IT’S TIME once again for politicians of all parties to reflect upon the old year and look ahead to the new, wondering what 2020 will bring to us, our families and communities and those whom we seek to represent.
VIGILANT TO BREXIT’S IMPACTS
2019 certainly brought its share of difficulties, challenges and unpredictable events, as well as a rollercoaster of highs and lows, not least for the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Our world remains both unstable and divided at home and abroad. Whatever awaits us as the Brexit process moves forward on 31st January, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in the face of its impacts, most notably on the elderly, the vulnerable and those whose health & wellbeing depend upon the continued dedication of EU Nationals in our workforce.
SUPPORTING SHARED OBJECTIVES
The Brexit ‘stand off’ of recent years has proved so divisive, and it is to be hoped that the clarity of the recent General Election result, while it has left many of us bereft, may serve the cause of greater stability in our relations with European friends and neighbours. Pembrokeshire hill farmers understand as clearly as Hywel Dda Health Board managers that the lower the hurdles erected in trade and labour flows, the more it will support our shared objectives, as well as being of real economic benefit.
INTERNATIONALISM
The terms ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ were consigned to history when the Prime Minister addressed Parliament before the Christmas Recess but, as former Prime Minister Tony Blair has often stated, the case for Britain’s place in Europe has to be made afresh in every generation. Whilst the Referendum and the recent General Election result have settled that for this generation, it would be unwise to forget the huge support for EU Membership among younger people in Wales and across the UK. Whilst recognising the democratic endorsement for formally leaving the EU institutions this year, the Liberal Democrats remain committed to the cause of Internationalism and our ultimate European destiny.
HEARTFELT THANKS
As my term of office as Welsh Liberal Democrat President draws to an end next month, and I look forward to other challenges, I would like to congratulate those re-elected to the new House of Commons for Pembrokeshire, notably Stephen Crabb, newly appointed Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart and Carmarthen East & Dinefwr MP, Jonathan Edwards and to wish them well. But I also wish to express heartfelt thanks to our exceptional Welsh Leader, Jane Dodds, who, with excellent candidates on the ground in Alistair Cameron and Tom Hughes, were the face of our Welsh Lib Dem campaign.
As Liberal Democrats, here in Wales and across the UK, reflect on the lessons of recent times, we recommit ourselves to public service, wherever we have a contribution to make. In the meantime, on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I wish all Herald readers a Healthy and Peaceful New Year – Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
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