03Aug 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Davey: Financial support crucial in light of further lockdown

Parliamentary news
Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “The Government’s communications over the past few days have been woefully incompetent to say the least. Individuals have no idea of the rules, let alone the reasoning behind some of them. “Of course the Government need to move quickly to stop the spread of coronavirus, but this does not excuse their shambolic approach. Without clear messaging, people will not be able to follow the rules properly. “Going forward, it is clear businesses and individuals will need further financial support from the Government. By not only ending the furlough scheme, but the financial support for all those shielding, millions of people are faced with risking their health in returning to work when it isn’t safe or not being able to put food…
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03Aug 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Greater Manchester Liberal Democrats call foul on the Government’s snap Covid-19 announcements

Borough news, Parliamentary news
Liberal Democrat Leaders from across Greater Manchester have heavily criticised last night's shambolic announcement to impose social restrictions across the 10 Boroughs in the region in response to a rise in Covid-19 cases. Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, said: "It would appear that the Johnson administration with its focus on the South-East doesn't have a handle on what's going on in the North.” “As well as sending mixed messages encouraging people to use restaurants and pubs by offering them discounted meals next week, people are feeling scared by confusing messaging about not being able to meet in their own gardens, but a pub beer garden is ok." Councillor Sykes also has real concerns about the timing of…
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31Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Lockdown announcement shows Government still doesn’t have a grip on virus crisis

Parliamentary news
Responding to the Government's change in guidance stating that separate households will not be able to meet indoors from today in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “Throughout this crisis, the Government’s communications have been an utter disaster. To announce a regional lockdown of millions of people not only just hours before it’s enforced, but with no clarity on the new rules coming into place, is beyond comprehension. "Considering their ability to tackle this pandemic relies on the clarity of messaging coming from the Government, it is unsurprising that just yesterday it was announced that England has had the highest excess mortality across Europe. If the Government want the British public to follow the rules they are announcing, then they…
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30Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Leaked letter shows thousands of care home residents being exposed to virus

Parliamentary news
Responding to a leaked letter from Care UK showing that they no longer have access to regular testing for staff and residents, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “If we needed any evidence that this Government is still throwing care homes to the wolves, then this is it. From the very beginning of the pandemic this Government failed to ensure care homes had access to adequate testing and PPE, whilst discharging patients with the virus into their homes. "This letter is damning. With a potential second peak on the horizon, the UK's largest provider of social care no longer having access to regular testing for staff and residents will leave thousands of our most vulnerable exposed to coronavirus. "The Prime Minister and his Government are not learning the lessons they need to if…
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30Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Highest levels of excess deaths demands Government learns lessons

Parliamentary news
Responding to ONS statistics that reveal England has had the highest excess mortality across Europe in the first half of 2020, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “The unforgiving consequences of the pandemic have left too many families mourning loved ones. It didn't need to be like this.  "It is clear the Government has made mistakes. With a possible second wave occurring in countries across Europe at the moment, the Prime Minister must launch an independent inquiry immediately. "This is not a time for protecting political interests. This is a time to learn from mistakes and protect the country from more heartache."
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28Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Davey calls for PM to put Martin Forde QC in charge of a coronavirus Inquiry

Parliamentary news
Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has written to the Prime Minister with a plan for an immediate inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic.  Ed has called on the Prime Minister to appoint Martin Forde QC as the chair of an independent coronavirus inquiry and to start work immediately. Martin Forde was the independent adviser on the design of the Government’s Windrush Compensation Scheme and is chair of the independent inquiry into Labour’s report on the party’s handling of antisemitism complaints.  Ed also released proposed Terms of Reference for the independent inquiry agreed to by the Covid19 Bereaved Families for Justice. A spokesperson for the Covid19 Bereaved Families for Justice said: “Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice are relieved that Ed Davey has seen the urgent need for a rapid inquiry. “The Government’s own ‘Preparing for a challenging winter 20/21’ report (The Academy of Medical Sciences) predicts over 119,000 excess…
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28Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

PAC report on social care demands lessons are learned

Parliamentary news
Commenting on a Public Accounts Committee report which condemns the “slow, inconsistent and at times negligent approach” to the social care sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, Liberal Democrat MP and member of the committee Sarah Olney said: “The coronavirus has left people worried about their future and mourning loved ones. While we have relied on frontline staff to protect us, the Government's PPE shortages seriously let NHS and care workers down.  "People deserve better. Ministers must read and act on this report before it is too late to prepare for a second wave. That means rapidly upscaling the strategy to test, trace and isolate every case of coronavirus to keep people safe and prevent new surges. "To improve public confidence, the Prime Minister must set out a timetable for the independent inquiry into the Government’s actions. With…
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28Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Davey: PM must take second wave risk seriously

Parliamentary news
Responding to comments from the Prime Minister that several countries in Europe are facing a second wave of coronavirus, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “The Prime Minister is right that to warn that some countries face the possibility of a second wave of Coronavirus. However it is extremely worrying that he has not acknowledged or acted upon the risk of a second wave here in the UK. “Yesterday I met with families who had lost loved ones due to COVID-19. Many just want the Prime Minister to start an independent Inquiry immediately, so that the Government does not make the same mistakes that cost so many lives earlier this year. “Back in March, as the coronavirus wreaked havoc across Spain and Italy, Boris Johnson acted too slowly. The UK was not immune and…
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25Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Liberal Democrat Leader seeks Covid-19 safety guarantees amidst a No-Deal exit from the European Union

Borough news, Campaigns
Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council has written to the local MP over his concerns over the likely impact of a No-Deal Brexit, when combined with the Covid pandemic, on public safety.  On Friday 12th June, the UK government decided not to seek an extension of the existing transition period before exiting the European Union.  The UK will leave the European Union entirely on 31 December 2020. Councillor Sykes worries for the most vulnerable in society if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal whilst still reeling from the impact of Covid-19.  Commenting he said:  “A No-Deal Brexit combined with Covid would represent a double whammy.  Progress made so far on securing a future trade deal between the UK…
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25Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Drop in overseas visitors points to support need for tourism

Parliamentary news
Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron has called for more support to help the tourism sector as ONS statistics published today revealing there were 1.4 million visits to the UK by overseas visitors in March 2020, 54% fewer than in March 2019. The Party has previously pushed for a review into the impact of coronavirus on the sector, to take into account options such as an extension of the furlough, grants and loans schemes until 2021. Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron said: “Countless businesses are facing serious financial hardship and many more are worried about job losses, particularly across the tourism sector. “With half the usual footfall from flights in March, which we know has been worse since, Ministers must see this as a reminder that the tourism industry must be…
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