Author: Sam Al-Hamdani

Responding to the Government’s launch of a public consultation on whether failure to pay the TV licence fee should no longer be a criminal offence, Liberal Democrat Digital, Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson Daisy Cooper said: “The BBC, like the NHS, is a national treasure and this is a blatant attempt to kill it off.  “These proposed changes – which could deprive the BBC of more than £200 million – would put at risk the BBC’s investment in our homegrown British talent, and leave TV content at the mercy of US corporates.  “Those who do pay will resent free-loaders and vulnerable people who can’t afford to pay will be put at the mercy of bailiffs and bad credit scores. “Liberal Democrats will fight to protect the BBC and stand up to…

The Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservative Government of “callously inflicting uncertainty” on children of EU citizens, as official figures reveal that tens of thousands of them still have not been granted the permanent right to stay. The Home Office has received 386,570 applications to the EU Settlement Scheme from under-18s, but has only granted permanent Settled Status to 199,260. Another 116,620 children were granted pre-settled status, which only gives the temporary right to stay in the UK for up to 5 years, while 69,610 are still waiting for a final decision to be made. Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: “The way this Conservative Government is treating EU citizens in our country is shameful. They are callously inflicting uncertainty on thousands of children – many of whom…

Responding to research from the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation showing that 56% of people in poverty are in a working family, and that poverty has risen for children and pensioners over the last five years, Liberal Democrat Acting Leader Ed Davey said: “The Conservatives can no longer hide behind low unemployment figures when it comes to poverty. Millions of people are trapped in bad jobs with insufficient hours and wages to make a decent living. And unnecessary welfare cuts have plunged more children and pensioners into poverty. This is unacceptable. “People are tired of the Government’s excuses. The upcoming budget must introduce concrete measures to create good-quality jobs, mend the social safety-net and reduce the cost of housing. The Liberal Democrats will always stand up for a more equal and…

Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has called on Boris Johnson to extend benefits for bereaved families to the children of a cohabiting couple when a parent dies, after the High Court ruled that the current law breaches those children’s human rights. Ed Davey congratulated campaigners on their victory, in which Mr Justice Holman ruled that it was a breach of the Human Rights Act that the higher rate of Bereavement Support Payment is paid to families with children when a spouse or civil partner dies, but not to the children of a surviving cohabiting parent. It follows a similar ruling by the Supreme Court in 2018 which ruled that Widowed Parent’s Allowance was in breach of the Human Rights Act for the same reason - a ruling…

Responding to Boris Johnson's speech outlining his position on trade negotiations with the EU, Liberal Democrat Acting Leader Ed Davey said: “Paying lip-service to free trade after taking us out of the largest free trade zone in the world is nothing short of hypocrisy. “All it shows is that Johnson is happy to jeopardise our trade with the EU for political gain. Refusing to practically commit to a level playing field is simply not a serious negotiating strategy. “Boris is gearing up for no-deal masqueraded as an Australian-style agreement, that will hollow out our trade. The Liberal Democrats will continue to oppose his dangerous plans and fight to maintain our most important trading relationship."

Responding to news of a terrorist-related incident in Streatham, Liberal Democrat Acting Leader Ed Davey said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with those injured and all those affected by this appalling violence.  “Our emergency services and first responders have once again demonstrated enormous courage and professionalism in the face of terrible circumstances. Their bravery and dedication is remarkable. My heartfelt thanks goes to all those working at the scene and elsewhere to keep people safe.   “This serves to remind us that we cannot take our security for granted. We must remember the vital work of police officers and security services to keep us safe. “Those who seek to divide us through terror will never succeed.”

Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has called for a new governmental department to get the UK to Net Zero as soon as possible.  In comments at the Institute for Government, Ed Davey said the new department would take on all the powers of the previous Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) but would have "much more teeth and responsibility", with influence over transport, housing and finance. Speaking at the Institute for Government, Ed Davey, Acting Leader of Liberal Democrats said: “When Liberal Democrats ran the Department for Energy and Climate Change we managed to more than treble Britain’s renewable power and led Europe to adopt tougher climate change targets. As the world is waking up to the threat of the climate emergency, DECC is needed more than ever. “But rather than building…

Responding to news that Northern will be taken into public ownership on 1 March, Tim Farron MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the north of England, said: “I am delighted that my calls to ‘Sack Northern’ have finally been listened to by this Conservative government. For far too long, people across the north of England have suffered a substandard service. “However, this is just the first step on a long road to improving the trains across the north. The Conservatives must now reverse their cancellations of the electrification of the Lakes Line and the Trans-Pennine line. It must press on with HS2, while increasing transparency and accountability of this project.  “It must also approve the new Northern Powerhouse Rail between Manchester and Leeds and publish the Williams Review, implementing its recommendations as a matter…

Responding to the The National Audit Office's comments that the "Get ready for Brexit" campaign failed to significantly impact the public's level of preparedness for Brexit, former Public Accounts Committee member and Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said: “What a colossal waste of taxpayers money. This damning report shows what we knew all along: the Conservative government's 'Get Ready for Brexit' campaign was an expensive propaganda stunt designed ahead of the election to help no one but Boris Johnson stay in Number 10. “Once again the Tories are misusing their powers at the expense of our democracy. Given how poorly this campaigned performed it should be referred to the Electoral Commission and be included as part of the Tory general election spend.  “The Liberal Democrats will continue to hold the Tory government to account over…