Lib Dem Councillor calls for closer ties with Europe

Liberal Democrat Lichfield District and Lichfield City Councillor Hugh Ashton spoke today about the tariffs proposed on April 2 by US President Trump.

“It may seem presumptuous for a mere local councillor to comment on international affairs, but recent events in the USA will have an impact on us all at a very personal level,” he said. “The Prime Minister is seeking a path for the UK that is independent of Europe. He has made it clear that the import of US agricultural products, such as chlorinated chicken and hormone- and antibiotic-stuffed meat, which fail to meet UK standards, will not be allowed. Nor has he agreed to sell the NHS to American for-profit conglomerates. I and the majority of people in the UK will applaud these stands against bullying.

“However, there are those standing in these elections for Staffordshire County councillors representing a party whose leader has described the US President as ‘my friend Donald’, flying out to Washington following the shooting incident last year, and who has advocated these imports and this sell-out. Make no mistake, if these are the sort of reforms that this party wishes to bring in, life in Britain will become worse, not better.

“By comparison Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has put out a powerful statement, saying:

If the Government gives in to Trump’s threats, it will only encourage him to use the same bullying tactics again and again.

“But we cannot fight this alone. Sir Ed makes the point that we should work with others against what he describes as ‘Trump’s reckless trade war’. Specifically he mentions the Commonwealth, one of whose members, Canada, is also threatened by Trump, and our European partners. Even though we may have left the EU, our destiny is tied to that of our geographically nearest neighbours. It behoves us to be on good terms with them, seeking new trade deals with them, and moving together with them; we do not necessarily need to move in lockstep, but we must tread the same path.

“Right now, the Lib Dems are the only major party standing up to Trump and speaking out against him. By contrast, at least two former leaders of the Conservative party seem only too willing to bend to US demands, and the Labour leadership is currently playing ‘softly, softly’ – too softly to be effective.

“Here in this area of the West Midlands, the proposed tariffs on cars at 25% will strike a particularly cruel blow to the local economy. Though, as I said earlier, a local councillor cannot hope to change national policy, the County elections give everyone a chance to show with whom their loyalties lie: either with Washington, at the mercy of an unstable and manifestly vindicative elderly man; or standing with those countries where we have built up strong relationships over the years. A vote for the Liberal Democrats in these elections shows the Government what sort of future is desired by the people of Britain.” 

Hugh Ashton represents Chadsmead ward in the City Council, and Stowe ward in the District Council