Farron claims to defend 'differing views' yet refuses to accept Brexit
The former Liberal Democrat leader, who resigned on Wednesday, said he was “passionate” about defending the “rights and liberties” of those who rally behind opposing views. In his resignation speech, shown on Sky News, Mr Farron said: “I’m a liberal to my fingertips, and that liberalism means that I am passionate about defending the rights and liberties of people who believe different things to me.” Mr Farron, 47, claimed he was "proud" of the progress his party had made under his leadership, with membership doubling since 2015. "Against all the odds, the Liberal Democrats matter again,” he said.
SKY NEWS•GETTY Tim Farron claimed he "defended the rights" of voters who believed different things to him
I am passionate about defending the rights and liberties of people who believe different things to me Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron
"We can be proud of the progress we have made together, although there is much more we need to do. "My successor will inherit a party that is needed now more than ever before. Our future as an open, tolerant and united country is at stake. "The cause of British liberalism has never been needed more. People who will fight for a Britain that is confident, generous and compassionate are needed more than ever before. "That is the challenge our party and my successor faces and the opportunity I am certain that they will rise to." The ex party leader had claimed that his party could benefit from a backlash against last year's European Union referendum result, among Remain supporters.
His push emphasised the Lib Dems were the most enthusiastic pro-Brussels party and promised a re-run of the referendum in an attempt to reverse Brexit. But the strategy backfired, with the Lib Dem vote share dropping by 0.5 points to 7.4 per cent compared with the 2015 general election. The party also suffered the humiliation of seeing former leader Nick Clegg ousted from his Sheffield Hallam seat on election night. Mr Farron added he resigned because he wanted to “stay faithful to Christ”.
May meets Juncker and Barnier at Number 10 Wed, April 26, 2017 Theresa May hosted European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and chief negotiator Michel Barnier at Downing Street for the first face-to-face talks since she triggered the two-year process of withdrawing from the EU Play slideshow PA 1 of 7 Prime Minister Theresa May greets European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ahead of a working dinner at 10 Downing Street, London