LYMEC Policy Debate #1 - 2026
The Role of Local government in tackling extremism across Europe
Online Event
On 27 January 2026, 19:00 - 20:00.
Introduction and Event Overview
Across Europe, liberals are confronting the rise of the far right not with fear, but with strategy, courage, and community level action.
This LYMEC debate brings together voices from the UK, Ireland, and Spain to explore how local leadership can push back against extremism and defend open, democratic societies.
We’ll hear from a UK speaker taking on Reform’s narratives directly in their own backyard, an Irish speaker exposing and challenging the escalating violence of extremist groups, and a Spanish speaker working on the front line against Vox’s attempts to reshape local politics.
Together, they’ll unpack what effective resistance looks like on the ground, how liberal values can be mobilised in neighbourhoods and councils, and why local activism remains one of the strongest antidotes to far‑right influence.
Join us for a conversation that’s honest, urgent, and rooted in real experience - because the fight for liberal democracy starts close to home.
Speakers
Cllr Emily Tester
Liberal Democrat Councillor, Southwark Council (UK)
Emily brings a community‑centred perspective informed by her work in one of London’s most diverse boroughs. She will outline approaches to early intervention, safeguarding, partnership‑building, and the role of transparent political leadership in maintaining public trust.
David Andrés
Ciudadanos (Spain)
David offers a comparative European viewpoint, drawing on Spanish and EU‑level experience. His contribution highlights the importance of cross‑border cooperation, civic education, democratic resilience, and the challenges posed by decentralised governance structures.
Moderator
Sorcha Ní Chonghaile
Sorcha is the LYMEC Policy Officer and will guide the discussion with a focus on clarity, balance, and practical takeaways, ensuring a constructive exchange between UK and EU perspectives.
Key Themes
• The role of local government as a frontline actor in identifying and addressing early signs of radicalisation
• Community‑led and trust‑based approaches to prevention
• Opportunities for European cooperation and shared learning
• The impact of digital extremism and misinformation on local authorities
• Policy innovation, including youth engagement and neighbourhood‑level initiatives
Participants will gain:
• A clearer understanding of how local authorities can collaborate across borders
• Practical strategies for strengthening community resilience
• Insight into institutional and political barriers to effective action
• A forward‑looking view of how liberal actors can shape local responses to extremism
Agenda
19:00 – 19:10 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Moderator introduction
- Objectives of the session
- Brief overview of the political landscape in Europe amidst rise of far right
19:10 – 19:20 | Local Government on the Frontline
Speaker: Cllr Emily Tester, Liberal Democrat Member of Southwark Council
- Community‑based prevention
- Early‑intervention and safeguarding approaches
- Building trust and transparency at local level
19: 20 - 19:30 | A European Liberal Perspective
Speaker: David Andrés, Ciudadanos
- Cross‑border cooperation and information‑sharing
- Democratic resilience and civic education
- Challenges within decentralised governance systems
19: 30 - 19:50 | Moderated Debate with Participants
- Moderated discussion to form a policy stance on how we are best equipped to facilitate prevention of the rise of the far right and left
- The role of populism and its weaponisation by extremist groups
19: 30 - 19:50 | Concluding Remarks
This event is reserved for Member Organizations and Individual Members of LYMEC.
We will email registered participants the Zoom link.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.