What times we live in. The SODEM team led by Steve have been outside my office with their cries of “Stop Brexit!” for the last two and a half years and earlier this week we came closer to doing that very thing. The vote was the biggest loss by a government ever and you, our members, contributed to that immensely. Each and every time we’ve asked you to get involved in the Brexit campaign over those last two and a half years you’ve stepped up to the plate and exceeded expectations. When the history of Brexit is written (if Tim Shipman isn’t already writing it!) the Liberal Democrats will be at the heart of it as having led the way from start to finish for a people’s vote and that’s because of YOU.

Theresa May's Brexit deal just lost in the Commons by 230 votes. This is huge - she's failed to convince her party, failed to convince Parliament and failed in her attempt to scaremonger MPs into backing her. It's the biggest loss in the Commons by a Government - ever.

Brexit is a national embarrassment.

It's time for the Prime Minister to pull her head out the sand and act with some responsibility. She has to take the threat of no deal Brexit off the table and call a People's Vote with the option to remain in the EU. It's the only sensible way out of this mess - we have to give the people, not the politicians, the final say. 

The media's been laser-focused on Theresa May's sinking Brexit deal. But today, 3 crucial bills have gone through the Lords, with significant Lib Dem input. We've helped secure legislation to:

• Protect the privacy of people who wear skirts
• Outlaw exploitative letting fees
• Allow people to go about their lives without the Government butting in

Theresa May's botched Brexit deal goes to the Commons tomorrow night, and its chances are looking slim.

A Lords motion regretting the damage Brexit would do and rejecting no deal has passed by a stonking 169 votes.

Stonking majority of 169 in Lords defeating govt - 321 to 152 - with Opposition motion rejecting Brexit ‘no-deal’ & saying WA/PD damaging.
Glad to work on this, in conjunction with @RichardNewby3, with @HayteratLords & @LadyBasildon & others across the House

— Sarah Ludford 🔶 #FBPE #FinalSayontheDeal (@SarahLudford) 14 January 2019

Two and a half years ago, on the steps of Downing Street, the Prime Minister promised to tackle society’s burning injustices.

My constituents elected me to fight for a People’s Vote and to keep our Union together.

I was glad to hear it. We could argue all day why people voted to Leave. But at the heart of it for many was a loss of faith in the basic promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, you’ll get on in life.

But nothing has changed for those the Prime Minister vowed to help. The government's been far too busy making a mess of Brexit while Jeremy Corbyn has sat back and let it happen. And what are we left with?

For more than two years, the Liberal Democrats have been leading the fight on Brexit. And it’s working - a year ago, less than 20% of the British people wanted a final say – now a majority of the public want to have their say.

The Prime Minister has spent 18 months putting together a compromise Brexit deal that doesn’t deliver on what the Brexiteers promised and pleases no one. 

Theresa May is making a mess out of Brexit and her deal is a national humiliation.

No deal Brexit could mean road closures and gridlock at Portsmouth International Port. Three times as many lorries could pass through, causing disruption and pollution.

The Government is trying to force Theresa May's Brexit deal through Parliament - it's not working.

This is yet another display of Government incompetence. It's taking a 'Dad’s Army' approach to no deal preparations.

Across the UK, we are asking teams to head out onto the doorsteps and campaign for a final say on the weekend of 12/13th January, just a few days before Parliament votes on Theresa May’s disastrous deal.

It is clear Brexit is a national embarrassment and the Conservatives are making an absolute mess of it.

And as much of the polling shows, more and more people agree with us - in December alone 30,000 people joined our campaign for an Exit from Brexit.

But with so few days left before the vote, we need urgently to ramp up our campaign and that's why we need you to head out on the doorstep.

The past few years have seen the worst refugee crisis since the Second World war, as conflict in places like Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Eritrea have forced many thousands of refugees to flee for their lives.

Just 239 of these refugees have attempted to cross the Channel and find refuge in Britain this winter.

As we enter 2019, time is ticking down on Brexit, and with it the whole future of the country.

The history books will look back on these coming three months as critical.It is almost unbelievable that Parliament is waiting a further week to return! 

The 2018 edition of Ad Lib Magazine is out now. Read it here:

Read the latest edition

This Christmas, I have worked with St Giles Trust to learn more about the gang culture which is fuelling knife crime and tragically costing young people their lives. St Giles works directly with those affected, providing education, mentoring and support to fill the void into which gangs otherwise slip.

In the film, I discuss the causes of knife crime with Liam, a St Giles Project Co-ordinator. And we hear the incredibly brave voice of Sophie Kafeero whose own son, Derick, was killed last year – now she is campaigning with her local MP, Ed Davey, to take knives off the street.

As we sit down to our Christmas festivities, I hope the film helps to remind us of those who have lost someone; who have an empty chair at their Christmas table. And helping charities like St Giles is one way we can make a difference.

Since learning of Paddy Ashdown's death last night people have been taking to social media to share their memories of this incredible man.

We've collected a few of those memories of Paddy from members, supporters and the public at large here. You can also share your memories of Paddy and add your name to the book of condolence here: www.libdems.org.uk/book-of-condolence-paddy-ashdown

Earlier this evening, Paddy Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats passed away following a short illness.

Our thoughts are with Jane and Paddy’s family this evening.  

This is a hugely sad day for the Liberal Democrats and for the very many people across political and public life who had immense affection and respect for Paddy.

Throughout 2018, Jeremy Corbyn has refused to fight this chaotic, disastrous Brexit.

He has pulled his punches on this Brexit mess. He has let Theresa May off the hook in key votes. He has resisted calls within his own party for a People's Vote. His weak opposition has helped the Conservatives get this far.

The vast majority of Labour voters would prefer to stay in the EU and Labour members demanded support for a People's Vote at their party conference. Still Jeremy has fudged his position time and again.

The country deserves real Brexit opposition.

He's now admitted that if he won an election he would continue this chaos by going to Brussels and trying to secure his own version of Brexit.

His supporters deserve better.

Liberal Democrats are the real opposition on Brexit. We have taken the fight to the Conservatives where Corbyn has not. We are wholly dedicated to giving the people the final say on the Brexit deal, and the option to remain.

We're leading a cross party movement to challenge Theresa May, while Jeremy Corbyn plays at Parliamentary theatrics with his defective no-confidence vote in the PM.

The fight isn't over - and we can't wait for Jeremy Corbyn.

Liberal Democrats are leading the Exit from Brexit campaign. Brexit is not inevitable - it is not a done deal.

We are winning the fight for a People's Vote with the option to stay in the EU. 

If you believe in our cause join the fight against Brexit now.

With the end of year fast approaching I wanted to take the opportunity to let you know of some of the achievements of the Brexit campaign.