Beatrice Bass
Parliamentary Spokesperson for Hove and Portslade
WHAT SHE STANDS FOR
Beatrice has lived in Brighton & Hove for 20 years and is an active member of the community. She has held various roles within the Liberal Democrats Democrats such as chair of campaigns, Parliamentary Candidate and member of the Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats. Beatrice gives Hove and Portslade a Liberal Voice for a Liberal City.
EU CAMPAIGNER
Beatrice was a passionate campaigner to remain in the EU in the turbulent years following the EU referendum. She helped organise the monthly EU street stalls in New Road, Brighton and was a regular participant at national anti-Brexit marches. Around Brighton & Hove Beatrice listens to the worries and concerns of how Brexit has affected residents. The ending of freedom of movement of people, devaluation of the pound, supply chain issues and economic uncertainty are impacting local people and businesses.
PROTECTING MUSIC VENUES
As a former musician, Beatrice is a champion of the UK music scene. Working with UK Music, the Music Venue Trust and the Arts Council she successfully initiated a new policy at the Liberal Democrat Conference 2019 to protect music venues. This policy will enable legislative changes to protect music venues, business rate relief, listing them as community assets and protecting the important role they provide for each generation of musicians. Beatrice successfully lobbied Brighton & Hove Council to implement the Agent of Change principle in local planning law. Read more about the campaign here.
BOOSTING LOCAL BUSINESS
Hove & Portslade are home to many different businesses of all sizes across many sectors, from branches of national chains to sole traders. As a member of the Lib Dems in Business group Beatrice works to boost collaboration between businesses, the public sector and research. She wants to facilitate apprenticeships, encourage capital investment and improve government support for start-ups and SMEs. Beatrice is a voice for the creative industries and passionate to protect their interests.
HOUSING CAMPAIGN
The fight for affordable housing in Brighton & Hove is another issue at the heart of Beatrice's local campaign work. Many residents are not aware of rights they enjoy as tenants. Beatrice has prepared a summary of key elements in landlord and tenant law. Read about tenants' rights here.
BACKGROUND
Beatrice Bass is a Swiss British national who grew up in Davos, Switzerland - home of the World Economic Forum. She speaks English, German, (Swiss) German and French. Her multicultural background and work experience give her an international outlook and deep understanding of Europe.
Beatrice graduated with an MA in linguistics and mass communication studies before she pursued a career as a professional musician. She toured worldwide as a bass guitarist and has recorded with many indie rock, pop and blues artists. A few years ago she went back to university to obtain a law degree. Beatrice is now a solicitor, working in commercial dispute resolution specialised in intellectual property rights and data protection, International litigation and arbitration.
Twitter: @BeatriceLibDem
Facebook: @BeatriceLibDem