‘Come and work with us’, say Gloucester Lib Dems

Gloucester Liberal Democrats have extended the hand of friendship to supporters of both the Conservative and Labour parties, saying 'Come and work with us'.

The resignation of Conservative and Labour MPs to sit as independents in the House of Commons shows that big changes are afoot in British politics.

Eight Labour MPs resigned from their party over its handling of Brexit and anti-Semitism.

They were soon joined by three Conservative Members of Parliament who quit criticising Theresa May's Government for letting the "hard-line anti-EU awkward squad" take over the party.

A ninth Labour MP also quit but he is not joining the new group.

Dr Rebecca Trimnell, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Gloucester, said: "It's clear that that hard left has taken over the Labour Party and the hard right has seized control of the Conservatives - forcing out moderate MPs from both parties.

"I say to Conservative and Labour members and supporters who are appalled by what is going on in their parties, come and work with the Liberal Democrats.

"We are a united, democratic, liberal and internationalist party committed to holding a People's Vote and ending a disastrous Brexit."

Dr Trimnell said that the Lib Dems and the new Independent Group were on the same side over Brexit and are likely to agree on many other issues.

"Our politics is broken. If we want to change Britain for the better we need to change our political system and deliver electoral reform," said Dr Trimnell.

"I say to Conservative and Labour supporters: 'Come and work with us. There is more that unites us than divides us.'

"Our priority is to heal the division in our society that has been created by the extreme elements within the Labour and the Conservative parties.

"We want to work with all likeminded people from other parties. It is clear the Liberal Democrats are best choice in Gloucester for those that want to change Britain for the better."