Robin Lawrence writes to South West Voters

7.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Jul 2009

Robin Lawrence

Robin Lawrence, Wolverhampton South West's Liberal Democrat candidate at the next General Election, has written to thousands of voters in the constituency about current issues of the day and asking for their opinions. His letter said:

"The last couple of months have seen the Liberal Democrats lead the way on a number of important issues from Gurkha rights, Identity Cards, Trident, the Iraq inquiry and the reform of Parliamentary expenses.

In Wolverhampton we have also been calling for the Council to help improve the local economy by buying goods and services locally, improving our environment by making Wolverhampton Carbon Neutral by 2035 and tackling the housing crisis by bringing empty homes back into use.

I am extremely proud that Liberal Democrats have been standing up to this failing Labour Government. It is right that the Gurkha soldiers who fought so bravely for our country should have the right to reside in the UK.

I opposed the introduction of Identity Cards, the War on Iraq and the replacement of Trident. I am pleased the Government has given into Liberal Democrat pressure and will not be introducing compulsory Identity Cards, will now have to have some of the Iraq War Inquiry in public and look set to back down on replacing Trident.

I know many of you agreed with me on these big issues with so many local residents signing my petitions or contacting me to express their views.

On the expenses scandal many MPs have paid back money they have claimed, from us the taxpayer, including the local Labour MP Rob Marris who has paid back £4,600 but will not explain why! It is not right. The Liberal Democrats have been calling for a proper overhaul of the system and were the only party to consistently vote to have the expenses published under the Freedom of Information Act.

It is time for you to have your say - we should have a General Election now. If you agree with me over the need for an election or on the Gurkhas, Identity Cards, Trident or expenses please return the form.

Yours Sincerely

Councillor Robin Lawrence

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Wolverhampton South West

PS - It is the Liberal Democrats leading the way, the Conservatives are happy to oppose Labour without putting forward any positive alternatives."

The Reply form asked voters to put yes or No to these statements:

There should be a General Election this Autumn

Trident submarines and their nuclear weapons should not be replaced

Plans for Identity Cards should be abandoned

The Lib Dems were right to demand that retired Gurkha soldiers should have the right to live in the UK

The local Labour MP should explain why he has paid back £4,600 he had from his expense claims