Chinese Liberal Democrats: creating a bridge between the UK Chinese community and the Liberal Democrats
The Chinese Liberal Democrats, patrons Lord Paddy Ashdown and Sir Menzies Campbell, is an associated organisation of the Liberal Democrat Party. We exist to explore ways of reaching out to the Chinese community in the UK and to establish closer links with China.
You can read more about our activities below, or using the links on the left hand side. Remember, we rely on people joining to really make a difference!
"I want to wish everybody a happy and healthy new year. The dragon is a symbol of power and good luck and hopefully this is an auspicious sign for what will be a momentous year for London and the UK with the coming of the Olympics!
"I look forward to working closely with the Chinese community in the year to come. Chinese culture and business play an important role in London life and add to the richness and vibrancy of our city. At an EU level it is vital that greater links between China and Europe on trade and environmental issues are promoted. Increased diplomatic and business links will hopefully lead to a more open and liberal Chinese society.
Brian Paddick, Candidate for Mayor of London 2012 said:
"I would like to wish everyone in London and across the UK a very happy Chinese New Year and hope that 2012 will bring you all joy and success!
"I look forward to working with the Chinese community to help businesses thrive, improve public transport and make London a safer place by reducing crime and ensuring the safety of the millions of visitors we expect in this Olympic year. Should you elect me I will ensure that the issues of concern to the Chinese community are high on my agenda as Mayor of London.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Chinese communities in the UK and around the world a very happy New Year on what is the start of the most important festival in the Chinese Lunar calendar.
2012 is the Year of the Dragon, traditionally symbolising energy, vitality and enthusiasm: a spirit exemplified by the enduring contribution of the Chinese community's businesses inBritain. Up and down theUnited Kingdom, glorious festivals of music, of colour and of cuisine will brighten our towns and cities.
The Year of Dragon will come on 23 Jan this year. In Chinese thinking the Year of Dragon will be a good year. But for the global economy and global politics: "Will 2012 the year of Dragon be a peaceful and prosperous year? " No economist or political scientist can predict the future 100% totally correct. I also can't predict 100% correctly, but here are my honest predictions. I wish 2012 the year of Dragon will be a peaceful and prosperous year for everyone.
By David Bartram, reporter and Chinese Lib Dem executive member
We are set for a year of political upheaval in 2012 as the US and China, not to mention a whole host of other countries, hold elections or change their leadership.
Taiwan has already headed to the polls, returning the broadly China-friendly Ma Ying-jeou to office in a move likely to see cross-Strait relations continue to warm. This will be welcome news for both China and the US as both begin to prepare for their own political changes later in the year.
Invite and booking form for the Chinese Liberal Democrats Chinese New Year Dinner on Thursday 2nd February 2012 with Guest Speakers Sir Graham Watson MEP and Lord Tim Clement-Jones.
By Philip Ling, Parliamentary Candidate for Bromsgrove 2010 in UK Chinese Times
Last Saturday British TV presenter, newspaper columnist and "humourist" author, Jeremy Clarkson, made another of his now "infamous" comments in his Sun column. He has prided himself on being outspoken, politically incorrect and controversial. Previously he had said that 'public sector workers who went on strike in November should be "executed in front of their families"' on BBC's One Show. The latest 'joke' was regarding synchronised swimming and comparing the spectacle of the sport to Chinese Morecambe Bay cockle pickers (where at least 21 Chinese cockle pickers died in 2004 when they were caught in the rising tide at Bolton-le-Sands near Morecambe, Lancashire, when they were working illegally for a gangmaster.
Welcome back from your festive break and Happy New Year in 2012!
The new year began with news of the Queens New Year honours with two MBEs awarded to Dr Stephen Ng and Mr PingNam Lee. Many congratulations to these gentlemen for their contributions to the Chinese community in London and Cambridge respectively!
According to the lunar calendar, we will be entering the Year of the Dragon on 23rd January. To celebrate, Chinese Lib Dems will be holding our Chinese New Year dinner on 2 Feb at the Tuli Restaurant with our special guests Sir Graham Watson MEP and Lord Tim Clement-Jones.
Join us in ushering in the New Year of the Dragon at our annual Chinese New Year celebrations! Guest speakers Sir Graham Watson MEP and Lord Tim Clement-Jones.
12 course meal including wine at £38 per head (Lib Dem/CLD members) £48 (non members). Table discounts and concessions (students/unwaged) may apply.
The Leadership Programme, run by the Liberal Democrats, provides training and mentoring to under-represented groups in a bid to give minorities a better chance of becoming an MP.
Born in Edinburgh to a Chinese Malaysian father and Scottish mother, Sarah Yong 勇莎拉, was brought up in Somerset where she attended local state schools. A graduate from University of Sheffield in Politics and History Sarah is currently head of office for Tessa Munt MP.
