Category Archives: News

Nominations open for ALDC’s Campaigner Awards

By The Voice | Sun 28th July 2024 - 12:30 pm

We’ve not been short of electoral success this year and the best of our campaigning will be recognised at Conference in September.

ALDC has opened nominations for its annual Local Campaigner awards. You don’t have to be an ALDC member to nominate, though everyone should be an ALDC member because you get access to the very best in campaigning support.

The categories are:

Best literature – We’re looking for local parties’ examples of well-designed literature with strong messaging, photos and layout. We want to see your best.

Best local election campaign – We’re looking for local parties that have fought effective and strong 2024 local election campaigns. Tell us about your winning strategy. What innovative new ideas did you use? What great literature did you deliver? Did you develop a digital strategy and run a successful online campaign? How did you raise the funds to support your campaign?

Best by-election campaign – We want to hear from teams that have helped us have another great year of by-election gains. Tell us about your winning strategy. What innovative new ideas did you use? What great literature did you deliver? Did you develop a digital strategy run a successful online campaign? How did you raise the funds to support your campaign?

26 July 2024 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Fri 26th July 2024 - 11:00 pm

CQC: entire NHS and care system needs fixing
Cole-Hamilton: Fornethy women must be given the redress they deserve
Scottish Liberal Democrats respond to fresh NHS buildings delay
Stone ‘thrilled’ with Flow Country’s World Heritage Status

CQC: entire NHS and care system needs fixing

Responding to the Health Secretary saying that the Care Quality Commission “is not fit for purpose”, Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP said:

In recent weeks countless people have told us harrowing stories about not being able to get the care they or their loved ones need leaving them feeling anxious and abandoned.

The Conservative party kicked the can down the road on overhauling social care and sent NHS waiting lists spiralling. It is patients who have borne the brunt of this shocking neglect.

For too long, too many patients have had no levers to pull to stop things going wrong and when they do, complaints and regulatory systems are too complex and slow.

The findings of this report are staggering and the CQC and our entire NHS and care system needs fixing, with patient rights at its heart.

Cole-Hamilton: Fornethy women must be given the redress they deserve

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today reiterated his call for the survivors of alleged abuse at Fornethy House to be allowed access to the Scottish Government’s compensation scheme for those abused while in residential care.

25 July 2024 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Thu 25th July 2024 - 10:45 pm

GB Energy: We cannot be left at the mercy of Putin again
Chamberlain urges transport infrastructure funding
McArthur comments on prison report and plans for young prisoners
Cole-Hamilton responds to Health Secretary reannouncing £30m of NHS money

GB Energy: We cannot be left at the mercy of Putin again

Responding to the government’s deal between GB Energy and the Crown Estate, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

In recent months we heard countless harrowing stories of parents having to choose between putting food on the table or keeping their children warm as the energy crisis sent their bills spiralling.

For far too long, the Conservative party left us at the mercy of tyrants like Putin for our energy. This can never happen again.

It is right that the new government is taking action to help protect households by committing to clean and secure energy. Alongside this we must also see an emergency insulation programme to drive down bills and keep families warm.

We hope the new government will urgently implement a programme laser-focused on reducing bills and heating homes to avoid another winter of discontent.

Chamberlain urges transport infrastructure funding

Wendy Chamberlain MP for North East Fife yesterday wrote to the Scottish Secretary of State asking for a meeting to discuss transport infrastructure for Scotland.

Since many areas related to transport are devolved, funding sources and application processes often end up falling under both the Westminster and Scottish Governments. As a result, Chamberlain has written to the Minister asking that in this new Parliament, improving inter-governmental relations will assist.

Also posted in Press releases and Scotland | Tagged Alex Cole-Hamilton, ed davey, GB energy, liam mcarthur, nhs funding, prison reform, rail transport and wendy chamberlain | Leave a comment

Vince Cable at the Horizon Inquiry

By Mary Reid | Thu 25th July 2024 - 11:49 am

Vince Cable is appearing today at the Post Office Horizon inquiry:

If you miss the live stream you can catch up here.

Tagged post office and Sir Vince cable | Leave a comment

24 July 2024 – yesterday’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Thu 25th July 2024 - 7:30 am

Crime Stats: Conservative failures mean victims of crime don’t know if they will see justice
Conservative Leadership: a group of arsonists asking for a new box of matches
Scot Lib Dems issue warning over worst hit rivers for sewage dumps
SNP Government dodges question of its backing for Heathrow third runway
Welsh Lib Dems call on new Welsh Labour leader to “restore trust in Welsh Politics”
Councils agree to seek meeting with Government over pay deals and bin strikes

Crime Stats: Conservative failures mean victims of crime don’t know if they will see justice

Responding to the latest crime statistics showing that an average of 5,829 crimes went unsolved every day in the year ending March 2024, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said:

Years of Conservative neglect and failure to give the police the resources they need and put bobbies on the beat mean that now victims do not know if they will ever see justice after facing these invasive crimes.

The former Home Secretary now wants to run for Conservative party leader, yet he couldn’t even get the basics of his last job right.

Cleverly’s crime catastrophe shows how utterly unfit the Conservatives were for government and why the country voted so decisively for change with a record number of Liberal Democrat MPs elected.

The new Labour government must now address these Conservative failures, put more police on the streets, make communities feel safe again and ensure victims get the justice they deserve.

Conservative Leadership: a group of arsonists asking for a new box of matches

Also posted in Press releases, Scotland and Wales | Tagged Alex Cole-Hamilton, Alistair Carmichael, clean water act, crime figures, dustbin strike, heathrow expansion, jane dodds, Peter Barrett, tory leadership, welsh labour party, wendy chamberlain and willie rennie | Leave a comment

23 July 2024 – yesterday’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Wed 24th July 2024 - 11:55 pm

Lib Dem amendment to the King’s Speech selected for vote
NAO Health Report: Heart of govt’s agenda must be rescuing the NHS
EA Annual Report: public sick to the back teeth of polluting firms
Cleverly: A failed Conservative minister with a tarnished legacy
New figures show sewage dumping higher in 2023 than previously known

Lib Dem amendment to the King’s Speech selected for vote

The Liberal Democrat amendment to the King’s Speech has been selected for a vote expected around 7pm this evening.

The amendment calls for a range of measures including free personal care in England, better support for carers and a cross-party commission on social care to provide the desperately needed long-term reforms to the sector. It also calls for the scrapping of the two child benefit cap.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

I am proud the Liberal Democrats have tabled this amendment to the King’s Speech to stand up for care and carers. We will be the voice of carers in this Parliament and work with others to find solutions to the big challenge of social care.”

Millions of people voted for the Liberal Democrats because they wanted us to deliver change and a fair deal. Now, from our plan to tackle the sewage scandal to more support to fix our NHS and care, Liberal Democrat MPs are making the case for just that in Parliament today.

NAO Health Report: Heart of govt’s agenda must be rescuing the NHS

Responding to the National Audit Office report which said that the ‘scale of the challenges facing the NHS today and foreseeable in the years ahead is unprecedented’, Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said:

Also posted in Press releases and Scotland | Tagged Alex Cole-Hamilton, child benefit, daisy cooper, ed davey, NHS, sewage dumping, tim farron, tory leadership and water companies | 4 Comments

When Jennie met Larry

By NewsHound | Wed 24th July 2024 - 9:00 pm

Many of us have fallen completely in love with the gorgeous Jennie, Steve Darling MP’s guide dog.

Many of us, but maybe not Larry the No 10 cat. The two caught sight of each other as some of our Lib Dem MPs went to deliver a petition on climate change.

Vet Danny Chambers, our new MP for Winchester captured the moment on camera.

When @rthonjennie clocked @Number10cat

Hoping not to have to put my veterinary training to use. pic.twitter.com/a5zknvyjjr

— Danny Chambers MP 🔸🩺 (@DannyVet) July 24, 2024

The start of a beautiful friendship?

Steve has been talking to Politics Home about what Westminster needs to do to make Parliament more accessible.

He told PoliticsHome that comprehending signage above head height is among the things that he has found difficult on the estate so far.

When asked about accessibility in Parliament, he pointed first to ““signage for committee rooms,” saying: “The numbering of the committee rooms is at the top of the door, so I just have to remember where Committee Room 10 is and things like that.”

He said the same is true for some of the toilets.

He was full of praise for the staff:

Tagged danny chambers, Parliament, rt hon jennie and steve darling | Leave a comment

A hat-trick of Lib Dems kick off first PMQs of the new Parliament

By The Voice | Wed 24th July 2024 - 7:55 pm

The very first person to ask a question of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister ever was brand new Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock, Calum Miller:

I asked the Prime Minister at PMQ’s if he agrees that OFWAT is a broken regulator.

He acknowledged mismanagement and the cost to customers, but failed to commit to scrapping it.

I will keep fighting for meaningful change in the water industry, not just more of the same. pic.twitter.com/TwqMJ2WAsZ

— Calum Miller (@CalumMillerLD) July 24, 2024

Calum asked:

May I begin by welcoming the Prime Minister to his first questions as Prime Minister? I associate myself with his remarks about the soldier in Kent, and, of course, send my wishes to the British Olympians.

At Combe in my constituency, Thames Water pumped sewage into the River Evenlode for over 2,600 hours last year. Thames Water was allowed by Ofwat to withdraw £7 billion in dividends, yet now wants to jack up my constituents’ bills. I welcome the water Bill in the King’s Speech, but does the Prime Minister agree with my constituents and me that the system is broken, and will he now commit to scrapping Ofwat and replacing it with a tougher regulator that will finally put people and planet ahead of water company profits?

The Prime Minister replied:

I welcome the hon. Member to his place and thank him for raising this important issue in relation to water. Customers should not pay the price for mismanagement by water companies. We have already announced immediate steps to put water companies under a tougher regime. The Minister responsible for water, the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice (Emma Hardy), will meet the bosses of failing companies to hold them to account for their performance. After 14 years of failure with our rivers and beaches, it falls to this Government of service to fix the mess of that failure.

Next up was Ed Davey, who now gets two questions a week. Unsurprisingly, he asked about carers and social care and was praised for his video about caring for his son John by the PM. Keir Starmer was also not above a little light teasing –

'I'm glad he's in a suit today – I'm more used to seeing him in a wetsuit'@Keir_Starmer jokes as Lib Dem leader @EdwardJDavey asks his first question at PMQs after the Lib Dems became the third largest party pic.twitter.com/12AqiS96mg

— ITV News (@itvnews) July 24, 2024

The text is below:

Tagged calum miller, carers, christine jardine, ed davey, education, environment, ofwat, PMQs, sewage and vat on school fees | 2 Comments

Maiden Speech: Josh Babarinde MP for Eastbourne

By The Voice | Wed 24th July 2024 - 10:26 am

Lib Dem maiden speeches are coming thick and fast. Here’s Josh Babarinde indulging in some pier bragging and talking about the strength of a diverse community and the importance of care and compassion in everything the state does:

The text is below:

Tagged josh babarinde and maiden speeches | 8 Comments

Wes Streeting on his 72 new Lib Dem pen pals

By NewsHound | Wed 24th July 2024 - 6:55 am

A Commons exchange between new Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting and our Health and Social Care Spokesperson Daisy Cooper shows that Lib Dem MPs are already making their presence felt.

Watch here

Liberal Democrat MPs will fight in Westminster to restore local health and care services after years of neglect. pic.twitter.com/2C7WTVWsBp

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) July 23, 2024

The text is below.

Tagged daisy cooper, lib dem mps and wes streeting | 1 Comment

22 July 2024 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Mon 22nd July 2024 - 10:35 pm

Lib Dems table King’s Speech amendment to “rescue social care” as half of care homes lost in some areas
Lib Dems demand clarity on IT outage impact on patients
Rennie calls for Swinney to head off bin strikes

Lib Dems table King’s Speech amendment to “rescue social care” as half of care homes lost in some areas

Lib Dems have tabled an amendment to the King’s Speech to rescue social care and call for a cross-party commission
Ed Davey says that “people and their loved ones simply cannot wait any longer” after the Conservative Party “broke social care”
Number of care homes in England has fallen

…

Also posted in Press releases and Scotland | Tagged daisy cooper, ed davey, it outage, king's speech, public sector strikes, social care and willie rennie | 1 Comment

19-21 July 2024 – the weekend’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Sun 21st July 2024 - 9:15 pm

IT outage: Government urged to call COBRA meeting
ICJ opinion: UK should recognise the independent state of Palestine
Incoming government must recognise Palestine and redouble efforts for peace
Rennie files parliamentary motion on schools’ access to Microsoft programs
Rennie presses government over implementation date for Children Care and Justice Act provisions
Mayor of London questioned over summer preparedness plans

IT outage: Government urged to call COBRA meeting

The Liberal Democrats have called on the government to hold a COBRA meeting to coordinate an urgent response to the IT outage causing major disruption including to airlines, railways and GP surgeries.

Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said:

The government must call an urgent COBRA meeting to address the chaos being caused by these IT outages across the country.

The public needs to be reassured that the disruption to their travel or their desperately needed GP appointments will be minimised.

Getting critical infrastructure up and running again must be priority number one. The National Cyber Security Centre should also be working with small businesses and other organisations to help them deal with the outage.”

This once again lays bare the need to improve our digital infrastructure and truly modernise our economy in order to prevent the incidents from happening again.

ICJ opinion: UK should recognise the independent state of Palestine

Responding to today’s advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson Layla Moran MP said:

This decision is a wake-up call. Liberal Democrats have always championed international law and the independence of the courts.

The only way to give Palestinians and Israelis the security and dignity they deserve is through a peace process and a two-state solution.

The UK should lead that push by immediately recognising the independent state of Palestine.

Incoming government must recognise Palestine and redouble efforts for peace

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has backed calls for the incoming Labour government to uphold international law and support efforts towards a lasting peace in Israel and Palestine, including the recognition of a Palestinian state. Signing Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Layla Moran’s parliamentary motion, Mr Carmichael warned that with the election past, now was the time to renew efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, while welcoming the government’s announcement today of the restoration of funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the agency which supports aid for Palestinians.

Also posted in London, Press releases and Scotland | Tagged Alistair Carmichael, christine jardine, climate change, gareth roberts, hina bokhari, it outage, layla moran, palestine, software, suicide prevention, willie rennie and young offenders | 14 Comments

ALDC By-Election Report – 18th July

By Charles Quinn | Fri 19th July 2024 - 5:08 pm

The first principal council by elections since our amazing General Election result too place this week. Four elections were held. We stood a Lib Dem candidate in all 4 and moved forwards in a number of places.

We had a tough defence in Argyll and Bute Council, in Kintyre and the Islands ward. We had finished 3^rd and picked up a councillor in the ward the 2022 local elections. This time, despite increasing our share of first preference votes, we were unable to hold the seat. Thank you so much to Douglas MacDonald for standing for us here. The SNP gained the seat in the fifth round of counting.

Argyll and Bute Council, Kintyre and the Islands
SNP: 728 (45%, +15%)
Conservative: 322 (19%, +9.5%)
Independent: 322 (19%, new)
Liberal Democrats (Douglas MacDonald): 281 (17%, +1%)
Freedom Alliance: 25 (1%, new)

There were two by-elections in Newham LBC on Thursday, and we moved forwards in both.

In Little Ilford ward we finished an impressive 3^rd place and increased our vote share as all other parties (Conservative, Labour and Green) saw their vote share fall. Well done and thank you to Akm Rahman for standing for us in this election and improving our performance.

Thank you to James Alan-Rumsby for standing in Beckton ward, which we did not contest in the previous election. A great effort to stand a candidate and make sure Lib Dem votes are counted.

Labour held both seats, despite a strong challenge from a local residents party.

Tagged aldc local government by-elections | 6 Comments

Watch Josh Babarinde talking about his bungee jump

By NewsHound | Fri 19th July 2024 - 8:57 am

Ed Davey was not the only politician to throw himself off a crane, held only by elastic bands around his ankles.

From thrill seeker to MP.@JoshBabarinde shares his bungee jumping story and how the Liberal Democrats are already delivering for their local areas. pic.twitter.com/huHde1s9fb

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) July 14, 2024

Tagged 2024 general election and josh babarinde | Leave a comment

18 July 2024 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Thu 18th July 2024 - 11:55 pm

Covid Inquiry Report must be a moment for change
Chamberlain tables two child benefit cap parliamentary motion
Sadiq Khan refuses to back removing the two-child benefit cap
Cole-Hamilton: Scotland badly let down by SNP Government’s pandemic planning

Covid Inquiry Report must be a moment for change

Commenting on the first Covid Inquiry Report, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said:

Today’s damning findings confirm in black and white what we unfortunately already knew.

Our hearts go out to all those who lost loved ones during the pandemic, yet sadly these findings of systematic and political failings will provide little comfort for thousands of grieving families.

Today must be a moment for change. The country was badly let down during the pandemic and this new government must ensure that lessons are learnt swiftly.

The Liberal Democrats called for an inquiry in 2020, and we will continue to demand that the full facts are known about every aspect of this catastrophic failure.

Chamberlain tables two child benefit cap parliamentary motion

Wendy Chamberlain MP for North East Fife, has tabled a Parliamentary motion calling on the Government to remove the two-child limit on social payments in the first Budget.

Statistics from the Department of Work and Pensions state that 1.6 million children are affected by the two-child benefit cap. The cap also imposed employment barriers on parents who have less income available for childcare costs as a result.

Also posted in London, Press releases and Scotland | Tagged Alex Cole-Hamilton, benefits cap, covid inquiry, daisy cooper, hina bokhari and wendy chamberlain | Leave a comment

Ed Davey at the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry

By Mary Reid | Thu 18th July 2024 - 12:51 pm

As I write Ed Davey is appearing at the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry. You can watch him here:

3 Comments

Early Bird registration for Conference extended to 31st July

By Mary Reid | Thu 18th July 2024 - 10:00 am

Planning for the Autumn Federal Conference this year has been fraught with difficulties. First, there was a real worry that it would coincide with an intensive General Election campaign, and arrangements were made for a shorter version of the event. Then, when the July election was announced, planning was put on hold until after polling day.

It is now back to normal and running for its full length from 14th to 17th September in Brighton.

Registration finally opened last Friday. Since then members have been complaining about the short period for the Early Bird rates, ending on 23rd July, some noting that it did not cover a payday. It was also causing problems for people who were on holiday this month. So we are pleased to learn that the Early Bird deadline has now been extended to 31st July.

You can see all the rates and deadlines here. In summary, the Early Bird full rate is £90 (concessions £20), with a weekend pass at £60 (concessions £15). Concessions include full-time students, plus people on a range of benefits and allowances. Day passes are also available but do not give you the right to speak or vote in debates. Register here.

Anyone can watch the proceedings in the Main Auditorium on the party’s YouTube channel for free. But there is also the option of online voting (pass costs £20) which I used last time and found worked well.

When registration was finally opened last week technical problems emerged, which is why it only really got underway last Friday. Members were still reporting errors when they tried to register over the weekend, and we have been given this advice: when you are asked for your address select Great Britain NOT United Kingdom. Apparently Northern Ireland is not included because of the presence of our sister party, Alliance. (I’m not quite sure what any Lib Dem members in Northern Ireland have to do – maybe contact HQ).

Tagged 2024 autumn conference | 3 Comments

17 July 2024 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Wed 17th July 2024 - 10:30 pm

Ed Davey on King’s Speech: Liberal Democrats will make the voice of carers heard
Child Poverty: Right that Government looks at how to tackle child poverty after economic damage by Conservatives
Chamberlain tables WASPI Parliamentary motion
London Lib Dems – King’s Speech – Extra Powers for Metro Mayors Welcome, but Need the Financial Powers to Back Them Up
Scottish Liberal Democrats respond to King’s Speech
Renew Europe: End Orbán’s Council Presidency

Ed Davey on King’s Speech: Liberal Democrats will make the voice of carers heard

Responding to the King’s Speech, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

After years of crisis and chaos under the Conservative Party, it is clear our country faces enormous challenges. The Liberal Democrats will carefully scrutinise the Government’s plans, striving hard to stand up for our constituents.

We will continue campaigning to fix the NHS, boosting GP numbers, tackling delays to cancer treatment and improving access to dentists and pharmacists.

We will make sure the voice of carers is heard, from increasing the Carer’s Allowance to the big challenge of fixing social care – so that our loved ones can get the support they need.

Child Poverty: Right that Government looks at how to tackle child poverty after economic damage by Conservatives

Responding to news that the government has created a ministerial taskforce to tackle child poverty, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions spokesperson Wendy Chamberlain MP said:

It is right that the government is looking at how best to tackle the scourge of child poverty. Hundreds of thousands of children are trapped in poverty after years of chaos and economic damage by the Conservatives.

Scrapping the two child cap would be the quickest and most cost-effective way to lift children out of poverty and bring long-term benefits to our society and economy. We hope that ministers listen to the evidence and the many charities that their task force will meet and act accordingly.

Chamberlain tables WASPI Parliamentary motion

Wendy Chamberlain, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Work and Pensions, has today tabled a Parliamentary motion calling for the new Government to honour the recommendations of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman’s report first came out in July 2021 and stated that women born in the 1950s had suffered significant financial loss due to maladministration by the Department of Work and Pensions. The final report was published in May 2024 and recommended 1950s women are owed compensation.

Also posted in Europe / International, London, Press releases and Scotland | Tagged carers, child poverty, christine jardine, ed davey, eu presidency, hina bokhari, king's speech, local government finance, valérie hayer, waspi campaign and wendy chamberlain | 3 Comments

Data-based analysis on the LibDem performance in the general election

By Paul Walter | Wed 17th July 2024 - 5:41 pm

Embed from Getty Images
The Week in Polls* has an interesting analysis on the LibDem performance in the general election, entitled “7 things we know about the LibDems and 2 things we don’t“.

Some headlines: We won because of health, bar charts and local candidates pointing at things. Our targetting was strong and there was large tactical voting, particularly in the last few days before voting.

Tagged general election 2024 | Leave a comment

16 July 2024 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Tue 16th July 2024 - 10:30 pm

King’s Speech: Fixing NHS and care must be a priority
Welsh Lib Dems call for First Minister to go
Rennie: Scotland needs good governance, not SNP chaos
Rennie comments on ferry contract decision

King’s Speech: Fixing NHS and care must be a priority

Commenting ahead of the King’s Speech tomorrow, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

Years of chaos under the Conservatives have left us with a stagnant economy and health services in a state of crisis. Millions of people are stuck on NHS waiting lists and struggling to get the care they need to return to work.

Fixing the NHS and care would put rocket boosters under economic growth in our country.

The Liberal Democrats will keep campaigning for our policies to tackle the health and care crisis and get our economy back on track. That is what millions of people voted for at the General Election, we will not let them down.

Welsh Lib Dems call for First Minister to go

Responding to the recent resignations from Vaughan Gethings cabinet, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

Vaughan Gething has now lost both the confidence of the Senedd and several members of his own Government; he must resign from his position as First Minister.

We cannot afford to allow internal fighting in Welsh labour to distract us any longer from the range of serious issues facing our country.

The Welsh people are sick and tired of constant political scandals and broken promises, they want to see a political system that works for them.

We as the Welsh Liberal Democrats will deliver that change.

Also posted in Press releases, Scotland and Wales | Tagged ed davey, ferry service, governance, jane dodds, king's speech, vaughan gethings and willie rennie | Leave a comment

Ed Davey, Vince Cable and Jo Swinson to face Horizon inquiry

By News Meerkat | Tue 16th July 2024 - 3:00 pm

The Guardian reports that Ed Davey will appear before the Post Office Horizon inquiry this Thursday, with Vince Cable and Jo Swinson appearing later this month:

Ed Davey hit the headlines for falling off a paddleboard, bungee jumping and Zumba dancing as part of his unconventional election campaign. But the Liberal Democrat leader’s attention-grabbing stunts paid off when his newly resurgent party won 72 seats, its highest total since 1923.

Tagged post office scandal | Leave a comment

15 July 2024 – today’s press releases

By Mark Valladares | Mon 15th July 2024 - 11:00 pm

Cancer polling: New govt’s number one priority should be to get NHS back on its feet
Lib Dems call for new laws on GP appointments and cancer care in King’s Speech
Far North MP to lead debate on access to rural healthcare

Cancer polling: New govt’s number one priority should be to get NHS back on its feet

Responding to Cambridge University polling, conducted by Public First, showing that cancer is the biggest health concern among the UK public, Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP said:

On the doorsteps throughout the campaign, we heard countless harrowing stories of people enduring unacceptably long waits to start cancer treatment.

The Conservative party has brought our health service to its knees and getting the NHS back on its feet needs to be the number one priority of the Labour government.

Liberal Democrats are calling for a legal right for all patients to start cancer treatment within two months and for a boost in cancer nurses to help deliver this.

It is patients who are bearing the brunt of this neglect and they cannot wait any longer.

Lib Dems call for new laws on GP appointments and cancer care in King’s Speech

The Liberal Democrats have said that new laws to end the crisis in health and care need to be at the heart of the King’s Speech on Wednesday.

The party said this should include giving patients new legal rights to see a GP within a week and to start cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent diagnosis, with new laws putting a statutory duty on the Government to deliver them. The Liberal Democrats are also calling for the introduction of free personal care to tackle the crisis in social care.

Also posted in Press releases and Scotland | Tagged cancer care, daisy cooper, ed davey, healthcare, jamie stone and rural communities | Leave a comment

SNP must repair relations with councils and unions as more than 210,000 days lost

By Mark Valladares | Sat 13th July 2024 - 11:45 pm

Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie has today said that the Education Secretary must rebuild relations with trade unions and local authorities as he revealed that more than 210,000 staff days were lost to strikes in just 18 months.

Freedom of information requests submitted by Scottish Liberal Democrats have revealed:

In 2022/23, at least 170,049 school and council staff days were lost due to strikes, while a further 46,197 were lost between April and October 2023;

Children missing out on up to a dozen days of education;

Among the local authorities which responded, Glasgow lost the most days of staff time with 29,295

…

Also posted in Press releases and Scotland | Tagged strike action, teachers and willie rennie | Leave a comment

A special request to Federal Conference Committee

By Caron Lindsay | Sat 13th July 2024 - 11:14 am

My goodness, Conference is going to be an absolute blast this year. Our annual jaunt to the seaside takes place from 14-17 September in Brighton will be so much sweeter after our spectacular General Election result.

I wasn’t going to go because of caring responsibilities, but I’ve managed to book a flying visit for 24 hours as I can’t bear the thought of not being with the Lib Dem family in such a special year. I mean who wouldn’t want to be around to congratulate 72 MPs and maybe get a cuddle with Jennie if she’s off duty? And I can vouch for the fact that she does love a cuddle. If you think I am talking about Jennie Rigg, well, her too.

Before I say anything else, I should make the point very strongly that Federal Conference Committee have even more of a challenge than usual this year because someone decided to go outside on a wet Wednesday and call an election round about the time we’d normally have our motion submission deadlines. Whether you agree with every decision FCC makes or not, I think it is important to acknowledge the huge amount of work that they do.

So, this request to them comes from a place of love. Registration for Conference opened earlier this week. The Early Bird discount is only available for around two weeks. Until 23 July, a members’ pass to the Conference costs £90. After that, until 13th August, it goes up to £130.

Tagged 2024 autumn conference | 7 Comments

12 July 2024 – today’s press release

By Mark Valladares | Fri 12th July 2024 - 10:30 pm

I’d rather let this feature slip during the General Election – the flood of press releases, and the fact that they generally got rather better coverage than usual made it seem slightly less necessary to cover them here. But, perhaps now that the news cycle has settled a bit, and given that we have a vastly larger Parliamentary Party in the Commons, this feature may offer some insight into what our new MPs are up to.

That said, there’s only one today…

SEPA need to show plan for cleaning up Portobello

Responding to comments from SEPA, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, saying that paddling or bathing in the water at Edinburgh’s Portobello beach could pose a risk to health, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West Christine Jardine said:

This is an iconic location in our capital but once again people are being asked to stay out of the water because of threats to health. As Edinburgh gears up for its busiest season, this sends a terrible message.

Residents and visitors need more information out of SEPA as to what is leading to these closures and what action is being taken to deliver a long-term solution.

Also posted in Press releases and Scotland | Tagged christine jardine and clean water act | Leave a comment

BBC celebrates new MPs

By Mary Reid | Fri 12th July 2024 - 2:07 pm

The BBC has been profiling some of our new MPs, with great photos. (You will have to click through to see some of them).

Mike Martin: Tunbridge Wells

My first day at Westminster https://t.co/vFew462Wk7

— Mike Martin MP (@ThreshedThought) July 8, 2024

Mike told the BBC:

I am absolutely humbled being here and elected. It’s a total privilege.

I just can’t wait to get stuck in now, to help with all of the issues people have told me about over the past two years.

David Chadwick: Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe

From paralysis to parliament in ten years. Almost exactly ten years ago I was totally paralysed while studying in Argentina. Fortunately I made a full recovery thanks to our NHS, care system and a big dose of good luck. Am now here to fight for others https://t.co/eJshcoXKPB

— David Chadwick MP (@LibDemDavid) July 10, 2024

Twelve years ago David was in a serious car crash and was put in an induced coma. On top of that he developed a rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome – I have huge sympathy for David as my husband has had it as well. He said:

The experience made me realise how important a functioning health care system is, because we never know when we’re going to need it.

When I was totally paralysed I had a lot of time to think about my life and I decided I want to use my body and the rest of my life to do good.

I’ve met a lot of people over the past couple of weeks who really need support and it’s an honour to be in a place where I can hopefully help them as much as I can.

Tagged 2024 general election | Leave a comment

Rt Hon Jennie

By Mary Reid | Thu 11th July 2024 - 3:56 pm

The other day Caron mentioned that Jennie, the guide dog for Steve Darling, MP for Torbay, now has her own account on X at @rthonjennie.

First day of the new job. Looking forward to my first #PMQs. pic.twitter.com/IPemW6BRwH

— Rt Hon Jennie (@rthonjennie) July 9, 2024

You can see the two of them swearing in here:

Steve was subjected to some appalling abuse during the campaign, with Tory canvassers claiming that he was pretending to be blind and using his guide dog for “political purposes”. Any such nonsense is, of course, counter-productive and many local voters jumped in to defend him. He won with a respectable majority of over 5,000, overturning a Conservative majority of 17,000.

And Jennie has had a tough time too. Last year she was viciously attacked by an XL Bully dog, but fortunately she has made a full recovery.

Tagged rt hon jennie and steve darling | Leave a comment

First day at work!

By Mary Reid | Wed 10th July 2024 - 8:52 pm

First day in Parliament: Complete ✅

Here’s what @JoshBabarinde, Lib Dem MP for Eastbourne, had to say. pic.twitter.com/GN1ftylFRB

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) July 10, 2024

Tagged josh babarinde | Leave a comment

Our new MPs: David Chadwick, Manuela Perteghella, Tom Gordon

By The Voice | Mon 8th July 2024 - 9:08 pm

We thought you might like to find out a little bit about our new MPs. We didn’t think we’d have quite so many, but this is a lovely problem to have. All details come from the party website or the MPs’ social media. We’ll get to know them more over the next wee while, but here’s a taster.

Our editor sleepily compiled a Twitter list of all our MPs’ accounts she could find. You can follow it here.

David Chadwick MP: Brecon, Radnor and Cym Tawe

David lives in Brecon with his wife Gemma and young son William.

David works as a consultant in Cybersecurity and became interested in politics when his grandfather took him to see the steelworks in Port Talbot to see what it was like to work in a blast furnace stating it gave him an early insight into how politics, industry and communities are intrinsically linked.

David is keen to build on the hard work of local Liberal Democrat councillors who took control of Powys Council in 2022 after the Conservatives were left with just a single councillor across Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe.

David’s priorities include:

Making sure local farmers aren’t sold down the river in the name of cheap trade deals.
Protecting our pristine natural environment, including ending sewage dumping in the River Wye. Tawe and Usk.
Fighting for better economic investment, well-paid jobs and improved infrastructure in rural Wales and the former industrial heartlands of the upper Swansea Valley; making sure that our residents aren’t ignored by those in London and the South East.

Twitter: @libdemdavid

Manuela Perteghella MP: Stratford-Upon-Avon

Tagged david chadwick, manuela perteghella, our new mps and tom gordon | Leave a comment

Our new MPs: Steve Darling, Tessa Munt, Edward Morello, Adam Dance

By The Voice | Mon 8th July 2024 - 5:45 pm

Our editor sleepily compiled a Twitter list of all our MPs’ accounts she could find. You can follow it here.

Steve Darling MP: Torbay

Steve was brought up in a B&B on Lymington Road and has raised his family with wife Mandy in Torquay. They have 2 sons both of whom attended local schools. Steve’s eldest is now a medic in Torbay Hospital and the youngest is a university student in Bath. Steve’s wife Mandy spent more than 30 years working for the NHS, so the NHS challenges are well known to Steve.

Steve is registered blind and has lived experience and an understanding of equality and diversity, particularly around disability. Steve has a guide dog called Jennie who helps him enormously and is constantly by his side.

Steve Darling has served the people of Torbay for 30 years as a local councillor, 4 years of which was as Leader of the Council. Under his leadership, Torbay Council achieved most improved council of the year in April 2023. Steve spent 18 years working for the former Liberal Democrat MP Adrian Sanders helping people with local problems and trying to tackle the big issues for the area.

Steve’s is particularly campaigning on improvements to our NHS services, tackling sewage dumping in Torbay and supporting local people through the cost-of-living crisis.

Steve wants to champion his home community in Westminster as he knows its people and their aspirations. Torbay is his home and the community he knows and loves. Steve knows he can hit the ground running as the next MP pulling together all sides of the community putting political differences aside and emphasising all that makes Torbay great and tackling the challenges that the bay faces. To be Torbay’s MP is a job, in a sense, for which Steve has been training all his life.

Twitter: @cllrsdarling

Tessa Munt MP: Wells and Mendip Hills

Tessa was the Member of Parliament for Wells from 2010 – 2015, winning the seat from the Conservatives and ending their 87-year rule. Tessa is passionate about representing residents and organisations in our community once again.

A prolific community campaigner, Tessa is known for listening actively to locals and has an outstanding reputation and proven track record from strong opposition to MPs holding second jobs to campaigning to keep our rivers, streams and sea clean.

Tessa has a long-standing commitment to openness and transparency, demonstrated by being the first MP to publish her tax returns and record every gift received while serving as MP.

Tessa has held regular surgeries in the constituency’s city, towns, villages and hamlets and her record of 704 MP’s surgeries remains the highest of all MPs.

As MP for Wells, Tessa co-ordinated the campaign to keep the Bishop of Bath & Wells in the Bishop’s Palace and secured £51m in funding for cancer equipment for local hospitals. Tessa stuck by her principles and resigned from her ministerial post in Government after voting against fracking.

Twitter: @tessamunt