We were very disappointed in the referendum result. It has always been the Liberal Democrat view that we should be part of a strong Europe, leading the way working with our closest neighbours to promote our values of justice, co-operation and tolerance.
Our leader in Sheffield, Shaffaq Mohammed says “Our fight for an open, optimistic, hopeful, diverse and tolerant Britain is needed now more than ever”.
The national Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, has pledged that the Liberal Democrats will fight the next general election with a pledge to take Britain back into the EU. He says that the referendum result was with a collection of cheap slogans from the exitters and the public will feel betrayed when promises on the NHS and immigration are not delivered.
Across the country the Lib Dems have recorded thousands of voters signing up to become members, and here in Gleadless Valley we are welcoming many new members.
Only the Liberal Democrats have a consistent record of supporting our EU membership, and the fight goes on.
Public Meeting
Gleadless Valley Liberal Democrats held a well-attended public meeting on Britain’s Role in Europe on July 24th 7:30 at Meersbrook Park United Reformed Church. The main speaker was Edward McMillan Scott, former Liberal Democrat MEP. He is a strong campaigner on Human Rights.
As the Referendum Bill has now been passed, we look forward 2017 when Britain will decide whether to stay in the EU, or pull out and try to make trade agreements on its own.
The main speaker is Edward McMillan Scott, former Liberal Democrat MEP.
Agenda
Introduction. Phil Shaddock – local campaigner for the Liberal Democrats in Gleadless Valley ward.
Sheffield in Europe – Liberal Democrat Councillor for Dore ward who stood as candidate in the European elections 2012.
Yorks and Humber and Europe Edward McMillan Scott
Questions and Comments Your chance to ask questions of Edward and Joe, or to give your views.
Refreshments – 9:30pm
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“Auditors refuse to sign off EU accounts” – not true!
The headline often appears in the anti-European press. They also say that the accounts have not been signed off for 19 years in a row. The Daily Mail fumed that, “Auditors yesterday refused to sign off the EU accounts for the 19th year in succession”. The Express chipped in too, “for the 19th year in a row, the auditors refused to sign off Europe’s annual accounts”. Ukip MEP Paul Nuttall pounced on an opportunity too good to miss, tweeting: “EU accounts have now failed to be signed off for 19 years in a row”.
It isn’t as straightforward as that. Auditors often find problems with figures, it’s what they’re paid to do. In this case, it wasn’t a question of fraud, or major financial problems, but a few cases where spending rules had not been scrupulously followed. Read Stuart Bonar’s full article.