Mid-Wales MP slams bank branch closures

Liberal Democrat MP Roger Williams has fought the closure of a Barclays and an HSBC branch in his rural Welsh constituency of Brecon and Radnorshire.   He says: ‘Banks say customers affected can do much of their banking online. But many of my older constituents are either reluctant to use internet banking, or do not have access to the safe, fast broadband they need to do this.’


Aberavon and Neath Liberal Democrats add: "This is not just a problem for mid-Wales. There are parts of the Neath constituency which lack broadband. This means that bank customers in those areas have to make journeys into town to transact business and has also militated against provision of many social services."

Bahrain bars entry to Liberal Democrat peace campaigner

Bahraini authorities are now turning to the foreign nationals who have expressed criticism over last year's crackdown of the popular protests. Latest victim was Jonathan Fryer, past chairman of the Liberal International British Group. On his arrival, the immigration officer held a file, including printouts of tweets Mr. Fryer had published expressing dismay at the crackdown on demonstrations at Manama's Pearl Roundabout and the security forces' intervention in a major hospital. He was told that “no-one has been killed in Bahrain” and that “the doctors who were taken away were revolutionaries who were trying to overthrow the King.” Mr. Fryer commented on his blog post: “Doubtless one day objective history will set the record straight; at least I hope so. Apparently I have now joined Lord Avebury (2009 LI Prize for Freedom laureate) and others who have campaigned on human rights issues relating to Bahrain in becoming persona non grata there.”  Jonathan Fryer authored the 187th LI EC report“Responsibility to Protect: A Liberal Approach?” [from the Liberal International newsletter]

Assembly Member to hold advice surgery in Neath

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, will be holding his regular advice surgery in Neath next week.

On Friday 13 April 2012 he will be in Neath Central Library from 5pm to 6pm.

No appointment is necessary.