Climate Change We Must Act Now, Countdown to COP 26

The earth is in our hands


Save our environment

Britain must lead the way in cutting emissions, protecting nature and cleaning our air – back the green recovery plan.

This autumn, world leaders will meet in Glasgow to agree the next steps to address the climate crisis. Britain must lead the way by acting now to protect our natural environment, clean up our air and cut our carbon emissions. United Nations COP26 web site for details https://ukcop26.org/

But the Conservatives are taking us backwards in the fight against climate change. Liberal Democrats have a plan for a green recovery, creating jobs and tackling the climate emergency

The Liberal Democrats Green Plan https://change.libdems.org.uk/green/

Cllr Jenny Fradgley leads on Climate Change on the County Council for the Lib Dem group.

We have produced the “Little Green Book” for residents download a copy https://warkslibdems.mycouncillor.org.uk/files/2021/07/The-Little-Green-Book-2021-1.pdf.

Cllr Sarah Boad has progressed the debate on buses in Warwickshire.

Green Energy Switch

Britain to get 80% of its electricity from green energy by 2030.

Green Every Home

Upgrade insulation in all existing homes by 2030 and require all new homes to be eco-friendly.

Clean Air for Kids

Safe walking, cycling and public transport routes to school as part of a £20 billion Clean Air Fund.

Lib Dem Green Recovery Plan

Transport Revolution

Investing £40 billion in rail, buses, trams and electric vehicles.

Save British Countryside

Double the UK’s natural environment by cleaning up our waterways, restoring peat bogs and planting tree

Bursary Needed

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse

Outdoor Learning is important. The definition that we use is that Outdoor Learning is a broad term that includes discovery, experimentation, learning about and connecting to the natural world, and engaging in environmental and adventure activities.

The debate in Warwickshire about this subject is alive and politically active. The Liberal Democrats recognise this debate and the proposed actions that the Conservative administration want to take in regard to this important matter. Cllr Jerry Roodhouse who leads the Liberal Democrats is calling for action to be taken in the development of an “Outdoor Learning Strategy” he stated that “It needs to have resources and any strategy should be funded the liberal Democrats also want to see a bursary scheme to enable individuals to go on outdoor learning experiences”

Jerry Roodhouse asked a question of the Portfolio Holder Cllr Morgan at Children’s Overview & scrutiny Committee 20th July on this matter, Cllr Morgan responded in a positive manner, let us hope words can turn into action.

The Outdoor Institute explains in more detail the type of experience that Warwickshire needs to be able offer its young people https://www.outdoor-learning.org/ it is the next generation we need to be investing in.

Action on Buses

Call for action by Liberal Democrat Cllrs at Warwick Cllrs Sarah Boad & Bill Gifford will present a motion to County Council July 1st that calls for elected members to work cross party to support local bus services.
The motion states that It is noted that the provision of local bus services in the County
have suffered during the pandemic with a reduced frequency
of the service and a large drop in the number of passengers.
It is also noted that a good and regular service is essential to
achieve the modal shift required to reduce the number of car
journeys.
This Council resolves to set up a cross party working group to
work with officers to draw up a fully costed Bus Service
Improvement Plan for approval by Cabinet by the end of
October 2021:
The plan should

  1. include an aim to deliver a comprehensive service for
    Warwickshire;
  2. encourage greater use of buses;
  3. encourage greater uptake and use of bus passes;
  4. investigate the use of electric and hydrogen buses
    Proposer: Councillor Sarah Boad
    Seconder: Councillor Bill Gifford

Amendments by both the Conservative & Green groups are being made to the motion

More information can be found Campaign for Better Transport

Action needed on buses

John Whitehouse

John Whitehouse a good friend.

It was with great sadness that the Liberal Democrat County group learnt of the passing of a great friend and former Councillor John Whitehouse. I along with my fellow group members first met John when he was elected as a Warwickshire County Councillor in 2005 for Kenilworth Abbey. From day one you could see here was a man passionate about his community and from that time he worked tirelessly not only for the residents of Kenilworth but also for the residents of Warwickshire. His keen eye for detail and figures along with checking the performance of directorates was used to great effect. He led the Connect2 Kenilworth/Greenway walking and cycling project since its inception in 2007, through to its completion at the end of 2012. He was the Cycling Champion for the County Council, and worked to advance other important schemes.

During his time as a County councillor I have very fond memories of John especially through the no overall control days. John led the charge for safer routes to schools and 20mph zones. I well remember the discussions we had over the budgets and especially when the precept for adult social care was introduced by the government and his explanation not only to our group and officers but also to the Council.

It was a sad moment for our group when John decided not to stand again but his passion for Liberal Democracy burned bright and he continued working with the local party and joined us on Zoom meetings as we entered the 2021 County elections his input and management skill in keeping us to time was invaluable. There is a lot more that can be said of John and each one of us that knew him will have there own particular memory that they can cherish. His passion for Liberal Democracy will not be forgotten. He will be missed by me and fellow Liberal Democrats he was one of those rare people that was not just a colleague but a true friend. RIP John and our heart goes out to your family but i know you will be looking on at what we are doing for individuals and our community’s. Cllr Jerry Roodhouse Group Leader Warwickshire Liberal Democrats.

John with me Richard Dickson Norman Lamb at a new care home in Kenilworth

County Council Liberal Democrat Group.

Thankyou to all the Liberal Democrats who voted for us. Following the election the County Liberal Democrat group is involved in the following Scrutiny Committees.

Jerry Roodhouse Group Leader, Vice Chairman Children’s Scrutiny Committee, Corporate Parenting, Warwickshires Health & Wellbeing Board

Sarah Boad Deputy Group Leader Resources & Fire and Rescue, Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)

Jenny Fradgley Communities Scrutiny Committee Jenny also leads on Climate Change.

Kate Rolfe Adults & Health Overview & Scrutiny Kate leads on adult social care including mental health issues.

Bill Gifford Staff & Pensions Committee Vice Chairman, Audit & Standards, Pension Fund Sub Committee & joint negotiating staff & teachers

This group has many years of local government experience and will using it to make sure the the Conservative administration develops Fairer, Caring, Greener policies for all.

Thursday 6th May

What will you be doing on Thursday 6th May? take time to vote for local champions.

This years elections have been very different. On Thursday you have the opportunity to vote for Warwickshire Councillors, District Councillors and a Police & Crime Commissioner.

If you want a Fairer, Caring Greener Council then vote Liberal Democrat.

Support Childrens Society

Liberal Democrats will be supporting the the Children’s Society to speak up for children and young people. A manifesto created by the Children’s Society that supports the reverse to the damaging decline in children’s well-being in Warwickshire: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/local-government-manifesto.

During this pandemic – rising poverty, increasing mental-health problems, exploitation, abuse and neglect occurring behind closed doors, and much more.

However, we know that there were already massive challenges facing children before the pandemic. Children’s happiness with their lives has been declining for the last ten years, as reported in The Children’s Society’s annual Good Childhood Report. We need to consider how we narrow the existing divides that the pandemic has exposed and widened.

We believe that Local government has tremendous power to improve children’s lives and strengthen communities.

Covid Has Changed Everything.

Warwickshire Liberal Democrats are calling for a Fairer, Caring, Greener Warwickshire.

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Lib Dems on WCC) said in introducing the manifesto that

“Covid 19 has changed how we work and live it has also presented opportunities and we need to seize them to change things for the better. We made it clear in our budget amendment this year putting mental health and families first along with building a greener economy, our task as politicians is to build the foundations for the next generation”

He went onto say that

“every report that is published now states that we need to support those that have endured mental health issues during this pandemic and look to building a stronger and brighter future. This is why we say everything has changed and we now need a Warwickshire that is Fairer enabling opportunities for all Caring for residents and Greener because we know that there is no planet B if you agree that Covid has changed everything and you want a fresh vision for the future then we urge everyone to join with us and vote Liberal Democrat on May 6th “

The manifesto sets out the ambitions for the Liberal Democrats in Warwickshire and builds upon the work they have done at Shire Hall. All candidates are pledging to be Active, Caring, Effective (ACE) and work for the communities they represent and build back a strong green economy.

Click here for our road map Fairer Caring Greener Warwickshire

Down load our Manifesto