Lord Bonkers' Diary: The ALDE Congress at Canary Wharf

Friday

To Canary Wharf – a visible reminder of how central coal once was to our economy. For it was here that the unfortunate birds bound for the mines were landed after their long voyage from the balmy Atlantic isles after which they were named. The warehouses have long since been converted into offices and it is here that the ALDE Congress is being held.

I trust my opening address hits the right note:

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome over 900 Liberals from across the EU and beyond here to Canary Wharf. The European Liberal family includes three current prime ministers, while over a quarter of European Commissioners are Liberals. Liberal parties are in government in 16 different European countries, as well as being the third largest political group in the European Parliament. This family is a truly formidable fighting force – and we British Liberal Democrats benefit massively from being part of it. A word to the wise. Don’t fall asleep outside the building or Clegg will have you deported.”

Lord Bonkers was Liberal MP for Rutland South-West 1906-10.

Previously in Lord Bonkers' Diary

• I am the Lib Dems' new pastoral care office
• David Grace vs the drones
• Oh, those Russians!
• “Free-ee Me-ee-ee-ee-ee”