foreword
Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon
It was 14 years ago when I went round the UK visiting people, places and projects to rediscover the 'real' Britain that we lived in, rather than the imagined country, coated in Westminster presumptions, that politicians are so often fond of describing. My conclusions then are not so different now; that central government cannot, and does not, provide all the answers. How we can lead happier, healthier and safer lives comes from building successful partnerships in society and communities. It is worth quoting from my observations at the time:
"What hope there is in Britain is to be found not in our formal national institutions, but in our informal and voluntary structures and, especially, in our local communities. What has struck me is how often I have found solutions being practically worked out at local level to problems which seem to us in Westminster to be insoluble."
'Beyond Westminster - finding hope in Britain' (1994)
Now over a decade later I am sure there is much changed, much improved and sadly, much still to be done. I am proud though, as a Liberal Democrat, to read here more stories of communities and individuals finding their own solutions suiting their unique circumstances - and more, achieving improvements often in the face of bureaucratic or central government intransigence or cynicism.
Liberal Democrats have a proud record of leading and running local councils at the forefront of public policy, and yet still retain the essential features of a group who are determined to remain close to the people they serve. Councillors are, after all, first and foremost dedicated volunteers from their own communities, often working full time jobs in addition to their political work. I believe there is still possibility for much hope and improvement in our country - and with these inspiring examples, much for us to learn and encourage others to adopt.
Paddy Ashdown, March 2007