Author: Sam Al-Hamdani

Today Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat Health, Wellbeing and Social Care spokesperson, will introduce a Bill to make access to specialist support services for victims of sexual violence and abuse a right.  Liberal Democrats are also calling on the Conservative Government to ratify the Istanbul Convention – signed in 2012 – as a matter of urgency. Munira’s Bill is part of a package of measures the Liberal Democrats are introducing to mark International Women’s Day 2020.  Ahead of introducing the Bill, Munira Wilson said: “No survivor of sexual abuse or domestic violence should be left without access to specialist support. This is non-negotiable and this Bill would make it a right, not a privilege. “Cases like that of Fern Champion show the shocking reality: the level of funding for rape crisis centres…

Liberal Democrat MP Jamie Stone will today lead a debate in Parliament where he will urge the Government to “make it easier for veterans and their families to access peer-led mental health support.” The Highlands MP, who is the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Defence, secured the Westminster Hall debate after winning cross-party support for his Bill which would require the Government to ringfence mental health spending for veterans and members of the armed forces. The campaign led by the Liberal Democrats comes in response to cuts which have left mental health charities, such as Combat Stress, no longer able to take on new referrals in England. On the day of the Budget, Mr Stone will use his debate to raise awareness about the increasing challenges faced by veterans trying to access mental health…

Responding to the Court of Appeal’s judgement on Christie Elan-Cane’s legal challenge against the Conservative Government’s refusal to introduce an ‘X’ gender option on passports, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: “I find it utterly incomprehensible that this Conservative Government is going to such extreme lengths to avoid a relatively small change that would make a big difference to so many people’s lives. “Liberal Democrats will always stand up for the rights and dignity of trans, intersex and non-binary people. We must combat the hostility and discrimination that prevents too many people from living freely and fulfilling their potential. “If the Government continues to refuse to introduce an ‘X’ gender option on passports, Parliament must act to introduce it through legislation.”

The Liberal Democrats are marking International Women’s Day by introducing a Bill with cross party support this Wednesday (11th March)which would prohibit anti-abortion protests within 150 metres of abortion clinics. Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney, who is introducing the Bill, warned “this form of protest is nothing more than bullying women when often they are at their most vulnerable.” The move from the Liberal Democrats comes as Texas-founded anti-abortion group "40 Days for Life" is holding a series of protests outside several British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) clinics, which provide pregnancy counselling, contraception, miscarriage management and abortion care. Last year, following increased intimidation, Sarah Olney's Liberal Democrat-led Richmond Council implemented a exclusion zone outside the BPAS clinic. The MP is now calling on the Government to step in and ensure buffer zones are extended…

The Liberal Democrats have urged the Government to make clear what additional measures it will take to help homeless people as the COVID-19 situation continues to escalate. Writing to the Secretary of State for Housing and the Secretary of State for Health, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran warned the homeless are “some of the most vulnerable people in our society”. The Liberal Democrat MP has asked for "an action plan" from the Government, including clarity on whether health checks be administered, especially for rough sleepers, and if emergency accommodation can be provided so that people can self-isolate. Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said: “We need urgent clarification and an action plan from the Government about how it seeks to help homeless people as the coronavirus situation continues to escalate. “So far,…

Responding to reports that supermarkets have disputed assurances from the Health Secretary that food supplies would not be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson MP said: “People are enormously concerned about the spread of this virus. It is vital that the Government remains open and transparent about the steps it is taking, and provides clear advice to people across the country. “I am concerned, therefore, to hear supermarkets have disputed assurances from the Health Secretary that food supplies would not be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.  “Matt Hancock must immediately make clear what the situation is with regards to food supply. Maintaining public trust is critical - he needs to be completely honest with the public regarding these discussions."

Responding to news that the Chancellor intends to scrap VAT on sanitary products in the forthcoming budget, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Women and Equalities, Christine Jardine, said: “No one should miss out on their education because they can't afford essential sanitary products. That's why Liberal Democrats have long campaigned to make sure that every woman and girl can access these basic supplies. “The tampon tax is outdated and discriminatory. Having a period is not a luxury and should never be treated as such. Scrapping the tax is long-overdue, welcome news.  “But there's more to be done. Liberal Democrats are calling on the Tory government to extend the provision of free sanitary products to other public spaces, like libraries and health centres. “The UK must also play a leading role in eradicating…

Responding to reports that the Muslim Council of Britain  has called for an Islamophobia inquiry in the Conservative party, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “Islamophobia is a scourge in our society, and over recent years both incidents of Islamophobia and hate crimes in general have got worse. Yet instead of showing leadership on the issue the PM has stayed silent. “During the leadership contest Boris Johnson said that the Conservatives would undertake an independent inquiry into Islamophobia. He’s gone very quiet on the idea as PM. “The Conservatives must have a full independent inquiry into Islamophobia and ensure it is rooted out of their party and the country.”

Responding to a National Audit Office (NAO) report which found that by 31 January 2020 departments had spent at least £4.4 billion of the £6.3 billion allocated for Brexit preperations, Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: “Billions of pounds have been thrown away in a bid to paper over the Tories' Brexit mess. The public have a right to know where it is all going. In the face of major floods and the coronavirus threat, we have to ask if the Government knows its own spending priorities. “Thanks to the Prime Minister's self-imposed and self-defeating deadline we are facing a crisis crunch, with serious challenges in multiple directions. Our country deserves better leadership than this. “Not only must a no-deal Brexit be taken off the table, but Ministers in charge of…