Category: Parliamentary news

Responding to the release of the government's plan to tackle Coronavirus, Liberal Democrat Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Spokesperson Munira Wilson MP said: “At last, Johnson’s Government is laying out plans to tackle the spread of Coronavirus. 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. “People are enormously concerned about the spread of this virus. It is vital that the Government confirms that anyone forced to self-isolate will not be left without pay, potentially being pushed into hardship as a result of factors beyond their control. “Any new emergency laws to tackle the virus must be proportionate and time-limited, with a cast-iron sunset clause to ensure that Ministers are not given sweeping permanent powers.”

Responding to the Government’s publication of the Domestic Abuse Bill, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: “Survivors have been left waiting far too long, with millions of people having experienced domestic abuse since the Conservatives first promised this legislation almost three years ago. I’m glad the Government has therefore finally brought back the Domestic Abuse Bill. “Liberal Democrats will now work to get this badly-needed legislation into law as soon as possible, while also strengthening it to support all survivors of domestic abuse. “That includes recognising in law the trauma suffered by children who witness domestic abuse at home, and adding specific protections for migrant women, so that fears over their immigration status do not prevent them from coming forward to report violence or abuse.”

Today, Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper will put forward legislation that would ensure female prisoners are given community sentences, unless they have committed a serious or violent offence and pose a threat to the public. Women make up less than 5% of the prison population, but they are more likely than male prisoners to be serving short sentences for non-violent offences. The majority experienced childhood abuse and many are victims of domestic abuse. This helps support the case that as most women in prison are vulnerable people, they should be only sent to prison when absolutely necessary. Ahead of the introduction of her bill, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Daisy Cooper said: “Far too many women are sent to prison on short sentences for non-violent offences. Most of them have experienced abuse, and…

Today, Liberal Democrats will put forward legislation to help ensure pupils have access to toilets during lesson times.  Many girls starting their periods are being denied access to the toilet during school lessons, with some schools even enforcing  a blanket ban on children going to the toilet in lesson time. A survey for Plan International UK found that more than half of girls aged 14-21 had missed class because they were worried about being on their period. The Bill, put forward by Layla Moran as part of a move by the Liberal Democrats to tackle inequality ahead of International Women’s Day, would require the Secretary of State to publish guidance for state-funded schools, enabling teachers to use their common sense in letting their students go the bathroom during their lessons.…

Responding to the Education Policy Institute’s report on teacher shortages, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Layla Moran MP said: “Children living in our most disadvantaged areas are losing out from the Conservatives’ failure to tackle the teacher recruitment crisis. In schools where more children are on free school meals, fewer teaching posts are filled, more experienced teachers are moving on and staff take more days off because of stress and workload. “It’s time that the Government started valuing our teachers. The increase in starting salaries is welcome, but our experienced teachers also need a proper pay boost to keep them in the profession – and schools can’t be expected to pick up the tab. “Liberal Democrats would guarantee teachers high-quality professional development and put an end to the constant political meddling…

Responding to analysis suggesting a US-UK trade deal will boost UK GDP by less than 0.2%, Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for International Trade said: “Boris Johnson has repeatedly claimed that negative impacts of Brexit will pale in comparison to the benefits. But today’s analysis is clear: the gains from the best-case trade deal with Donald Trump will not come close to outweighing what we expect to lose from leaving the EU. “The situation will be even more catastrophic if Boris Johnson sends the UK careering off a no-deal cliff edge, thanks to his self-imposed June deadline for talks. It is astounding that the Prime Minister is seemingly hellbent on risking UK prosperity. “Liberal Democrats will continue to fight against the PM’s damaging hard Brexit plans. We will continue to push for what is in…

Commenting as Sir Philip Rutnam announced he will leave the Home Office to sue the government, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: “We need to be asking serious questions about the culture that is being created in the Home Office. “The way these Conservatives are treating public servants and trying to undermine the rule of law is outrageous. “The Tories are acting just like Donald Trump, putting ideology ahead of competence, and it’s the British people who will pay the price.”