MY VISION FOR CAMBRIDGE
In Cambridge, the Liberal Democrats constantly face the challenge of articulating how we are different to Labour, especially in the face of the destructive Conservative government. While it is clear that beating every Conservative we can at the next General Election is critical, this is not a long-term strategy to prevent the rise of extremist ideology and entrenched corruption.
While Cambridge's Labour MP may do his job locally, in Westminster he is silent, and is allowing the Labour leadership to make decisions that are inherently damaging to our city.
On Re-joining Europe, on Proportional Representation and on civil rights, Cambridge's wishes and interests are simply not represented where it matters.
Cambridge is a city at the forefront of academia, research and progress. However, under our Labour leadership we have become the most unequal city in the UK, and are facing a skills drain due to a combination of Brexit and the rising cost of living in the city.
We need change to move the city forward, and as the Lib Dem candidate for Cambridge I will work tirelessly to hold Labour to account on the issues that affect the future of out city.
PROPER FUNDING FOR CAMBRIDGESHIRE SCHOOLS
As a teacher, I know the value of education to open doors and unlock opportunities. However, across Cambridgeshire our schools are struggling to balance their budgets, as the Conservative government's so called "fairer funding model" leaves schools in Cambridgeshire with around £1800 less to spend per pupil every year than schools in other areas. As an internationally recognised city of education, Cambridge's MP should be our voice in Westminster to deliver fair funding and proper support for our schools and colleges.
A CITY THAT VALUES EVERY EMPLOYMENT SECTOR
Cambridge is often described as one of the most unequal cities in the UK. As the cost of living and house prices continue to rise, vital key workers such as nurses, carers and teachers are priced out of the city. This compounds inequality by reducing access to vital services for the most vulnerable. Cambridge's MP needs to stand up for our key workers, providing key worker housing, and making the case for key workers to receive similar additional salary allowances to those offered in London, so our city can continue to flourish.
AN AMBITIOUS STRATEGY TO TACKLE THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY
We face a climate crisis, and all the evidence suggests that if we don't act now, it will be too late. It is clear that the Labour party in Cambridge just aren't moving with enough urgency on this. The future of Cambridge's water supply is a real concern as we face hotter summers in one of the driest regions in the UK. Cambridge needs a strong voice in Westminster holding Anglian Water to account for their leaky pipes, and making sure the government develops the infrastructure across the country to support our area.
A GENEROUS, OUTWARD LOOKING CITY
Cambridge has always been a city that is outward looking, with a tech and research sector that thrives on international collaboration. During the EU referendum in 2016, Cambridge voted decisively to remain in the EU. Cambridge's MP needs to take the message loudly and clearly to Keir Starmer that re-joining the EU is vital for the future of cities like Cambridge, which rely on workers from around Europe to support our seasonal employment sectors and academic institutions. Our progressive city deserves a voice in Westminster pushing relentlessly for electoral reform, so the residents of our city finally see their views more fairly represented in government.