Conference Day 3: having a blooming good time 🌼

Recognising Palestinian self-determination has been long overdue. It is a welcome step, yet it must be the start, not the end. We need a ceasefire, an end to the cycle of violence and real progress towards a two-state solution.

There’s a real buzz in Bournemouth as day 2 of Lib Dem Conference gets underway 🐝

Elon Musk is no friend of our United Kingdom. He should be held to account for allowing truly vile and illegal child abuse content on his platform.

Our flag does not belong to one creed or to one race. It belongs to one people, the British people. We will not let our flag be used to intimidate.

Conference has begun! Let’s make sure we don’t miss a beat. 🥁

When I was young, being a carer simply wasn’t talked about. We’ve come a long way since then, but government still all too often ignores the millions of carers across Britain. I was proud to write the foreword to this IPPR report calling for real and transformative change.

The UK must lead on the world stage in acknowledging the genocide taking place in Gaza – and advocating for a return to diplomacy.

Starmer has pulled out all the stops to flatter and impress Trump, but still hasn’t managed to get him to drop his damaging tariffs, take on Putin or tell Netanyahu to stop waging genocide. It’s time for the UK to stand tough with allies who share our values.

Right now, Donald Trump is at a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle, while in Gaza a genocide is unfolding. He alone can stop the assault on Gaza City, end the aid blockade and secure the release of hostages - Keir Starmer must make that clear to him before this visit ends.

I’m old enough to remember when Conservative Party leaders believed in law and order.

What is happening in Gaza is a genocide. And the President of the United States is doing nothing to stop it. Keir Starmer must raise this with Trump during the state visit.

The horrors in Gaza must stop. And when the one man with the power to make it stop – Donald Trump – arrives in the UK today, Keir Starmer must do all he can to make the President act.

We need a government that cares. One that tackles real issues and makes sure every child gets the opportunities they deserve. If the Government rolls back children’s rights and damages the SEND system, it will be yet another attack on the most vulnerable.

It should be simple: people who cheer on violence in the UK can't enrich themselves with British taxpayers’ money. That means Elon Musk – no government contracts for you, no energy supply license for you.

I've written to Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, urging them to join me in condemning Elon Musk's dangerous remarks inciting violence yesterday. As leaders, we must stand together and make clear Musk will face serious consequences for these actions.

The government must give the victims of this appalling scandal the compensation they deserve. It would be a milestone for carers across the country, and a victory for all those who have campaigned tirelessly for justice.

Elon Musk openly called for violence on our streets yesterday. I hope politicians from all parties come together to condemn his deeply dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric. Britain must stand united against this clear attempt to undermine our democracy.

Appalled by the violent scenes of police being attacked at the Tommy Robinson rally today. Those responsible should face the full force of the law. These far right thugs do not speak for Britain.

Our democracy is too precious to be a plaything for foreign tech barons. Elon Musk doesn’t care about the British people or our rights. He only cares about himself and his ego.

This morning in Ilminster with @AdamJamesDance.bsky.social I joined a fantastic baby sensory class and met new parents to discuss the ongoing crisis in maternity care across Somerset.

Congratulations to Dawn Logan on another stunning Lib Dem by-election win, taking the seat of the former Conservative council leader! Across the country, the Liberal Democrats are the ones winning against Reform. Our community politics is the best antidote to Nigel Farage.

The PM must urgently appoint a new ambassador who will stand up to Trump, not cosy up to him and his cronies. He also can't keep dodging questions about why Lord Mandelson was appointed in the first place, and the extent of what was already known about his links with Epstein.

Absolutely horrifying news of Charlie Kirk’s murder. Political violence should have no place in society.  My prayers are with his family, I can’t imagine the pain they must be going through.

We’ve all seen the letter from Donald Trump to the vile sex trafficker and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and the handwritten note from Lord Mandelson calling Epstein his “best pal”. Today I asked the PM what other compromising material the White House might have on the Ambassador.

Today I met with President Abbas. We discussed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the need to end the appalling suffering of Palestinians, secure the release of the hostages still held in brutal captivity by the Hamas terrorists, and how we ensure a two-state solution.

The BBC are constantly fawning over Farage's every move despite Reform only having four MPs. Our national broadcaster should reflect the whole country, not just one man’s ego.

Three years on we remember Her late Majesty The Queen. Her duty, her compassion, and her lifelong service to our country.

This week Nigel Farage went to America to badmouth Britain, even comparing our country to North Korea. He’d rather cosy up to his MAGA buddy mates than fix problems here at home.

It was a real privilege to visit the Millrace Foundation in Chelmsford with local MP @mariecgoldman.bsky.social Since the 1990s, this brilliant project has been helping people living with long-term mental health needs to learn new skills, use their hands, and be part of a community.

If Keir Starmer thinks a reshuffle will solve anything he is learning the wrong lessons from the calamity Conservatives. He needs to grab the bull by the horns and confront the real issues, not just move people around the cabinet table.

Very sad to hear of the passing of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. Her kindness, service and love of music inspired so many, from her charitable work to her years teaching music. My thoughts are with the Royal Family as they mourn her loss.

Farage has gone to the US to tell them Britain is ”awful” - If you don’t like it over here Nigel maybe don’t catch a return flight?

Instead of asking Trump to drop his damaging tariffs, Farage is talking down Britain and egging Trump on to hurt British businesses even more.

Let’s see what the ethics adviser says, but maybe instead of all this jumping up and down, now would be a good time to discuss how we look after disabled children and build a more caring country.

Conservative MPs jeered when I urged the Prime Minister to help end the starvation and suffering in Gaza. Sickening, but they won’t stop me raising this.

Tomorrow I will be a tabling a motion to force the government to release the legal advice it has received on Israel's military action in Gaza and breaches of international law. Ministers cannot turn a blind eye to this humanitarian catastrophe any longer.

Caring shaped my life. It should shape our politics too.

Congratulations to London Liberal Democrats for an incredible result in West Hampstead last night. Janet Grauberg will make a fantastic local councillor. Bring on the local elections next year!

You can't please all of the people all of the time! I'm live on LBC til 1pm. Call in and share your thoughts.

Tomorrow I'm stepping into @mrjamesob.bsky.social shoes and presenting @lbc.co.uk from 10am to 1pm. Join the conversation 🔽 📱 0345 60 60 973 💬 84850

Tony Blair needs to come before Parliament to give evidence about his discussions with the Trump administration about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Trump has a unique power to end this war. We must leverage all the information at our disposal to make him do the right thing.

I'm boycotting the state banquet to send a message to both Donald Trump and Keir Starmer that they cannot close their eyes and wish away the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Donald Trump can stop this catastrophe in Gaza and get the hostages released. youtu.be/4MqPsjiage8

As we've seen across history, the populist playbook used by Farage is ugly, powerful and incredibly destructive. We know where it will lead if we don't stop it.

The IPC has confirmed our worst fears. We cannot sit idle while this catastrophe unfolds. Trump has the power to stop the devastation. He needs to pick up the phone to Netanyahu - today - and threaten consequences unless aid routes into Gaza are fully reopened.

Congrats to our teams in Surrey and Hampshire for their fabulous results! Only a year ago the media were telling us we had reached our peak in the blue wall - and we have proved them wrong time and time again.

Britain can’t afford Elon’s next power trip. Today I’ve written to the Energy Secretary urging him to block Musk’s electricity supply licence. The government should be putting the national interest first, not worrying about upsetting Elon Musk.

Annette Brooke dedicated her life to public service and her community. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the Dorset community.

Netanyahu's assault on Gaza City will only deepen the cycle of violence, worsen the death and suffering, and put hostages lives at greater risk. Donald Trump could stop this now by picking up the phone today. Keir Starmer must use whatever influence he has to make that happen.

I so enjoyed my visit to Pavilion on the Park in Eastleigh with local MP @lizjarvis.bsky.social It’s a fantastic place for everyone to get some exercise! We tested out an adapted bike from Cycles4All. NO HANDS!