18Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Government inaction is failing survivors of rape and sexual assault

Government inaction is failing survivors of rape and sexual assault

Parliamentary news
New figures today on sexual offences in England and Wales show that 80% of victims of sexual assault in 2019-20 were women. The figures also show fewer than one in six survivors report rape to the police. Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Justice and Women and Equalities, reacted to these findings: "As the shocking killing of Sarah Everard reminded us so painfully, far too many women experience violence at the hands of far too many men. “These figures show that rape and sexual assault are all too prevalent, and yet only a small proportion are reported to the police. Conviction rates are far too low. “Survivors deserve justice. They must be properly supported to come forward, and be listened to when they do. However, Government inaction is failing…
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18Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Judicial review plans are yet another Tory assault on the rule of law

Judicial review plans are yet another Tory assault on the rule of law

Parliamentary news
Responding to the Justice Secretary’s announcement of changes to judicial review, including plans to abolish ‘Cart’ judicial review for people to challenge refusals of permission to appeal a First-Tier immigration or asylum tribunal decision, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said: “These proposals are yet another part of the Conservatives’ assault on the rule of law. On top of their outrageous crackdown on the right to peaceful protest, they are now trying to limit people’s ability to hold governments to account through the courts. “Judicial review is working well. It is a powerful tool for individuals to enforce their rights and stop governments from overstepping their powers. “Abolishing ‘Cart’ judicial review for immigration and asylum claims would remove a vital safeguard when tribunals make mistakes in cases where the stakes…
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18Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Pupil Premium change will hit disadvantaged children hardest

Pupil Premium change will hit disadvantaged children hardest

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports that a shift in eligibility dates means many children will not benefit from pupil premium funding, Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Education, Daisy Cooper MP, said: "Once again, disadvantaged school pupils are set to lose out as the Tories prioritise penny pinching over proper support. "This was raised by the Liberal Democrats weeks ago and I even wrote Gavin Williamson a letter to outline what a serious issue this was. "It is shocking and disappointing nothing has been done in the meantime. "By moving the goalposts on the entitlement criteria for the 'Pupil Premium', thousands of children whose parents have become unemployed between October and January will not get the crucial support they need. "Schools also stand to suffer because of this unnecessary move, forcing an additional financial…
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18Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Government turns its back on asylum seekers again

Government turns its back on asylum seekers again

Parliamentary news
Responding to Home Office plans to send asylum seekers to another country to be processed, Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Home Affairs, Alistair Carmichael MP, said: “It is disgraceful that Priti Patel is still peddling her unworkable and inhumane asylum proposals. She should be getting on with the job of fixing her dysfunctional department. “46,000 people have been waiting more than six months for a decision on their asylum claim. The problem isn’t with the asylum seekers, it’s with the Home Office. “We all want to stop people cramming themselves into small boats and making dangerous attempts to cross the Channel. But Priti Patel’s nasty, impractical policies aren’t the answer. The real solution is to provide safe and legal routes to sanctuary for refugees. “That’s why the Liberal Democrats are calling…
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17Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
NAO report: Williamson has failed a generation

NAO report: Williamson has failed a generation

Parliamentary news
A new NAO report has found the Department for Education’s response to the pandemic could have been done better and more quickly. Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP, has said it is “beyond comprehension” Gavin Williamson remains in post. The report finds the Department for Education had no plans in place to manage mass disruption to schooling. The report states that it was not until the end of June - over three months after schools closures were announced in the UK - that it began to formulate a plan that set out objectives, milestones and risks. Responding to the findings, Daisy Cooper MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Education said: “This report confirms what parents and teachers have known for a year: that a whole generation of children and young…
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17Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Sykes seeks review of suspended sentence handed out to Shaw sexual offender

Borough news, CSE, domestic abuse and violence
Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Shaw Ward and Leader of the Opposition on Oldham Council, has written to the Attorney General, The Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, seeking an urgent review of the suspended prison sentence handed down by Tameside Magistrates Court last week to Javed Miah from Shaw. Miah was convicted of a serious predatory sexual offence after he attacked a lone female in Oldham Town Centre. The victim was able to raise the alarm via an SOS function on her mobile phone causing the offender to run away. In his letter to the Attorney General, Councillor Sykes said: “Following the recent tragic death of Sarah Everard, the continued safety of women on our streets from predatory males will, I am sure, be especially at…
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17Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Government has treated asylum seekers appallingly

Government has treated asylum seekers appallingly

Parliamentary news
Responding to the Home Office decision to close Penally camp, a former military camp used as accommodation for asylum seekers, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs Alistair Carmichael MP said: “The Government have had to be shamed into acting when anyone with an ounce of compassion would have done this weeks ago. They have looked the other way for too long as asylum seekers are forced to stay in inhumane accommodation. “The Conservative Government has treated these asylum seekers appallingly. True to their form during this pandemic, they have cut corners and ignored public health advice. Innocent asylum seekers have now been left to suffer. "Closing Penally Camp should just be the start. There can be no more delay on closing Napier Barracks. “Priti Patel must immediately find alternative accommodation…
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17Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Police Bill is dangerous and draconian

Police Bill is dangerous and draconian

Parliamentary news
Reacting to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill passing the Second Reading in Parliament, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “These new Conservative laws to crackdown on protests are dangerous and draconian. “The right to peaceful assembly and protest is a fundamental human right. It has always been a crucial part of our democratic society. “The weekend’s appalling events at the Clapham Vigil show why this Bill must be stopped in its tracks. They should force Priti Patel to think again. “These new laws are part of the Conservative Government’s anti-democratic attempts to silence any opposition to its policies. Liberal Democrats, will fiercely fight them at every step of the way.”
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15Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
MPs call on PM to act on women’s safety in public spaces

MPs call on PM to act on women’s safety in public spaces

Parliamentary news
A group of cross-party MPs led by Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Women and Equalities, has written to the Prime Minister to express their concerns about the safety of women and girls in public spaces following the death of Sarah Everard. In recent days, there has been an outpouring on social media from women and girls sharing their own experiences. The letter states: "As a group of public representatives, we have heard countless stories over the past week about sexual harassment, violence against women and girls, and assault in public spaces. For many of us these stories are sadly not surprising, having experienced similar situations throughout our lives." It concludes: "As Prime Minister we are calling on you to start a national conversation asking everyone – not only…
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15Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Domestic Abuse Bill must protect migrant women

Domestic Abuse Bill must protect migrant women

Parliamentary news
The Liberal Democrats are fighting today to amend the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill to ensure migrant survivors are protected. The party is backing three cross-party amendments, due to be debated in the Lords this afternoon, that would offer protection for some of the most vulnerable survivors of abuse, for whom protections under the current law are woefully inadequate. The Lords will vote on a law to block the Home Office from using data gathered when survivors of domestic abuse seek support or assistance for immigration purposes. Another amendment would give migrant survivors of abuse temporary leave to remain and access to public funds, so they are not excluded from crucial support services. A third would ensure that all survivors of domestic abuse are protected regardless of their immigration status, as…
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