Category: Parliamentary news

The Liberal Democrats have tabled a regret motion to the Government's Statutory Instrument on Compulsory Insurance for Motor Vehicles, which will be debated later today in the House of Lords. Currently, if a UK resident is injured in a traffic accident in the EEA and the injury was caused by the negligence of another person, they can pursue a claim for compensation in the UK. However, if the Conservative Government does not secure a reciprocal agreement with the EEA or the UK leaves the EU without a deal, motorists abroad will be left to fend for themselves. Commenting on the motion, Jenny Randerson said: “Access to justice is a right and should never be treated as a privilege to be gained in a negotiation. “British holiday-makers in Europe are currently protected and can claim compensation with their local…

The Association of Colleges has warned that there is a ”real risk to the long-term economic prosperity of the UK” if the Government's flagship ‘T-Level’ policy is not implemented correctly. T-Levels, which are due to be introduced in September 2020 will be equivalent to 3 A-Levels and it is hoped that they will provide a skills based education to enable people to go straight into work within our industries. Over half (58%) of small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across the UK are warning that the country risks being 'left behind' if the Government doesn't address skills gaps through education. Commenting on the warning from the Association of Colleges, Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Layla Moran said: “This is a stark warning about the dire consequences of continuing to chronically under fund our colleges.  “It is…

Responding to the reports from Shamima Begum's family lawyer that she will lose her UK citizenship, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Ed Davey said: “Membership of a terrorist group is a serious crime, as is encouraging or supporting terrorism. But Shamima Begum should face justice for those crimes in the UK. “It is not only hard to see Ms Begum and her baby as constituting a serious threat to national security, but it also seems a huge wasted opportunity. We can learn lessons as to why a young girl went to Syria in the first place; lessons which could improve Britain’s security by helping us prevent this happening again.”

Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron has taken a swipe at the Conservative Government ahead of the introduction of what he has dubbed a “Tory death tax”. From 16th February, new regulations introduced by the Conservative Government mean the cost of death certificates, as well as birth and marriage certificates, is going up from £4 to £11. Citizens Advice recommends people get “several copies of the [death] certificate, for which there will be a charge.” Upon losing a loved one, people now face a charge hike of £49, on the basis seven copies are purchased. Mr Farron accused the Conservatives of introducing these measures “by the back door” as MPs have been denied a vote on them. The former Leader of the Liberal Democrats added: “These regressive fees, charged…

Responding to the release of the report containing the Rail Delivery Group's proposals to the Williams Rail Review, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Jenny Randerson said: “It has been long overdue for the Conservative Government to introduce the legislation needed to reform our outdated and unfair rail fares system. The proposals put forward by the industry which would modernise the way in which we pay for our train tickets are encouraging and it is now essential the Government sets the wheels in motion. "Simplifying the system and introducing smart ticketing would help transform what is an incredibly outdated system, invented before people bought their tickets online. Equally, with more and more people now working flexible hours it is vital the system offers fairer ticket prices to reflect the way modern businesses work.  "With so many passengers wanting to overhaul the way…