Justice, peace and hope: Thoughts at the end of 2017

On Tuesday this week I spent a fantastic hour at my oldest son's Christmas show. In one of the sketches the children spoke and sang of how the Christmas message is one of justice and peace - wise words from a group of under 11s and one we would all do well to reflect on this Christmas and as we head into 2018.

This year has been anything but peaceful and the violence is not confined to other countries. We see physical and verbal violence taking place on our own streets simply because another person doesn't look, love or speak in a certain way. We have had our eyes opened to the way we have allowed men and women prey on others sexually and created a climate where those who speak out have been dismissed.

At the same time justice and fairness are hard to come by for so many people in our communities - a job no longer guarantees you can pay your bills or put food on the table; the use of food banks is growing; homelessness is increasing; people with disabilities are forced to navigate draconian tests to prove they are not fit to work.

I lay the blame of much of our troubles firmly at the feet of our Conservative government. However I believe that we have the power to change our society.

This is where another powerful message of Christmas comes in - hope. Hope is not a weak, unrealistic desire for something different. Hope is about resilience in the face of challenge. It does not give up. Hope perseveres.

I believe in a better, fairer Guildford and Britain. More than that I hope for change and I am determined to be part of that change. 2018 will present us with many challenges but it will also present us with many opportunities.

As a Christmas gift to yourself and our community why not become a member of the Liberal Democrats and join me, and your Liberal Democrat Councillors here in Guildford, in persevering, in hoping and in daring to continue the fight for a better, fairer and brighter future for everyone in Guildford.

Zöe Franklin