Met statement: Appearance of stitch-up is profoundly damaging

Responding to the Met Police statement this morning on the Sue Gray report, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: "So first the police were waiting for Sue Gray, now Sue Gray has to wait for the police? "Any appearance of an establishment stitch-up between the Met Commissioner and the Government is profoundly damaging. Police officers need the trust and confidence of the public to do their jobs and keep our communities safe. "That's why we called for the police to investigate Number 10 weeks ago and put this whole sorry business behind us, instead of waiting for Sue Gray. "The Sue Gray report must be published in full, including all photos, text messages and other evidence. If it is redacted now, a full, unredacted version must be published as soon as the police investigation is complete."

Liz Truss £500k flight a “staggering” waste of taxpayer’s cash

The Liberal Democrats have slammed Liz Truss spending £500,000 on a private jet to Australia as a “staggering” waste of taxpayers’ cash and demanded she apologise to the public who are facing a National Insurance tax rise in April. Analysis by the party shows that the money spent on Liz Truss’ flight would cover the tax hike faced by almost 2,000 people. Liberal Democrat Business Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: “This is a staggering waste of taxpayer’s cash at a time many families are feeling the pinch.  “Once again we see just how out of touch this Conservative government truly is to the millions of people struggling to get by. “Not content with breaking their manifesto promise not to raise National Insurance tax, Conservative ministers are now jetting round the world on private jets at the taxpayers’ expense. “Liz Truss should apologise for jetting around on ‘Air Force Sun’ and assure the public she won’t waste their money in this way again.”

Crime stats: Tory government failing survivors of sexual violence

Responding to today's quarterly crime stats, which show that sexual offences are at their highest level recorded within a 12 month period and rape offences are at their highest annual number on record, Liberal Democrat Justice and Women & Equalities Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse MP said: “These appalling figures lay bare the disturbing truth that violence against women is endemic in our society.  “Survivors deserve justice. They deserve to be properly supported to come forward and be listened to when they do. What they don’t deserve is to be failed by a Government that sits on its hands and allows far too many violent predators to walk free without facing the consequence of their actions. “Wholesale changes are needed across the board to ensure survivors get the justice they need. That starts with better relationships and sex education in schools and must be followed through with more training and resources for police forces and the courts”.

Conservatives breaking police officer promise for South Wales

 

The Conservative Government is failing to deliver the promised 452 more police officers for South Wales. 

 

Analysis of Home Office statistics by the Liberal Democrats has shown that South Wales’ officer numbers rose by only 111 in the last year.

 

A total of 206 extra officers have been recruited by South Wales Police under the Government’s campaign that started in September 2019.

 

South Wales Police has so far recruited just 7 more officers per month under the scheme. To meet the Conservatives' own target of 452 by March 2023, that rate would have to increase to 16 per month over the next 15 months.

 

Aberavon and Neath Liberal Democrats have slammed the government for failing to keep their promise to communities, adding that there needs to be a return to full and proper community policing. 

 

Responding to the figures, we say:

 

“People in the area generally, and in this county borough in particular, are being let down and taken for granted by this Conservative Government. With so many local crimes going unsolved, we desperately need more police on our streets and in our communities. 

 

“Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to proper community policing, where officers are visible, trusted and known personally to local people.”

 

“The Conservatives’ pledge to boost police officer numbers looks set to become yet another of their broken promises. They are letting down victims of crime and our communities right across our area.”

 

Johnson breaking police pledge as officer numbers fall

The Conservative Government is off track on its manifesto pledge to recruit 20,000 more police officers by March 2023, with new official figures showing the number of officers actually fell by 413 in December.   A total of 11,048 extra officers have been recruited under the Government’s uplift in the 29 months since it started in September 2019 – a rate of 381 more officers per month. To meet the target of 20,000 by March 2023, that rate would have to increase to 597 per month over the next 15 months.   Four police forces now have fewer officers than they did a year ago, according to the Home Office figures: Thames Valley (down 29), Gloucestershire (down 22), Warwickshire (down 12) and City of London (down 8).   Responding to the figures, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said:   “Since Boris Johnson is creating more work for the police, the least he could do is deliver more officers to do it.   “The Conservatives’ pledge to boost police officer numbers looks set to become yet another of their broken promises. They are letting down victims of crime and communities across the country.   “With four in five burglaries going unsolved, it’s clear we need more community police officers to make sure every crime is investigated properly.”

Put Boris on Gardening Leave whilst Met investigate

The Liberal Democrats have called for Boris Johnson to be placed on gardening leave and removed from Number 10 while the Metropolitan Police investigate the numerous rule-breaking parties that took place. Traditionally, people under investigation are placed on leave whilst the proceedings are ongoing. This is to prevent them from attempting to prevent a fair investigation from being carried out by influencing witnesses or destroying evidence. It’s been reported in recent weeks that Downing Street staff have been advised to delete emails or texts pertaining to parties, ahead of the Sue Gray investigation. Whilst Boris Johnson is on leave, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab would be expected to take over running the day-to-day affairs of the Government. Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “Since Boris Johnson is such a fan of spending time in his garden, it’s only fitting that he be placed on gardening leave and leave Number 10 whilst the police investigate. This will ensure he cannot try and abuse his position to get himself off the hook. “Refusing to do so will show both the Conservatives’ utter contempt for the public and erode trust in this government even further. “This truly is a Government in chaos, and every day the story gets worse. We have a Prime Minister who is at war with his own backbenches and desperate to cling onto power. “With Downing Street under investigation by the Metropolitan Police for numerous lockdown-breaking parties, we must ensure that this investigation can proceed unhindered so we can finally see justice served."

Agnew resignation: buck stops with Sunak over lost billions

Responding to the resignation of Treasury Minister Lord Agnew over Covid loan fraud, Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said: "Will the last Boris Johnson supporter left turn off the lights? “With two Ministerial resignations in two months and dozens of Tory MPs on the brink of handing in their letters to the 1922 Committee chairman, this is truly a Conservative government paralysed by chaos. "It is outrageous this Government has allowed fraudsters to steal billions of taxpayer's money, especially when households are facing unfair tax hikes.  “The combination of ‘arrogance, indolence, and ignorance’ which Lord Agnew referred to cannot be allowed to continue. “The buck stops with Rishi Sunak. He must explain how he’s going to get back these billions he allowed to be stolen from our schools, hospitals and police forces, and if he can’t, he should resign for someone who will.”

One in three Tory voters less likely to support local Tory candidate if they back Boris Johnson

"Sue Gray report will be judgement day for Tory MPs", warns Deputy Leader of Liberal Democrats One third (32%) of those who voted Conservative at the last election are now less likely to support a Conservative candidate if they back Boris Johnson to be Prime Minister.  The new poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats finds four in ten (43%) of the public are less likely to vote Conservative at the next election if their Conservative candidate supports Boris Johnson as Prime Minister.  This figure rises to six in ten Labour voters (62%) and almost seven in ten (69%) of Liberal Democrat voters.  The Liberal Democrats are within touching distance of Conservative seats across the country, including seats such as Wimbledon, Winchester and Carshalton & Wallington which have Conservative majorities of less than 1,000 votes.  The Liberal Democrats have already begun delivering leaflets about Boris Johnson breaking the rules ahead of key local elections for the Prime Minister’s future.  Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Daisy Cooper MP said: “The Sue Gray report will be judgement day for Tory MPs. Liberal Democrats are already in second place to dozens of Tory MPs across the country.  It is now or never for Tory MPs to abandon Boris Johnson" “If a Tory MP or candidate in the Blue Wall chooses to use the Sue Gray report outcome as a lame reason to back Boris Johnson, we will make sure their constituents know about it long before the next election” “The stench of sleaze and scandal wafting off Boris Johnson has become unbearable for lifelong Tory voters who are now ready to back the Liberal Democrats in marginals spanning Cheadle to Cheltenham.   “Blue Wall voters want decency and integrity back in politics, which they can’t find in today’s Conservative party.”

Tonga Urgent Question: Not a penny for new aid in Tonga this year, following aid cut

Layla Moran MP has today been granted an Urgent Question on the humanitarian situation in Tonga, following the eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano on 15 January.    Liberal Democrat analysis from the Government’s own DevTracker shows that UK aid spending in Tonga has been reduced to £0 in 2021-22, a reduction of more than £500k on 2020-21, in the first year of the Government’s aid cut.    The Government is yet to announce the release of any new financial aid to the country following the eruption. Layla Moran criticised the Government’s decision to cut the international development budget, saying that it “has left us responding to disasters like this with one hand tied behind our back”.    The eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano and subsequent tsunami in Tonga on 15 January has particularly affected smaller islands - on one of which, all houses were destroyed. According to NASA, the size of the blast was greater than that of an atomic bomb.   The Liberal Democrats are calling on the UK Government to urgently provide emergency aid, and to reinstate the 0.7% of GNI target for international development spending.    Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and International Development, commented:   “The UK must stand by our Tongan friends by providing urgent emergency aid. The Government’s failure to do so is yet more proof of the debilitating impact of the aid cut - which has left us responding to disasters like these with one hand tied behind our back.   “As a result of the Conservatives’ cruel aid cut, we are not even giving a penny of support to Tonga. Our Government talks about standing with our Commonwealth partners - but in their time of need the mask has slipped.    “The misguided decision to abandon the international development target has wrecked the UK’s long standing friendships, and hampers our ability to respond effectively to humanitarian disasters from Afghanistan to Tonga.    “The UK Government must immediately provide humanitarian support to Tonga, and restore the 0.7% of GNI target for international development spending.”

Serious allegations of Islamophobia need to be investigated

Responding to allegations from Nusrat Ghani MP who says her faith was raised by a Government Whip as a reason as to why she was sacked as a Minister in 2020, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper commented: “Nusrat Ghani is incredibly brave to speak out. These very serious allegations of Islamophobia clearly need to investigated by a complaints process that is independent of the Conservative’s party machine so that she and others can have confidence that her claims won’t be swept aside.  “With every passing day, the public are shocked by more and more revelations and allegations from Conservative MPs about the way their Conservative government operates. It’s time for a clear-out, starting in Number 10.”

Growing court backlog is failing rape survivors

More than 1,300 rape cases are waiting to be brought before the Crown Court, as new figures from the Ministry of Justice reveal the backlog in the Justice system has grown. In total there are 1,336 cases involving charges of rape waiting to be heard. Of these, 289 cases are still ongoing more than a year after reaching the courts, and the average case now takes more than 14 months (435 days) from charge to completion. Responding to the figures, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Wera Hobhouse MP said: “This Conservative Government is failing survivors by letting too many rapists walk free. Cases drag on far too long and conviction rates are appallingly low. “Even before the pandemic, Tory Ministers had let this backlog soar out of control. They need to now get a grip and ensure that justice is served. “We cannot keep failing survivors of sexual violence. We need urgent improvements across our whole justice system to ensure survivors are not left waiting whilst their attackers walk free.”

At a moment of danger in Europe we would expect the Foreign Secretary to be at the table

Responding to Liz Truss’s visit to Australia, thereby missing a meeting of the ‘Quad’ (comprising the US secretary of state Antony Blinken; French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock) to discuss the Russia/Ukraine crisis, Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, commented:  “Agreements with Australia are all well and good - but is flying to the other side of the world really a matter of diplomatic urgency at a moment when Europe is coming perilously close to war?   “At this moment of danger, we would expect the Foreign Secretary to be at the table, with her counterparts from the US, France and Germany. But she’s not in the room - she’s not even on the continent.  “Truss’s diplomatic priorities are half a world away from where they should be. For the second time in as many weeks, she’s dispatched her junior counterpart to vital talks - shrinking our role on the world stage at this critical time. Vladimir Putin will be rubbing his hand in glee.  “What is it with Conservative Foreign Secretaries and chasing the sun in moments of crisis? Truss should stop following in the footsteps of her predecessor she should start doing her job as Foreign Secretary. She should join this meeting and show she is willing to work with others to stand up to Putin and his aggression.”

Johnson too busy clearing up his own mess to care about the rising cost of living

Responding to new record high inflation rates, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said: “Inflation rates are at a record high and continuing to climb. This Conservative Government is too busy clearing up their own Downing Street mess to look after families that are struggling with the rising cost of living.  “People are facing soaring energy bills and tax hikes while their wages stay stagnant. The Government has left behind low and middle income families who will feel the brunt the most. “This Government has done absolutely nothing to help UK households who face years of tax rises and sky-high energy bills.”

Policing Bill: Crushing defeats a huge victory for people's rights

Liberal Democrat peers worked across the political divide tonight to defeat a number of controversial Conservative Government amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. The Government had attempted to forcibly rush through anti-protest measures without the appropriate time afforded for the House of Lords to scrutinise them - and without any consideration by the House of Commons at all.  But nearly 70 Liberal Democrat Lords voted into the early hours of today to ensure the provisions were roundly defeated. Such provisions included a potential 51 week prison sentence for chaining (attachment to objects) and a proposed new offence for obstructing major transport works. Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs in the House of Lords, Brian Paddick, said:  “This is a huge victory for people’s rights and effective policing, and a crushing defeat for this Conservative Government and their anti-democratic attempts to silence any opposition they face. “To be able to peacefully assemble and protest is a fundamental human right. With these votes tonight, a message has been sent to the Government that their dangerous and draconian policies that aim to undermine this will be fiercely resisted. “Some of the worst parts of this Bill - particularly the expansion of suspicionless stop and search and court-ordered bans on protests - will never see the light of day. This is a big win for British rights and freedoms."

Elections Bill: Johnson's Government ducking and diving from accountability

Responding to tonight’s votes on the controversial Elections Bill, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Political and Constitutional Reform, Alistair Carmichael MP, said:

“Rather than strengthening our democracy by getting behind efforts to build a better politics with a fairer electoral system, Conservative Ministers have instead voted to expand the use of the clapped-out First Past The Post, all the while making it harder for people to vote. It really does beggar belief.
 
“Their voter ID proposals are not only discriminatory, but a blatant undermining of our democratic rights. Whether it’s this, thinly veiled threats to our national broadcaster or a draconian clampdown on protests, Boris Johnson and his Government are hell-bent on ducking and diving from accountability at every turn - hardly surprising given their recent exploits.

"What comes as no surprise, however, is a fervent desire from the Conservatives to entrench themselves within a system that breeds the entitlement and self-serving behaviour we have seen over the past few weeks. 

Raab must resign if he attended the party

Responding to Conservative MP Simon Hoare telling Sky News the No.10 Garden Party was held to thank Dominic Raab, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: “Raab must come clean now. If he attended the party then he must resign. "The public won't stomach any more lies and cover ups from this Government. "We now have a Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister embroiled in a political scandal just when the country should be focussing on the continuing pandemic. This Conservative party is clearly not fit to govern our country."

Davey letter to Cressida Dick: PM must be interviewed by Met Police on Garden Party

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has written to Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Cressida Dick, calling on her to launch a full police investigation into the Downing Street Garden Party on 20 May 2020 including interviewing Boris Johnson under caution. It comes after Boris Johnson admitted at Prime Minister’s Questions today that he did attend the party but claims he thought it was a “work event”. The letter calls on Commissioner Dick to launch a full investigation into the illegal gathering, ensure the Prime Minister is interviewed under caution about his role and confirm that if he and others are found to have broken Covid laws, they will be charged and fined in the same way as ordinary members of the public. It comes after figures revealed that over 17,700 people have been fined by the Metropolitan Police for breaching Covid laws during the pandemic, including 113 fines for holding a gathering of over 30 people. Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said: “Boris Johnson admitted today that he did attend this illegal party in the Downing Street garden. The Met Police must now confirm that a full investigation will be launched and that the Prime Minister himself will be interviewed. “People have sacrificed so much during this pandemic, from cancelling weddings to not being able to say goodbye to their loved ones in hospital.   “The police must reassure the public that justice will be done and there isn’t one rule for them and another for Boris Johnson and his colleagues in Downing Street.”

Partygate: Met Police fined over 17,700 people for breaching Covid laws

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Metropolitan Police to investigate the Downing Street Garden Party held in May 2020, after figures revealed the force has fined thousands of people in London for breaches of lockdown rules during the pandemic. Analysis of the latest official figures by the party show that the Metropolitan Police have given out 17,745 Fixed Penalty Notice fines for breaches of various Covid laws between 27th March 2020 and 17th October 2021. These include 113 fines for holding a gathering of over 30 people, more than any other police force in the country. In total, police have issued 118,419 fines for breaking government imposed lockdown rules in England between March 27 2020 and October 17 2021, according to data from the National Police Chiefs Council. This includes around 800 fixed penalty notices issued for breaches of Covid rules in the week of the Downing Street garden party between May 15 and May 21 2020,   Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey warned it would be “double standards of the worst kind” if police failed to investigate claims that over 100 people were invited to a boozy party in the garden of Number 10 during lockdown. This morning he called on Boris Johnson to resign calling him a "threat to the health of our nation."   The police have so far said they are in contact with the government on the party but have not confirmed if an investigation has been launched. It comes after the Liberal Democrats yesterday reported the leaked party email to the Metropolitan Police and urged them to investigate. Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said: “Thousands of Londoners have been fined for flouting lockdown rules during the pandemic. It would be double standards of the worst kind for the police to turn a blind eye when those in Number 10 have done the same.   “Boris Johnson is taking the public, Parliament and police for fools. We must not let him get away with it.   “He has become a threat to health of our nation, and for the sake of the country still gripped by this awful pandemic he must resign.”

Cladding: Govt failing innocent leaseholders

Responding to Michael Gove's widely-publicised statement in Parliament on cladding, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: “The Conservative Government is still failing to understand the scale and urgency of the building safety crisis faced by many innocent leaseholders stuck in unsafe and unsellable homes. "Innocent leaseholders have eye-watering bills sitting on their kitchen tables for non-cladding fire safety defects, not knowing whether they have to pay them or not "They also have no idea what they can do if the shoddy companies that are responsible no longer exist, whether or how they’ll be protected from homelessness or bankruptcy, or when their living nightmare will end. "This is a step in the right direction - but there’s a long long way to go.”

Rural areas set to be hit hardest by energy bill price hike, including Chancellor’s own seat

Rural areas in England and Wales will be hit hardest by the expected rise in energy bills in April, new research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.  New analysis of ONS data by the party shows median bills are expected to rise by an average of £598, while many largely rural areas will see increases of £700 or more. Of the 20 local authorities with the highest increase in bills, 16 are only represented by Conservative MPs. This includes the Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s area of Richmondshire, where people face an average rise of £737, the fourth highest rise in England. People living on the Scilly Isles face average increases of £968, higher than anywhere in the country. It comes as energy bills are expected to rise to unprecedented levels in April, with experts warning the new energy price cap is expected to be around £1,865. Bills are then expected to rise above £2,000 when the price cap is revised again in the Autumn. Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Former Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: “It is hardly surprising that it is people in rural areas who are facing the biggest rises in bills this year. This is yet more evidence that the Conservatives are taking our rural communities for granted. “Families are facing an energy bill nightmare, while the government is asleep at the wheel. They’ve failed to do anything to protect vulnerable people from this cost of living crisis. “Liberal Democrats are calling for urgent support for families through the doubling and expansion of the Warm Home Discount Scheme and the doubling of the Winter Fuel Payments, to protect vulnerable people this winter. This would be funded by a one-off ‘Robin Hood Tax’ on the super- profits of gas and oil companies and traders who are raking it in hand over fist.”

Conservatives’ broken promise to Afghans leaves women and girls left at "back of the queue"

The Liberal Democrats yesterday slammed the Conservatives’ broken promise to Afghans as a "total betrayal". It comes after a statement from Home Office minister Victoria Atkins in Parliament revealed that women, girls, and religious and other minorities in Afghanistan have been put to the back of queue of the Government's resettlement scheme. Commenting on the statement in the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron said:  "Back in August, this Government made a promise to women, girls, and religious and other minorities in Afghanistan - that they would be a priority under the new Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme. That was a promise of hope to these people, at a time when they are living in fear from the Taliban because of their identity. “Now, the Conservatives have not only broken that promise - they’ve effectively told these Afghans that they’re at the back of the queue. “This represents a total betrayal of people in grave danger. The Ministers responsible for this callous decision - which will cost lives - should hang their heads in shame. The UK has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those in need. We need to show that same leadership and compassion now."

Lib Dems demand “Robin Hood tax” on oil and gas super-profits

Liberal Democrat Leader and former Energy Secretary Ed Davey has called for a “Robin Hood” tax on the super-profits of oil and gas firms to raise money to support millions of families facing soaring energy costs.  The proposed one-off levy would raise an estimated £5 billion from companies that are making record profits from soaring energy prices. This would be used to support vulnerable families facing a crippling 50% increase to their energy bills. Earlier this week it emerged that Russian energy giant Gazprom’s trading arm, based in London, has cashed in a £179 million dividend. Meanwhile, the boss of BP has described his company as a 'cash machine' after soaring oil and gas prices boosted its profits to £2.4 billion in the third quarter of 2021 alone. Ed Davey, who as Energy Secretary developed a strategy to tackle fuel poverty, says the money raised through this “one-off” tax could fund a substantial package of emergency support to help over 17 million people with their heating bills.  The current Warm Homes Discount would be more than doubled to £300 and offered to all 7.5 million vulnerable and low-income households on Pension Credit and Universal Credit. The Winter Fuel Allowance offered to pensioners would also be doubled to £600 for one year. This would support 11.3 million elderly people who are seeing their state pensions slashed in real terms by the government’s broken election promise on the triple lock. Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said: “It can’t be right that a few energy fat cats are raking it in from record gas prices while millions of people can't even afford to heat their homes.   “A Robin Hood tax on gas and oil barons would provide vital cash to support vulnerable families facing crippling energy price hikes.   “For years the Conservatives have ignored this problem and failed to take the bold action we need to reduce fuel poverty. Boris Johnson cannot look the other way any longer while families face an impossible choice between heating and eating.   “We need a substantial package of support now that provides immediate support to those struggling to get by, while helping people insulate their homes to slash heating bills in the long term.”

 

Worst possible time for unfair and disproportionate NI tax hike

Responding to reports that Jacob Rees-Mogg during a Cabinet meeting called for the forthcoming National Insurance hike to be scrapped, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said: "This was an insult of a hike to every struggling tax payer from the day it was announced. Where was Jacob Rees Mogg then? "People are already feeling the pinch from soaring heating bills, rising inflation and stagnant wages. This is the worst possible time to hike taxes that will disproportionately hit low and middle income families.   "The Tories must scrap this unfair tax that will kick people and businesses when they're already down."