MP Luciana Berger ‘overwhelmed’ by warm welcome in Lib Dems
'This is a moment of national crisis. The Liberal Democrats are unequivocal in wanting to stop Brexit,' Berger said
MP Luciana Berger, who joined the Liberal Democrats last week, said she was “overwhelmed” by the warm reception she received in her new party.
Berger told The Times she was extended a warm welcome in Jo Swinson’s party, which stood in “stark contrast” to her experience as a Labour MP.
The Liverpool Wavertree MP refused to confirm speculation she could run in London, telling the newspaper: “That’s not in my gift — that lies with the party.”
Berger was the second MP to join the Liberal Democrats last week, after Tory ex-minister Phillip Lee crossed the floor to the Lib Dem benches on Tuesday.
Berger quit Change UK in June, after defecting from Labour earlier this year. Previously, she was among seven MPs leaving Labour earlier this year, citing concerns about “institutional antisemitism.”
Speaking after joining the Lib Dems, she said: “This is a moment of national crisis. The Liberal Democrats are unequivocal in wanting to stop Brexit and are committed to securing Britain’s future as a tolerant, open and inclusive society.
“I am joining Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats today, in the national interest, to offer a vital, positive alternative to Johnson and Corbyn and help build a future that our country deserves.”
Lib Dem Leader Jo Swinson said she was “delighted” to welcome Berger into the fold.
“Luciana is a passionate advocate for women’s and LGBT+ rights, and she’s at the forefront of efforts to counter antisemitism and prevent discrimination,” she said.
“Luciana becomes the fourth MP in three months to cross the floor and join the Liberal Democrats. We’re thrilled to add her perspective, expertise and skills to our ever-growing parliamentary team.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
