New Year Message from the Young Liberals

2020 has been difficult for many, but the challenges we faced showed the strength of our local community. From giving up time to help the most vulnerable, to efforts to plant trees that will benefit Sevenoaks for generations to come, we can be proud of what our community has done this year.
COVID-19 underlined equalities in our society that many knew were there . It shouldn't have taken Marcus Rashford and a pandemic to remind the government how important it is that schoolchildren have enough to eat.

2021 must see all in our country supported as we work our way out of this crisis. Over three million UK workers including many self-employed or in small business were excluded from government support through no fault of their own. This New Year it is vital that we ensure no one is left stranded.

Our local community that stepped up to support food banks and back businesses on the High Street and elsewhere. The resilience and generosity of our community here in Sevenoaks should make us all proud.

For our long term future, 2021 must be a crucial year in the fight against climate change with the COP26 summit due to be held in Glasgow in November. Liberal Democrats will urge the government on ambitious policies to reduce Britain's carbon emissions, make electricity 80% renewable in a decade, insulate homes and end fuel poverty. Locally we will advocate more recycling schemes and backing more 20 mph speed limits around schools to promote safer streets for walkers and cyclists.

Housing will remain key for young people in Sevenoaks, with too many unable to afford to live in the community they love. Ensuring that people who grew up in Sevenoaks are able to find homes here should be on all our minds in the New Year.