This weekend I’m up in Southport for the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference. I’m extremely pleased that we have just passed a policy motion called ‘A Rural Future: Time to Act’. Passing a motion is something you do in the big hall at Liberal Democrat conferences, and it’s a lot more pleasant than it sounds.
The effect of this decision, which any member here was able to come and take part in the debate or vote on this afternoon, is that this document is now part of the Liberal Democrats’ policy on Rural Communities. It gives us a great set of ideas to talk to people in rural communities about when we’re out campaigning and lots of ideas to explore as we approach the next set of elections here in rural Norfolk.
A lot of people who spoke in the debate said that it wasn’t big, bold or radical enough and I agree: there is much more to be done beyond this! But to get the conversation on the radar is a win – no other parties are really committed to rural communities. This is a great start in the right direction.

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