Our society is a brilliant one. Our democratic system goes back hundreds of years and we are committed to the fair rule of law. We have a fantastic tradition of education, creativity and innovation.

We have incredibly strong institutions. This is clear in the fact our National Health Service has bent over backwards to support us through this pandemic. As much as possible we contribute to key international organisations to support a cooperative global system.

Soaring temperatures worldwide, flash flooding in central London and increasing numbers of wildfires. These are just a few ecological disasters we are seeing as a result of climate change. It is painfully obvious we must act.

We need to be ambitious. It is only by working with every single nation across the globe that we can hope to take on this challenge.

Many councils have told the Government that they are happy to welcome Afghans to the UK, but the Government must fully-fund the costs of relocating. Chelmsford Council Leader Stephen Robinson has written a letter, signed by other Lib Dem Council Leaders, to the Minister for Local Government

The letter reminds the Minister of the housing crisis in most parts of the country, and how benefit levels don't meet actual rent costs. So the Government must cover these additional costs plus the costs to councils of helping to support these new residents.

Chelmsford is celebrating positive youth culture and taking a stand against knife crime. The national monument to knife violence comes to Chelmsford's Central Park on 6th September 2021 and a youth award scheme has been launched.

Commented Chelmsford Lib Dem Leader Stephen Robinson, "As part of our aim to deliver a safer Chelmsford, my Lib Dem colleagues have worked hard to secure support to bring the Knife Angel sculpture to Chelmsford.

Chelmsford has welcomed five families who have escaped the chaos in Afghanistan. They are sponsored by the UK Government, as part of the project to relocate people who have worked to help keep British troops safe.

Said Lib Dem Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Stephen Robinson, "I am happy to welcome these new families and I've been overwhelmed by the kind offers of support from residents of Chelmsford. The staff at their temporary location have been fantastic in providing all food and other essentials. The Red Cross emergency response team have been on site supporting them.

Chelmsford City Council wants bids from local people and groups, to combat climate change and improve community infrastructure. The Lib Dem-led council is making a greener Chelmsford a top priority.

Environmental funding to help make Chelmsford greener

Greener Chelmsford Grants make £100,000 available for projects that address the climate and ecological emergency in Chelmsford. Applications are more likely to be successful if they are for projects which protect and enhance wildlife and green infrastructure, lower energy consumption, reduce waste or lower carbon emissions. These are the priorities set out by the council for addressing climate change and ecological crises.

Britain must lead the way by acting now to protect our natural environment, clean up our air and cut our carbon emissions.

We really can't wait for the Govt to get their act together. We need a national climate action plan NOW - to complement the work we are already doing in places like Chelmsford. (See the Chelmsford City Council Climate Action Plan.)