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| Jessie Venegas for the Lib Dems |
The Lib Dems have never finished higher than a distant third in Hammersmith in a Parliamentary election but, if you're a firm Remainer, the Lib Dems could be a good tactical vote.
We asked Jessie to answer a few questions about why the people of Hammersmith should offer her their vote today. If you haven't voted, and you are still undecided, read on.
What are the issues facing Hammersmith in this election?
Knocking on doors in Hammersmith, Brexit is at the forefront of many conversations. For many it is an identity crisis, for others a financial risk; but most importantly it is a lack of faith in our current two-party system.
Many residents are worried about the increase in crime rates; in particular knife crime, and the dismantling of social services through aggressive cuts. I know residents who feel they have nobody to turn to when they are the victims of crime as police services are so stretched.
Many others worry about the NHS and the impact Brexit will have on nursing staff and the risk a trade deal with the US could pose. Nobody wants to see our beloved NHS sold off bit by bit to American corporations and faith in the two party system to prevent this is at an all time low.
Brexit was decided in the referendum - why campaign against it?
The referendum was won by a majority of just over a million people. Over 3 million people living legally in the UK did not have the right to vote. I didn’t have a voice then and feel it is right to speak out now that I am a British citizen.
The rhetoric used by certain branches of the Leave campaign centred around demonising immigration. I think many people don’t understand how it feels to be an immigrant in the UK while politicians use you as a political punch bag. I decided I needed to speak out after reading an opinion piece on a UK newspaper where Polish immigrants were described as cockroaches. I knew then that immigrants like me needed a public voice as we could not afford to stay silent.
For many of us, fighting against Brexit is about fighting for our place within mind British society and fighting to be treated with dignity. This issue has opened up a can of worms and exposed horrible undercurrents of racism and xenophobia.
Andy Slaughter has a big majority; Can the LibDems really hope to win?
A lot has happened since the last election. It is not like the Labour Party get to carry the votes from the previous election to the new one. Everyone starts from zero. I am not naive and looking at the polls I realise that it is a big challenge. However, we did win in Hammersmith during the European elections and people could vote for us again. In the end it comes down to voters. I have just put myself forward. In the end in the it comes down to whether people genuinely want change or they want to keep electing the same tired political class.
What makes the LibDems different?
We have a simple message, Stop Brexit. That is equally true in London as it is Birmingham. We know there is no better deal than the one we already have. We realise that not everyone sees what we see but we don’t change our message depending on the constituency like the Labour Party. We stand up for what we believe and hope we can eventually bring people around. If we do not win a majority we will support a people’s vote and campaign to Remain. Our party is completely united on this issue.
The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com. And don't forget to add your opinion in the comments section below.
What are the issues facing Hammersmith in this election?
Knocking on doors in Hammersmith, Brexit is at the forefront of many conversations. For many it is an identity crisis, for others a financial risk; but most importantly it is a lack of faith in our current two-party system.
Many residents are worried about the increase in crime rates; in particular knife crime, and the dismantling of social services through aggressive cuts. I know residents who feel they have nobody to turn to when they are the victims of crime as police services are so stretched.
Many others worry about the NHS and the impact Brexit will have on nursing staff and the risk a trade deal with the US could pose. Nobody wants to see our beloved NHS sold off bit by bit to American corporations and faith in the two party system to prevent this is at an all time low.
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| Jessie Venegas and supporters |
The referendum was won by a majority of just over a million people. Over 3 million people living legally in the UK did not have the right to vote. I didn’t have a voice then and feel it is right to speak out now that I am a British citizen.
The rhetoric used by certain branches of the Leave campaign centred around demonising immigration. I think many people don’t understand how it feels to be an immigrant in the UK while politicians use you as a political punch bag. I decided I needed to speak out after reading an opinion piece on a UK newspaper where Polish immigrants were described as cockroaches. I knew then that immigrants like me needed a public voice as we could not afford to stay silent.
For many of us, fighting against Brexit is about fighting for our place within mind British society and fighting to be treated with dignity. This issue has opened up a can of worms and exposed horrible undercurrents of racism and xenophobia.
Andy Slaughter has a big majority; Can the LibDems really hope to win?
A lot has happened since the last election. It is not like the Labour Party get to carry the votes from the previous election to the new one. Everyone starts from zero. I am not naive and looking at the polls I realise that it is a big challenge. However, we did win in Hammersmith during the European elections and people could vote for us again. In the end it comes down to voters. I have just put myself forward. In the end in the it comes down to whether people genuinely want change or they want to keep electing the same tired political class.
What makes the LibDems different?
We have a simple message, Stop Brexit. That is equally true in London as it is Birmingham. We know there is no better deal than the one we already have. We realise that not everyone sees what we see but we don’t change our message depending on the constituency like the Labour Party. We stand up for what we believe and hope we can eventually bring people around. If we do not win a majority we will support a people’s vote and campaign to Remain. Our party is completely united on this issue.
The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com. And don't forget to add your opinion in the comments section below.
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