Single Market defeat sends a clear message

Commenting on last night's defeat for the Government in the House of Lords on the Single Market, Liberal Democrat Leader in the Lords, Lord Newby said: “This victory sends a clear message to those sat round the Cabinet table that Parliament won’t just sit back while Theresa May leads us towards a hard Brexit. "245 Peers from all parties and none have voted to stay in the Single Market and protect the UK economy, defeating a Government hell-bent on pursuing ideology over prosperity.”

Today is Europe Day

Europe Day

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Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical 'Schuman declaration'. At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.

His vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. A treaty creating such a body was signed just under a year later. Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.

For reasons why Tories want the UK to leave the EU and Liberals want us to stay in, see the slide-show at https://alde.eu/en/

Customs Partnership row shows divided Government

Commenting on Boris Johnson's remarks that a post-Brexit customs partnership would be 'crazy', Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable said:  "Ironically, Boris is right. A customs partnership is – as he says – “crazy”. It is a poor substitute for the UK remaining within the EU.  “As part of the EU, the UK has a seat at the top table and access to a multitude of ready-established trade deals. Any alternative trade and customs relationship with the EU will pale in comparison to the one we already have. "Yet again this Tory Government is demonstrating to the Europeans who are negotiating with them that they are internally divided. When a leading Tory describes the Prime Minister’s proposals as “cretinous”, why would Mr Barnier take them seriously?"

Trump displays ignorance of Britain

Commenting on Donald Trump's speech in which he suggested knife crime in Britain was increased by British firearms laws, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey said:

“London has seen a disturbing rise in knife and gun crime but Donald Trump's remarks are nevertheless ridiculous.
 
“To defend America’s shocking gun laws by revealing his ignorance of Britain should alarm even his apologists in the Conservative Party.
 
“Theresa May should confirm to Parliament that she will explain to Trump that the UK’s strict gun laws have been key to keeping gun crime much lower than in America, and that the recent rises in knife crime have not been caused by our gun laws. "

Government must bring in National Video Relay service

Liberal Democrat peer Malcolm Bruce called on the government to follow the lead of many other countries and back a National Video Relay service. This well established technology allows sign language users to access interpreters online, anytime, anywhere. The cost would be minimal in a £40 billion a year market but its benefits would be transformational allowing sign language users to dial up an interpreter to help with communication at work, in accessing public or private services and for social interaction with family and friends. The deaf community have been campaigning for this for years but the Government have so far failed to act.   Lord Bruce, whose daughter is deaf and has worked closely with many charities for deaf people, commented: “Communication in their preferred language is crucial for deaf people’s well-being and quality of life. “We have a developed technology ready and available to serve the deaf community. The only thing stopping it is Government inertia. “It would also make efficient use of the limited number of interpreters who currently spend time on unpaid travel”.

Cable responds to RBS cuts

Responding to the news that the Royal Bank of Scotland has announced it is to close 162 branches and cut 792 jobs across England and Wales, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable said: “The Conservatives seem to have forgotten about the ‘last bank in town’ pledge, where communities must have at least one bank or the local Post Office must take over its duties. Ministers must check that RBS has consulted the Post Office for these assurances.  “All this has happened because RBS dragged off and defaulted on its Williams & Glyn spin-off, another of the inglorious failures of its recent past.”

Cable and Davey call on Javid to drop Home Office plan to deny immigrants access to their data

Sajid Javid has been urged to dump the controversial Immigration Exemption Clause in the Data Protection Bill, which will be debated next week.  Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable and Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey have written to the new Home Secretary to protect people’s fundamental rights when their data is being processed for immigration purposes.  Many immigration decisions are overturned at appeal because the Home Office has made mistakes. But the Bill puts at risk the right for individuals to see what information the Home Office holds on them and the Lib Dems are pressuring the government to make a concession on this point.   In the letter Vince Cable and Ed Davey write:  ”Amendment 15 to the Bill, which will be debated next week, would maintain these rights: if you sign it or table a satisfactory alternative government amendment, you will have our strong support.  “Drawing on the public goodwill towards those British people who were victims of the Windrush scandal, you enter office with an exceptional opportunity to change the nature of debate about immigration in this country.”  The letter also urges the Home Secretary to publish a Foreign Office report that allegedly shows Philip Hammond warned the Home Office about possible deportations of the Windrush generation in April 2016, when Theresa May was Home Secretary.

Chancellor leaves government Brexit plans in tatters

Responding to reports that the Chancellor will argue in cabinet for a close customs partnership with the EU, Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesperson Tom Brake, said: “Reports suggesting that the Chancellor is set to undermine Theresa May’s position on the customs union show that the government's Brexit plans are in tatters.   “Many in the House, and now even senior Cabinet ministers, are openly questioning the viability of the PM’s plan to tear us out of the customs union. With nearly half our exports currently going to other countries in the EU, the Treasury knows that leaving the customs union could badly damage businesses up and down the country.   “The divide in the Conservative party and Cabinet highlight the need for the people to have a final say on the deal, so that the country is not trapped into a hard Brexit, only supported by the likes of Boris Johnson and Liam Fox.” Tory Brexiteers have swiftly reacted to the Hammond plan - see BBC news report.

Lords vote "puts Parliament in the driving seat"

Commenting on the Tory government's defeat in the House of Lords on giving parliament a meaningful vote on the Brexit Deal, Liberal Democrat leader in the House of Lords Dick Newby said:

"This is a hugely important result. It puts Parliament in the driving seat and ensures that the government will follow the directive of the House of Commons, no matter what the result of the negotiations with the EU.
 
“Brexit is the most important decision facing the country for a generation and it is vital that Parliament – not the government – decides whether or not any Brexit deal is acceptable.”

Significant economic slowdown is harming manufacturing industry

Commenting on PMI figures which show the lowest growth in the manufacturing sector since Autumn 2016, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable said:   “Today’s survey data confirms that the significant slowdown in overall economic growth reported last week is hurting British manufacturers. While the weaker pound and robust global growth may have propped up the sector for a while, this could not compensate for the deepening economic uncertainty caused by Brexit, as the PMI survey itself concludes.   “One of the major reasons for the uncertainty in manufacturing is the very disruptive impact on supply chains from leaving the EU. We need to maintain the access to European markets that is crucial British industry.”

Cable: supermarket mega-merger must be referred to competition watchdog immediately

Sainsbury’s and Asda have agreed a merger which would account for 30% of the UK grocery market, further concentrating the market in just a few hands.  Commenting, Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said:  “The grocery market - and the British shopper - already suffers from the mid-market being dominated by just a handful of big players. What the merger of the second and third biggest supermarkets threatens is the creation of even more concentrated local monopolies, so it is obvious that there must be an investigation by the Competition & Markets Authority, starting immediately.”

Now Rudd has resigned, Theresa May’s role in the Windrush scandal must be questioned

Responding to news that Amber Rudd has resigned over the Windrush scandal, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey said:  “It’s clear that Amber Rudd has ended up, at least partly, being the fall guy to protect the Prime Minister. Theresa May must face questions now given these dreadful failures largely took place under her watch as Home Secretary.”

Lib Dems back safe standing at football grounds

Commenting on the launch of the joint campaign by the English Football League and Football Supporters' Federation calling on fans of EFL Clubs to ‘Stand up for Choice’ on the issue of licensed standing areas at stadiums Liberal Democrat Peer Don Foster said: 
 
“I am delighted to see the EFL and FSF call for clubs to have the right to introduce safe standing at their grounds if they want to. Liberal Democrats are committed to changing the law to introduce this right, and I introduced a Bill in parliament in 2010 that would have made this possible. 
 
"Safe standing is already allowed in many other sports and it can be safely introduced. The government should stop standing in the way of this and let clubs introduce a system that would help provide more choice, and a more affordable experience for everyone.”

Charter win sets bar for civil, political, social and economic rights

Liberal Democrats have voted with a majority of cross-party Peers in the House of Lords to inflict another defeat on the government.  An amendment to retain the Charter of Fundamental Rights in UK law was successfully moved and is the third defeat for the government in the EU (Withdrawal) Bill in the House of Lords at Report Stage. Commenting on the victory, Liberal Democrat Leader in the House of Lords, Lord Newby said:    “The Charter of Fundamental Rights has been a key component of EU law since 2000 and has set the bar on civil, political, social and economic rights. “The UK’s continued use of this piece of legislation shows the rest of the world that we are still committed to the highest standards on human rights and the principles of the Charter going forward.”

Wherever Universal Credit is introduced the pressure on local food banks goes up

Responding to reports that the Universal Credit roll-out is leading to an increased need for food bank parcels, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions Spokesperson Stephen Lloyd said: “Wherever Universal Credit is introduced, the pressure on local food banks goes up; in Hastings last year it soared by a shocking 80%. Given major cuts to benefits since 2015, it’s no wonder that many more vulnerable people, tens of thousands, are having to go to Food Banks just to feed themselves and their children. "Theresa May and her Conservative government are continuing their utterly merciless attack on the poorest and most desperate in our society. I would urge they stop before it’s too late, by ending the benefits freeze, pausing the roll-out of Universal Credit and reversing the swingeing work allowance cuts, so that work really  does pay.”

Capita warnings show it's time to break-up big government contracts

Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable has challenged ministers to break-up large government contracts so the public sector is less dependent on "a handful of financially fragile" outsourcing contractors.  Vince Cable secured an Urgent Question on Capita on Tuesday after the outsourcing giant revealed losses of more than £500m last year. Capita has also launched a £700m fundraising to reduce its vast debt pile. The news follows the collapse of another major government contractor, Carillion, in January.  In the Parliamentary debate, Vince Cable said:  "What steps has the government taken to reform the system of procurement so that we do not have companies low-balling to win contracts which then make losses? [What steps] have then been taken to break-up some of these contracts so that we are not over dependent on a handful of financially fragile companies?"

May must address concerns about access to Home Office data

Commenting on Theresa May’s refusal to maintain people’s access to their data in the Home Office, Vince Cable said:   “The Prime Minister refused to address the growing concerns about government plans to remove people’s right to access their own data in the Home Office.   “If EU citizens lose access to their data, it would be impossible for them check mistakes made, which could change their right to remain status.   “The Tories cannot be trusted with treating 50,000 people from the Windrush generation fairly. It is impossible to see how anyone can trust them with 3 million EU citizens after Brexit.

Government must create specific up skirting law

The government is set to consider making upskirting a specific offence. Justice Secretary David Gauke has said he is reviewing the current law to "make sure it is fit for purpose". This breakthrough comes after efforts by Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse and campaigner Gina Martin to ensure the law is changed so that upskirting is made illegal. Wera’s Bill to make upskirting an offence had it first reading in March and she has been demanding change from both the Justice Secretary and Equalities Minister on the issue. Commenting on the Justice Secretary’s plan to review the law, Wera Hobhouse MP said: “It is great to see that the government are taking this seriously. Upskirting is a horrific crime and it is shameful that it is not already an offence in England and Wales. “Changing the law would see a focus on the victims and the crime committed against them. It would also mean that finally the true scale of this issue can be brought to light. Upskirting causes serious emotional distress and it is essential that victims are given adequate support and recourse.   “I will continue to fight for upskirting to be made what it should be: a criminal offence.”

EU - Mexico agreement

See how the EU-Mexico trade agreement benefits companies and communities across the EU

Read the exporters' stories

We cannot tolerate suffering due to government inertia

Responding to the news that Allied Healthcare will file for protection from creditors, Liberal Democrat former Health Minister Norman Lamb, said: "The implications of this potential corporate failure could be really serious for those who depend on the company for home care. "The financial difficulty that Allied Healthcare faces is symptomatic of a sector in serious trouble. Across the country providers have been withdrawing from the provision of local authority commissioned care and focusing instead on the private market. We face the prospect of those with money getting good care and those without, suffering.  "It seems everyone except the Government recognises a system under impossible strain. This reinforces the need for a comprehensive, long term settlement for the NHS and social care - and, to achieve that, the Government has to overcome its reticence to working with other parties so that we can build a consensus. We cannot tolerate vulnerable people suffering as a result of the Government’s inertia and complacency.”

Allied Healthcare in Wales: the company has homes in Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Swansea. We await a statement from the Health Minister.

Vince Cable: tech sector threatened with ill-thought-out legislation

Responding to Jeremy Hunt's letter to large tech corporations, leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable said: "Although clearly action must be taken to address the disproportionate power of large tech corporations, Hunt is wrong to threaten this sector with more ill-thought-out legislation.  "Technology and social media are here to stay, and we must establish a long term solution rather than allow MPs to rush out with outrage and criticism, making erratic, piecemeal changes every time they want to score political points. "As outlined in my speech earlier this week, we need an independent standards body with the ability to hold the tech industry to account."

Electoral identification rules must be reviewed

Responding to the leaked EHRC letter revealing that ethnic minorities may be disproportionately affected by new electoral identification rules, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey said: “The government has proven itself unable to strike the right balance between preventing the very limited electoral fraud we see, and encouraging as many people as possible to vote. “After the pilots for this May’s council elections, ministers must guarantee the evidence is reviewed independently, and make clear they that will act if there is any sign that ethnic minorities were put off voting by these new ID tests."

A government not fit to negotiate Britain’s future global role

Commenting on the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Jo Swinson said: “Pinning all our hopes for the future of UK trade on the Commonwealth is reckless.   “The UK currently exports nearly five times as much to the EU as it does to the Commonwealth countries. If Theresa May thinks that she can simply replace the EU market with new agreements with Commonwealth countries she is deluded.   “The government wanted to use CHOGM as an opportunity to develop new relationships. Instead it has embarrassed itself in front of the whole world with the Windrush fiasco and alienated several Caribbean countries in the process. This government is not fit to negotiate Britain’s future global role.”

Persecution of whistleblowers must be punished

Commenting on the decision to fine Barclays boss Jes Staley, Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said:  “I welcome today’s announcement from the FCA and PRU, which recognises and penalises Mr Staley’s unacceptable persecution of whistleblowers at Barclays.   “Whistleblowers have played a crucial role in exposing misconduct at the time of the financial crisis and since. They must be supported not suppressed, and banks – or any other organisation – that try to do so must be held accountable and punished.    “While some punishment is better than no punishment, Mr. Staley has been allowed to continue in his role, and it remains to be seen how substantial the fines levied on his salary will be. Barclays’ relief at the judgement suggests this penalty may not be enough to disincentivise similar behaviour in future, both there and elsewhere.”

English local government election campaign has started

Good luck to our fellow party members standing in English council elections, in record numbers.

Conservatives failing thousands of vulnerable domestic violence victims

Responding to reports that thousands of domestic violence victims abandon cases after being denied legal aid, Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey commented:  “The Conservatives pledged to expand access to legal aid in cases of domestic violence, but have failed to make good on this promise, and continue to let down thousands of highly vulnerable victims. “The Prime Minister’s talk on tackling domestic violence amounts to nothing if she and her Government continue to ignore the evidence from authoritative reports like this. “Vulnerable individuals attempting to escape an abuser must be granted financial support. Means-testing domestic violence victims might be saving the Treasury money, but it is ruining lives, and allowing abusers to continue to control their victims.”

Amber Rudd's desperate defence of police cuts "nonsense on stilts"

Responding to Amber Rudd's statement on increases in violent crime, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey said:     "It’s nonsense on stilts for the Home Secretary to argue lower police numbers don’t matter in the fight against serious crime and she knows it. “Amber Rudd’s desperate defence of police cuts is a crude attempt to shield the Prime Minister from blame. It was Theresa May who so enthusiastically culled police officers. “The alarming rise in violent crime in London and elsewhere of course can’t just be blamed on police cuts – there are always multiple causes of crimes. That’s why Liberal Democrats have consistently argued for a broad range of measures, with a much greater focus on crime prevention and investment in communities and young people. “Yet the really dangerous, irresponsible simplification in this debate is Ministers arguing that new laws are the key solution. “The strongest evidence suggests that a return to well-resourced community-based policing, with intelligence-led targeting, is the best solution. “The problem for Rudd is that admitting that would amount to the Conservatives acknowledging that Boris Johnson’s cuts to community police during his term as Mayor were wrong, and that Theresa May’s slashing of police budgets bears some responsibility. “Yet the public won’t ignore the fact that at the start of this year police numbers hit record lows and we witnessed a 14% increase in crime, with knife and gun attacks increasing the most; the fastest rate since national records began."

Lib Dems respond to reports of chemical attack on Syrian civilians

Responding to the use of chemical warfare in Douma, Syria, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson Jo Swinson, said:   "The devastating reports and images from Douma point to a heartless, inhumane and illegal chemical attack by Assad's forces, killing innocent Syrian civilians, including children. "The international community must loudly and unequivocally condemn this vicious, ruthless act. United Nations investigators must have access to gather evidence so that those reesponsible can ultimately be held accountable for the war crimes committed"