Tara with MP Alan Beith during the election campaign
Easington Liberal Democrats is a small but growing local party, aiming to improve the lives of people in Easington, Peterlee and Seaham. We currently have 2 county councillors in the area, as well as a number of active members. With your help we can go from strength to strength. If you're interested in becoming a member or in delivering a few leaflets every now and then, please get in contact. It will really help us have a better chance in future elections! Tara
A Government investment of £95.8 million will help create and safeguard more than 25,000 jobs across the north east, the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced.
The second round of the Government's £1.4 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF) will support 49 bids from north east businesses and local partnerships with projects to expand their operations, create new jobs and attract private investment.
In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."
International epilepsy organisations have moved to recognise Fiona Hall's support for better recognition and treatment of the disease.
The International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy have presented a certificate to Fiona in "acknowledgment of her committed support for people with epilepsy".
Berwick's Liberal Democrat MP Sir Alan Beith has called on the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the bosses of the largely nationalised bank RBS to abandon plans that would see thousands of customers unable to use cash machines operated by other banks.
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), which is 83 per cent owned by the taxpayer, will soon stop its 'basic' RBS and NatWest account holders from using other banks' ATMs. RBS has ATMs in Hide Hill and at Morrison's in Berwick, as well as in towns just over the border including Eyemouth, Duns and Kelso.
Local MP Ian Swales has welcomed the Government's move to invest more money and expertise into dementia research.
Currently over three quarters of a million people suffer from dementia in the UK, with the figure expected to double over the next 30 years. It is a leading cause of disability in later life, and one in three people over 65 die with some form of dementia.
Local MP Ian Swales has welcomed calls by the Deputy Prime Minister to giveaway billions of pounds worth of shares in Britain's banks to the public.
Nick Clegg today publicly backed proposals which would see each voter given a potion of the Government's shares in RBS and Lloyds, which are worth up to £1,000 at current prices.
Local Lib Dem campaigners have welcomed the news that there has been a 73% increase in apprenticeships in the North East - with over 10,000 extra positions created for local people in the last year.
Figures released today show that over 24,000 people in the North East began apprenticeships this year making the region the biggest beneficiary outside London of the Government's drive to boost apprenticeships.
Fiona Hall, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament, has accused her Conservative counterpart and his colleagues of threatening green technology jobs in the North East.
Conservative MEPs, including their leader Martin Callanan, plan to vote against proposals to cut EU carbon emissions by 30% by 2020.
The 30% target is seen as a key catalyst in the development of low carbon energy production and the growth of the green economy.
North East MEP Fiona Hall, said,
"This vote will be a crucial test of Conservative MEPs' commitment when it comes to combating global warming and securing investment in low carbon jobs.
"Raising the target to 30% will stimulate investment in green technology from which the North East is well placed to benefit. If the plans were watered down, as the Tories wish, we would risk losing out on jobs based on new technology - such as electric cars and offshore wind farms.
"I am disappointed that there is not a united position from North East MEPs on an issue which is so crucial for our region."
Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall has signed up to become a supporter of the County Durham Community Foundation, an organisation which helps tackle disadvantage in the area.
The Foundation has awarded thousands of grants totalling millions of pounds to groups and individuals in Co Durham and Darlington since its inception in 1995.
Fiona has now joined the official list of supporters and says she is keen to help the work being done to improve local communities.
Fiona said,
"I am proud to become an active supporter of this extremely worthwhile charity. Unfortunately, parts of Co Durham and Darlington suffer from underinvestment and a lack of opportunity for residents. This Foundation is working to change that.
"They have a real understanding of the specific needs of this area and that is vital. They are able to make a genuine difference to people's lives by targeting donations toward groups or individuals that can use the funds to benefit the community.
"I am looking forward to forging a closer relationship with the Foundation, with the aim of working together to tackle important social challenges facing Co Durham and Darlington. Local knowledge, generous donations and a will to improve the lives of local residents combine to make a powerful force for good."
