Enfield Liberal Democrats

Mike Tuffrey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly budget spokesperson, commenting on the Mayor's final budget proposals for the year 2012 - 2013 which now show a modest cut of 1 per cent in the GLA's share of Council Tax bills said:

"Just a week ago the Mayor of London was resisting the Liberal Democrat's alternative budget which proposed a tax cut three times larger, at over 3%. Our proposals would save the average Londoner £10 a year, not the small amount this Mayor is now suggesting."

Holocaust Memorial Day

Today is International Holocaust Memorial day, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auchswitz. You can see my comments here. I attended a ceremony in the European Parliament as well as an inspiring commemoration and exhibition in London on the theme 'Learning lessons from the past to create a better, safer future.' The Holocaust, and other atrocities such as Darfur and Rwanda should never be seen just as tragic historical events, they should motivate us to protest against discrimination, hatred and persecution today. I also signed the 'Speak up speak out' pledge to end discrimination, see the photo. You can do the same here.

Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman and London MEP Sarah Ludford attended an event in London to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, as well as a ceremony in the European Parliament earlier in the week. She has signed the 'Speak up, Speak out' pledge against prejudice and discrimination.

London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford has welcomed the news that post offices across London have been handed a lifeline thanks to the actions of Liberal Democrat business minister Ed Davey.

Ed Davey has announced a 10-year deal between the Post Office and the Royal Mail guaranteeing that the Post Office continues to transact all Royal Mail services such as first and second class post, parcels, air mail, recorded and special deliveries.

The Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group will today put forward budget proposals which challenge the Mayor's current proposals on policing, transport, the environment and housing. The budget proposals include targeted fare cuts to help Londoners on the lowest incomes, extra policing and action to make London's roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Olympic spokesperson, commenting on reports that tickets might be necessary for babies to attend Olympic events said:

"It beggars belief to even suggest that tickets are necessary for babies being taken by new parents to an Olympic event, especially when most adults had to purchase their tickets so long before the start of the Games. This is the worst 'health and safety' excuse I have ever heard!

Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on recently announced plans by the Mayor and Transport for London to install Pedestrian Countdown facilities at a further 200 locations across London said:

"This technology is certainly welcome as it provides clearer information to pedestrians.

Dear Friends,

Buzek's Havel dishonour

Monday was the last day of Jerzy Buzek's term of office as European Parliament President, but his last actions have undermined the good work that he has achieved as President. He chose to twin the memory of Francoist politician Manuel Fraga with Czech statesman Vaclav Havel in a one-minute silence. But the difference between the two could not be starker. Fraga served as a minister under Franco's repressive regime and never renounced or apologised either for his role or for the regime. Havel on the other hand successfully took (the then) Czechslovakia from the dark period of communist rule to a free and democratic Czech republic, having long been a courageous dissident.

Islington Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford today visited St Mary Magdalene Refugee centre in Islington to talk to refugee students about the work of the EU and the European Parliament.

Sarah Ludford commented:

"It was great to meet all the students who are benefitting from the centre's English classes. Learning the language makes it far easier for refugees to fit into society, and a group like this means that they can also develop a valuable social network."