27Mar 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Spike in Childline demand requires Govt intervention

Parliamentary news
Responding to the news that the NSPCC’s Childline has experienced “unprecedented demand” for mental and emotional health support services, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Layla Moran MP said: “The decision to close schools and cancel exams was the right one, but it has left thousands of children feeling worried or stressed about their future.  “Whilst the Government’s focus should be above all on saving lives, the Prime Minister must understand the impact of this crisis on the mental health and wellbeing of our country. He must come forward with clear measures to provide the support people need. “Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to pay whatever it costs to get all pupils and staff the resources they need to continue learning at home. For the sake of their wellbeing, and…
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27Mar 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Davey: Many self-employed cannot wait until June

Parliamentary news
Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement of support measures for the self-employed, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey said: “It does seem that Liberal Democrat pressure for a package for the self-employed has paid off, but I am hugely concerned about how long this will take to deliver. “Many sole traders like taxi drivers, hairdressers and cleaners will not be able to wait until June.  “I also worry about people who have been self-employed for less than a year who seem to be forgotten by this scheme. Many will have risked their savings to get started and it looks like they will get nothing from the package. “The Chancellor's promise that the self-employed can access loans is also worthless to the vast majority who won’t be able to provide the…
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25Mar 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Lib Dems lead call for moratorium on VAT on energy bills in the face of coronavirus crisis

Parliamentary news
Liberal Democrat MP Jamie Stone has secured cross party support for his letter to the Chancellor calling for a moratorium on VAT on energy bills through the coronavirus crisis.  The letter comes in the wake of figures from Uswitch forecasting that households could see bills increase as much as £195 as  a result of spending more time at home due to government restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.  Jamie Stone, Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross said: “Right across the UK people are desperately worried about how they will make ends meet in the face of this crisis. Many already find themselves out of work, on reduced pay or having to rely on Universal Credit. Ensuring people using prepaid meters are not cut off is a first step,…
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25Mar 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Davey: We must urgently put in place remote working for Parliament

Parliamentary news
Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has called on political parties and parliamentary authorities to work together to urgently put in place remote working for Parliament in response to the Covid-19 crisis. He said: “It is right that Parliament physically closes to keep people safe, including parliamentary staff, but this cannot mean an end to scrutiny of the Government. “The political parties and parliamentary authorities must now work together to urgently put in place remote working for parliament – so MPs can continue to represent our constituents, raise urgent issues with Ministers and hold the Government to account for its response to this crisis. “Businesses of all sizes have found ways to keep going through video conferencing and other technology, so it cannot be beyond the wit of…
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25Mar 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Government should turn day-one Universal Credit loans into grants immediately

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports that that the Government has refused to axe the five-week wait for Universal Credit payments despite an additional 500,000 claims in 9 days, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “The Coronavirus crisis is an unprecedented threat with millions of families facing financial hardship.  “There are therefore legitimate questions that the Prime Minister must answer over his Government’s failure to act more quickly and compassionately for the huge numbers of people now facing a sudden financial crisis. "With more and more people needing to apply to universal credit, we must ensure all who are eligible and need support are getting it - and quickly. “A five week wait has always been too slow and frankly unacceptable. “That is why Liberal Democrats have been calling on the…
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25Mar 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Coronavirus crisis demonstrates how valuable our public service broadcasters are

Parliamentary news
Responding to the news that the BBC News is to suspend its plans to cut 450 jobs, Liberal Democrat DCMS spokesperson Daisy Cooper said: “It is in times like this that our public service broadcasters demonstrate most clearly just how valuable they are. The BBC is right to ensure it remains properly staffed. “For older people in particular, television is one of the few ways during this crisis we can continue to connect to the outside world. The BBC has a vital role in communicating trusted health advice, scrutinising the Government’s actions, combating fake news and lifting the nation’s spirits. “When the coronavirus pandemic is over, we will look back in disbelief at the Government’s plans earlier this year to pull the BBC’s funding rug from underneath it. In an age…
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