Nearly two years ago, Liberal Democrats chose to do the right thing in the national interest at a time of crisis. We put tribalism aside and the good of the country first.

We didn’t come into politics to make cuts, but with the economy on the verge of collapse we knew we had to take the difficult decisions necessary to get the deficit under control and the country back on track.

And how did the Labour Party react?   (Read more)

Over the last week Liberal Democrats have been meeting in Birmingham at our Autumn Conference. Unlike the other main party conferences, our conference is fully democratic and sets the party's policy and long-term strategy.

With the party in government, this is a huge strength. At our last Conference in Sheffield we called for changes to NHS reforms in order to safeguard a vital British institution and which we all depend. Armed with this demand, our ministers were able to secure the NHS Future Forum, a substantial consultation  (Read more)

The Liberal Democrats held our Spring Conference in Sheffield this weekend to develop our policy and to hold our ministers to account. Topics discussed by delegates included NHS reforms and updated proposals on youth justice. The impact of a motion passed by Conference can be very significant: it can immediately catapult an issue onto a ministerial desk or, if necessary, encourage them to take another look at a policy. This is what has happened with NHS reforms, though the final effect will not be known for a while.   (Read more)

The government has announced that it plans to spend an extra £430 next year on every school pupil who receives free school meals as part of the Liberal Democrats' pupil premium. It is estimated that this will mean at least £729,710 extra for schools in Carlisle next year alone. The extra support is set to rise each year towards an expected 2015 level of £2.5bn.

Headteachers will be free to spend this money on whatever is most needed to help disadvantaged pupils in each school. This may be smaller class sizes, catch-up  (Read more)

Yesterday saw the close of the final session of the Liberal Democrats' Autumn Federal Conference, with a speech delivered by the Part President, Baroness Ros Scott in which she reflected on the party's long history and the key role which it now plays in government.

Conference warmly received keynote speeches from many Liberal Democrat government ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Party Leader, Nick Clegg. Liberal Democrat achievements in government were welcomed, including key manifesto commitments such  (Read more)

Nick Clegg today asked Liberal Democrat voters and activists to continue to support the coalition. In his address to party activists gathered in Liverpool, he recognised people's concerns but stressed the importance of the government's project. He said,

"Britain in 2010 is anxious, unsure about the future, but Britain in 2015 will be a different country. Strong, fair, free and full of hope again. A country we can be proud to hand on to our children. That is the goal we must keep firmly fixed in our minds. That is the prize.   (Read more)

Liberal Democrat activists gathered yesterday for the Conference Rally, held in association with the Electoral Reform Society. Together, we launched our campaign for a Yes vote in next year's referendum on the Alternative Vote (AV) for electing MPs.

Voters will finally have the chance to scrap our outdated and unfair voting system in favour of a new one that will put people, not politicians, in the driving seat.   (Read more)

At a meeting on Monday 23 August, Carlisle Liberal Democrats had the pleasure of the company of the Westmorland & Lonsdale MP Tim Farron. He very kindly gave up his evening to come to address us on a number of issues, from the headline items on the economy to equally important concerns over the future of social and private rented housing in Carlisle and elsewhere.

There was a very good question and answer session at the end of the Tim’s informative and entertaining address. Tim was very honest in his appraisal of the  (Read more)

Liberal Democrats are celebrating another tremendous week of local by-election successes around the country. In nine seats, we saw five gains (taking seats from the Conservatives, Labour and Independents) and no losses. Carlisle Liberal Democrats extend our congratulations to everyone who contributed to these excellent results.

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)