Legislation must give MPs a vote on emergency powers beyond a year

Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has called for Parliament to have a future vote on whether it is necessary for the Government to retain new emergency powers beyond a year. He said:

“The Coronavirus crisis is leaving the most vulnerable in our communities at risk. People across the country are rightly worried about their loved ones.

“While emergency powers are clearly necessary to deal with this emergency, Liberal Democrats have serious concerns about Parliament handing over such far-reaching powers to Ministers for a full two years.

“That is why Liberal Democrats are seeking to ensure the legislation includes provision for Parliament to have a future vote on whether it is necessary for the Government to retain these powers beyond a year.”