May must cancel Trump meeting now - Cable

Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable has demanded that Theresa May cancels the expected government to government summit with the "evil racist" Donald Trump. Vince Cable said: “Many of us warned when Theresa May walked hand in hand with Donald Trump that any relationship with such a racist was bound to end badly. “But the prime minister, desperate for a trade deal, ignored the advice from across the political spectrum. “Britain is now paying the price for her bad misjudgement. Theresa May’s extreme Brexit has alienated our European allies and now she has lost her last remaining friend on the world stage, leaving Britain isolated and alone. “The solution is clear: an exit from Brexit and a divorce from Trump.”

Immigration down because May has crashed economy

We Liberal Democrats agree that the Conservatives are finally on course to meet their pledge to cut immigration - but only because they have crashed the economy. Former cabinet minister and now Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Ed Davey MP said: “The Brexiteers were right that Brexit would reduce immigration. What they forgot to mention was that immigration would go down even before Brexit, due to the widely forecast catastrophic consequences of the government taking Britain out of the world’s largest single market. The Conservative pursuit of an extreme Brexit is crashing the economy and making the country a less attractive place to be. “Britain was attracting some of the most talented and hard-working people in the international labour market but now we are seeing clear signs of a Brexodus as Theresa May stalls on guaranteeing the right to remain of EU citizens, leaving many feeling unwelcome.

Social mobility report warns of 'spiral of ever growing division'

Britain is in a “spiral of ever-growing division” with a stark postcode lottery in social mobility, according to a damning report by the Social Mobility Commission today. The report uncovers a striking geographical divide with London and its surrounding areas pulling away from the rest of the country, while many other parts of the country are being left behind. Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable commented: “This report talks of the UK ‘being in the grip of a self-reinforcing spiral of ever growing division.' “The government urgently needs to improve social mobility for young people in rural areas, coastal towns and former industrial heartlands. “Ministers must reverse welfare cuts that are set to push millions more families into poverty, and boost school funding for disadvantaged children through the pupil premium. “Reducing regional inequality is crucial if we are to address the underlying alienation that led to the Brexit vote, and build a stronger economy.”

Brexit impact assessments farce straight out of "Yes, Prime Minister"

The Liberal Democrats have said the government's refusal to publish its Brexit impact assessment is "completely untenable," after Speaker John Bercow said he will respond promptly to any allegations of contempt of Parliament. Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake commented: "This whole farce has descended into a scene straight out of Yes Minister. "After David Davis repeatedly stated there were 57 detailed impact assessments, ministers now claim these reports never even existed in this form. "Editing these reports is a breach of the agreement reached with MPs, meaning action over contempt of Parliament now looms. "If the government really believes in its own Brexit plans, why are they so scared of publishing these reports in full? “The public deserve to know what Brexit means for their jobs, incomes and communities. They must then be offered a vote on the deal with a chance to exit from Brexit."

Army numbers down 2,000 since Conservative 82,000 manifesto pledge

Army numbers have fallen by over 2,000 since the Conservative 2015 Manifesto pledge to keep troop levels above 82,000, analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. The most recent figures show the number of full-time trained troops now stands at 77,440, down from 79,540 in April 2015 when the Conservative manifesto was published. It comes as the Government comes under increasing pressure over planned defence cuts, with dozens of Conservative MPs writing to the Chancellor and Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood reportedly prepared to resign. Alistair Carmichael MP, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip, commented: "The Tory promise to keep our army above 82,000 lies in tatters. "There are now 2,000 fewer regular troops than when this manifesto pledge was made in 2015. "But instead of boosting morale and recruitment by giving our troops a pay rise, the government is planning even more cuts. "Ministers need to clarify now whether they still intend to meet the 82,000 target, and if so by what date. "Otherwise they will fuel concerns that the Conservatives simply cannot be trusted with maintaining Britain's defence capabilities."

Brexit analyses must not be redacted

Commenting on reports that the government has given the DEXEU Select Committee Brexit sectoral analyses, Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesperson Tom Brake said:

 

“It is right that the government has given these Brexit studies to MPs, but I am deeply concerned by reports they may not be complete and leave out key information on the damage Brexit will do to our economy and services. Not giving the full facts could be contempt of parliament.

 

“The Liberal Democrats want people to be given the facts, so they can decide what they think of the Conservatives’ Brexit deal, with the public having the right to exit from Brexit if it is a bad deal. The government shouldn’t be allowed to keep secret the damage their plans may do.”   
 

Vince Cable: Hammond stealth tax on savers is "indefensible"

Around ten million small savers will be hit by a stealth tax worth £500m buried in the small print of the Budget, it emerged yesterday. Previously small savers were only taxed on increases above inflation, but under the new plans the whole of the increase will be taxed. Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable commented: "This is an indefensible raid on small savers. “With inflation running at 3% a year, many people will see their savings shrink in real terms because of this unfair policy. "At a time when incomes are being squeezed and household debt is approaching pre-crisis levels, the last thing the Government should be doing is punishing those doing the right thing by saving for the future. “It is particularly hypocritical of the Chancellor to raise money targeting savers, while wasting £3 billion on Brexit to pay for lawyers and lorry parks that will probably never be used."

When will government listen to defence cuts warnings?

Responding to reports that defence minister Tobias Ellwood has threatened to resign if military cuts bring the army below 70,000 soldiers, Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Menzies Campbell said:  "When  will the government listen and learn? Former members of all three armed services, informed commentators, members of both Houses of Parliament and now a defence minister have all voiced their deepening anxieties about possible heavy cuts in the defence budget. "Reducing the army even further, cutting the Royal Marines, and selling surface ships will fracture our defence capability."

IFS analysis shows Tories balancing books on backs of the poorest

The Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservative government of "balancing the books on the backs of the poorest," after analysis of the Budget by the Institute for Fiscal Studies revealed there are another £12 billion of planned welfare cuts. The analysis found that the four-year freeze in welfare is now set to lead to 11 million households losing an average of £400 each by 2019, with the poorest 20% of families hit hardest. The analysis also found average earnings in 2021 look set to plunge to £1,400 lower than forecast in March 2016 - which is lower in real terms than at the time of the financial crash in 2008. Stephen Lloyd MP, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions Spokesperson, commented: “This analysis lays bare the utter inadequacy of the funding announced for Universal Credit in yesterday’s budget. “The Tories are balancing the books on the backs of the poorest, at a time when inflation and personal debt are rising instead of incomes. “£12 billion worth of cuts aimed at the most vulnerable are still to come, dwarfing the extra £300 million a year promised by the Chancellor. “A Liberal Democrat budget would have helped the poorest in society by reversing Conservative tax cuts for the super-rich.”

UK faces longest squeeze on living standards in 60 years

Britain is on course for the longest period of falling living standards since records began in the 1950s, according to a report by the Resolution Foundation. The think tank found that under plans set out by Philip Hammond in the Budget yesterday, the poorest third of households are set for an average loss of £715 a year by the end of the Parliament, while the richest third will gain an average of £185. Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable commented: “This analysis exposes the reality of Britain’s economic future under this Conservative government. “The squeeze on pay and living standards is set to carry on until 2025, made worse by higher inflation since the Brexit vote. “Meanwhile the Conservatives’ poor management of the economy means the budget will not be balanced until at least the 2030s. “This was a truly regressive budget that maintained the deepest of the Conservatives’ welfare cuts, hitting the poorest third of households hardest. “A Liberal Democrat budget would provide the large-scale investment in infrastructure, housing and research needed to boost living standards and productivity. “We would reverse the Conservatives’ cruel welfare cuts, and bring economic certainty by staying in the Single Market and Customs Union.”

Investment growth down to 0.2% - Cable responds

The government has announced today that growth in business investment is down again to 0.2% in Q3. It was 0.8% in Q1, 0.5% in Q2, and now 0.2%. Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said: “This is a further blow to our hopes of lifting Britain’s flagging productivity. One of the major reasons British productivity is stagnating is because of lack of investment. It is particularly worrying that there has been a fall in investment in IT equipment and machinery. “While growth and productivity are improving across most of the EU27, Britain has fallen to the bottom of the growth league of major economies. This is in significant part due to the Conservative government’s determination to pursue a hard Brexit, taking us out of the single market and customs union.”

Cable: Shadow Chancellor needs to get his sums right

Responding to John McDonnell's refusal to state how much Labour's borrowing plans would cost on the Today programme this morning, Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said:  "It's worrying that the Shadow Chancellor hasn't done his sums. Or perhaps he has done his sums and he realises they're so horrendous that he's unwilling to acknowledge that his version of a Labour government would put the country into financial difficulties. "We start from a bad position. The Budget warned of increased borrowing, dependent on the 'kindness of strangers'. A Labour government focused on massive nationalisation would make things even worse."

The Government must pause Universal Credit rather than just tinker with it

Responding to the Budget announcement on Universal Credit yesterday, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions Spokesperson Stephen Lloyd said: "The government’s U-turns are welcome but beg the question: why have they taken this long? "The overall system is still not fit for purpose. It must be paused before even more of our most vulnerable citizens are made to suffer on the ideological anvil of this Conservative government. “Why is it that this government insists on rolling out Universal Credit, instead of just stopping and fixing it?" "The Chancellor ignored the £3 billion cut that was taken out of UC by George Osborne in 2015, which  effectively destroyed its aim of making work pay. "The self-employed and single parents are still being shockingly treated, and many people will still face the risk of eviction because of the government making it difficult for UC recipients having their rent paid direct to landlords.”

Cable: budget sunk by growth bombshell

Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable has seized on the Chancellor's admission that the UK economy will be smaller by a huge £45 billion than was estimated as recently as March. Vince Cable said: “The economy will be £45 billion smaller in 2021 than predicted as recently as March. And that is the least worst case scenario. “Philip Hammond might as well have sat down and stopped talking once he announced this slump in growth figures. “Britain has gone from top of the growth league to deep into the relegation zone, with each person set to be £687 worse off per year. "The OBR has revised down future earnings, productivity and household consumption. “The worst part is much of this damage is self-inflicted, with the hard Brexit this government is pursuing."

Hammond to look into plastic waste charge in victory for Lib Dems

Philip Hammond has announced he will consider charges on single-use plastic items to reduce waste. It comes following a Liberal Democrat campaign to introduce a charge on disposable coffee cups, to reduce the billions of cups thrown away in the UK each year. Tim Farron MP, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, said: “This is a major victory for the Liberal Democrats, who have long been demanding action to tackle plastic waste. “We now need to make sure this consultation leads to real action and isn’t just kicking the cup down the road. “Our environment and wildlife cannot wait any longer for tough measures to reduce plastic debris polluting our rivers, seas and countryside. “Introducing a charge on disposable cups, like the plastic bag charge, could change people’s behaviour and help protect the planet.“

Budget: no extra money for police in Wales

Today's budget statement by the Chancellor included no additional funding for the police in England and Wales. 

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey said: 

“Crime is rising and police numbers are falling but you wouldn’t think the Government cared looking at today’s budget. The police barely got a mention in the Chancellor’s speech despite forces up and down the country being desperate for a cash-injection.
 
It is clear where the money is going - £3.7bn to help the Conservatives drive through a hard Brexit. Just a fraction of this money would have been transformative for the police but as usual we see the Tories putting politics above everything else.” 
 

Gove's Department using 1,400 disposable coffee cups a day

Over 2.5 million disposable coffee cups have been purchased by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the past five years, figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have revealed. This is equivalent to almost 1,400 a day. The Liberal Democrats said the figures showed Michael Gove "needs to get his own house in order," after he vowed yesterday to tackle plastic pollution. 516,000 disposable coffee cups have been purchased by DEFRA's catering and facilities providers in the last year alone, for use in restaurants and cafés across the Department's offices. The catering contractors did not previously provide any reusable cups, but purchased 200 reusable cups on the 31st October 2017, after the Department received a Freedom of Information request from the Liberal Democrats. Figures uncovered by the party have revealed the House of Commons is also failing to get to grips with coffee cup waste, having got through almost four million disposable cups in the past five years. 657,000 disposable cups have been purchased by the Commons’ catering service in the last year alone, equivalent to 1,000 per MP. 500 reusable “Keep cups” were purchased in 2013, but only four of these have been sold in the last three years. The Liberal Democrats are calling for the introduction of a charge on disposable coffee cups in the Budget, following the success of the party's plastic bag charge which has reduced usage in England by 85% since it was introduced. Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Tim Farron commented: "It's astounding that the department which is supposed to be protecting our environment is responsible for such a colossal amount of waste. "Millions of plastic cups have been thrown away by the government, some of which will now be polluting our seas, rivers and countryside. "Michael Gove needs to get his own house in order. "A coffee cup charge should be introduced in the Budget to tackle waste and encourage the use of reusable cups, including in the civil service and Parliament. "Just like the plastic bag charge, this would reduce unnecessary waste while raising millions for charity."

Jane Dodds highlights the three Es

In an inspiring speech in Caewern boosting Sheila Kingston-Jones' by-election campaign in Bryncoch South [polling on Thursday 23rd November], the newly-elected Welsh Liberal Democrat party leader spoke movingly about her Welshness and the other passions in her life.

She highlighted the environment, Europe and equality as key concerns. More had to be done to combat climate change and she singled out the Trump administration for its retreat from Obama’s pro-environment policies. She felt that Wales could show the way.

She criticised the Conservative government, with the support of the Labour opposition, for embarking on the Article 50 process on the basis of what was, at bottom, a protest vote. Something had to be done about those people who felt they had no future. There had been a failure to inform them about what the European Union had done and could do for them, and the party had a duty to fill that gap.

As a social worker, she daily saw the effects of Conservative government policies, in particular the way that Universal Credit had been applied. There was an increase in what she thought we had once seen the back of, the “working poor” - people stuck in poorly-paid dead end jobs - which, thanks to zero-hours contracts, may not be permanent anyway. We should not be afraid to talk of the use of tax to foster equality – to take more people out of tax at the lower end and increase it on the wealthiest. We should be ashamed that the gap between rich and poor was widening again for the first time since the Thatcher era.

Jane also spoke feelingly about her dedication to Wales, regretting the failure to provide the infrastructure to enable the whole of the nation to fulfil its potential. 

Hammond so out of touch on unemployment - Cable

Following claims on Marr by the Chancellor that "there are no unemployed people", Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said it showed the Conservative government was hopelessly out of touch with huge numbers of people in Britain today. Vince Cable said: "As Chancellor, Philip Hammond needs to be on top of the numbers, and as he should know very well, there are actually 1.425m people unemployed. Worse, a large number of them are second or third generation out of work, suggesting that all that a large number of people are inheriting in Britain today is poverty. "It underlines just how out of touch the Conservatives are with millions of Britons who are living on the breadline. "Philip Hammond is right that we should embrace automation, but we should also be mindful that it can also put people out of work in the short term. This underlines why we need greater investment in infrastructure, training and education to help a large number of people who miss out even when the economy is growing far more strongly than it is today."

Home Office to recruit Eastern Europeans to register EU citizens

The Liberal Democrats have responded with incredulity to reports that the Home Office will have to recruit staff from Eastern Europe to administer Brexit. According to The Guardian, the Home Office cannot recruit enough staff to process newly required registration papers for as many as 3m European citizens. Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesperson Tom Brake said: "Oh the irony! The Home Office having to recruit Eastern European workers to manage Brexit which was billed by the Brexiteers as the way to reduce immigration. "And what a monumental waste of time and money it will be to register all these EU citizens. They are clearly vital to Britain's workforce, reflected in the fact that the Home Office will now have to recruit many of them to process registration forms from their countrymen. "This is an utter farce presided over by a government that doesn't have a clue what it is even trying to do. "The government should simply guarantee the right to remain of all EU citizens already here and protect free movement."