03Aug 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Govt’s planning reform shows they’re not serious about tackling housing crisis

Parliamentary news
Responding to the Government's announcement of planning reform in England which will allow new homes and hospitals to be granted automatic permission to be built, Liberal Democrat MHCLG Spokesperson Tim Farron said: “The announcement to reform England’s planning laws today reveals that once again Ministers are not serious about solving the housing crisis. It is not the lack of planning permission that prevents new, genuinely affordable, homes being built, but this Government’s refusal to properly invest in social housing. "Across the country thousands are on housing waiting lists – but with councils approving nine out of ten planning applications, it is clear that these changes announced today will not help those on waiting lists or those saving to buy a home. "Rather than tinkering with planning laws, what Robert Jenrick…
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27Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Third time lucky: Liberal Democrat Leader calls again for special Council meeting to discuss Labour’s green belt homes plan

Borough news
The Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has written to the Leader of Oldham Council to ask once more for a special meeting of the full Council to be convened to consider a one-item agenda – the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework and its impact on the Oldham Borough. Councillor Sykes first asked the Leader for such a meeting in the Full Council meeting in September 2018, and again in December of that year.  Council minutes have since recorded that the matter is ‘in progress’.  After almost two years of waiting for a meeting, Councillor Sykes’ patience has worn thin and he is concerned that time for further meaningful debate on the issue is fast running out. Commenting Councillor…
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19Jun 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Sir Simon McDonald’s premature departure raises serious questions

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports Sir Simon McDonald - permanent secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - is set to retire early after the Prime Minister indicated he wanted someone new after the merger with the Department for International Development, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: “Sir Simon McDonald’s premature departure from the FCO will raise many questions. “McDonald has been a constant voice of reason and his absence will be noticed at a time when the Government appear intent on undermining the UK’s position on the world stage. “The Government’s bully boy approach to the civil service is dangerous and counterproductive at such a precarious moment in our country’s history.”
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18Jun 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Liberal Democrats vow to protect green, open spaces

Borough news, Campaigns
Saddleworth Liberal Democrats are campaigning for local footpaths and green spaces to be kept open and accessible to all.  The recent lockdown measures have again shown how vital it is for everyone to have local green spaces, and the benefits these places have on mental and physical health.  Whether a local park, playing field, the open countryside, or just a little corner of greenery, access and enjoyment is important to all, especially those in poorer households and areas, who usually have less green space nearby – some of the people we must protect the most. Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness said: “I am very pleased that my campaigning with local people to restore the bridges around Diggle, Dobcross and Uppermill has worked, and we will soon be able to return to…
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16Jun 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

PM’s decision to scrap DFID shows Government turning its back on most in need

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports that the Prime Minister will announce later today that the Foreign Office and Department for International Development are set to be merged, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for International Development Wendy Chamberlain said: “Not content with depriving disadvantaged kids of their free school meals, the Prime Minister is now choosing to abolish the department whose job is to support the most vulnerable people around the world. "UK aid prevents suffering. The Liberal Democrats have always made absolutely clear our unequivocal support for Britain’s role as a world leader in providing aid to those most in need. By working internationally we can achieve so much more than we can alone. "This decision shows the extent of the Prime Minister’s determination to see the UK turn its back on the world.”…
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13Jan 2019 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Liberal Democrats vow to continue to fight to save Oldham’s Greenbelt from massive land grab for housing and industrial use

Borough news, Campaigns
The Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council is gearing up for the next round in its fight to save Oldham’s Greenbelt and green spaces. Labour’s Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and the 10 Council Leaders are due to agree the latest proposals for the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) which identifies where future houses will be built and industry based. Last year, public opposition, backed by support from Liberal Democrat Councillors across Greater Manchester, forced the Mayor to withdraw the original proposals to build homes on greenbelt across the county, including many thousands in Shaw, Crompton, Saddleworth, Chadderton and Royton. The so called new proposals are now in the public domain and according to Shaw Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Leader of the Opposition and the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham…
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15Nov 2018 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Liberal Democrat councillor praises Ashbrook and Thornley Brook planning decision – but ready for next steps

Borough news, Campaigns
Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani has praised the decision of Oldham’s planning committee to refuse the planning application for the development of 265 houses on Thornley Brook and Ashbrook in Saddleworth West and Lees. Sam said: “This decision – that the importance of the protected open land was greater than any theoretical benefits of the scheme – is a victory for common sense, and for the hard work of so many local people. The Save Our Valleys campaign have been tireless in their efforts. And as well as being able to mark the success of our campaign, It felt good to be one of the residents in the chamber who were able to celebrate the decision. “I have spoken to so many local residents who would be directly impacted by…
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