In May this year the Lib Dems won majority control of Portsmouth City Council for the first time in over a decade.
We did this party because we have always run the City Council well in minority control, but also we put together a good coalition to oppose Reform.
Over many years the Lib Dems in Portsmouth have created a reputation for competence. The budget is always underspent, we have kept all our libraries, youth clubs and adventure playgrounds open. But competence alone is not enough
Portsmouth as a city is almost designed for Reform. It’s a city with igh levels of depravation, poor educational attainment and strong armed forces involvement. Yet in the Council elections the Lib Dems won eight seats, Reform won five seats and the Tories one. Labour and the Greens zero.
In recent months, we have seen protests against refugees landing in Portsmouth and nearby Gosport. The protests have included violence and intimidation. They have also been attacks and intimidation on social media, and in person against RNLI volunteers and others.
Most people in Portsmouth have no time for this sort of behaviour. However, Reform has failed to condemn the actions of this small but highly visible thuggish group. This draws even clearer lines between us and Reform.
Part of the winning strategy here was building a visible coalition, based on a clear narrative that we were the people to beat Reform.
We have continued our approach of clearly standing up to Reform, Restore and their like with this motion to the Council to give the Freedom of the City to the RNLI. We believed it sends an important signal of support to those helping to save lives at sea. It also draws clear lines – Reform voted against this motion.
We are clear that the choice here is between decency and the politics of division. The Lib Dems again are showing that we are the centre of the anti-Reform coalition. The choice we are able to offer people is clear – competence and compassion with the Lib Dems or chaos and division from Reform
You can copy and adapt Portsmouth’s Council Motion below
[AREA NAME] is a maritime city / region, defined and shaped by the sea. The sea has shaped our economy, our heritage and our way of life for generations. Our relationship with the sea is a proud one, but we also know its dangers and the courage of those who go to the aid of others when they are in distress.
For more than 200 years, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has existed for one purpose: to save lives at sea. Founded in 1824, the RNLI is an independent charity, supported by the generosity of the public and by thousands of volunteers who give their time to protect others. Its lifeboat crews launch in all weathers, at all hours, often putting themselves in harm’s way to help complete strangers.
The RNLI and its volunteers are part of [AREA NAME’s] own maritime story. Generations of volunteers have served our coastal city, leaving the safety of the shore when the call comes and continuing a tradition of courage, service and selflessness of which this city should be immensely proud.
At the heart of that service is a simple and enduring principle: when somebody is in danger at sea, you go to their aid.
That principle does not depend upon nationality, background, immigration status, beliefs or the circumstances in which somebody came to be in danger. Those who answer the call to save a life should not be asked to judge whose life is worthy of saving.
A life in peril is a life worth saving.
[COUNCIL NAME] is therefore deeply concerned by the abuse, intimidation and threats directed at RNLI volunteers for carrying out this lifesaving work, including describing them as a “taxi service”. Whatever disagreements may exist about immigration or any other matter of public policy, they must never be directed at volunteers whose purpose is to preserve human life.
[COUNCIL NAME] therefore:
- Expresses its unequivocal support for the RNLI and its volunteers and thanks them for their courage, service and dedication;
- Reaffirms the fundamental and longstanding principle that every person in distress at sea should be rescued without distinction or discrimination;
- Condemns threats, intimidation or abuse directed at RNLI volunteers for carrying out their lifesaving work; and those who use their influence on social media to promote defunding this volunteer emergency services.
- Requests that consideration be given to awarding the Freedom of the City to [AREA NAME] Lifeboat Station, in accordance with the Council’s usual process for such nominations.