It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of David Macmillan on Saturday. David was only 53 years old but had been in ill health for some time.

As a Councillor David was elected to serve the Morton ward in May 1999. He was enormously proud of this privilege and worked to make life better for those he represented. He stood again for re-election in 2000 and was, once again, successful. He worked with his fellow Liberal Democrat Councillors in Morton to have the bridge over Wigton Road removed and pedestrian  (Read more)

Documents released by the Iraq Inquiry shows that Labour neglected Britain's Armed Forces, according to a prominent Cumbrian Liberal Democrat.

The documents show that Labour ministers were formally warned that the military needed an alternative to the Snatch Land Rover in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lib Dem MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale Tim Farron said:

"This is yet another damning sign that the Labour Government ignored advice from its top military officials on their equipment needs.   (Read more)

Carlisle Lib Dems are delighted to confirm that Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale, will be speaking at our regular local party meeting at Club 35 on 23rd August. All members are welcome to attend. A light buffet is planned so it would be helpful if members planning to attend could get in touch, either by contacting the Chair directly or by emailing info@carlislelibdems.org.uk.

The government this week announced its plans to implement a pupil premium, the central plank of the Liberal Democrats' education manifesto. This will provide extra funding for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Children's Minister Sarah Teather said,

"For too long social background has been a deciding factor in a child's achievement and future prospects. In a fair society, it's the Government's responsibility to close the gulf in achievement, where the poorest children are almost three  (Read more)

Liberal Democrat members and activists gathered in Birmingham on Sunday to discuss the coalition agreement negotiated with the Conservatives. The agreement was overwhelmingly supported, with no more than a few dozen of the thousands assembled dissenting.

The debate provided an opportunity for members to express their views on the deal both to fellow activists and to Liberal Democrat MPs and ministers. While concerns were raised about specific issues, the feedback was almost entirely positive.   (Read more)

At last the long, drawn-out election is over. The people have voted and we now have a government in place. It really is an exciting, challenging prospect - a Liberal Democrat / Conservative government. Only time will tell how well this will work, but it appears that both parties are determined to work together for the good of the country and have each made policy concessions to enable the formation of this historic coalition.   (Read more)

Far-reaching changes to make Britain a better and fairer place have been agreed under the historic agreement reached on Tuesday between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

The two parties have formed a coalition to provide the political stability that Britain needs in difficult economic times. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg will serve as Deputy Prime Minister, with senior Liberal Democrats serving in many key government roles, including economic guru Vince Cable helping to shape the future of the economy.   (Read more)

Carlisle Lib Dems would like to thank everyone who voted for us in the elections on 6th May. We polled 11% more votes than in 2005 in the Parliamentary election. A surge in Labour and Conservative turnout unfortunately prevented us from holding our seats in Dalston and Morton wards. We extend our congratulations to Cllr Olwyn Luckley who was backed by voters in Castle ward.

We are pleased overall with the result given the misrepresentation and the attempted smear campaigns against us that were clear in certain sections of the national media. Liberal Democrats up and down the country now look forward to serving the people who elected them.

Commenting on the results of the elections held on 6th May which saw no overall majority returned to Westminster and in Carlisle saw Olwyn Luckley re-elected as Liberal Democrat councillor for Castle ward, Carlisle Lib Dem candidate Neil Hughes said, "A tremendous thank-you to everyone who voted Liberal Democrat in Carlisle in the general and city council elections.

"You showed that you care about the needs and future of young people, students, those on low incomes, pensioners and all those disadvantaged by our current,  (Read more)

Commenting on Monday's (12th April) hustings organised by Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service on policy relating to volunteering and the third sector, Lib Dem Carlisle candidate Neil Hughes said, "I'm delighted to have been able to have debated the future of the voluntary sector in Carlisle and Cumbria generally with other candidates yesterday.

"The importance and value to our communities of these working in this sector is enormous and resources should be allocated and guaranteed accordingly. Whilst the Labour government  (Read more)

Commenting on the Prime Minister's recent announcement that the General Election will take place on 6th May, Neil Hughes, Lib Dem candidate for Carlisle, said, "I am delighted that Gordon Brown has finally called the election after three years of shuffling towards doing so and mostly going backwards.

"The fact that in Britain, almost uniquely, it is the Prime Minister alone who knows when each general election will be called shows how much politics needs to be cleaned up in the UK: Lib Dems want to see fixed-term elections,  (Read more)

The way things are is not the way they have to be.

That was the message as Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, concluded the final party Conference before this year's General Election. I was struck by the genuine anger that was clear in his voice as he spoke of the problems Britain faces and the inadequacy of the responses from Labour and the Conservatives - “the old parties”. So what is the alternative?   (Read more)