Speakers and others at the meeting

Lord William Wallace was the main speaker at a packed meeting at Raven Street Youth Centre, Halifax organized by the Liberal Democrats on Sunday night 18 April, in support of Elisabeth Wilson, candidate for Halifax, and Shazad Fazal, candidate for Park ward.  Lord Wallace is the principal spokesperson on Foreign and Commonwealth affairs for Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.  He reminded the audience that Liberal Democrats had opposed the Iraq war, and are calling for an agreed date of withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Brought up as a protestant Christian, Lord Wallace welcomed the fact that in Britain today all faiths talk to each other.  He warned about the rise of fundamentalist Christians in the U.S. who want a confrontation with Islam.  Lord Wallace also spoke about areas of concern, such as South Asia, and in particular Kashmir. Last, he welcomed the development of Islamic study centres in UK universities.

Shazad Fazal, candidate for Park ward, talked about the needs of the area. He praised Liberal Democrat plans to invest £12m in Calderdale schools, as a move towards  equality and fairness.  Shazad also talked about the need for affordable housing, more play areas, and a new youth centre to replace Raven Street.

Elisabeth Wilson, Liberal Democrat candidate for Halifax, said she was angry about the £167bn deficit, pointing out it was £13,000 for everyone sitting in the meeting.  Liberal Democrats have a plan to reduce it, including getting rid of ID cards, to which Liberal Democrats are opposed.  She spoke in favour of bank reform, especially as HBoS, a major employer in Halifax, has been taken over by the Lloyds group. She insisted that banks should be smaller and more regionally based, splitting up the ordinary banking from the high risk.

Elisabeth also spoke about the 3000 unemployed people in Halifax, including 900 under 25, and Lib Dem plans to help them back to work.

She told the audience that the Liberal Democrats have a special programme to encourage members from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to become candidates. Forty three candidates (7%) from BME backgrounds are standing in the general election.

Janet Battye, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Calderdale council, attacked the Conservative administration for its secretiveness, waste of money and poor performance, particular in relation to vulnerable children.

The main speakers were supported by Cllr Mohammed Ilyas and other speakers from the local community.

Elisabeth Wilson and Lord William Wallace with students from Calderdale college

On Thursday 15 April Lord William Wallace of Saltaire, deputy Lib Dem leader in the House of Lords, paid a visit to Calderdale College with Elisabeth Wilson, Lib Dem candidate for Halifax.  In conversation with Chris Jones, the principal, and Lynne MacKenzie, chair of the governors, William and Elisabeth were impressed about the range of courses offered.  Concerns were raised about recent changes in government funds for the college, which has led to a cut of 9% in the college finances.

William Wallace was interested to learn about the college’s success in engaging younger and older people in returning to learning.  Elisabeth Wilson welcomed the news that the college is to start its first training in solar panel installation.  Elisabeth commented afterwards “Green jobs are a key plank in Lib Dem proposals for tackling unemployment, as they provide work, and help cut fuel bills as well as reducing our carbon footprint.”

Elisabeth Wilson and William Wallace also had the opportunity to talk to a group of students about their current studies and hopes for the future.   “They explained how unemployment has had an effect on part time jobs – they just can’t find any” said Elisabeth. “Nevertheless many of them have ambitions to go on to higher education.”

Elisabeth and William explained Lib Dem proposals to abolish student fees over a six year period. As William said to the students, he got his university education free.