The Liberal Democrats launched their manifesto in Shoreditch last night Pic: Arran Angus

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable celebrated his birthday in Shoreditch last night by launching the party’s latest manifesto.

At the launch, Cable, who just turned 76, was welcomed on stage with a round of Happy Birthday before he officially kicked off the event.

He told supporters: “We’ve had our joke. This is the real story. We mustn’t lose sight of that very clear, simple, unambiguous, honest message – that’s what’s driving our campaign.”

That message is, per the parties new slogan, ‘Bollocks to Brexit’. More than doubling their seats in the UK’s recent by-elections, the party could be in a strong position to push a more radical message.

Lib Dem Councillor Rabina Khan, serving the ward of Shadwell in Tower Hamlets, told East London Lines that leaving the economic opportunities of Europe makes no sense to her.

“We want to make sure that London stays strong in the European market,” she said, stating that with the financial centre of London, Canary Wharf, within her borough it was of particular concern.

Party pride shown at the Liberal Democrats Manifesto Launch Pic: Dominic Buxton

Another major priority for the party is climate change. Cable expressed dissatisfaction with the PM for “grovelling” at the feet of climate deniers like President Trump.

Cable was clearly concerned with the effects Trump may have internationally, including climate change agreements, trade, and nuclear non-proliferation. He wants his party, and the country as a whole, to stand firmly against Trump and his beliefs.

“We can only do that in solidarity with the European Union.”

Khan echoed Cable’s sentiment that the UK is much stronger within Europe. This was true for her in all aspects, including fighting back against the rise of nationalism and climate change.

She told EastLondonLines that the party has been pushing for ambitious targets, particularly in green growth, within Europe.

“We would campaign an absolute EU wide ban on fracking because of its negative impact on climate change.”

Brexit and climate change are the main focus of the manifesto, which calls for:

• Europe to adopt a net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050
• An emergency £7.5 billion support fund for those affected by Brexit uncertainty
• The extensions of rights for EU citizens in the UK, including the ability to stand and vote in elections.

Cable said although they face competition from Remain parties including the Greens and the newly created Change UK, the Liberal Democrats had been proudly pro-EU since its inception.

Other speakers included party president Sal Brinton – who taught the crowd the sign language for bollocks to Brexit – MP for Kingston and Surbiton Ed Davey and MP for East Dunbartonshire Jo Swinson.

Cable and Khan were out campaigning today (May 10) in Camden with Guy Verhofstadt, the Brexit co-ordinator for the European Parliament.