Why Roosevelt's New Deal was different from Johnson's New(ish) Deal

It is widely acknowledged that President Roosevelt's 'New Deal' (launched in 1933 in response to America's Great Economic Depression) was a huge social and economic success. So it is perhaps unsurprising that Prime Minister Johnson wants to ride on the great man's coattails by inviting comparisons with his own (less ambitious) 'New(ish) Deal'.

We are all familiar with the idea that we have an MP (Member of Parliament) who represents us in the Westminster Parliament, but many of us are confused about the other types of representation we enjoy. So here is our 'quick guide' to Parish, District and County Councils, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the National Parks Authority. These bodies are supposed to represent your, and your family's, best interests.

These are uncertain times, worrying and distressing in many ways, but also encouraging in terms of the community response with people rallying around to help each other. It is certain that there are many 'twists and turns' still to come in the story of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we should be careful not only to focus on the 'here and now'. We should also look to the future.

During the Second World War the great Liberal economist, William Beveridge, published his report which paved the way for the establishment of the Welfare State and the NHS. It was a report that received much discussion even during one of the darkest hours in our nation's history. We have a similar opportunity now to look for fundamental change in British society.

Today we publish a short survey looking at some of the options for the United Kingdom #postcovid19. We'd be very grateful for your assistance in telling us what you think the priorities for our country should be once we have mastered this dreadful virus. One thing is certain; if Liberal Democrats do not lead this discussion then the Conservatives will be looking for a 'return to normal'. We just don't think that the 'old normal' is good enough.

Thank you in anticipation of your assistance.

DEVON LIBERAL DEMOCRATS RAISE SAFETY QUESTIONS BEFORE CHILDREN RETURN TO SCHOOL

Devon Liberal Democrat councillors have asked 15 key questions about safety for children and staff before schools re-open across the County.

They submitted the questions to Devon County Council as concerns continue to be raised about the arrangements for schools to open for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children and the safety for both staff and pupils.

Today on the ITV early show 'Good Morning Britain' Piers Morgan suggested that the Conservative Government would, in the future, be found 'criminally negligent' for allowing the clearing of NHS beds by returning elderly patients to care homes, without testing them for COVID-19.

As we look back with quiet pride on VE Day (Victory in Europe), which 75 years ago marked a victory over a global menace, it is a sad tragedy that we are fighting our own battle with another global menace. We should look back with pride. Not in a narrow nationalistic way, for that is what the victory was, a victory over narrow, divisive, exceptionalist, 'ein reich' nationalism as championed by the Nazis. No we should look back with pride for standing firm for our liberal values of individual freedom, fairness, compassion and truth.

^{Potholes big problem in Taw Ward, Mid Devon.}

Just before the COVID-19 lockdown your Liberal Democrat Focus Team undertook a survey in the Taw Ward (Mid Devon) of the issues facing residents and their families.

Parishioners in Coldridge, Down St Mary, Nymet Rowland, Wembworthy and Zeal Monachorum were asked for their views on the day-to-day problems they faced.

Our latest Party Political Broadcast can be found HERE