Chelmsford Lib Dems in high profile at regional conference

1.17.50pm GMT Sun 19th Nov 2006

Stephen Robinson at regional conference - concerned about new road crossing of Thames

Chelmsford Lib Dem John Masek was elected as Secretary of the East of England Liberal Democrats at their conference on Saturday in Huntingdon. John, together with colleague Stephen Robinson, tabled a motion expressing concern about Essex County Council backing a "road only" Lower Thames Crossing. Other Chelmsford Lib Dems, including Councillors Tom Smith-Hughes and Andrew Sosin, also attended the conference and training events, along with over 200 Lib Dem regional colleagues. A range of conference pictures are on the website.

John Masek was elected Lib Dem regional secretary

With regards to the proposed study on a Lower Thames Crossing, the Lib Dems said that any additional crossing must consider true environmental sustainability and economic viability. They said that that means: (a) A full environmental assessment; (b) Equal consideration between road and rail or other public transport alternatives, and (c) A full assessment of managing demand i.e. traffic generation as an alternative to always providing new roads

Conference reps visited stalls at the regional conference

In the debate about regional and local government, Stephen Robinson spoke about the importance of pushing decision-making powers down from central government to local councils, and from county and borough councils to neighbourhoods and parishes. Conference backed a motion that called for elected representatives to take decisions on public spending. We currently have unelected, Government appointees responsible for millions of pounds of public money at regional level.

Norman Lamb, Ian Horner & Sal Jarvis in campaign briefing

Conference also called for devolution from central government to regions. Stephen Robinson was concerned, however, about the lack of public support for a six-county 'East of England' region. He said that the needs of mid and south Essex were very different from North Norfolk. The former look more to London than the rest of the East of England.

Norman Lamb, Peter Lee & conference reps discuss campaigning

Conference representatives also attended a range of training sessions including one on campaigning with Norman Lamb MP, Ian Horner and Sal Jarvis.