A Year of Breakthroughs: Ed Davey Vows to Protect British Values from Farage and Trump in New Year Address

​In a defiant and hopeful New Year message, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has celebrated a year of historic momentum, vowing to remain the strongest bulwark against the rise of Farage-style populism and the influence of Donald Trump.

​Speaking from Westminster Bridge, Sir Ed reflected on a transformative 2025 for the Liberal Democrats—a year defined by record-breaking local election results, legislative victories, and a steadfast commitment to the UK’s relationship with Europe.

​Standing Up for British Decency
​Sir Ed used his address to draw a clear line between the Liberal Democrat vision of a fair, open society and the "Trumpian" politics currently being imported by Nigel Farage and Reform UK.

​“We are taking the fight to Nigel Farage—and we are winning,” Sir Ed declared. “Our mission is clear: to stop Trump’s America from becoming Farage’s Britain. We are fighting to protect our NHS, our environment, and the very civility of our national heart.”

​The message highlighted the party's consistent record over the last twelve months, including:
​Defeating the Blue and Red Walls: Beating both Labour and the Conservatives in local elections to become the real alternative in communities across the country.
​Legislative Wins: Leading the charge in Parliament in areas such as progress on environmental protections, domestic abuse, and puppy smuggling.
​Global Leadership: Opposing Donald Trump’s damaging tariffs and advocating for an end to the "abhorrent" conflict in Gaza.

​Leading the Way Back to Europe
​A central pillar of the party’s success in 2025 has been its courageous stance on trade. Sir Ed hailed the work of Dr. Al Pinkerton MP, whose bill to move the UK toward a Customs Union with the EU cleared its first major hurdle in December.

​The bill, which passed its first reading in a dramatic tie-break vote, represents the most significant step toward fixing our broken relationship with Europe since 2016. With the second reading scheduled for January 16, the Liberal Democrats are positioned as the only party with a credible plan to end the cost-of-living crisis by slashing red tape for British businesses.

The Local Champions 
​While national polls remain volatile, Sir Ed pointed to the "gold standard" of electoral success: actual votes cast. In 2025, the
 Liberal Democrats:
1.Gained an extra 163 council seats and took control of three new local authorities.
2.​Won more council by-elections than any other party.
-3.Proved that where Liberal Democrats work hard locally, they win.

​Looking ahead to the 2026 elections in Scotland, Wales, and England, Sir Ed urged voters to choose a "happy and hopeful" future over the politics of division.

Watch full speech:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AAUXjhgvM/ 

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