Lib Dems set up branch in France
British political party the Liberal Democrats have set up a dedicated French branch after the Brexit referendum result brought a surge in membership.
Liberal Democrats in France (libdemsinfrance.fr) is holding its inaugural annual general meeting in Paris on Wednesday February 1 at 18.00, chaired by Paul Fisher, a former navy commander and entrepreneur who has lived in the Corbières area of Occitanie since 2010.
Mr Fisher said he was among newcomers who joined the party as a direct result of the referendum result.
Up until now Lib Dem members in France had connected with the national party in the UK via the Brussels and Europe branch, he said. However “the referendum boosted membership in France massively and revived the enthusiasm and determination of all to such an extent it was felt that a Liberal Democrats in France branch should be set up.”
Mr Fisher visited Brussels to make arrangements to set up the branch. Its team of volunteers is in touch with the party in the UK while also working with Brussels and Europe to encourage creation of more branches on the continent.
“We want to ensure that the voice of British citizens living in France is heard back home,” Mr Fisher said.
The branch includes among its aims campaigning to support and enhance the rights of Britons in France and “supporting and campaigning for UK Liberal Democrat MPs and prospective MPs at election times who specifically and publically commit to staying in the EU”.
Mr Fisher said travelling the world in the navy taught him “people are people” and “we have to live in a global village together” and he believes in “liberté, égalité, fraternité”.
The Conservatives and Labour also have overseas branches – Labour International and Conservatives Abroad. See labourinternational.net (the ‘LI near you’ section lists French contacts) and conservativesabroad.org (see ‘Find your representative’).
