Govt decision on arms sales to Saudi Arabia shows lack of humanity
Responding to a written statement from the Secretary of State for International Trade confirming that the UK will resume selling arms to Saudi Arabia, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said:
Davey: we need a devolution revolution to drive the green revolution
Today Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has delivered a keynote speech to the Local Government Association outlining his plan for a devolution revolution to drive a green revolution.
Ed Davey called for the government to make ÂŁ45bn new funding available to local authorities over three years alongside a range of new powers so that local government can spearhead the green recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
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Landmark domestic abuse legislation passes House of Commons
Tonight, the Liberal Democrats have hailed the passing of the “landmark” Domestic Abuse Bill. The Liberal Democrats tabled a number of amendments designed to further support survivors of domestic abuse.
Ahead of the Commons debate, the Liberal Democrats had succeeded in pushing the Government to ban alleged domestic abusers from cross-examining survivors in family courts and to properly recognise children as victims of domestic abuse.
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine had secured cross-party support for two amendments to protect migrants who experience domestic abuse. Neither was put to a vote, but the Government agreed to introduce a pilot scheme to give more support to migrant survivors, and Christine Jardine secured an assurance from the Minister that they will put a stop to police sharing survivors' data for immigration purposes.
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The PM blaming care homes for his failure is shameful
Responding to the Prime Minister's comments today saying that "we discovered too many care homes didn't really follow the procedures in the way that they could have,” Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:
Lib Dems secure cross-party support to protect migrant women in “historic” Domestic Abuse Bill
The Liberal Democrats have hailed as “historic” the Domestic Abuse Bill, which is due to be passed by the House of Commons today [Monday 6th July], while also securing cross-party support for amendments to protect migrant survivors of abuse.
Christine Jardine, the party’s Home Affairs Spokesperson who sat on the Public Bill Committee last month, praised the cross-party pressure that has finally brought the legislation to this point and forced the Government to include children as victims in the new statutory definition of domestic abuse.
Jardine also vowed to continue the Liberal Democrats’ efforts to improve the Bill further. The party has tabled two amendments to protect migrant women who experience domestic abuse: one to grant them leave to remain in the UK and the other to prevent their personal data being shared with the Home Office for immigration enforcement.
Both amendments are backed by cross-party MPs, including Labour’s Harriet Harman, Stella Creasy and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts, the Greens’ Caroline Lucas and Alliance’s Stephen Farry. The data-sharing amendment is also co-sponsored by Conservative MP Richard Fuller.
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Health Secretary failing to create comprehensive test and trace system
Responding to Matt Hancock's interview on The Andrew Marr Show, Liberal Democrat Health, Wellbeing and care spokesperson Munira Wilson said:
Govt shouldn't need to mull on EU coronavirus vaccine scheme
Responding to reports that the UK Government is considering whether to participate in the EU coronavirus vaccine scheme, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs and Brexit spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said:
Govt must publish scientific basis for air bridges
Responding to the publication of the list of countries for which quarantine will not apply for people arriving back in England, Liberal Democrat Health, Wellbeing and Social Care spokesperson Munira Wilson said:
Govt's claim of protective ring around care homes "completely bogus"
Responding to the latest ONS figures showing almost 20,000 care home residents have died with coronavirus, Liberal Democrat Health, Wellbeing and Social Care spokesperson Munira Wilson said:
