• Lib Dems oppose Johnson’s Parliamentary agenda
• Fall in retail sales demands a radical rethink
• PM should seek to bring the country together

Lib Dems oppose Johnson’s Parliamentary agenda

The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to the Queen’s Speech for debate on Monday 19 January. The amendment details the key reasons why Liberal Democrat MPs will oppose Boris Johnson’s agenda for government, including:

• failure to introduce ambitious plans to tackle the climate emergency;
• failure to set out measures to tackle poverty and inequality;
• failure to protect human rights or to strengthen the voice of citizens.

The amendment also urges Government to introduce a system of proportional representation.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s debate, Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat Acting Leader, said:

The Liberal Democrats are determined to hold Boris Johnson’s government to account. Our amendment is about doing just that: exposing the Prime Minister’s failure to act on the most pressing issues facing the UK today.

The Tories’ agenda not only lacks ambition when it comes to tackling the climate emergency, it fails to outline measures to reduce the poverty and deep inequality that threatens social cohesion and denies people the opportunity to succeed.

Johnson’s preoccupation with vanity projects – like getting Big Ben to ‘bong’ for Brexit – is yet more evidence that his priority is to massage his ego, not protect the national interest, or support families who are struggling.

We are determined to ensure that the millions of people who voted Liberal Democrat on 12 December have the strongest possible voice in Parliament – a voice pushing for real change, including reform of our electoral system, to ensure that every vote truly counts in the future.

Fall in retail sales demands a radical rethink

Responding to statistics today from the ONS which revealed sales volumes fell by 0.6% from November, the fifth month in a row without growth, Liberal Democrat Business Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said:

The Conservatives have completely failed to address the deep crisis on our high streets. Retailers of all sizes are experiencing unprecedented pressures. Despite thousands of jobs hanging in the balance, the Government has no plan.

It’s clear that the business rates system is not working and needs a radical rethink, not tampering around the edges like Johnson intends to do. The Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for their replacement with a fair system that doesn’t penalise shop owners, so that our high streets can finally breathe again.

PM should seek to bring the country together

Responding to the Government’s plans to mark the UK leaving the EU on 31st of January, Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said:

The Prime Minister should be seeking to pull the country together, not blowing the public’s money on inviting his mates around for a party.

The 31st isn’t a day of triumph. The reality is the Conservatives have set out a reckless approach to conclude our future relationship with the EU that could see the country straight off the no-deal cliff.

Liberal Democrats will continue to oppose Brexit. We believe people deserve better than a future where a Prime Minister willingly threatens jobs, the environment and the NHS.