The Liberal Democrat Group on Rugby Borough Council do not support the Local Plan because it does not meet several key tests and it does not present a positive vision for the borough.

On Tuesday 4 June 2019, a special Full Council meeting was held to debate the proposed Local Plan for Rugby, which sets the framework for all future development in the borough, proposing 12,400 additional houses.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse has written to the local papers about the changing landscape of British politics, the need for a People's Vote to end the Brexit stalemate and the need to change the voting system so it is fit for purpose.

Dear Editor,

The local council and European elections are over, and the dust is settling the political landscape has also changed.

At the 2019 European Elections Phil Bennion was elected for the Liberal Democrats in the West Midlands and secured 6,255 votes in Rugby (24.2% of the vote) beating Labour and the Conservatives.

The West Midlands constituency has seven MEPs representing Herfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands metropolitan area.

The EU needs to deliver even more for the West Midlands, our key campaign matters focus on: Tackling Climate Change; Growing our Economy; Boosting our Prosperity and Security; Protecting and investing in Public Services.

Liberal Democrats have always been clear that we want the people, not only the politicians, to decide the future of our country. The West Midlands, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, has so much to offer in terms of skills and experience, fantastic industries and businesses and award-winning schools, colleges and universities. In addition, we have amazing architecture and beautiful landscapes admired the world over.

Ahead of the Liberal Democrat debate on delivering equality of opportunity for young people, Lib Dem peer Olly Grender has called for the Government to create a UK Young People's Strategy Council.

Baroness Grender has written to Lord Agnew, a minister in the Department for Education, stating that the Liberal Democrats "are not willing to stand by and let the voices of young people be unheard for any longer".

The letter has also been signed by Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Layla Moran and 40 Liberal Democrat peers.

Speaking ahead of the debate in the House of Lords, Olly Grender said:

"For far too long the Tories have ignored young people and the issues that affect them most.

"The Liberal Democrats have called not only on the Government to support a package of measures that would genuinely improve the lives of young people, but also to create a UK Young People's Strategy Council which would put young people's voices at the heart of the executive.

"From Brexit to the housing crisis, from our cash-strapped education system to the climate emergency, the Tories are ignoring what young people care about. Liberal Democrats demand better.

"It is time the Tory cabinet was held to account by young people themselves. If they won't listen to us, they must at least listen to those whose futures will be wrecked if they don't change course."

The full text of the letter is as follows:

On Thursday 2 May 2019, the Liberal Democrats achieved their best ever local elections results. In Rugby, we won three seats in Paddox, Eastlands and Rokeby & Overslade, whilst in Bilton we beat Labour to second place and increased our vote in other wards including Admirals & Cawston.

Nationally the party did very well with 1351 Councillors elected including an increase of 30 Councillors in the West Midlands. Across Warwickshire, Lib Dems gained eight seats in Stratford Upon Avon and seven in Warwick. In Soilhull, Lib Dems gained two new Councillors.

Rugby Liberal Democrats want to make Rugby an even better place to live, work and enjoy.

We were the first to call for a new cultural quarter including hotel and conferencing facilities to be incorporated into the redevelopment of the town.

We have called for a bus and coach interchange in the town and brought forward proposals for such a facility using Council owned assets. Both Conservatives and Labour have chosen not to support our ideas.

Commenting on the passing of Rugby Borough Council's Housing Allocations Policy at Full Council on Tuesday 23 April 2019, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group, Cllr Jerry Roodhouse (Paddox) said:

"Liberal Democrat Councillors supported the passing of Rugby Borough Council's revised Housing Allocations Policy, but the true test will be how and what impact it has on Rugby's housing waiting list.

Commenting on the passing of Rugby Borough Council's Single Use Plastics Policy at Full Council on Tuesday 23 April 2019, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group, Cllr Tim Douglas (Paddox) said:

"After proposing a motion with Councillor Noreen New to look at ways Rugby Borough Council can reduce its use of single-use plastics, Liberal Democrats welcome this much needed policy. It is a step in the right direction, but the Council must not delay and begin engaging with partners, suppliers and the local community. We've all got our bit to do in reducing plastic waste.

The Liberal Democrats have announced the list of MEP candidates in the West Midlands for the EU elections on the 23 May 2019.

The diverse list of candidates includes former MEPs, current Councillors and other hard-working community activists.

List of Liberal Democrat candidates in the West Midlands:

1. Phil Bennion
2. Ade Adeyemo
3. Jeanie Falconer
4. Jenny Wilkinson
5. Jennifer Gray
6. Beverley Nielsen
7. Lee Dargue