05Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Channel 4 privatisation is “trashing a uniquely British legacy”

Channel 4 privatisation is “trashing a uniquely British legacy”

Parliamentary news
Responding to the news that the government is pressing ahead with plans to privatise Channel 4, Liberal Democrat Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Spokesperson Jamie Stone said: “Yet again, the Conservatives have shown they care more about lining the pockets of the super rich than supporting a great public institution. “Even Margaret Thatcher understood the huge power of Channel 4 as a force for creativity and innovation that belonged to all of us without costing taxpayers a penny. “Occasionally, we as a country manage to magic up a world-renowned gem into being and Channel 4 is a perfect example. And yet this Government seems hellbent on trashing this uniquely British legacy and undermining jobs and investment in the creative sector. “The Liberal Democrats will oppose these dangerous plans in Parliament…
Read More
03Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Lib Dems demand public inquiry into P&O sacking scandal

Lib Dems demand public inquiry into P&O sacking scandal

Parliamentary news
The Liberal Democrats have called for an independent public inquiry into the sacking of 800 P&O Ferries workers on the Government’s watch to be launched. The party has written a letter to the Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, demanding that an inquiry start without delay so that “families can get the answers they deserve”. The letter asserts that Chris Grayling should be the first to be questioned after it has emerged that he failed to close a loophole in the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act during his tenure as Secretary of State for Transport. The oversight has protected P&O from prosecution in spite of their failure to inform of the sackings in writing 45 days prior. It comes after it was revealed that the firm will take delivery of 2…
Read More
03Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Plans for a new Shaw and Crompton Health Centre dropped at last minute

Borough news, health and social care
Shaw and Crompton communities have had a bomb shell delivered that the plug has just been pulled on their new Health Centre at the last minute. Shaw and Crompton councillors have been informed that a new health centre for Shaw and Crompton is now not affordable, and so Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have axed the scheme. “Shaw and Crompton councillors have worked incredibly hard to reach the position where this was ready to go, with the site ready to go, capital funding allocated, a developer commissioned, and plans developed. This is a massive kick in the teeth and a great disappointment to our local community and those who use and work in the current Health Centre,” stated Shaw councillor and Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Howard Sykes. Shadow Cabinet Member…
Read More
01Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
SEND Green Paper: A real kick in the teeth for parents

SEND Green Paper: A real kick in the teeth for parents

Parliamentary news
Responding to the launch of the Government's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision Green Paper, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said: "For all the fanfare and promises from Ministers this Green Paper is a real kick in the teeth for parents of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. "The Conservatives have left parents stuck dealing with a broken system and unable to get their children the help they need. "Every child with special needs should be identified at the earliest opportunity and then supported through their entire education."
Read More
01Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Women killed at the hands of men in 28% of all murder cases

Women killed at the hands of men in 28% of all murder cases

Parliamentary news
House of Commons Library Research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that 28% of all murder cases since 2016 are women murdered by men. Since the brutal murder of Sarah Everard last year in March, the data shows that 109 women have been murdered where men were the main suspect. This is out of 414 murder victims overall, equalling 26% of all murder cases. Liberal Democrat Women and Equalities Spokesperson, Wera Hobhouse MP has slammed the Government for turning a blind eye to anti-women hatred and refusing to take violence against women and girls seriously. Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of ‘turning a blind-eye’ to violence against women and girls, choosing to bury their head in the sand. Wera Hobhouse MP commented: “These figures lay are nothing short…
Read More
01Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Cutting speeds through community action

Cutting speeds through community action

Borough news, road safety
Making the roads safer in Oldham is one of the highest priorities for people who live in Oldham and Saddleworth says Liberal Democrat Councillor for Grotton, Springhead and Lees, Mark Kenyon. He has campaigned over the last year to introduce a community speedwatch scheme in the borough and has just got the go-ahead that the scheme will finally be piloted by Greater Manchester Police. The scheme will be run by the Police but operated by community volunteers. The aim is to make motorists who speed through neighbourhoods aware of the impact of their actions on local people, or the danger they pose to other road users and pedestrians. A team of local residents who are willing to volunteer a small amount of time each week are trained and issued with…
Read More
01Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Government blocks Lib Dem push to force developers to remove unsafe cladding

Government blocks Lib Dem push to force developers to remove unsafe cladding

Parliamentary news
Conservatives in the House of Lords have voted down a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Building Safety Bill that would have penalised developers who do not remove unsafe cladding from their buildings. In a series of votes this evening, the Government voted down Lib Dem proposals that would have forced developers to undertake vital fire remediation work, including removing unsafe cladding, within five years. However, the Government was defeated on proposals to protect leaseholders from the cost of remediation work. As a result of tonight's votes, the proposed £100,000 cap on bills that leaseholders can face has been reduced to £0 - nullifying the cost entirely. Commenting after the vote, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: “Tonight, Conservative peers had a chance to stand up for the thousands…
Read More
01Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Homes for Ukraine: Thousands left in limbo by slow and chaotic Conservative response

Homes for Ukraine: Thousands left in limbo by slow and chaotic Conservative response

Parliamentary news
Responding to new statistics on the Homes for Ukraine scheme which show that less than 10% of applicants have had a visa granted, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “More than 150,000 families are offering to welcome refugees into their homes, but the Conservatives are offering only red tape and delays. Their response has been appallingly slow and chaotic, leaving thousands of Ukrainians in limbo trying to get a visa. "Ministers need to work harder and faster to match the compassion shown by the British public. "Ukrainian refugees should be allowed to come to the UK now, without first having to apply for a visa. And the Government should set up a fast, ambitious resettlement scheme, working with refugee agencies to bring Ukrainians directly to the UK.”
Read More
01Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Helen Morgan MP responds to Shropshire maternity scandal report

Helen Morgan MP responds to Shropshire maternity scandal report

Parliamentary news
Responding to the Ockenden Report into the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust maternity scandal, Liberal Democrat North Shropshire MP, Helen Morgan commented: “The families involved have suffered unimaginable pain and they have shown enormous bravery in bringing these issues to light. “Women across Shropshire, and the UK as a whole, should have a much safer experience when they welcome their babies into the world. “It’s essential now that the Government listens and learns from this review, and takes ownership for making sure that all of the findings are implemented both locally and nationally. “We owe it to the families involved to ensure that the tragic deaths and harm caused were not in vain.”
Read More
01Apr 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani
“Absurd” for Boris Johnson to insist lockdown parties didn’t break the law

“Absurd” for Boris Johnson to insist lockdown parties didn’t break the law

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports that Boris Johnson is still refusing to accept that the law has been broken over Downing Street parties despite 20 fines being issued by the police, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip and former police officer Wendy Chamberlain said: “It is completely absurd that Boris Johnson still won’t accept that the lockdown parties in Downing Street broke the law. “This stubborn denial flies in the face of the evidence. It shows that Johnson hasn’t learnt any lessons from this scandal and is still taking the British people for fools. “As a former police officer I know what people do to get out of answering questions.These excuses wouldn't cut it then and they won't cut it now with the public.”
Read More