is winning hands down. Read one of John's letters below - 2008-08-18T11:01+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000135/change_of_date_for_quiz_night.html Please note that the Exton Quiz Night has been moved from the 10th October to the 31st October. Please organize teams in advance and let Fay know your numbers. Also don't forget that Lembit Opik is speaking in Bourne on the 9th October. See our events page for more details or contact info@rutlandlibdems.org.uk 2008-08-16T16:54+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000134/regional_conference__november_1st.html The next Regional Conference is to be held at Northampton Town Football Club on Saturday November the 1st. The day will begin with tea and coffee at 9.30am with the main business between 10am and 5pm. Amongst the events at conference are; Speakers including frontbench MPs and leading members of the Campaigns department; Training from ALDC on campaigning and basic artwork; Talks from leading party staff about membership recruitment and e-campaigning; At least one policy motion to be debated with a chance to have your say. 2008-08-04T12:49+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000133/afternoon_tea_and_oakham_walk.html On Sunday 10th August, Polly and Les are hosting afternoon tea followed by a walk around Oakham (weather permitting) for those who are interested. Tea will be served at 3.00pm. If you would like to come or need more details please let them know as soon as possible - lesmoverley@hotmail.com 2008-08-01T17:39+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000132/making_it_happen.html Nick Clegg has outlined the Liberal Democrat 'Make it Happen' policy. This includes cutting taxes for ordinary families; paying for treatment elsewhere if local hospitals cannot manage; switching taxes from people to pollution; improving standards in education by funding extra help for those who need it most; putting Britain at the heart of Europe to make us a force for good in the world; stopping ID cards so we can keep control of our privacy; changing the voting system so everyone's voice counts; bringing communities together with local people in charge; and giving communities a say in how offenders pay for their crimes. 2008-07-17T15:20+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000131/conservatives_walk_away_from_phone_mast_battle.html The LIBERAL Democrats have launched a stinging attack on the Conservatives for refusing to support calls to tighten up planning rules on mobile phone masts. Currently, few restrictions govern planning applications for phone masts up to 15 metres in height, often making it difficult for councils to refuse permission for controversial proposals. The Liberal Democrats in Parliament recently moved an amendment to the Planning Bill which would have meant applications for phone masts would have required full planning permission and therefore be considered in the same way as applications for new buildings or change of use of existing ones. But Labour MPs voted against the call and Conservative MPs did not bother voting at all. Rutland & Melton Lib Dems say, "Communities can sometimes be powerless to stop inappropriately sited phone masts going ahead because the planning system has fewer restrictions on them than for many other planning applications. This gives phone companies an advantage which is not enjoyed by other individuals and businesses applying for planning permission. Our amendment would have made the system fairer. We were very disappointed to see that the Conservatives did not bother to vote for this change. They simply sat on their hands, despite telling everyone at the general election that they support this policy." 2008-07-07T08:57+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000130/family_bbq_and_games__sunday_29th_june.html John and Mary hosted the annual family barbecue at their home in the delightful village of Horninghold on Sunday 29th June. The rain held off until late afternoon and we all had a great time barbecuing, exploring the eco-garden or playing / watching croquet (with some complicated rules!) 2008-06-25T10:14+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000129/news_on_the_environment_from_our_mep.html 1. The Waste Directive to increase Recycling - Yesterday, the European Parliament approved binding targets for the recycling of waste by 2020 that the European Union's 27 member states must include in national plans or face legal action by Brussels. The rules seek to achieve recycling of 50 percent of waste from households and 70 percent of hazardous materials. The sheer fact that concrete targets had been accepted despite strong opposition in some capitals was a victory for MEPs. National governments are increasingly difficult to negotiate with. As the recession bites, they know that this legislation will cost money so they become reluctant to accept the parliament's amendments. According to Brussels estimates, Europe generates around 1.8 billion tonnes of waste, which is an average of 3.5 tonnes per person, mainly from households, commercial enterprises such as shops or restaurants, industry, agriculture and construction and demolition projects. 2008-06-22T13:48+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000128/harrier_down_in_ashwell.html A joint services harrier crashed into a field in Ashwell on Monday 16th June across the road from the home of one of the Rutland & Melton Liberal Democrat executive team. The Royal Navy pilot ejected in time and is recovering in hospital. The Lib Dems wish him a speedy recovery and thank him for his skill in avoiding the village houses. 2008-06-22T13:27+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000127/tories_refused_to_support_compensation.html Did you know? When compensation for people who would lose out from the abolition of the 10p tax rate was proposed last year (primarily by the Lib Dems) the Conservatives refused to support it. 2008-05-17T10:16+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000126/liberal_democrats_did_well_in_the_e_midlands.html Well done to East Midlands councillors and supporters including - Catherine Lomax in Daventry, and all in Derby (where the Lib Dems are now the largest party). The projected overall result in the May Day elections is 25% for the Lib Dems which is higher than Labour. 2008-05-03T11:18+01:00 http://www.rutlandlibdems.org.uk/news/000125/may_1st__local_elections.html As we approach the 1st May many of our neighbours in the East Midlands would appreciate your help and support. Please let Carol know if you are able to help. LDRutlandWeb@aol.com 2008-04-27T14:33+01:00