Belarus is often branded the ‘Last Dictatorship in Europe’ and has seen violent crackdowns on opposition protesters, many of which are young liberal activists.

The event began with an expert panel giving their take on the situation.  Yarik Kyrvoi, founder and editor of Belarus Digest, began proceedings. His knowledge of day to day life in Belarus was a perfect foundation for later discussions and later his in depth analysis of the political system raised key concerns of the opposition movement in the country.  The audience then heard what efforts have been made in the UK and Houses of Parliament by Jo Swinson MP.  With her experience of being Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, it was interesting to learn what efforts have been made to address the issue and her meetings with activists from Belarus.  Her call for a continuation of contact with opposition members was well received by all.

The last to speak was former Programme Coordinator for Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House turned political consultant Alex Nice.  His focus was on the international picture, in particular Belarus’ relationship with the EU and Council of Europe.  It became evident how detached Belarus had become from Western Europe and its reliance upon Russia for stability.  Alex’s points on this aspect were insightful and provoked a healthy debate among those in the audience.

With the speeches finished the event was opened to the floor for the most part of the evening.  Here the forum became informal, allowing anyone in the room to raise questions, add further insight and add to interesting debates.  Interaction between the audience and panel became a great way to learn more and raise concerns.  The audience was a mix of young activists and older members who have had experiences with the country which allowed lively discussions throughout.

At the end of the event it became apparent that Belarus faces a difficult future with no immediate solutions to its political or economic problems.  Both the panel and audience rappelled with the question of how to engage with the country and its worrying relationship with Russia.

Liberal Youth extends specials thanks to Liberal International British Group for their help in organising the event, those who spoke and to Jonathan Fryer for chairing the event.  With the night being such a success, Liberal Youth and Liberal International British Group hope to do similar events in the future.

Reblogged from Eurology:

Just six months ago today London was emerging from its third night of rioting, with a semblance of order only just beginning to take hold as a massive police presence descended on the city. The fear in the streets was palpable. We had been given a brief and terrifying glimpse of what sheer anarchy looked like, the rage and shameless opportunism of London’s marginalised youth provoking deep existential questions about what was wrong with our society. Yet, as the contest for London Mayor begins to build …

Great Opinion piece on “Crime, Transport and the battle for London Mayor” from Paul Haydon

We will be posting a full write-up shortly. 

The event had a massive turn-out, and was an all-round success. Commenting London Liberal Youth Chair Sean Davey said:

“Wednesday night was hugely encouraging - not only was it an amazing opportunity to see the corridors of Westminster through Tessa’s eyes, but we had an unprecedented level of interest in Liberal Youth. This bodes excellently for our efforts and activities in the year ahead…”

As well as a talk from Tessa, members of London Liberal Youth also got to see the inside of the House of Commons chamber, observe the House of Lords sitting, and former Leader Paddy Ashdown even popped his head in and told us to sell the House of Lords, or at least set our minds to reforming it!

Brian Paddick came along as a “labour of love” and was keen to get young people involved in his campaign for Mayor. The Facebook event page for his official campaign launch at Ministry of Sound is here.

Young Campaigner Ross Barlow & GLA List Candidates Stephen Knight & Munira Wilson out surveying commuters

This morning Brian Paddick & London Liberal Democrats launched our Fairer Fares campaign in train & tube stations across London, with members of London Liberal Youth getting involved alongside GLA candidates & Team London campaigners.

Our Mayoral Candidate Brian Paddick is calling for ‘early bird’ fares for those who commute before the morning rush hour and part-time travel cards for those who don’t travel as often.

He attacked Ken Livingstone’s plans to cut fares as unaffordable, but Brian claims ‘It’s time to take a new approach and these ideas would make travelling more affordable, flexible and would reduce some peak time overcrowding.’

Campaigners at Kings Cross, inc. young GLA candidates Charlotte Henry & Chris Richards and London LY Chair Sean Davey

As the independent website “Mayor Watch” tweeted,

LibDems have been calling for a 1hr bus ticket since 09 http://www.mayorwatch.co.uk/london-libdems-call-for-one-hour-bus-ticket/20097417

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/886885-brian-paddick-wants-early-bird-fares-and-one-hour-bus-tickets-for-londoners#ixzz1j36VzaIG

Official Fairer Fares facebook page.

Young campaigners came from all over the country, including branch members from as far as Manchester and Durham, plus of course the national Liberal Youth exec.

Candidate Roger Crouch tweeted:

 ”Pleased that so many @liberalyouth activists are helping with #felthamandheston campaign: they will be great ldrs of the party in the future”

Although Labour held this safe-seat as expected, the Liberal Democrats held a respectable 3rd position, and collected considerable amounts of data for developing the seat in future.

Results in detail

• Labour – 12,639 (54.42%, +10.79%)
• Conservatives – 6,436 (27.71%, -6.32%)
• Lib Dems – 1,364 (5.87%, -7.87%)
• UKIP – 1,276 (5.49%, +3.45%)

For more on the Feltham & Heston by-election, London Liberal Democrat Chair Jonathan Fryer has written this commentary, entitled Lessons from Feltham and Heston

UCL Lib Dem President Ben Meggit & UCLU Debating Society Chair Ayub Hanif

-What role should Britain play in the ongoing Arab spring?

-Has the Euro crisis changed Britain’s place in the EU?

-Where next for tuition fees?

-Does Britain need to be more democratic?

-Do we need a British Bill of Rights?

-Will NHS reform lead to better healthcare?

-Would stricter financial regulation kill the City?

All these issues and more were addressed in our student version of the BBC’s popular political programme Question Time!

The event was organised by the UCLU Liberal Democrats Society, and brought together a wide range of societies from across UCLU: creating lively and interesting debate. In line with the show’s standard format, the Presidents of the UCLU’s Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats societies represented the three major political parties. They were joined by the Political Editor of Pi who will gave a non-partisan media perspective, the Economic and Finance President who represented business and industry, and the President of the Debating Society as an impartial Chair.

The event was a huge success, with close to a hundred students turning up to watch and lots of audience participation. Thanks to everyone who came & got involved!

Who: Jo Shaw, Lib Dem Parliamentary Campaigner for Holborn & St Pancras

What: Talking about her work with Liberty, and civil & human rights in general

When: 19:30 – 21:00, Tuesday 15th November

Where: Room 432, SEESS Building, 16 Taviton Street, WC1H 0BW

RSVP on Facebook

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Campaigner Jo Shaw has been invited by the UCLU Liberal Democrat Society to give a talk about her work with Liberty, a campaigning group which focuses on promoting human rights and civil liberties. Founded in 1934, Liberty works to protect fundamental rights through lobbying Parliament and conducting public campaigns, and also provides free legal advice about human rights. Following the talk there will be a discussion with plenty of time for questions from the audience. Door fee is 50p for non-members, to cover the cost of refreshments provided. After the event we will be heading for some drinks at a local pub where the discussion can continue in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Cost Details:
————————-
50p (non-members)