Internationalist, geostrategist, former EU diplomat, Lib Dems Abroad Chair & parliamentary candidate, UN official & British soldier, expressing own views
https://t.co/CzjywVGtEJ
Following the US strategy, #Starmer must address the nation. The UK needs a Great Reform Act to protect its democracy, a special resilience budget for civil protection /our armed forces & the use of Russia's frozen assets to support Ukraine @EdwardJDavey
My Lib Dem conference message on defence - with Helen Maguire MP, Richard Foord MP & Edward Lucas: "Rather than spending on expensive armaments programmes that may never come to pass, the UK must prioritise fixing what we have & what can be done quickly" https://t.co/1CeJCMs059
We need a strong relationship with the U.S. but on a different basis. Not today's subordinate client basis, but one of mutual respect built on regaining UK/Europe’s former strength/ability to act independently in our own defence. See my Liberator article:
https://t.co/gQwSaPPgvS
With Trump now trying to sell out Ukraine to clear the path for a US-Russian economic partnership, the time has come for our leaders to come to their senses and to see that the U.S. under Trump is no real ally anymore. Read my analysis:
https://t.co/rsPkcdkO7T
It’s utterly shocking that over 3 years on from Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, British companies are complicit in exploiting the loopholes which funnel wealth to the Russian front line. 🧵
https://t.co/OwiCFNHO6m
I was delighted to greet former #Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen along with many #LibDem colleagues at #HouseOfLords today. Her speech emphasised growing friendly Taiwan-UK ties at a time liberal democracies face many challenges. Let the people of Taiwan chart their own future!
See my article about the establishment of the UK's first home-grown far-right PAC. There is an urgent need for new safeguards to our electoral system. Labour must legislate this year, not 2026!
https://t.co/JPNe1h8Nu1
The @LibDems recognise the #UK must step up now in the face of Putin's illegal war on #Ukraine.
We are calling on the Government to:
🔸 Reach 2.5% of GDP on defence asap.
🔸 Seize £25bn worth of frozen Russian assets.
🔸 Begin talks over a European Rearmament Bank.
"The so-called negotiation between Trump & Putin about Ukraine seems increasingly about shamelessly taking advantage of a devastated & weakened country to arrange a division of spoils". Read my latest take! And give all support for Ukraine to fight back! https://t.co/V0vidbcTh3
It was good to be back on the diplomatic circuit yesterday in London to celebrate the 76th Republic Day of #India, a remarkable rising power. But saddened also for the deaths and injuries sustained at the #KumbhMela festival tragedy today. My condolences @PMOIndia@LibDemsAbroad
Today, I co-chaired an excellent #ALDE meeting with EU decision-makers to try and chart a way forward on EU-China-US relations in the era of Trump 2.0 Despite challenges, the EU & USA must resume acting together to achieve a level playing field & reciprocity in trade with China.
Today, I complete my 3-year mandate as Chair of @libdemsabroad & Chair of one of its 3 abroad "local parties" @libdemsoverseas (2018-21 & 2024). My thanks to colleagues for good cooperation & a great 2024 UK general election campaign abroad! @markpack@LordRennard@LibDemDavid
Season's Greetings from Lib Dems Overseas to the members supporters and families of all Lib Dem local parties based in the UK - Happy Holidays from around the world!
https://t.co/cAjJBaQbeN
It was a great honour to chair the meeting of the Alliance of Liberals & Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Policy Advisory Group on China in Estoril, Portugal. A real necessity for liberal decision makers to understand China's constantly evolving geopolitical impact on Europe.
@hollowood_zoe, it has been my duty ever since I became Deputy EU Ambassador to Afghanistan 2016-18 to support women's rights there. We had made such good progress before the catastrophic Trump-initiated withdrawal led to the evil Taliban's return @RaihanaAzad@ElayErshad
With fellow Lib Dems abroad alum @LibDemDavid and old friend from Brussels @GFCunningham - Lib Dems Abroad continue to advocate for voting rights, including overseas constituencies and ending postal ballots landing too late
Great Win for British Overseas Voters. Lib Dem conference policy makes each overseas vote count:
· Secure electronic delivery of ballot papers.
· Voting at British Embassies, Consulates & High Commissions
· Heavily promoting proxy voting.
https://t.co/LiGQtOQcpg
#LibDemConf passes a motion calling for proportional representation, including our amendment to improve overseas voting.
At the election, overseas voters from as close as Belgium couldn't return postal ballots in time to be counted. Let's stop that fiasco from happening again.
Permission to hit targets in russia with Western weapons is a matter of life and death for us. I supported the emergency motion by British @LibDems to facilitate the use of Storm Shadow long-range missiles. It’s crucial.