What we stand for
We believe in a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.
What we do
Local members are active participants in district life. Whether it’s organising litter picks, speaking at council meetings, or even campaigning for a new hospital - you can be sure the Lib Dems will there, fighting your corner.
Who are we
Lib Dems come from all walks of life. Our members include academics and teachers, web designers, marketing professionals, company directors and students. The one thing we all share is a love for our area and a desire to make it better.
Canterbury & Coastal Liberal Democrats Manifesto 2023
On 4 May 2023 Canterbury will face a choice: continue with the ruinous current Conservative administration or elect Liberal Democrat councillors with fresh new ideas for our district.
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Latest news
Response to draft Local Plan
The draft local plan is based on a fundamentally false premise which makes it meaningless. The most controversial aspect of the plan relates to housing numbers and their location. This, in turn, drives the twin problems of traffic congestion and pollution. The 2020 consultation produced no single positive option but the ‘least worst’, on which […]
Draft Local Plan: A poor result from a poor process
You may be aware that Canterbury City Council has published its draft local plan, the document that sets the framework for everything the council does until 2045. The Canterbury City Council Liberal Democrat Councillors wholeheartedly reject this plan, both on the basis of its content and the way in which it has been created and […]
Brexit isn’t working
It is now clear that Brexit isn’t working. Many of the promises and fraudulent claims made by the Leave campaign have proved to be worthless. Exports to Europe have shrunk by £20 billion (about 11%), with farmers and fishermen facing particular hardship None of the promised major trade deals around the world have yet materialised […]
Cabinet system eliminates debate
Liberal Democrats are furious that the Canterbury Conservatives are stifling democratic debate by excluding cross party discussion on council motions. Lib Dem leader, Cllr Michael Dixey said “Under the new cabinet systems, motions are being automatically referred to the exclusive six members of the Tory cabinet, who systematically take turns to read prepared speeches in […]
Ben’s Night Mayor
In a very unusual annual meeting on Canterbury City Council on 18 May, opposition councillors inflicted a humiliating defeat on Council Leader Ben Fitter-Harding. As the ruling Conservative group enters what we fervently hope will be its last year in power, the leader had hoped to reinstall Cllr Pat Todd for his fifth, and second […]
Public and Councillors gagged over Local Plan
The City Council press release on the Local Plan confirms that this is being worked on by officers in secret. This has been going on for months. No councillors are involved in the process. No members of the public, residents’ associations or parish councils are involved at all. The current Local Plan was put together […]
Campaigns
Canterbury & Coastal Liberal Democrats Manifesto 2023
On 4 May 2023 Canterbury will face a choice: continue with the ruinous current Conservative administration or elect Liberal Democrat councillors with fresh new ideas for our district. Lib Dems promise to: STOP SEWAGE DUMPING We will protect our environment by demanding that water companies stop discharging raw sewage into the rivers and sea. This […]
