The "Let Us be Heard" march in London on 19th October met its target of one million people, and there were great cheers in the streets outside Parliament when the government lost the vote on the Letwin Amendment. Lib Dems were present in large numbers, and prominent at the head of the march.

A number of Plymouth Lib Dems took part, and Sima Davarian, PPC for South West Devon, was in the group leading the march, just behind Caroline Voaden MEP.

Sarah Martin has been selected as the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Plymouth Moor View constituency.

Sarah has worked most of her life in marketing and communications, recently for the local NHS.

Like so many others Sarah only became a member of the Liberal Democrats following the 2016 referendum. She has been very active in local and national elections and was elected as a Saltash Town Councillor in 2018.

"After spending ten years of my life post-university working in Germany, and seeing how the movement of people, goods and services within Europe changed and enhanced our country's landscape, I was appalled to think that we had voted by such a narrow margin to leave.

"Three years later so many people feel politically homeless. The landscape we are faced with at Westminster has changed beyond all recognition, and the things that should be important to us are taking a back seat. That is unacceptable.

"As a country we need to move forward. Brexit has sapped enough of our energy but also our democratic power and needs to be put to bed with a second referendum, which must include the option to remain. Our success as a party in this year's local and European elections has shown how important that is to the general public.

"We need a renewed effort to get the Liberal voice heard in Moor View and to show a way forward out of the mire of current politics. Mostly I want to offer the residents of Moor View a more tolerant, outward-looking and positive future.

More photos from the protest yesterday in Plymouth against the suspension of parliament. Featuring Sima Davarian (Lib Dem PPC), Luke Pollard (Labour MP), Jane Stevenson (Yellow Rose Initiative, and Green Party).

Overall it was a very positive experience, with people from different parties and organizations in Devon and Cornwall meeting and networking.

There was a fantastic turnout in Plymouth city centre, to protest against the suspension of Parliament. The actions of Johnson and Cummings are an attack on our democracy and must be stopped. Many groups supported the event, including Plymouth Lib Dems, Plymouth Labour, Devon For Europe, Plymouth Greens, Extinction Rebellion Plymouth, concerned local citizens, and more.

Earlier today protesters gathered outside the local office of Geoffrey Cox MP, Tavistock. Cox is the Attorney General and close colleague and legal advisor of Boris Johnson. After speeches there, the protesters went to the square, for photos and further short speeches from Labour and Lib Dem members.
The protest ranged wide in age and politics, with some obvious Lib Dems and Labour, Green party and non party placards against the coup. There were Devon for Europe badges too.
Lib Dem David Chalmers, was interviewed by Spotlight. David is Parliamentary Spokesman for Torridge & West Devon, and Chair of the Lib Dem European Group.
In the square the crowd assembled for photos, then the political banners arrived, with the bright red Torridge and West Devon Labour flag, flanked by long white Lib Dem banners reading "Stop the Coup!" and "Save Our Democracy".
There is a letter going to Geoffrey Cox, and some clipboard people were collecting signatures. The clipboards seemed to be getting "sign ups" from passers by as well as protesters. There was no sign of hostility to the protest.

If you wish to stand against Johnson's attempt to force through a No Deal Brexit, then join in on Saturday from 11am at the Sundial in Plymouth city centre.

However, this is about more than Brexit - it is an affront on Democracy and Parliament.

The "March for Change" in London on Saturday, 20th July, was not as big as some others, it being holiday season and short notice, but it was more enjoyable, with more room for people to walk easily, and even dance down the street.

At the Dorchester at 1100, there were a few Lib Dems gathering, but we missed a big Lib Dem photoshoot, as we went to the head of the march for the start.
Along the way sprinkles of bright yellow Lib Dem T shirts and placards were visible, in ones and twos, and small groups. All of them had the same simple unequivocal message, Stop Brexit. There were other groups and parties with their own slogans and placards, but none so visible and straightforward and direct as the Lib Dems.

Whilst the Conservative party horrify the world with their very public shambles of a leadership contest, LibDems brought us their quieter and better quality version at their leadership hustings on last Friday night, 21st June.
The two contestants are Ed Davey and Jo Swinson, introduced by Lord Teverson, and they were speaking to a packed room at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel. Nearly 250 members from around the South West attended.

We want to say thank you to everyone who has helped over the course of the EU election campaign, as well as to everyone who has supported us and voted for us (in both the Local and EU elections).

In the EU election, the Lib Dems came second nationally, with over 20% of the vote. That makes us the leading party of remain. Plymouth tends to be a tough area for us as a party, but we have made gains here over the last couple of years. Impressively, we also came second in Plymouth, gaining 14% of the vote. This shows that our efforts, both locally and nationally, are succeeding. Our clear position on wanting to remain a member of the EU, combined with our reputation for progressive policies, in areas such as the environment and mental health, are clearly resonating with the public.

The Liberal Democrats passionately believe that the UK will have a brighter and better future if we remain a member of the EU. At a time when nationalism and populism are on the rise, it is vital that we continue to fight for a liberal, outward looking, inclusive society. We have been campaigning hard in Plymouth, across the South West, and throughout the rest of the UK, in the run up to the EU Election. We will continue to stand up for the values that others wish to erode.

Join the winning team

Following our record-breaking victories in the recent council elections, and our clear EU election polling as the leading party of remain, we would love you to join us. Alternatively, you could become a supporter and help out with the forthcoming European Elections and beyond. The EU elections have never been more important than they are right now.

Plymouth Lib Dems are campaigning in the South West with a clear Stop Brexit message for the EU elections. Today a group of us helped in Totnes, canvassing and running a street stall with leading candidate Caroline Voaden. We have lots more planned in Plymouth and beyond, with members out canvassing and leafleting. We had a great response from residents and members of the public. The fact that we are polling so well, proves that we are the leading remain party. It is clear that the Lib Dems represent the best choice for voters who would like to remain a member of the EU.

Our campaigning for the EU elections is well underway, with a clear remain message. We have a great shortlist of candidates in the South West and Gibraltar constituency, with Caroline Voaden number 1 on the list. Caroline has previously stood as Parliamentary candidate in SW Devon.

In Plymouth, we are out canvassing and delivering leaflets. We are also helping the wider region with activity in areas such as South Hams and Totnes.

With the 2019 Council Elections over, I want to thank all members, supporters and those electors who voted Liberal Democrat. A particularly special message of thanks is due to all those who helped to deliver the Liberal Democrat message in Plymstock and Compton.

Finally, thanks to all our candidates, some of whom have achieved very encouraging results.

Our team of local members have been out campaigning over the last few weeks; dressed for all four seasons and spreading the liberal message. Our local policies include stopping tree loss, action on polluting vehicle emissions, helping the homeless, central government funding of the Tamar Bridge, and (of course) continuing our fight for a people's vote on the final Brexit deal.

Plymstock Dunstone - Sima Davarian

I'm a Plymothian to my core, having been born in Freedom Fields Hospital. I'm really proud of my diverse family background, with my maternal roots being traceable to Ireland and Germany, and my father having emigrated here from Iran several decades ago.

My childhood was based in Plymstock and I attended local primary and secondary schools before reading English Literature at Cardiff University. I have been fortunate enough to travel in some wonderful countries but Plymouth has always had my heart.

On Saturday 23rd March, a team of Plymouth Lib Dems joined party members from across the country at the Put It To The People (People's Vote) March. Over 1 million people took part in the event, making it a historically huge demonstration. With the government in a state of crisis, and the opinion of the public contuing to shift, a People's Vote on Brexit is more important than ever.

Plymouth Lib Dems are joining Cornwall Lib Dems to campaign for Central Government to fund the Torpoint Ferry and Tamar Bridge.

We are calling on the Government to adopt the Tamar Bridge and Ferries, abolish the tolls and fund the crossings through general taxation.

Sign the petition here to join our fight for a fair deal.