10Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Government unwillingness to work with EU is unforgivable

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports UK has opted out of the EU's coronavirus vaccines scheme, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “When coronavirus is such a threat to people’s lives and livelihoods, Ministers should leave no stone unturned in their bid to end the pandemic. “This Government's stubborn unwillingness to work with the European Union through the current crisis is unforgivable.  “The crisis does not stop at any national border. It is about time the Prime Minister started showing leadership, including fully participating in all EU efforts to secure critical medical supplies and a vaccine.”
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03Jul 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Government shouldn’t need to mull on EU coronavirus vaccine scheme

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports that the UK Government is considering whether to participate in the EU coronavirus vaccine scheme, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs and Brexit spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: “When it comes to saving lives, there should be no mulling to do. Joining the EU’s coronavirus vaccine scheme is not about the old arguments of Brexit. It is simply the right thing to do. “It is all very well Boris Johnson claiming he regrets the loss of life but if he then refuses to do something because of politics then his regret is worth nothing more than a bucket of cold sick.  "The Prime Minister must put ideology aside and commit to participating immediately."
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10Jun 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Government wrong to deny Brexit extension

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports the UK Government will tell the EU on Friday it is not going to seek an extension to the Brexit transition period, Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: “Food shortages, medicine shortages, and an unprecedented hit to jobs and livelihoods: that is what the UK is facing if we crash out of the EU without a deal. “Boris Johnson's ideological stubbornness will see the most vulnerable in our country hit hardest. “With the country is already struggling as a result of Covid-19, it beggars belief that the Government are happy to pile Brexit on top of this already devastating situation. “Liberal Democrats will continue to urge the Government to think again and extend the transition period.”
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27Apr 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Gove gambles on a deal this year no matter the cost

Parliamentary news
Responding to comments from Michael Gove about the likelihood of securing a deal with the EU before the end of June this year, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “It is deeply concerning that the Government still refuses to extend the transition period during the coronavirus crisis. “Gove says that there is a two to one chance of a deal but why is the government so happy to gamble on our future during this crisis? “Gove admitted limited progress has been made on negotiations during this round. The Government must now face up to this reality and seek an extension to the transition period. We must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the British public over an arbitrary deadline and Brexit ideology.”
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27Mar 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Davey: Johnson ‘irresponsible’ to turn down EU ventilators

Parliamentary news
Responding to Number 10’s confirmation that the UK will not be participating in EU ventilator procurement programmes, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “There is no reasonable justification for Boris Johnson’s refusal to participate in the EU’s procurement of ventilators. Surely we should be trying every possible means to get people seriously ill with coronavirus the ventilators they need. “Let's be clear: getting more ventilators to our NHS will save lives. Why won’t the Prime Minister put his Brexit views aside, given this crisis?  “By working together with other countries and using the strength of the single market, the government can help get PPE for NHS frontline staff and ventilators to those fighting the virus.  “Of course we want factories in the UK manufacturing ventilators and let’s source them…
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18Feb 2019 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Swinson: Labour must not believe PM’s meaningless promises on workers’ rights

Parliamentary news
In a letter to the 25 Labour MPs who voted against or abstained on the Cooper amendment on 29 January, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson MP has warned that the only way to protect workers’ rights is by staying in the European Union. Ms Swinson said: “Theresa May’s supposed commitment to safeguard workers’ rights after Brexit is meaningless. With her days in Number 10 numbered, there is nothing to stop any future Conservative Prime Minister from reneging on her promises. “I have seen first-hand how determined many in the Conservative party are to sacrifice employment rights at the altar of deregulation. I strongly urge Labour colleagues to see that the only way to protect our hard-won workers’ rights is to stay in the European Union.”
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