LRTA lobbying success for trams at Liberal Democrat Conference

LRTA representative and former Lib Dem councillor James Willis attended the recent Lib Dem National Conference in Bournemouth to lobby on behalf of trams.

A motion “Connecting Communities – Building a Transport Network Fit for the 21st Century” moved by Lib Dem transport spokespersons Wera Hobhouse MP and Baroness Randerson with the backing of the North West Lib Dems was amended in eight places to include reference to trams. The amended motion was passed by Conference.

Andrew Haldane (Vice Chair North West Liberal Democrats) spoke in support of the motion emphasising the huge economic and environmental benefits of trams. He noted especially the game changing work of UK based innovators, such as the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) at Dudley, Revolution VLR in Telford and Coventry City Council, working to reduce the cost of light rail schemes.

James Willis said: “It was really good that excellent team work has got the Lib Dem transport policy to include clear backing for light rail and tram. I should like to thank Baroness Randerson and Wera Hobhouse MP as well as Andrew Haldane and the North West team for their policy work.”

The final motion as passed by Conference can be found at https://www.libdems.org.uk/conference/motions/autumn-2023/f27 and further details at https://www.northwestlibdems.org.uk/news/article/north-west-amends-party-policy