Author Archives: The Voice

Last week the Government’s appalling Immigration Bill was debated in the Lords. Liberal Democrat peers made some cracking speeches opposing it. As it’s Christmas, we thought we’d publish them all in full over the next few days, beginning with Roger Roberts.

Roger’s record on standing up for the vulnerable people caught up in our immigration system is fantastic. Here he does it again:

My Lords, it has been a heart-warming month in a way. We saw refugees from Syria being welcomed to the Isle of Bute, and I am proud of some Canadian connections when we hear that Justin Trudeau promised that Canada, under its new Liberal Government, will welcome 25,000 refugees by the end of February. Last week when the first plane arrived in Toronto, the call went out: “Please do not go to the airport: too many people are already there welcoming the refugees”. I only wish that our country had a similar feel.

I know that there are some people who will oppose this. Indeed, some even opposed Welsh people coming to London and opening dairies 100 years ago. However, most people are compassionate and kind, yet this Bill flies against all that compassion and kindness. So much has been said already that I must make my speech shorter than it was. One of the provisions of the Bill is the “deport now, appeal later” system. What will happen then? What percentage of those who appeal now have their appeals accepted? Is it 30% or 50%? Some say that it is 70%. That will not be possible with this measure. It will overturn the judicial appeals process of our country: “Go abroad and we will forget all about you”.

The Independent reports:

The chairman of the Liberal Democrats’ ethnic minority group, who was controversially ejected from the party last month, has had his membership re-instated.

We’ve already heard about Tim Farron’s tussle with Storm Desmond. Thankfully all was well, but for many in the area, Desmond’s effects will last for a long time to come as they struggle with flooded homes and ruined property.

Tim Farron has, as you would expect, been helping constituents deal with the storm’s aftermath and has written to David Cameron to ask him to ensure that funds are made available for the clear-up operation.

He said:

It is heartbreaking to see the impact of flooding once more on local people. My thoughts are with all those whose homes and businesses have been flooded, and who have been forced to evacuate.

There is now a major task ahead of us in terms of repairing the damage caused by these floods, and I am calling on the government to support us in this and make additional funds available.