MerleneEmerson

My book review of "Ending Wars" co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley on @libdemvoice www.libdemvoice.org/review-of-en...

Reading @nytimes.com article on Hegseth's secret balls, blocked promotions and war on #diversity. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/19/u...

Interested in conflict resolution? Here's @merlenee.bsky.social review of “Ending Wars” A facinating insight co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley www.libdemvoice.org/review-of-en... Review first printed @libdemvoice.org #conflictresolution #endingwars #peaceonearth

Corporate conscience starts here! www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/o...

Missed our Global Conversation with Lord John Alderdice? The recording is now available. Watch this sensitive discussion on trade, diplomacy and peace-building in divided societies. Watch here 👇 thepaddyashdownforum.org/event/global... #GlobalTrade #PeaceBuilding #Respect

Happy New Year!

That’s 2025 wrapped. Record-breaking local election wins. Leading the charge on the NHS and care, sewage and the cost of living. Taking the fight to Farage and Trump. And we’re ready for more in 2026… 🔶

Just learnt a new word "screenagers" www.nytimes.com/2025/12/25/b...

Today we remember Paddy Ashdown on the anniversary of his death, a leader of rare courage, conviction and humanity. Paddy believed politics should be rooted in liberal values, internationalism & a deep sense of public service. At the Paddy Ashdown Forum we continue to honour his legacy.

⏳ Today is the last day to register your interest in joining our board of directors Are you ready? then please apply to: eleanor.rhodes@thepaddyashdownforum.org with your cv & covering letter highlighting why this unique opportunity feels like the right next step for you.

Today as we remember one of our co-founders, Robert Woodthorpe-Browne, we focus on his values which are essential for todays world: cooperation across borders, democratic engagement, & constructive dialogue in the service of the common good. We will keep building on what he helped to begin. #peace

Lord John Alderdice delivered a Remembrance Lecture today full of the wisdom that comes from experience. “There is no formula for ending wars ” he said, drawing parallels with modern scientific systems theory and complexity thinking. New thinking is needed, and the ‘peace ecosystem’ must adapt.

🎯 Davey is spot on. "We can have criticism of the BBC, but within that, we need to recognise how valuable an institution it is [and how] precious to our country. And that's one of the reasons why people like President Trump and Nigel Farage, want to undermine the BBC." 👏🏽~AA

What is happening in the US atm is unprecedended and unbelievable. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

If you're just waking, it's been a good night for Democrats across the US, with voters rejecting Trump nationwide. 🎉 Mamdani's comfortable win in New York, on the highest turnout since 1969, provides further proof that you don't have to pander to the right to win. news.sky.com/story/zohran...

A huge thank you to Stuart BroadleyHon FEI, CEO of Energy Industries Council, for sharing his expertise and insights at our event, Fuelling the Future. A vital conversation on energy. ⚡️ If you missed the live event, don’t worry! 🎥 You can watch the full recording here: youtu.be/4dLJLn-yCSM

🌟We’re growing — come join us! The Paddy Ashdown Forum is looking for a Director to join the board. Work with passionate people, tackle exciting challenges, and make an impact. 📍 Flexible ⏰ Approx. 5–8 hrs a month 🗓️ Deadline: 5/12/2025 Sound like you? 🔗https://thepaddyashdownforum.org/fundamentals/

East Timor has been admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the group's first expansion since the 1990s.

Please read the article by @nhannahjones.bsky.social in @nytimes.com . The conflation of civil rights and DEI under Trump2.0 is both sinister and dangerous.

Quick, get your tickets for "Fuelling the Future" our next Global Conversations & gain new insights from this power filled discussion! 📅 21st Oct 2025 🕑 13:00-14:00 📌 ONLINE 🔗 Tickets Free but Limited. BOOK NOW! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fuelling-t... #EnergyEfficiency #energymarkets #NetZero #power

Ming Campbell was a dedicated public servant and a true Liberal giant. His principled leadership opposing the Iraq War was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom. But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague. We will miss him terribly.

Attending #worldoceansummit in #Cascais. Read my blog www.linkedin.com/posts/merlen...

How do we fight the far right’s malevolent influence on our country? @robblackie.bsky.social has some ideas… www.libdemvoice.org/how-to-fight...

Road trip to Somerset @paddyforum.bsky.social www.linkedin.com/posts/merlen...

Brilliant book launch by #NickClegg at Union Chapel last night in the style of fireside chat with @kamalahmednews.bsky.social. Nick's time at Facebook/Meta now chronicled for posterity as he advocates against a fractured internet. #ai #geopolitics #liberalism

Delighted to celebrate 58th #ASEAN Day with colleagues from ASEAN UK Business Forum, VictoriaCollins MP and Chair @paddyforum.bsky.social on 8.8.25 at the #Malaysian High Commission in London

Guess what -- I made it to the summit of Mt Fuji! It was a wet and misty start and I was really worried that the climb would be cancelled. But thankfully day 2 was dry and sunny. Thanks for putting your faith in me to deliver on this expedition in aid of @paddyforum.bsky.social gofund.me/bed0bd8e

Checked into Toyoko Inn favoured by Mt Fuji climbers. But weather forecast has not been great.

@merlenee.bsky.social our Merlene the day before her journey begins, carbo-loading at Tsukiji Fishmarket. A food paradise for food professionals & mountain climbers! Please donate to this wonderful cause gofund.me/d80fde95 #Fundraiser #MountFuji #EveryStepCounts #FoodParadise

Landed in Tokyo....in readiness for my epic #MtFuji climb in aid of @paddyforum.bsky.social gofund.me/bed0bd8e

I have started a @gofundme.com page to support @paddyforum.bsky.social . Please follow and support my climb of #MtFuji ! Why This Climb? Because climbing a mountain is nothing compared to bridging global divides. www.gofundme.com/f/bridging-e...

On now!

🇪🇺 56% of Brits think the decision to leave the EU was the wrong one. 2️⃣ ✖️ Almost double the number of those who believe it was the right choice.

The Chancellor has delivered her Spending Review. Any questions? Join us tomorrow morning to learn whether it's delivered for middle Britain ⤵️ buff.ly/CqKcssE 🗣️ Andy King, ‪@drhannahwhite.bsky.social‬‬, @rachelsylvester.bsky.social‬, @jamessmithrf.bsky.social‬ and @ruthcurtice.bsky.social‬.

Well that's worrying.... #Ai #Aihype #LLM www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

My recent blog covering, amongst other things, a Round Table discussion on the #Indo-Pacific region and Singapore's #Shangri-la Dialogues via @paddyforum thepaddyashdownforum.org/blog/2025/06...

We’re honoured to have Vince Cable offer his thoughts on the forthcoming Spending Review, and he is, perhaps, somewhat generous towards Rachel Reeves and her strategy… www.libdemvoice.org/what-rachel-...

My blog on the #IndoPacific www.libdemvoice.org/where-for-th...

🌏 Big moves at the 46th ASEAN Summit. PM Anwar unveils the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045—focused on sustainability, digital innovation & multipolar partnerships. 📍 ASEAN–China–GCC Summit | Geo-economics Task Force | Myanmar talks #ASEAN #KualaLumpurDeclaration #ASEAN2045

There's still time to cast your vote before 10pm. 🔶🗳 Vote Liberal Democrat to elect a councillor who will listen to your concerns, champion your community and fight for a Fair Deal for you and your family.

Japan, China, South Korea, ASEAN to expand currency swap programme, Nikkei says reut.rs/3YWXZZD

Steel, an environmental issue? Listen to Lesley Batchelor CBE discuss why steel is such an important part of our infrastructure on BBC Scotlands Breakfast Show. Recorded 12/04/2025 #BritishSteel #seekingsolutions

Lesley Batchelor CBE explains how successful international trade needs diverse skills and respect for cultural differences during the current escalating trade war. Recording from BBC Scotland Breakfast #USChinaRelations #CrossCulturalSkills #EconomicImpact www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

China knows how to "eat bitterness". Not US. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/o...

Reading www.ft.com/content/ebe9...

China's Xi courts Southeast Asia as Trump tariffs bite - https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-xi-jinping-asean-trump-tariffs-5062956

How much are tariffs on Chinese goods? www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

I’m honoured to have bn elected by voters of Castle Baynard ward to the Common Council of the City of London with my 7 Iceni Tribe colleagues. Here we are outside polling station as polls closed on 20 March.👇 I warmly thank all who voted for or helped us. Special thanks to Alderwoman Martha Grekos.

@johayes.bsky.social Congrats!

The British Irish Chamber of Commerce Financial and Professional Services Committee, in collaboration with the City of London Corporation, will be hosting the ‘Growth Unleashed’ - Realising the Potential of the UK - Ireland Relationship seminar on April 14th. www.eventbrite.com/e/1244787275...