20Sep 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Lib Dems call for radical new approach to Israel/Palestine conflict

Lib Dems call for radical new approach to Israel/Palestine conflict

Parliamentary news
The Lib Dems have called for more trade with Palestine and Israel, more resources for peace and upholding of international law by ceasing trade with illegal settlements. Liberal Democrat members have today passed a motion at party conference calling for a new approach to the Israel/Palestine conflict. The motion, the first on Israel/Palestine at Lib Dem conference since 2017, reaffirms the party’s call for immediate recognition of the state of Palestine alongside calling on the UK Government to commit further resources to peace. The Liberal Democrats have become the first UK political party to formally support the creation of a peace fund for the region to build trust between Israeli and Palestinian communities, modelled on similar schemes previously used in Northern Ireland. The motion sees party members call for increased…
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14Sep 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Govt tells MPs not to raise cases of people abandoned in Afghanistan

Govt tells MPs not to raise cases of people abandoned in Afghanistan

Parliamentary news
The Government has told MPs to stop taking up the cases of Afghan nationals who are still in the country and in need of help. In a letter to MPs, Home Office minister Victoria Atkins said that the Government will not be able “to respond to colleagues with specific updates on individuals” given the “deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.” MPs are being told by the Government to signpost individuals towards the Government’s resettlement schemes “rather than seek to pursue cases on their behalf.” Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, said: "The Conservatives have turned their back on vulnerable people desperate to flee the terror of the Taliban, and are now telling MPs we should give up trying to help them too. “It is utterly disgraceful. People are…
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02Sep 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Raab should get on a plane or hand in his notice

Raab should get on a plane or hand in his notice

Parliamentary news
The Lib Dems are calling on Raab to get the next flight to Pakistan, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan to meet with his Foreign Minister counterparts. He must fly to the region immidiately to ensure British nationals and refugees can safely cross land borders. Layla Moran MP, Lib Dem Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, said: "Dominic Raab should get on a plane or hand in his notice. He needs to fly out to countries neighbouring Afghanistan and ensure British nationals and refugees can escape the Taliban. "If the German Foreign Minister can do it, then so can he. Today he sent 15 British officials to these countries, yet can't be bothered to go himself. He's continuing to pass the buck on leadership. "He has wasted months and refused to stand up for Britain…
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26Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
China sanctions will not silence critics standing up for the Uyghurs

China sanctions will not silence critics standing up for the Uyghurs

Parliamentary news
Responding to China's sanctions on nine UK citizens - including five MPs - for spreading "lies and disinformation", Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Layla Moran MP said: "We have full solidarity with colleagues and organisations who have been sanctioned for daring to speak out and expose the atrocities against the Uyghurs. Despite China's intimidation tactics, we will not be silenced. “Targeting backbench MPs instead of ministers makes clear this is about China’s disdain for democracy around the world. "The UK cannot stand by while human rights abuses take place right in front of our eyes. This desperate move from China will galvanise us all to work harder. The Liberal Democrats urge the Government to stand behind those sanctioned and protect them."
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13Jan 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Government must give judges power to determine if genocide committed

Government must give judges power to determine if genocide committed

Parliamentary news
Speaking after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab's statement on the situation in Xinjiang, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Layla Moran said: “Whilst I was pleased to hear the Foreign Secretary say that more must be done about the human rights abuses being committed against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, it is deeply disappointing that the Government still refuses to label it as genocide. "Given China's blocking of routes to pursue genocide judgements through international courts, the UK surely has a responsibility - in line with its obligations under the Genocide Convention - to find alternative routes make legal determinations of the crime of genocide. "We need to allow judges to provide expert input to ensure that our values are upheld, and we need to see the Government go further to ensure…
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18Nov 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani
UK must not abandon world stage during a global pandemic

UK must not abandon world stage during a global pandemic

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports that the Government has drawn up plans to cut the foreign aid budget from 0.7% to 0.5% of national income, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Layla Moran said: “UK foreign aid has made the difference between life and death for countless vulnerable people in need around the world. “Despite promises to the contrary, the Tories are showing their true colours by planning to break the UK's commitment to international development and slashing the budget by £4billion. "The UK must not walk away from the world stage during a global pandemic. None of us are free from this virus until we all are. This is the time for global leadership. “Now more than ever we need oversight and scrutiny by retaining the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, establishing…
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31Aug 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Scrapping foreign aid shows Government abandoning world stage

Scrapping foreign aid shows Government abandoning world stage

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports that the Chancellor is set to scrap Foreign Aid, Liberal Democrat International Development spokesperson Wendy Chamberlain said: “For too many vulnerable people in need around the world, UK foreign aid has made the difference between life and death.  “Despite previous assurances, the mask has now slipped and we can see the callous Tories for who they really are. “By scrapping foreign aid, the Government is abandoning the world stage and turning a blind eye to the crippling poverty children face around the world.“Now more than ever we need oversight and scrutiny by retaining the ICAI, the International Development Committee and a Development Minister in Cabinet."
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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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