• Liberal Democrats call out PM’s “brazen hypocrisy” on rule of law
• Liberal Democrats call on Govt to extend furlough to boost economic recovery
• Government must make Covid test available to all that need one

Liberal Democrats call out PM’s “brazen hypocrisy” on rule of law

The Liberal Democrats have demanded the Prime Minister explain his “brazen hypocrisy” given his Government’s readiness to break international law with the Internal Market Bill, while expecting “everybody in this country to obey the law.”

The accusation follows an exchange at Prime Minister’s Questions today where Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson asked “If Ministers think it is acceptable for this Government to not obey the law, how on earth can the Prime Minister expect the public at home to do so?”

Despite confirmation yesterday from the Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis that the proposed Northern Ireland customs legislation “does break international law”, the Prime Minister told the House of Commons that he expects “everybody in this country to obey the law.”

The Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham has called on the Prime Minister to make a statement clarifying his Government’s “precise position” when it comes to upholding the rule of law.

Following the exchange, Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson said:

Testing one’s eyesight, natural justice, and only breaking the law in a limited and specific way. All excuses used by this Government for their disregard for the rule of law.

It seems it’s one rule for them and another for the rest of us. At a time when the coronavirus crisis is taking an enormous toll, following guidelines is saving lives. Instead of showing leadership, this Government is setting all the wrong examples and in doing so risking lives.

This brazen hypocrisy has to stop. The Prime Minister must come forward and clarify his precise position when it comes to upholding the rule of law, here in the UK and internationally.

Liberal Democrats call on Govt to extend furlough to boost economic recovery

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to extend the furlough scheme “for all those who need it” until the end of June 2021, to avoid mass unemployment and accelerate the UK’s economic recovery.

Speaking in Parliament today, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP urged the Government to extend the furlough scheme until mid-2021 as the best way to protect people’s livelihoods and to safeguard the UK’s economic recovery.

Liberal Democrats have warned that the furlough bridge currently doesn’t lead anywhere, with thousands already facing redundancy. As well as extending the furlough scheme, the Party is calling on the Government to invest in a Green Recovery Plan to create new jobs for the future.

Speaking after the debate in the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine said:

The UK is in the grip of the worst economic crisis in a century. Every month thousands of job losses are announced. Thousands more are expected once furlough ends. We need to see bold action from the Government to prevent this catastrophe.

It is now clear that the responsible thing to do is to extend the furlough scheme until the middle of 2021 for all those who need it. This will protect households from mass unemployment and boost our economic recovery. Crucially, it gives us time to invest in our future economy through a Green Recovery Plan, so that there are new jobs when furlough eventually ends.

The Government’s decision to bury its head in the sand and abandon furlough next month will have a grave impact on millions of peoples’ lives. Liberal Democrats will keep fighting so that no one is left behind.

Government must make Covid test available to all that need one

Responding to the press conference by the Prime Minister, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

The Government is making the right decision to strengthen the coronavirus guidelines in England. Clearly rapid testing by spring would be a welcome advancement.

However, the Government must take immediate action to increase the level of testing available right now. It is simply not acceptable that people are being asked to travel for several hours for a test, or are unable to book a test at all.

Ministers must also put forward financial plans for people and businesses that continue to be heavily affected. As the Coronavirus will continue to force many businesses and self employed to stop working, thousands of jobs are at risk.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to extend the furlough scheme to protect tens of thousands of livelihoods.