Southwark Liberal Democrats Driving National Change at a Pivotal Liberal Democrat Conference

At the Liberal Democrat’s 2024 Conference in Brighton, where Ed Davey reaffirmed a bold vision for holding Labour to account whilst continuing the job of finishing off the Tories, Southwark Liberal Democrats led for national change on Europe, housing, and the environment.

The conference was the first time Liberal Democrats has met since the General Election which saw the party gain 72 MPs, the most the party has even secured. It also means the party is very firmly in contention to win back Bermondsey at the next General Election.

Championing Youth and Europe: Restoring Erasmus, Rebuilding Britain’s Global Future

Cllr Irina von Wiese, Borough and Bankside Councillor and former Member of the European Parliament, made an impassioned plea for restoring life-changing opportunities for young people to travel, live, and work in Europe.. As she seconded a crucial amendment proposed by long standing Bermondsey MP Sir Simon Hughes, Cllr von Wiese reminded the party that reclaiming Britain's position in Europe starts with reinstating Erasmus. "This is about our future," she declared, in a speech that received thunderous applause. Her motion passed unanimously—a clear signal that the Liberal Democrats are ready to lead Britain back to the global stage.

Tackling the Sewage Crisis: Pioneering a Cleaner, Safer Thames

Turning attention to the environment, the Bermondsey and Old Southwark parliamentary candidate Cllr Rachel Bentley drew on her deep connection with the Thames to call for a radical overhaul of the UK's waterway management. As Southwark continues to battle pollution and for better management of the Thames, Cllr Bentley’s call to end the ‘sewage scandal’ by creating a new Waterways Authority garnered overwhelming support. "We are not just cleaning our rivers," she said, "we want better management and accountability." Cllr Bentley didn’t stop there—she called for further reforms, targeting controversial practices like the Thames’ “balcony levy” that penalises riverside homeowners.

Housing Revolution: Linking Affordable Living with Environmental Sustainability

Meanwhile, Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain, who is also the Deputy Chair of the Local Government Association’s housing and climate board, took the helm in chairing a high-profile panel with members of both the Commons and Lords, where he laid out a bold vision for tackling housing and fuel poverty—challenges he described as "inseparably intertwined." Arguing for a new wave of sustainable, affordable housing, Cllr Chamberlain made a powerful case for addressing the housing crisis at its root, ensuring no one has to choose between heating their home and paying rent.

Commenting, Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:

“This conference has been a fantastic celebration of the General Election result earlier this year. It’s clear that we need to finish the job of getting rid of the Conservatives, but also hold Labour to account over public services in the mean time.

I’m really pleased that the Southwark Liberal Democrats were able to make their mark in leading these conversations at a national level to rebuild our broken relationship with Europe, protect our environment and deliver homes people can afford.”