Amidst the conjecture caused by the launch of The Independent Group this morning, it might have been easy to forget that there’s plenty of other stuff going on…

• Lib Dems: Rail reform proposals signals change needed
• Govt consultations on plastic must be followed by action
• On short prison sentences, Tories say one thing and do another
• Cable: Honda decision another hammer blow to the UK economy
• Lib Dems will work with like-minded MPs – Cable
• Statement on the death of Paul Flynn

Lib Dems: Rail reform proposals signals change needed

Responding to the release of the report containing the Rail Delivery Group’s proposals to the Williams Rail Review, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Jenny Randerson said:

It has been long overdue for the Conservative Government to introduce the legislation needed to reform our outdated and unfair rail fares system. The proposals put forward by the industry which would modernise the way in which we pay for our train tickets are encouraging and it is now essential the Government sets the wheels in motion.

Simplifying the system and introducing smart ticketing would help transform what is an incredibly outdated system, invented before people bought their tickets online. Equally, with more and more people now working flexible hours it is vital the system offers fairer ticket prices to reflect the way modern businesses work.

With so many passengers wanting to overhaul the way they pay their rail fare, surely this should be something that Chris Grayling cannot delay.

Govt consultations on plastic must be followed by action

Responding to the Government’s launch of a number of consultations looking at overhauling the waste system, cutting plastic pollution, and moving towards a more circular economy, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, Alistair Carmichael said:

Whilst the Government fail to get a grip of the crisis facing our environment, the detrimental effects to the UK’s wildlife continues. The Liberal Democrats have been clear about the need for a plastic bottle deposit scheme and the Conservative Government must follow through on these consultations with action.

The Liberal Democrats will also continue to fight for a ban on all single-use plastic within three years and the introduction of a levy on all producers and retailers that produce or use single-use plastics.

If the Conservative Government was as good at recycling plastic as they are at recycling consultations then our environment would be in better shape than it is. It is good that the Government is thinking of acting, but the problem is urgent and needs to be taken seriously.

On short prison sentences, Tories say one thing and do another

Responding to the Justice Secretary’s speech this morning where he advocated abolishing prison sentences of six months or less, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse said:

I’m glad the Justice Secretary is finally accepting what the evidence – and the Liberal Democrats – have been saying for years: short prison sentences are destructive and just lead to more crime.

But even as he makes that admission, his Tory colleagues at the Home Office are busy introducing more short prison sentences in their Offensive Weapons Bill.

This Tory Government is saying one thing and doing another, and the Liberal Democrats demand better. Ministers must end short prison sentences and stop creating new ones.

Cable: Honda decision another hammer blow to the UK economy

Responding to the news that 3500 jobs will be lost at Honda, Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable said:

This is devastating news for the thousands of people employed at Honda’s plant in Swindon, and a further hammer blow to Britain’s reputation as a hub for global business.

Brexit may or may not be officially blamed, and we accept that other issues in the global economy are also a factor. Brexit uncertainty is weighing on the company, as is the inability of the UK Government to guarantee access to the recent EU-Japan trade deal.

We can still step back from the cliff edge and avoid economic disaster, by giving the public the final say on Brexit with the option to stay in the EU.

Lib Dems will work with like-minded MPs – Cable

Responding to the Labour party split, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable said:

It is not unexpected, or unwelcome, that a group of Labour MPs have decided to break away from Corbyn’s Labour; in part motivated by his refusal to follow the party’s policy on Brexit.

The Liberal Democrats are open to working with like-minded groups and individuals in order to give the people the final say on Brexit, with the option to remain in the EU. We will be engaging in talks to progress both that campaign and a wider political agenda.

Statement on the death of Paul Flynn

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have paid tribute to Paul Flynn following his death yesterday.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said:

We were sorry to hear of the death of Paul Flynn. Paul had a tremendous career as an MP for over 30 years, serving Newport and Wales with commitment and distinction.

Paul was a fiercely independent thinker and was always willing to speak loudly about those issues he cared most about, whether that was poverty, Brexit, or medicinal marijuana.

Paul was a principled and hardworking public servant. Welsh and British politics could do with far more like him. He will be greatly missed.