Author Archives: Mark Valladares

22 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Tue 22nd January 2019 - 11:34 pm

Labour must stop ‘chasing their unicorn Brexit deal’ – Jane Dodds

Welsh Lib Dem Leader Jane Dodds has criticised Jeremy Corbyn’s “intentionally ambiguous amendment” and urged the Labour leadership to stop “chasing their unicorn Brexit deal”.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said:

Brexit is a national embarrassment. The Prime Minister’s plan B looks no different to her plan A. Meanwhile, the Labour leadership continues to ignore its members, its voters and the country’s interests.

With just 66 days to go until we leave the European Union, we do not have the luxury to wait for Corbyn to slowly inch his way toward backing

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, jane dodds, Jo Swinson and proxy voting | 1 Comment

21 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Mon 21st January 2019 - 11:40 pm

Some good news today, as the Government has withdrawn the £65 charge for EU citizens to register for settled status. Admittedly though, they’re still at the mercy of a Home Office not necessarily recognised for its compassion or competence, but it is at least a start…

And with that, here are today’s press releases…

Home Office settled status scheme risks new Windrush scandal
Swinson: Govt Chief Whip must resign if he is blocking proxy voting
New laws only help domestic abuse victims if there’s cash to enforce them
Lib Dems: Will Corbyn agree with Gardiner and vote for a People’s Vote?
Government cave on unfair EU

…

Posted in News | Tagged domestic abuse, ed davey, eu citizens, home office, jane dodds, jeremy corbyn, Jo Swinson, peoples vote, proxy voting, rural broadband, tom brake and Wales | Leave a comment

19-20 January 2019 – the weekend’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Sun 20th January 2019 - 10:30 pm

GP postcode lottery shows vital need for a national workforce strategy
Lib Dems: Car insurance rise shows cost of Brexit
Labour failing their duty as Official Opposition on Brexit
Fox’s failure to sign trade deals shows Brexiters’ ‘Global Britain’ does not exist
Corbyn isolated as over 100 Labour MPs set to back Lib Dem call for a people’s vote

GP postcode lottery shows vital need for a national workforce strategy

Responding to the analysis done by the BBC which shows the huge variation in the availability of GPs in different parts of England, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Judith Jolly said:

Getting access to your GP should never

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, car insurance, department for international trade, judith jolly, keir starmer, labour, liam fox, peoples vote, tom brake, useless, vince cable and waiting times | 5 Comments

18 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Fri 18th January 2019 - 11:20 pm

As another week draws to a close, the opportunism of the Conservatives becomes more apparent, using the chaos of Brexit to disguise their true intent. And it isn’t to make life better for ordinary people, or to fulfil the promises of the Leave campaign…

Lib Dems: Boris still peddling mistruths on Brexit
Lib Dems fight Tory threats to human rights
Lib Dems: Final fig leaf of leave campaign falls off with Fox

Lib Dems: Boris still peddling mistruths on Brexit

Responding to the speech Boris Johnson made today, Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake said:

No one will take lessons from Boris Johnson on eroding trust

…

Posted in News | Tagged boris johnson, dishonesty, ed davey, european convention on human rights, free trade, liam fox and tom brake | Leave a comment

17 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Thu 17th January 2019 - 11:56 pm

Davey: UK facing energy crunch
Cable: Corbyn determined to play party political games
Lib Dems: Outrageous that army reserves are on standby due to Tory Brexit mess
Lib Dems: Only way forward is through a People’s Vote
Govt back-payment for modern slavery victims is too little too late
Cable: Government wrong on People’s Vote timetable

Davey: UK facing energy crunch

Responding to the news that Hitachi have stopped work on the Wylfa plant, former Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy Ed Davey said:

Japanese businesses have warned about Brexit’s economic consequences since the 2016 referendum, so this latest set back to the Conservatives’ energy policy is

…

Posted in News | Tagged armed forces, brexit, ed davey, energy policy, jamie stone, jeremy corbyn, modern slavery, peoples vote and vince cable | 2 Comments

16 January 2019 – today’s press release

By Mark Valladares | Thu 17th January 2019 - 12:11 am

Cable: Either Corbyn backs Brexit or he backs the people

Responding to the defeat of Jeremy Corbyn’s vote of no confidence in the Conservative Government by 325 votes to 306 votes, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable said:

Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour party cannot procrastinate any longer. Either he backs Brexit or he backs the people.

He has a responsibility, to get off the fence and provide some effective opposition.

The only serious option is what the Liberal Democrats have been calling for since the 24th June 2016, a people’s vote with the option to remain in the

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, jeremy corbyn and vince cable | 1 Comment

15 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Wed 16th January 2019 - 12:02 am

You never quite want to believe the predictions, especially when they are in your favour, but it can’t be argued that tonight wasn’t a massive rejection of the May deal. Here’s what was said in the aftermath…

Cable: This is the beginning of the end of Brexit
Brexit Must be put Back to the People – Welsh Lib Dems (see here)
Cable: After Govt defeat the only way forward is a People’s Vote (see here)

Cable: This is the beginning of the end of Brexit

Responding to the no confidence vote tabled tonight in the House of Commons, Leader of the Liberal Democrats …

Posted in News | Tagged brexit and vince cable | 7 Comments

14 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Mon 14th January 2019 - 11:15 pm

As we start another week, is there an emerging consensus on where we go next? Tomorrow sees the meaningful vote in the Commons, whilst tonight saw a somewhat less meaningful one in the Lords, although it perhaps offers a portent of what is to come…

Cross-party group publishes legislation for People’s Vote
Cable: Research shows UK companies hit hard by ‘Leave’ vote
Lib Dems: EU letter changes nothing
Lords defeat ’embarrassing setback’ for Theresa May

Cross-party group publishes legislation for People’s Vote

A cross-party group of MPs has today (January 14th) published legislation to bring about a ‘People’s Vote’ referendum on the Government’s Brexit deal in …

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, chuka umunna, dominic grieve, ian blackford, lord lisvane, tom brake and vince cable | Leave a comment

12-13 January 2019 – the weekend’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Sun 13th January 2019 - 11:51 pm

There haven’t been that many days of such high drama in Parliament to compare to the next few. How badly will Theresa May lose in the Commons? Will it be enough to force a change of policy? Can the Conservative Party cling together?

We’ll see soon enough but, in the meantime, here are the weekend’s press releases…

Grayling has lost the plot
Short-term sentences of 12 months or less must be scrapped now
Corbyn has failed the test of leadership
Cable: No-deal is a choice and the Govt can stop it

Grayling has lost the plot

Responding to claims from Chris Grayling that blocking Brexit could lead …

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, chris grayling, ed davey, jeremy corbyn, sentencing, tom brake and vince cable | 2 Comments

11 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Fri 11th January 2019 - 10:45 pm

Time to take a deep breath, and work out who the Government is. Is it the centre-right modernists, led by Amber Rudd? Is it the opportunistic wannabes, led by Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt? Or, is Theresa May in office but not in power? Hard to tell from the outside.

But there are still other things ticking over, and there are issues way beyond Brexit, as today’s press releases show…

Causes of mental ill-health in schools must be tackled
Lib Dems: Penny has dropped with Hunt
Lib Dems: UC needs investment, not just reform
Lib Dems: Pigs more likely to fly than Brexit legislation to

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, child and adolescent mental health services, christine jardine, layla moran, tom brake and universal credit | 3 Comments

10 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Thu 10th January 2019 - 11:59 pm

I’m posting on the fly today, as I’ve allowed myself to become distracted by other things. So, if this posting changes before your very eyes, don’t be surprised… It’s a bit like Brexit in many ways, a kaleidoscope of images, none of which you can ever recreate again…

Lib Dems in bid to change asylum seeker employment rules
Cable: Moment of reckoning for our economy
Cable: No confidence in Govt or Corbyn
Lib Dems: We will use “any means possible” to secure proper Brexit debate
Lib Dems call for Venezuelan President to step down
Blackwood appointment shows Tories ignoring demands for House of Lords reform

Lib Dems …

Posted in News | Tagged asylum seek, brexit, christine jardine, dick newby, Jo Swinson, jobs, lift the ban, lords reform, nicola blackwood, tom brake, Venezuela and vince cable | 2 Comments

9 January 2019 – (the rest of) today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Wed 9th January 2019 - 11:52 pm

You can hardly blame my editorial colleague for publishing one of today’s releases a bit earlier in the day than usual. After all, our unwritten constitution isn’t often redrafted on the hoof, as it were, as Parliament hurtles towards a possible unintended ‘no deal’ Brexit.

Is there anyone out there who can rally enough MPs behind them to at least apply the brakes?…

PM shamefully sides with Putin, not people (see here)
Lib Dems: People do not trust politicians to take the final decision on Brexit
Parliament ‘takes back control’ from a failing Govt (see here)
Corbyn letting down his party and country

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, dick newby, labour and tom brake | 1 Comment

8 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Tue 8th January 2019 - 11:50 pm

It seems that, no matter how late I publish this feature, the Press Team are still up and working. Last night, the final press release came out at 11.58 p.m., so is included in today’s batch…

Drone reforms are vague and lack resources
Social housing neglect due to lack of political will
Dover delay is a national embarrassment
Cable: Bumbling Govt taking ‘Dad’s Army’ approach to Brexit
Lib Dems: Govt defeat shows no deal not an option
Lib Dems: Drone sighting shows urgent need for regulation
Lib Dems defeat Govt on loan charges

Drone reforms are vague and lack resources

Responding to the Government annoucement that the police will …

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, drones, ed davey, jenny randerson, loan charge, portsmouth, social housing, taxation, tom brake, vince cable and wera hobhouse | 6 Comments

7 January 2019 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Mon 7th January 2019 - 10:45 pm

Back to our normal scheduling, I’m pleased to say, so we’ll be publishing on weekdays and Sundays from here until the next Parliamentary recess. That said, the Lords hasn’t indicating that it’s taking one yet, so it could be a long session…

Fall in car sales shows extent of Brexit damage
Lamb: NHS plan fatally undermined by insufficient resources
Manufacturing companies let down by blundering Conservative Government
Govt failing their duty over vital Brexit legislation

Fall in car sales shows extent of Brexit damage

Responding to the news that UK car sales have fallen by the biggest amount since the days of the financial crisis, Liberal …

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, car sales, dick newby, nhs plan, norman lamb, statutory instruments and tom brake | 2 Comments

31 December 2018 – 6 January 2019 – the week’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Sun 6th January 2019 - 10:45 pm

Right, the holiday season is over, and it’s back to something resembling normalcy tomorrow, what with Parliament resuming and all. So, here’s the press releases that you missed…

Govt must provide answers over forced marriage scandal
Javid comments on asylum seekers ‘completely unacceptable’
Corbyn cosies up to the Conservatives on Brexit
All Gove is offering farmers is uncertainty
Cable: PM’s publicity campaign is scaremongering
Cable: Govt must end brinkmanship over security in Northern Ireland
Lib Dems: Govt must follow airports and invest in drone protection

Govt must provide answers over forced marriage scandal

Liberal Democrats today condemned reports that the Government is charging victims of illegal forced marriages to …

Posted in News | Tagged air travel, Alistair Carmichael, asylum seekers, brexit, christine jardine, drones, ed davey, farming, forced marriage, jenny randerson, jeremy corbyn, northern ireland, policing, security, tom brake and vince cable | 7 Comments

Vince Cable’s New Year Message

By Mark Valladares | Mon 31st December 2018 - 8:23 am

Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable will use his New Year’s message to highlight the urgency to win a people’s vote on Brexit with people having the right to choose to remain in the European Union, something the Liberal Democrats have argued for since the summer of 2016.

He also highlights the need to address issues that the government has neglected due to the focus on Brexit including properly funding health and care services, increasing resource for schools and police services, tackling homelessness and the lack of affordable housing, and harnessing the power and opportunities of new technology.

You can view …

Posted in News | Tagged New Year message 2019 and vince cable | 3 Comments

21-30 December 2018 – press release catch-up

By Mark Valladares | Sun 30th December 2018 - 10:30 pm

You’d been wondering where I’d gotten to, hadn’t you? Well, following some consideration of how this regular feature works, I’ve decided to change it a bit. From now on, I’ll publish on Monday to Thursday inclusive, and on Sunday evening. My thinking is that politics goes a bit quiet when Parliament isn’t sitting, and one can develop a false expectation as to the flow of press releases from that.

And now, a catch up of press releases you’ve probably missed…

Lib Dem call to scrap Vagrancy Act gets Labour backing
Cable: Corbyn offers no real alternative
Govt must take no deal off the table

…

Posted in News | Tagged business rates, ed davey, ferries, food security, homelessness, jeremy corbyn, labour, layla moran, security and vince cable | 3 Comments

Paddy – some Liberal Democrat reflections…

By Mark Valladares | Sat 22nd December 2018 - 11:19 pm

But whilst the political world is paying tribute, the loss is more acute to the family that is the Liberal Democrats. Here are some of the reactions from Twitter. For those of our readers who didn’t know Paddy as well, or for as long, perhaps these will give you a flavour of the man…

Paddy listened to what I had to say and then blasted all my arguments to pieces.
I shouldn't *always* use military metaphors for him, but they always come to mind. Sorry.
Paddy was open to anyone, but he'd never patronise by giving you less than fully armed & operation Paddy.

— Alex Wilcock (@alexwilcock) December 22, 2018

"He never gave the impression when he talked to you that he was looking over your shoulder for someone more important," https://t.co/Fu95NhjkBL

— Jonathan Calder (@lordbonkers) December 22, 2018

In 2014, in the wake of nightmare Euro election results, I went on the Today programme at about 5 minutes notice to try to spread some peace and calm. Literally within seconds of me coming off air I had a highly complimentary email from #paddyashdown which I have always treasured

— Caron Lindsay (@caronmlindsay) December 22, 2018

I am absolutely devastated. I'll never forget my first big speech at Lib Dem party conference & coming off stage to have Paddy pat me on the back and tell me what a good job I did. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. https://t.co/w41iPpSpu6

— Amna Ahmad (@amnajahmad) December 22, 2018

It turns out that so many people had pictures of themselves with Paddy…

So very sad to hear that @paddyashdown has lost his last battle, with cancer. A sad day for Somerset, which he dearly loved. My thoughts are with Jane and his family x pic.twitter.com/lGBMiZbjhD

— Tessa 4 Wells (@tessamunt) December 22, 2018

Heartbroken. We lost another radical Liberal and at the time we feel a lack of progressive voices.

Honoured to have worked with him. pic.twitter.com/uHGAn3WBEC

— April Preston #PeoplesVoteNow (@AprilPreston_) December 22, 2018

Just 3 Months ago.
Thank you for spending time with us and share an insight in to your life. RIP Paddy Ashdown..
.@merleneemerson @ChineseLibDems @THLDs @LibDemLords @LibDemDiversity @ALDC @SiobhanBenita @CarolinePidgeon @caronmlindsay @CandyPiercy pic.twitter.com/XgPCsWXMey

— LDCRE (@LDCRE1) December 22, 2018

And the stories…

Paddy Ashdown: a human tornado whose energy seemed inextinguishable. But also a brilliant boss, author and international diplomat. My best memory: visiting Mitrovica, he got fractious local mobsters to commit to a common ideal, then made hot drinks (badly) for the local staff

— Iain King (@Iainbking) December 22, 2018

Fond memories of a campaign visit to an Indian restaurant kitchen with #PaddyAshdown. He brandished the skewers like a ninja while chatting to the chefs in their native language. I just watched in silent awe. We’ve lost a genuine hero today.

— Sarah Olney (@sarahjolney1) December 22, 2018

Thanks for the memories, Paddy…

Posted in News | Tagged paddy ashdown | 1 Comment

Paddy – some early tributes…

By Mark Valladares | Sat 22nd December 2018 - 10:23 pm

It is the mark of a person when, in the hours after their death, tributes come from less expected corners. Here are some of the early ones, from across the political spectrum and beyond…

First, from the world of politics…

Touching words from Sir John Major paying tribute to Paddy Ashdown: pic.twitter.com/PNcJc2IOOQ

— Sebastian Payne (@SebastianEPayne) December 22, 2018

“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news about Paddy. He was motivated by values of compassion, decency and a profound commitment to make the world a better place… He will be hugely missed by his many friends and admirers.”

Tony Blair’s statement https://t.co/670JHUABpM

— Tony Blair Institute (@InstituteGC) December 22, 2018

Absolutely devastated to hear of the death of Paddy Ashdown. I'm actually crying. He has been a very good friend to me over the years and would always go out of his way to help me. What a bastard cancer is. A liberal light has gone out tonight. pic.twitter.com/7G3akpqEVl

— Iain Dale (@IainDale) December 22, 2018

Saddened by the loss of a towering political figure who was a strong European and a dedicated constitutional reformer. Paddy Ashdown had endless energy, was prepared to cross party lines and served the UK and international communities with distinction. Thoughts with his family.

— Gordon & Sarah Brown (@OfficeGSBrown) December 22, 2018

I am so very sorry to hear of the death of my old friend Paddy Ashdown and before the ghastlies get at him , he was a formidable Royal Marine ,a bold and effective Liberal Leader and a first class administrator.#abigbeastgoesfartoosoonRIP

— Nicholas Soames (@NSoames) December 22, 2018

Shocked at the passing of former leader of the liberal democrats Paddy Ashdown, whilst we had our political differences he was a staunch defender of human rights and social justice, a truly sad evening for all who fight for social justice in our country. R.I.P Paddy xxxx pic.twitter.com/sqrsKmmsce

— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) December 22, 2018

But, of course, Paddy had a far wider impact on the world around him…

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our friend and loyal supporter, Lord Paddy Ashdown. He will be remembered as a strong advocate for Bosnia, serving as the country's High Representative & doing his best for the victims & survivors of genocide https://t.co/1apuIvs2O6 pic.twitter.com/MIkcZe603d

— Remembering Srebrenica (@SrebrenicaUK) December 22, 2018

So sad to hear the news of Paddy Ashdown. I saw the huge international respect he won for his inspirational leadership in Bosnia. His combination of prodigious energy, infectious enthusiam and total integrity came through in everything he did. And his capacity for friendship.

— Peter Ricketts (@LordRickettsP) December 22, 2018

Paddy Ashdown was a friend of the Syrian Revolution. He supported us in bringing the Assad regime to justice, he supported us in humanitarian aid and vouched for aid drops in Syria – and openly berated those who didn't care for Syrian lives. RIP Lord Ashdown.

— Razan Saffour (@RazanSpeaks) December 22, 2018

On behalf of everyone at Unicef, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Paddy Ashdown. Supporting the organisation for more than 8 years as President & Ambassador, Lord Ashdown was a passionate advocate for children everywhere. Our thoughts go out to Jane & his family. pic.twitter.com/WxAUbcZaXh

— Unicef UK (@UNICEF_uk) December 22, 2018

and in some more unexpected places…

We send condolences to Paddy Ashdown’s family and friends. We often saw him in our reading rooms researching. He was latterly the President of @FriendsTNA and was a passionate supporter of our work.

— National Archives UK (@UkNatArchives) December 22, 2018

But, for now, I’ll finish with a typical Paddy anecdote. If it had been anyone else, you probably wouldn’t believe it. But Paddy…

Paddy Ashdown, a true Liberal hero, RIP. When he was High Rep in Bosnia his team had a tip off about an incoming car bomb. Paddy's HQ was next to a petrol station, but he told his team to stay calm: "Don't worry. I tried to blow up a petrol station once – it didn't work."

— George Parker (@GeorgeWParker) December 22, 2018

Posted in News | Tagged paddy ashdown | 8 Comments

20 December 2018 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Thu 20th December 2018 - 11:50 pm

Today is topped and tailed by Brexit, hardly unusual, but there is also some good stuff responding to today’s events…

Rival Brexit plans reveal Govt without a course
Govt must act to prevent deaths on our streets
Govt must end ‘wild west’ drone market
Lib Dems: Public health cuts demonstrate Tories’ duplicity
Alun Cairns Must Resign if UK Government Back No Deal – Welsh Lib Dems

Rival Brexit plans reveal Govt without a course

Responding to rival Brexit plans set out by Amber Rudd and Andrea Leadsom, Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake has said:

While people at home over Christmas will be worried

…

Posted in News | Tagged affordable housing, alun cairns, amber rudd, brexit, conservatives, drones, homelessness, jane dodds, jenny randerson, judith jolly, peoples vote, public health, tom brake, Wales and wera hobhouse | 6 Comments

Is the next crisis in local government finance just a Brexit-induced slump away?

By Mark Valladares | Thu 20th December 2018 - 12:25 pm

As the Central Government grant to Local Government has been reduced towards nil, we’ve all seen the impact. A retreat from non-statutory services, such as buses and libraries, cuts to grants for the voluntary sector who, ironically, have done more than most to cushion the blow to residents of earlier cuts, and attempts to devolve services to the Cinderella tier of local government that is Town and Parish Councils.

In an attempt to stem the tide, local councils have sought to generate income by borrowing at current historically low rates of interest to invest in commercial property. Unfortunately, suspicion is growing …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged local government finance | 9 Comments

19 December 2018 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Wed 19th December 2018 - 11:45 pm

As displacement activity, as opposed to actually doing something practical as the country careers towards a cliff-edge Brexit, arguing about whether or not Jeremy Corbyn called Theresa May “stupid woman”, or said “stupid Tories” or “stupid people” seems to hit the spot.

* deep sigh *

It’s so much more courteous down the corridor in the House of Lords…

And the Press Team are still hard at work…

Tory immigration plans would bring chaos, not control
Corbyn must apologise for PMQs remarks
Cable: EU planning reinforces PM must rule out no-deal

Tory immigration plans would bring chaos, not control

Responding to the Government’s immigration white paper, Liberal Democrat …

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, discourtesy, ed davey, european commission, immigration bill, jeremy corbyn, vince cable and wera hobhouse | 1 Comment

18 December 2018 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Tue 18th December 2018 - 11:45 pm

Brexit is coming, the hedge fund’s growing fat, who will put a billion in Phil Hammond’s hat? If you haven’t got a billion, 3,000 troops will do, if you haven’t got 3,000 troops, then God bless you…

But at least we’re giving some opposition to this wastrel administration…

Lib Dem peers defeat Government to force Prevent review (this one arrived late last night)
Cable: Decision to ramp up no-deal is psychological warfare
Dropping migration target an admission Brexit won’t control immigration
Lib Dems: Putting troops on standby is simply scaremongering
Lib Dems table no confidence motion in Government

We’ve also received a press release from Tower Hamlets …

Posted in News | Tagged andrew stunell, armed forces, bangladesh, brexit, brian paddick, counter-terrorism and security bill, ed davey, elaine bagshaw, house of lords, jamie stone, migration targets, no confidence, no deal, prevent, rabina khan, siobhan benita, tower hamlets and vince cable | 1 Comment

17 December 2018 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Mon 17th December 2018 - 11:00 pm

Another week begins, and the Press Team are back on the frontline.

I am reminded that press releases are not all that our Press Team do, thus what you see here is not a full reflection of their work. There are specialist press releases not necessarily appropriate for a wider audience, and the team work with editors and journalists to gain better coverage, or to bring issues to their attention, and support our Parliamentarians when they interact with broadcast or print media too.

Anyway, on with today’s selection for you to enjoy…

Lib Dems: Case for a People’s Vote has spread to very

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, ed davey, jeremy corbyn, labour, peoples vote, refugees, tom brake, vince cable and windrush | 18 Comments

16 December 2018 – today’s press releases, or not…

By Mark Valladares | Sun 16th December 2018 - 10:30 pm

A quiet Sunday, as the media speculate on how each of the myriad routes towards a range of potential outcomes might be navigated, and various Conservative MPs operate independently of their own leader. We used to take some vague pride in the stability of our governments, but no longer, it seems…

And so, instead of news, I offer more music. The lute music was popular, or at least, someone indicated that they liked it, which is as good as, I suspect. So, let’s try something from a century or so later, a Bach Prelude for harpsichord…

Posted in News | Tagged culture | 2 Comments

15 December 2018 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Sun 16th December 2018 - 12:11 am

My apologies for lateness, but it’s been Opera Night in Needham Market, and we’ve been kept up by an Armenian soprano… And no, that’s not a metaphor…

Only two today, but one of them turned up just before midnight, so don’t say you aren’t getting them fresh.

Lib Dems: Diplomatic move by Australian Government is ‘deeply unhelpful and disappointing’

Responding to reports that the Australian Government have recognised the state of West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and plan to move their embassy there from Tel Aviv once a peace settlement is reached, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine said:

This move from the

…

Posted in News | Tagged christine jardine, israel, peoples vote and tom brake | 2 Comments

14 December 2018 – today’s press release

By Mark Valladares | Fri 14th December 2018 - 11:25 pm

Curiously, only one press release today, so without further ado…

‘Nebulous’ is but one word to describe the PM

Responding to the Prime Minister’s press conference, held after EU leaders withdrew sections of its draft conclusions, Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake said:

Having watched the Prime Minister’s botched attempt to negotiate with EU leaders, people up and down the country will be more concerned by Brexit than ever before.

To come before EU leaders without any documented proposals is galling. Calling the Prime Minister ‘nebulous’ is just one word to describe her.

Brexit will make people poorer and reduce

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit and tom brake | 14 Comments

13 December 2018 – (not just) today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Thu 13th December 2018 - 11:15 pm

You’d think that putting the day’s piece to bed after 11.30 p.m. should cover everything. But no, the Press Teams both in London and Cardiff had one last shot in the dying moments of yesterday, so I’m including them with today’s batch. Enjoy…

Theresa May Must Give the People the Final Say – Welsh Lib Dems
PM must now change course and offer people the final say
Soaring numbers of children trapped in temporary accommodation is shameful
Welsh Lib Dems Welcome Prostate Cancer MRI Scans
Govt must set out plans to avoid NHS winter crisis
Lib Dems demand MPs holidays are cancelled to vote on Brexit
Cable:

…

Posted in News | Tagged andrew lye, brexit, cancer, child poverty, healthcare, jane dodds, kath pinnock, local government finance, norman lamb, peoples vote, tom brake, vince cable, Wales and wera hobhouse | Leave a comment

12 December 2018 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Wed 12th December 2018 - 11:30 pm

So, another day when much has happened, but little has obviously changed. It’s a bit like ‘Waiting for Godot’, in that Brexit is supposedly coming, but never actually seems to turn up…

Cable: Conservative spat won’t resolve deepening divisions
Agreement Reached Between new First Minister and Kirsty Williams
Lamb: Labour’s abstention on cannabis vote ‘deeply depressing’

Cable: Conservative spat won’t resolve deepening divisions

Responding to the reports that the Prime Minister will face a vote of confidence in her leadership, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable said:

Theresa May’s deal is a total mess and is the latest backdrop for yet another Conservative meltdown over

…

Posted in News | Tagged cannabis, conservative leadership, education, jane dodds, kirsty williams, norman lamb, vince cable and Wales | 3 Comments

11 December 2018 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Tue 11th December 2018 - 11:35 pm

Amidst the chaos that is Westminster at the moment, at least somebody was trying to do something liberal. Admittedly, it wasn’t successful, but as another step towards a more liberal drugs policy, it was certainly worth the effort. Otherwise, another day of national humiliation for our country, as Theresa May found herself child-locked into a limousine. It’s a metaphor for something, isn’t it?…

So, what has gone out in the name of the Party today…

Lamb: Prohibition of cannabis is causing harm across the country
Cable: Govt economic analysis on Brexit misleading
EU confirms May has no room to renegotiate Brexit
Lamb: It is

…

Posted in News | Tagged brexit, cannabis, crime and policing, Drug Policy, economics, ed davey, norman lamb, sentencing, tom brake and vince cable | 2 Comments

Op-eds

Gladstone’s first government (Duncan Brack)
Out of Brexit Chaos part 1: People’s Vote (Mark Argent)
Relax! Brexit is going perfectly (Malcolm Wood)
Fee waived for EU nationals – but that doesn’t make the process right (Caron Lindsay)
Fight like a liberal (Caron Lindsay)

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22 January 2019 – today’s press releases

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19-20 January 2019 – the weekend’s press releases

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10 January 2019 – today’s press releases

9 January 2019 – (the rest of) today’s press releases

7 January 2019 – today’s press releases

31 December 2018 – 6 January 2019 – the week’s press releases

Vince Cable’s New Year Message

21-30 December 2018 – press release catch-up

Paddy – some Liberal Democrat reflections…

Paddy – some early tributes…

20 December 2018 – today’s press releases

Is the next crisis in local government finance just a Brexit-induced slump away?

19 December 2018 – today’s press releases

18 December 2018 – today’s press releases

17 December 2018 – today’s press releases

16 December 2018 – today’s press releases, or not…

15 December 2018 – today’s press releases

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Author Archives: Mark Valladares

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