Liberal Democrats
Diversity Newsletter | |
| Dear Nigel,
The Liberal Democrats are committed to advancing equality and inclusion both within the party and in society as a whole.
From Pride to Windrush Day, celebration events to our campaign to get LGBT veterans the compensation they deserve - here’s a recap of the ways we’ve been promoting diversity and representation recently: | |
Lib Dem Win on Compensation for LGBT Veterans | Until 2000, the Armed Forces had a discriminatory ban on LGBT personnel. Over 20,000 people were discharged or dismissed, with some facing criminal prosecution. Many lost their jobs and were stripped of their pensions, and have had to wait far too long to get compensation.
Now, after Jess Brown-Fuller (MP for Chichester) led a debate in Parliament on delays to the LGBT Veterans Financial Recognition Scheme, the Government has announced plans to speed up its delivery by:
✅ Almost doubling the number of staff handling applications
✅ Doubling the sittings of the Independent Panel for complex cases
We are pleased that the Veterans Minister has taken on board the concerns of veterans and campaigners and hope these steps by the MOD will finally deliver the timely and fair resolution our veterans deserve.
Jess was honoured to be joined in the House of Commons debate by her constituent, Liz, who was dismissed from the RAF in 1969 when letters from her girlfriend were discovered.
Find out more about Liz’s story, and Jess’ campaigning victory, in this video: |  | | | | ⏲️ Watch time: 2 mins | |
 | To mark 77 years since the HMT Empire Windrush docked in Essex - the beginning of the Windrush generation’s arrival here in the UK - Josh Babarinde MP and Baroness Floella Benjamin released the following video message: |  | | | | ⏲️ Watch time: 3 mins | Floella shared her memories of arriving in London as a 10-year-old girl as part of the Windrush generation, and the abuse and rejection she faced. She also looked back on the part she played in establishing ‘Windrush Day’ and the creation of the National Windrush Monument at London Waterloo Station - just metres away from the platform where she arrived in London in 1960.
Josh reminded us not only of the hard work and determination of the Windrush generation, who helped rebuild Britain and brought so much to our country - but also of the appalling injustices of the Windrush Scandal.
Liberal Democrats will keep pushing for the justice the Windrush generation deserves and will keep fighting to combat racism, inequality and discrimination in all its forms. | | | | ⏲️ Est. Read time: 1 min | |
 | Celebrating Pride | June marked Pride Month - an important opportunity to celebrate and stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities in the UK and across the world.
It’s clear the fight for LGBTQ+ equality must go on - and the Liberal Democrats remain at the forefront of that fight. That includes pushing the Government to ensure the recent Supreme Court ruling doesn’t lead to a roll back of trans rights.
Our party reaffirmed its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights at our Spring Conference in March, setting out a clear plan of how we can push for LGBTQ+ equality - from addressing discrimination wherever it occurs, to improving access to healthcare and protecting LGBTQ+ rights abroad.
As always, Lib Dem Members and Supporters were prominent at Pride celebrations and rallies across the country - we hope you all had a fantastic time, thank you for showing that the Liberal Democrats stand with the LGBTQ+ community. |   |  | You can read Ed Davey MP’s statement marking Pride Month here: | | | | ⏲️ Est. reading time: 1 min | |
 | Racial Diversity Campaign Candidates Event | On 1st July, 73 aspiring and approved candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds joined the Racial Diversity Campaign for an event at the National Liberal Club.
With inspiring contributions from Ed Davey MP, Victoria Collins MP, Lord Mohammed, Party President Lord Pack, Party CEO Mike Dixon and others, the event celebrated the drive and ambition of those preparing to stand for Parliament.
From campaign advice to conversations with the Candidates Office, the day was a powerful reminder of the talent and commitment within our party. Thank you to everyone who joined us — together, we’re building a more inclusive and representative future. | |
 | ALDC Future Campaign Leaders | ALDC was delighted to host another great cohort of Future Campaign Leaders from minority ethnic backgrounds to their flagship Kickstart training weekend this June.
This group of inspirational councillors and campaigners were supported by ALDC management committee member, Cllr Ade Adeyamo, and Development Officer, Cllr Hannah Perkin, to look at what the next steps were in their political journeys and how to succeed in making real change in their communities. Huge thanks go to LDCRE and RDC for their support and to G8 for funding these places. | |
 | Armed Forces Day: Korean War Remembrance Event | On Armed Forces Day (28 June), Liberal Democrat Kingston Mayor Noel Hadjimichael, alongside New Malden councillors, took part in a Korean War Veterans Remembrance event. The ceremony honoured the sacrifice of British soldiers who fought in Korea and underscored the enduring bond between the two nations.
Speaking after the event, Cllr Robert Kim - the Liberal Democrats' Diversity Champion for London - reflected on how the alliance of the past continues to inspire the values of equality and diversity to this day. He emphasised that such acts of remembrance not only pay tribute to history but also serve to strengthen social cohesion and foster a fairer, more inclusive society.
Cllr Kim expressed his hope that this spirit of unity and shared purpose would energise efforts to increase Liberal Democrat representation, particularly among underrepresented communities, and ultimately help bring about the political change needed to build a better future for all. | |
 Ed Davey joins London Lib Dems to celebrate Eid
On Thursday evening this week, Ed Davey MP joined Hina Bokari, one of the first Muslim women elected to the London Assembly, and the London Lib Dems, for an Iftar to celebrate Eid.
The event was attended by over 100 members, many of whom were new to the party. It was a fantastic celebration of our Muslim community within the party - thanks to all who joined! | |
Votes at 16 | Liberal Democrats have campaigned for this reform for well over twenty years. It’s good that the Labour Government has finally listened.
Votes at 16 is a no-brainer - after all, it has worked hugely well in Scotland and Wales and ensured that young people are engaged in politics.
It’s nonsense that up until now, 16 and 17 year olds have been able to pay taxes and serve in the Armed Forces, but not have their say in elections. | |
 Spotlight on Robyn Peel
In this edition, we shine a spotlight on Robyn Peel, who started as a Local Party Diversity lead before becoming South Central’s Diversity Officer.
Robyn shares lots of tips on creating a more inclusive environment and emphasises the importance of diversity and community engagement for effective representation. | | We have some space coming up for the new guest Spotlight!
If you’d like to contribute to the next guest spotlight, please contact: diversity@libdems.org.uk | |
Help improve diversity within our Party | We’re trying to learn more about our party demographics so we can create a more inclusive environment and have good representation in all areas.
Can you spare two minutes to help? | | | If you’ve answered this survey before, but something has changed for you since, please complete the survey again.
For further information, please contact diversity@libdems.org.uk. | |
🗓️ Coming up… | There are many events, festivals and important dates coming up - here are just some of those happening over the next few months:
July
• Disability Pride Month
• South Asian Heritage Month
• 10: Asalha Puja
• 14: International Non-Binary People’s Day
• 17: World Day for International Justice
• 18: Nelson Mandela International Day
August
• Intersectionality Awareness Month
• 8: Raksha Bandhan
• 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
• 16: Krishna Janmashtami
• 19: World Humanitarian Day
• 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade & its Abolition
• 27: Ganesh Chaturthi
September
• East and South East Asian Heritage Month
• 18: HeForShe UN-Movement
• 21: UN International Day of Peace
• 22 - 1: Navratri
• 22 - 28: National Inclusion Week
• 23: Bi-Visibility Day
• 23: International Day of Sign Languages
• 22-24: Rosh Hashanah | |
 | Nicole Turner
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Liberal Democrats | | |
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