October 2019 Newsletter

Welcome to our October 2019 newsletter - a quick round-up of recent happenings and upcoming opportunities especially for our members outside Europe.

Chair's Welcome Message

The tempo is increasing as yet another Brexit deadline is approaching! I've stopped guessing what's going to happen. The only thing I know is that we need to prepare for a likely General Election. We can all chip in, even from the farthest corners of the world, by registering to vote if you have been away from the UK less than 15 years and by funding the party (max £500 if not registered to vote) directly for the campaign.

Also we have two more important things happening. Lib Dems Abroad are putting forward candidates for internal party elections so our voice can be heard for the first time in internal party deliberations. Please vote for them in the elections expected to start on 26th October. And we have the AGM coming up.

Those of us active in this exceptional global local party are immensely proud of what we are achieving and look forward to more of you joining in.

We need more activists to further expand our overseas presence and to contribute to our party's fight in the expected 2019 General Election. Write to me directly at [email protected] to volunteer for action and see how best to get involved.

LibDems Abroad Members standing for Internal Party Elections

If you are a member, you should have already received an email regarding the upcoming three-yearly internal party elections. 

• George Cunningham (LibDems Overseas) will be standing for the Federal International Relations Committee (Manifesto and Video)
• Merlene Emerson (LibDems Overseas) for the ALDE Council Delegate (Manifesto)
• Robert Harrison (LibDems Europe) for Federal Policy Committee (Manifesto)

Clearly, all members are encouraged to participate in these elections and we hope having members from outside the UK on these key committees will broaden their views and make sure that the voice of non-resident citizens is heard.

Register to Vote

If you are still able to vote in the UK make sure you are registered https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

It is also advisable to use a proxy as postal voting from abroad can be very hit and miss! https://www.gov.uk/apply-vote-proxy

Upcoming Events

ALDE Party Congress

Alliance for Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) have their Party Congress in Athens 24-26 October 2019.

Liberal International ExCom

Liberal International are meeting in Fes, Morocco 22-24 November 2019.

Lib Dems Overseas AGM

Lib Dems Overseas Annual General Meeting will take place via skype at 12.00hrs UK time Sunday 1st December. A Returning Officer is being appointed who will circulate a nomination form to anyone interested in standing for an election. The current executive encourage new members to stand who must be prepared to be active in promoting liberalism in their countries and also worldwide.

Recent Events

LDO Event in Singapore

The exec team don't often get to meet in person but four of us were in Singapore recently for an event at the British Club.

From left to right: Nick Lord, John Shardlow, Ashley Nicholas and Merlene Emerson.

More details on this event can be found here

George met with Alan Leong, Chairman of Civic Party to be updated on the protests taking place in Hong Kong

Published and promoted by John Shardlow on behalf of the  Lib Dems Overseas