Sharon Bowles officially became a Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament on 25th May 2005, taking over from Chris Huhne who has been elected to the Westminster Parliament. As the Liberal Democrats latest addition to the European Parliament, Sharon now represents South East England alongside Emma Nicholson MEP.
Dundee Liberal Democrats have given their backing to the Campaign for Democracy. The campaign, run by The Independent newspaper, calls on the Labour government to address the issue of electoral reform. The 2005 general election produced a weak democratic mandate. The Labour majority of 67 equates to 55.1% of seats. However, this was based on only 35.2% of the UK vote. Indeed, Labour were supported by just 9.6m of the 44.6m voters and, with the election turnout standing at just 61.3%, the government received the support of only 21.6% of the electorate.
Today a school travel plan has been published by Townhill Infants and Junior Schools. The aim of the travel plan is to improve the travel routes to school so as to encourage the pupils and parents to walk to the Townhill Schools. The plans have been very successful in encouraging funding from other sources, like Hampshire County Council, to improve the main paths on routes to schools.
Liberal Democrat shadow minister for local government Sarah Teather, commenting on research by Telewest showing that 75% of Council Tax-payers do not believe they are getting value for money, said "Council Tax is so unpopular because it's so unfair."
Shepway Lib Dems are backing to no2id campaign against a compulsory id card scheme and national identity database. The local Liberal Democrats will be backing the campaign on their web site, and also through local campaigning.
The plan to display a Eurotunnel boring machine by junction 13 of the M20 has been rejected by Shepway Council after a planning meeting. Councillors decided the proposed siting of the machine to be too close to the roundabout at the junction and unsuitable for an area of outstanding natural beauty.
