Reasons for remaining IN

Posted by Liberal Democrat Federal Executive member Antony Hook on Liberal Democrat Voice:

An excellent new resource has been launched that will help with [effective factual information for the EU debate].  Infacts.org  is a well presented website that contains briefings on key factual questions relevant to the referendum and rebuttals to the misrepresentations of the Quitters.  It is set up and run by a group of journalists, listed on the website and many of their names you will recognise from the quality press.

If I have one constructive criticism it is that the bulk of their briefings are responses to claims of the other side.  We need to set the agenda and debate on our terms, not their terms, to win.

Nonetheless, it is a very helpful site. Some of the briefings include:

The UK net contribution is £6.3bn

The EU hasn’t prevented deportation of terrorists

EU migrants into the UK

Canada shows that Liberalism is not dead

Liberal International celebrates 100 days of the Trudeau-led Liberal government in Canada. It seems that it has not run out of energy and continues to serve as an inspiration for Liberal parties round the world. Those who have written off Liberal Democrat chances of being in power in this country again should also take note.

With numerous progressive, liberal values implemented in the Trudeau government’s first 100 days – here is just a small selection. 

• Gender-balanced Cabinet
• Providing safe haven for refugees
• Unmuzzling government scientists

The Canadian Liberals won a huge victory in the October 2015 parliamentary elections, ending almost 10 years of Conservative rule. There is more here.

Labour cuts anti-paedophile service

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has condemned the decision by the Welsh Labour Government to withdraw funding for the Disclosure and Barring Service checking of those involved with children’s’ sports and activities.

The Welsh Government presently funds the Wales Council for Voluntary Service to provide a free service to clubs and charities in Wales who need to make sure that people who volunteer to work with children and vulnerable adults in all kinds of sporting and other settings are properly vetted by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This funding is being withdrawn as of 31^st May this year.

Mr Black said: “This senseless Labour cut will make it harder to safeguard children and the vulnerable properly. Some organisations may not now carry out the checks to the right standards, and others simply won’t have the cash to be able to check every single coach or helper, which will mean the withdrawal of activities.

“Everybody agrees that playing sport where possible, and having decent leisure and volunteering activities are vital for children and young people as they grow. Yet at the same time, it is vital that our children, and other vulnerable people, are protected from those few who would do them harm.

“That is why we have a Disclosure & Barring Service, and that is also why this cut is mistaken and misguided. Labour need to consult organisations such as St John Ambulance, and the WRU further about this and think again.”

Ian Sherwood MBE

Ian Sherwood, long-standing member of the Liberal Democrats, former assistant to Simon Hughes MP and an ex-mayor of Briton Ferry received his MBE at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

Welsh Liberal Democrats deliver on patient safety

Yesterday, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams' More Nurses Bill passed in the Assembly and became law. This will mean Wales is the first country in Europe to have a legal requirement for nursing staff numbers on our wards.

Welsh Lib Dems deliver for Neath Port Talbot

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have today secured, amongst other things, £14,783,250 extra investment in schools in the Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend areas.

Last year the Welsh Liberal Democrats agreed to a two year deal, worth £223m, to allow the Welsh Government’s budget to pass in exchange for the implementation of Welsh Liberal Democrat policies.  Assembly Members today voted on that budget.

Amongst other achievements, the Welsh Liberal Democrats secured an increase in the Pupil Premium (also known as ‘Pupil Deprivation Grant’) so every school receives £1,150 per pupil on free school meals, a Young Persons’ Bus Pass so young people can travel for free to work and training, and 5,000 new apprenticeships.

That means that next year Neath Port Talbot schools will receive £4,532,150 targeted on the most deprived pupils.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black said:

“I’m delighted we have secured this extra investment for our area.

“Let’s be clear: the positives in this budget are because of Welsh Liberal Democrat influence.

“Whether it is securing over £200m investment for education, delivering funding for thousands of new apprenticeships, or supporting young people getting to work and training, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have a record of delivery for our communities.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats continue to punch above our weight and today’s budget, which delivers on a number of priorities which have a positive impact on people’s lives, is evidence of that.”

END

The Welsh Liberal Democrats secured:

• an increase in the Pupil Premium (aka Pupil Deprivation Grant): in 2016/17 each school will receive £1,150 for every pupil eligible to receive free schools;
• the extension of the Pupil Premium to include under 5s, worth £300 per pupil on free school meals;
• a Young Persons’ Bus Pass for 16-18 year olds worth nearly £15m;
• funding for around 5,000 new apprenticeships;
• £95m capital investment in infrastructure that will provide a strong boost to jobs and the economy;
• an agreement that no construction of the M4 relief road will start before the next Assembly elections alongside a detailed Environmental Impact Study;
• extra childcare investment for further education students in Wales who are parents, investing in a pilot scheme promoted by the National Union of Students.

Spring conference, Llandaff 2016

Conference opened on a high note with a speech by Eluned Parrott AM. There were further rousing speeches by federal leader Tim Farron MP and by our leader in Wales, Kirsty Williams AM.

Further reports are on Liberal Democrat Voice and our Facebook page.

Conference closes tomorrow.