Chinese Lib Dems looks back at historic year and forwards to the future

Duncan Hames MP addressed the AGM of the Chinese Liberal Democrats (CLD) at Camden Town Hall on Monday night (28 Nov).

Hames spoke of his experiences of life as a new MP, and also of a recent trip to China as part of the China-UK Young Leaders Roundtable. He said that building closer ties with China was important for Britain and that both countries can work together on issues such as the environment.

The meeting was led by CLD chair Merlene Emerson, who was re-elected to her post along with most of the existing executive committee. Philip Ling was re-elected as Treasurer, Yeing-Lang Crouch as Membership Secretary and journalist, David Bartram, joined the committee to assist with communications and PR.

Merlene Emerson said: "I am delighted to have been given the mandate to continue as Chair for another year. To date we have been working on campaigns with partner organisations such as BC Project and Citizens UK to encourage wider political participation by our community.

"We also plan to continue our outreach in major cities outside of London such as Birmingham, Sheffield and Manchester to encourage more British Chinese to put themselves forward for future elections. There will of course be free training and support from us" added Emerson.

Also present at the meeting was Vice-Chair Linda Chung, councillor for Hampstead Town, who talked about the need to better engage young Chinese immigrants with the community.

The committee expressed hope that the Liberal Democrats could take a more prominent role in the All Party Parliamentary Groups such as the China Group and the Chinese in Britain Group.

The committee also praised the achievement of Cllr Helen Chuah, who earlier this year became the first Chinese Liberal Democrat Mayor in the UK when she was inaugurated in Colchester.

A small budgetary surplus was announced for the year, with plans discussed to invest it in more CLD literature and in future campaigns.

Sir Graham Watson MEP was confirmed as CLD Honorary President of CLD. He will also be the guest speaker for the Chinese New Year dinner scheduled for 2 Feb 2012 to usher in the Year of the Dragon.