Cambridge University Liberal Democrats

Cambridge University Liberal Democrats is a student organisation at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Liberal Democrats and aiming to promote Liberalism and Social liberalism among students. The society has a long history of engaging with prominent Liberal Democrats such as Nick Clegg, Vince Cable, and Tim Farron. As a member of the National Union of Students, the society participates in national campaigns and events, including the National Union of Students conference. The society also collaborates with other student organisations, such as the Oxford University Liberal Democrats and the London School of Economics Liberal Democrats.

● History

The Cambridge University Liberal Democrats have their roots in the Cambridge University Liberal Club, which was established in the late 19th century. Over the years, the society has undergone several transformations, including a merger with the Social Democratic Party in the 1980s, resulting in the formation of the Liberal Democrats. The society has hosted numerous events and speakers, including Paddy Ashdown, Charles Kennedy, and Menzies Campbell. In recent years, the society has been involved in various campaigns, such as the 2010 United Kingdom general election and the 2016 European Union referendum, working closely with Liberal Democrat MPs like Julian Huppert and Lynne Featherstone. The society has also engaged with other student organisations, including the University of Cambridge Conservative Association and the Cambridge University Labour Club.

● Organisation

The Cambridge University Liberal Democrats is a member-led organisation, with a committee elected annually by its members. The society is affiliated with the Liberal Democrats and receives support from the Liberal Democrat Federal Party. The society has a number of sub-groups, including a Policy Committee and a Campaigns Committee, which focus on specific issues such as Environmentalism and LGBT rights. The society also has links with other Liberal Democrat organisations, including the Young Liberals and the Liberal Democrat European Group. The society's activities are often supported by Liberal Democrat peers, such as Baroness Williams of Crosby and Lord Tope.

● Activities

The Cambridge University Liberal Democrats engage in a range of activities, including Debating, Campaigning, and Social events. The society hosts regular debates and discussions on topics such as Brexit, Climate change, and Social justice, featuring speakers like Caroline Lucas and Natalie Bennett. The society also participates in national campaigns, such as the Liberal Democrats' General Election campaign and the People's Vote campaign, working closely with Liberal Democrat MPs like Ed Davey and Jo Swinson. In addition, the society organises social events, including Quiz nights and Charity fundraisers, often in collaboration with other student organisations, such as the Cambridge University Student Union and the Graduate Union.

● Notable Members

The Cambridge University Liberal Democrats have a number of notable alumni, including Nick Clegg, the former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Julian Huppert, the former Member of Parliament for Cambridge. Other notable members include Lembit Öpik, the former Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire, and Sarah Teather, the former Member of Parliament for Brent Central. The society has also been involved in the careers of other prominent Liberal Democrats, such as Tim Farron and Vince Cable, who have spoken at society events. The society's members have also gone on to work for organisations like the Institute for Public Policy Research and the Centre for European Reform.

● Elections

The Cambridge University Liberal Democrats participate in the University of Cambridge student elections, as well as national elections, such as the United Kingdom general elections and the European Parliament elections. The society has a strong track record of campaigning and has helped to elect Liberal Democrat candidates, including Julian Huppert and Lynne Featherstone. The society also works closely with the Liberal Democrats' national campaign team, providing support and volunteers for national campaigns. In recent years, the society has been involved in campaigns such as the 2019 European Parliament election and the 2019 United Kingdom general election, working with Liberal Democrat candidates like Lucy Nethsingha and Rod Cantrill. The society's members have also been involved in local campaigns, such as the Cambridge City Council election and the Cambridgeshire County Council election.

Category:University of Cambridge student organisations