Chuka Umunna: Boris Johnson continues to let down Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Commenting on the letter written by Richard Ratcliffe to Boris Johnson regarding the ongoing detention of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary Chuka Umunna said:

“I encourage every voter to read the heart-breaking letter by Richard Ratcliffe. It is clear that Boris Johnson is totally unfit to be Prime Minister. 
 
“Johnson has still failed to correct his untrue and inaccurate comments in Hansard regarding Nazanin’s case. He must learn that his words have consequences. 
 
“He has let Nazanin down at every turn. It is time that he steps up and does all he can to ensure that Nazanin is brought home to the UK and reunited with her husband and their young daughter, Gabriella, who is just starting school.  
 
“Johnson promised Nazanin’s family that he would leave no stone left unturned in his efforts to secure her release. So far it seems he is happy to break that promise and undermine the trust that this family have placed in him. The situation is absolutely unacceptable.”  

10 lies from Boris Johnson's LBC interview

The Liberal Democrats have described Boris Johnson as a "lying charlatan", after his LBC interview today in which he once again misled voters and failed to come clean over key issues facing the country.

The party has highlighted ten lies and mistruths from Johnson's LBC interview:

1. 50,000 new nurses: Johnson continues to peddle the Tory fantasy that they will recruit 50,000 new nurses. He clearly can’t do basic maths when 19,000 of this figure is comprised by nurses who already work in the NHS. On top of this, figures earlier this week revealed that 1,116 EU nurses have left the NHS so far this year and EU staff at Johnson's local hospital are feeling anxiety over their future here because of Brexit.
    
2. 40 new hospitals: The Tories are not going to build 40 new hospitals. Johnson admitted today that re-building an old hospital will be classified as a new one. The pledge is simply false.
    
3. Trade deals: Johnson claimed that there are up to a dozen trade deals ready to go after Brexit. Given the Conservatives have abjectly failed to rollover the trade deals it said it would over the past three years, he just cannot be trusted. Liam Fox promised 40 trade deals, instead the Tories have only delivered 18.
    
4. Social care: Johnson claimed the £1 billion of funding the Tories have announced for social care will stop people having to sell their home to pay for care. But this money is simply a sticking plaster for the day-to-day operation of our social care system which is at breaking point. He has no plan for a long-term solution.
    
5. Comments on single mothers: Johnson claimed that the quotations used of his insulting and offensive comments on single mothers were distorted, even though he has a history of misogynistic and sexist comments. He plays fast and loose with his words and it has real damaging consequences.
    
6. Free press: The day after the Tories petulantly threatened to review Channel 4’s licence, Johnson claimed he wants to protect a free press. The Tories have also refused to allow a Mirror reporter onto their campaign bus. Trying to intimidate the media like this is straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook and has no place in an open and inclusive democracy.
    
7. Cutting business rates: Johnson said that the Tories will cut business rates in the next Budget. But his manifesto promises a review. Which is it? Liberal Democrats have promised to scrap business rates and replace them with a commercial landowner levy.
    
8. Working class people: Boris Johnson said he doesn’t care that Dominic Cummings thinks the Tories have a problem with working class people. It comes after a Spectator column from Johnson surfaced in which he called working class men "drunk, criminal and feckless."
    
9. Police cuts: Johnson denied that the police cuts in London were the fault of the Conservative Government. But the Tories have drastically cut police numbers, leading the Home Office to admit that the cuts had “likely contributed” to the rise in serious violent crime.
    
10. Greggs: Boris Johnson previously said he was ‘made of Greggs’. But given he couldn't name the price of a sausage roll, it would appear he's never set a foot in one.   

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Ed Davey commented:

“This interview has exposed yet again how Boris Johnson can’t be trusted and is simply not fit for the office of Prime Minister. 

 "Whether it was on nurses, hospitals or Brexit, Johnson spent an hour lying through his teeth. 

“Given this performance it’s little wonder he chickened out of last night’s Channel 4 debate and is now trying to duck out of an interview with Andrew Neil.

“Voters do not have to vote for this lying charlatan, there is another choice. The Liberal Democrats are the only party that can stop Boris, stop Brexit and build a brighter future."

The Liberal Democrats have described Boris Johnson as a "lying charlatan", after his LBC interview today in which he once again misled voters and failed to come clean over key issues facing the country.

The party has highlighted ten lies and mistruths from Johnson's LBC interview:

1. 50,000 new nurses: Johnson continues to peddle the Tory fantasy that they will recruit 50,000 new nurses. He clearly can’t do basic maths when 19,000 of this figure is comprised by nurses who already work in the NHS. On top of this, figures earlier this week revealed that 1,116 EU nurses have left the NHS so far this year and EU staff at Johnson's local hospital are feeling anxiety over their future here because of Brexit.
    
2. 40 new hospitals: The Tories are not going to build 40 new hospitals. Johnson admitted today that re-building an old hospital will be classified as a new one. The pledge is simply false.
    
3. Trade deals: Johnson claimed that there are up to a dozen trade deals ready to go after Brexit. Given the Conservatives have abjectly failed to rollover the trade deals it said it would over the past three years, he just cannot be trusted. Liam Fox promised 40 trade deals, instead the Tories have only delivered 18.
    
4. Social care: Johnson claimed the £1 billion of funding the Tories have announced for social care will stop people having to sell their home to pay for care. But this money is simply a sticking plaster for the day-to-day operation of our social care system which is at breaking point. He has no plan for a long-term solution.
    
5. Comments on single mothers: Johnson claimed that the quotations used of his insulting and offensive comments on single mothers were distorted, even though he has a history of misogynistic and sexist comments. He plays fast and loose with his words and it has real damaging consequences.
    
6. Free press: The day after the Tories petulantly threatened to review Channel 4’s licence, Johnson claimed he wants to protect a free press. The Tories have also refused to allow a Mirror reporter onto their campaign bus. Trying to intimidate the media like this is straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook and has no place in an open and inclusive democracy.
    
7. Cutting business rates: Johnson said that the Tories will cut business rates in the next Budget. But his manifesto promises a review. Which is it? Liberal Democrats have promised to scrap business rates and replace them with a commercial landowner levy.
    
8. Working class people: Boris Johnson said he doesn’t care that Dominic Cummings thinks the Tories have a problem with working class people. It comes after a Spectator column from Johnson surfaced in which he called working class men "drunk, criminal and feckless."
    
9. Police cuts: Johnson denied that the police cuts in London were the fault of the Conservative Government. But the Tories have drastically cut police numbers, leading the Home Office to admit that the cuts had “likely contributed” to the rise in serious violent crime.
    
10. Greggs: Boris Johnson previously said he was ‘made of Greggs’. But given he couldn't name the price of a sausage roll, it would appear he's never set a foot in one.   

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Ed Davey commented:

“This interview has exposed yet again how Boris Johnson can’t be trusted and is simply not fit for the office of Prime Minister. 

 "Whether it was on nurses, hospitals or Brexit, Johnson spent an hour lying through his teeth. 

“Given this performance it’s little wonder he chickened out of last night’s Channel 4 debate and is now trying to duck out of an interview with Andrew Neil.

“Voters do not have to vote for this lying charlatan, there is another choice. The Liberal Democrats are the only party that can stop Boris, stop Brexit and build a brighter future."

Johnson's comments show he is no champion of women's rights

Responding to Boris Johnson’s comments on single mothers, Liberal Democrat Equalities Spokesperson Christine Jardine, said: "So many of us in this country know the reality of the sacrifice and effort made by single parents. But yet again these comments show Boris Johnson is not fit to be Prime Minister and is no champion of women’s or children’s’ rights. “My father died suddenly at 44 leaving my mum with three daughters, none of whom grew up ignorant or aggressive. I am offended that my mother’s parenting of three successful daughters should be characterised “The Liberal Democrats are committed to women’s rights and supporting all families. A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to offer free high-quality childcare from nine months to all working parents and to build a brighter future."

Lib Dems to fund eighty-four more police officers across Neath Port Talbot

The Liberal Democrats have announced plans to fund at least 52 police officers across Neath and 32 across Aberavon as part of an extra £1bn nationwide investment into community policing.

This commitment amounts to 20,000 more police officers across England
and Wales, enough for an extra two officers per ward. The Liberal Democrats will also fund an immediate 2% pay-rise for serving police officers.

Liberal Democrat plans stand in stark contrast to Labour and the Conservatives, who have made big promises on police numbers, but have failed to commit the funding needed to deliver them. 

At the same time, Liberal Democrats are warning that Boris Johnson’s Brexit plans risk letting hundreds of criminals to escape justice in South Wales, after analysis revealed the extent to which UK police rely on vital EU crime-fighting measures. 

          
Local Welsh Liberal Democrats secretary Frank Little  said:

“Too many people feel unsafe in their own homes and walking down their own streets. With entire communities feeling exposed and vulnerable, both the Tories and Labour are claiming to offer solutions but the sums just don’t add up.

“Meanwhile, Boris Johnson's reckless Brexit threatens to cut the UK off from vital crime-fighting tools that the police use every day to keep us safe. His plans mean that hundreds of criminals in the Swansea Bay area could remain at large, threatening the safety of our community. 

“Only the Liberal Democrats have a bold and credible plan to increase the number of police across our county borough. The Liberal Democrats are committing £1 billion nationwide investment per year to fund this – that’s £250 million more than Labour or the Tories.  

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party willing to back our bobbies with money, not just words. We are the only party that can stop Brexit, make our communities safe and build a brighter future.”

Lib Dems won't let your future melt away

Following last night's Climate Change Leader's debate, Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor and Deputy Leader said:  "Tonight Jo Swinson showed what it means to lead on tackling the climate emergency.  "Boris Johnson's failure to even turn up shows his arrogant disregard for the climate crisis facing our planet.  "Like Boris Johnson's ice sculpture, the Tories are happy to watch your future melt away, thanks to their disastrous Brexit which will leave us with less influence and less to invest in tackling the climate emergency.  "Only the Liberal Democrats have a clear, realistic but radical plan to achieve net-zero by 2045, delivering the change our planet needs. A Liberal Democrat government will generate 80% of our electricity from renewables by 2030, plant 60 million trees a year and invest £100 billion to build a brighter future for our planet."

Tory threat to Channel 4 is attempt to cover up Johnson's cowardice

 

Responding to reports that the Conservatives are threatening to review Channel 4’s broadcasting remit if they win the general election, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary Chuka Umunna said:

"It is appalling that the Tories are threatening Channel 4 in this way. This is a pathetic attempt to cover up for Boris Johnson’s own cowardice. 

“Trying to intimidate the media like this is straight out of Donald Trump’s playbook and has no place in an open and inclusive democracy.

“Time and again Johnson has tried to duck scrutiny for his repeated lies and damaging Brexit plans. This election is a chance to deny Boris Johnson the majority he is taking for granted, by voting Liberal Democrat so we can take seats off the Tories across the country."

Johnson's Brexit plans would let thousands of criminals off the hook

• Estimated 6,000 criminals could evade justice if Johnson’s Brexit goes ahead
• UK police to be locked out of EU crime database used 1.6 million times a day
• Brexit would undermine UK’s ability to tackle terrorism and organised crime

The Liberal Democrats have warned that Boris Johnson’s Brexit plans risk enabling thousands of criminals to escape justice, after analysis revealed the extent to which UK police rely on vital EU crime-fighting measures.
 

UK police forces and prosecutors have used the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) to bring over 6,600 criminal fugitives to justice over the past five years, the analysis reveals. This includes 140 for murder or manslaughter, 136 for child sex offences, 152 for rape and 12 for terrorism.

The EAW allows the speedy extradition of wanted criminals, but senior police have warned that the UK risks losing access to the scheme because of Brexit. If current trends were to continue, that would mean more than 6,000 criminal suspects could avoid extradition over the next five years.
 
The research also shows that UK police accessed a crucial EU-wide crime database 603 million times in 2018, equivalent to 1.6 million times a day and an increase of 12% of the previous year. This makes the UK the fourth largest user of the scheme after France, Italy and Spain.
 
The Schengen Information System (SIS II) gives police real-time access to records on wanted criminals, missing persons and lost or stolen items including firearms and passports. In 2018 law enforcement in the UK used the database to issue alerts on 2,967 firearms, 209,506 vehicles and over 2.6 million documents such as passports or driving licenses.

The Liberal Democrats would preserve vital EU police cooperation measures by stopping Brexit and staying in the EU. The party also plans to invest an extra £1 billion a year to give police forces the funding to recruit 20,000 more police officers - an extra two officers per ward. 
 
Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary Christine Jardine said:
 
"Boris Johnson’s reckless Brexit plans threaten to cut the UK off from vital crime-fighting tools that the police use every day to keep us safe.

"Thousands of dangerous criminals could escape justice and the UK’s ability to tackle terrorism and organised crime would be seriously undermined.
  
"The only way to ensure vital police cooperation with Europe is kept is by stopping Brexit and staying in the EU.
 
"Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to stop Brexit, build a brighter future and keep our communities safe.”

Neither the Tories or Labour have a credible plan for the economy

Responding to the Institute for Fiscal Studies' analysis of the three main parties' manifestos, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Ed Davey said: "This damning assessment shows that neither the Tories or Labour have a credible plan for the economy. Both are failing to come clean with the electorate and ignoring the Brexit black hole their plans would leave in the public finances. Everyone knows you can't have something for nothing, but both the Tories and Labour are pretending you can. "Only the Liberal Democrats are being frank about your money and how we'd spend it. We will stop Brexit and invest the £50 billion Remain bonus in tackling inequality, improving our vital public services and strengthening the economy. We are being up front with the British people that investing properly in our NHS and social care will mean all chipping in a little more, by putting a penny on income tax to raise £7 billion a year." Frank Little, secretary of the local Welsh Liberal Democrats added: "Voters should remember Gordon Brown's similar irresponsible spending and failure to plan for the day when cheap credit came to an end. There will be another 2008-style crash if either Johnson or Corbyn are allowed to pursue their economic policies."

Lib Dems would halt 'Brexodus'

Responding to the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) latest immigration statistics which show that the immigration of EU citizens have fallen to their lowest level since March 2013, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, Christine Jardine said:

“These latest ONS statistics are scandalous. They show that Brexit is undermining our economy and threatening jobs by driving EU citizens away in record numbers.
 

“EU citizens are vital workers for businesses across the country. But these statistics today prove that Brexit is only going to deprive UK employers of access to workers, making business so much more difficult for entrepreneurs up and down the country.
 

“The Liberal Democrats have a clear plan to halt this ‘Brexodus’. We will stop Brexit, preserve freedom of movement and build a brighter future.”

Lib Dems respond to Health Foundation report on NHS staffing crisis

Responding to a report by the Health Foundation on the severe shortage of nurses facing the NHS, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for Health, Well-being and Social Care Luciana Berger said: “This report is clear –there are serious NHS staffing gaps. The NHS is under significant pressure and there are serious questions about the quality and safety of care that patients are receiving today.    “Without doctors and nurses from abroad coming to work in our hospitals, the NHS is sunk.  Yet Boris Johnson's plans for a Nurse Tax would mean EU nurses and other health professionals have to pay to work in the NHS.   “Either a Conservative Brexit or a Labour Brexit would make the staffing crisis worse by driving away the EU health professionals we need.   “Liberal Democrats would stop Brexit to support our NHS workforce, introduce an NHS recruitment strategy and invest £7 billion a year in health and social care.”

Leaked documents show US offered PR advice to UK over chlorinated chicken

Leaked documents from the US-UK trade deal talks reveal that US negotiators offered PR advice to their UK counterparts on how to sell the controversial practice of chlorine-washing chickens to UK consumers and the British media.

The document show that in November 2017 the US team agreed to share their "public lines" on chlorine-washed chicken to help "inform the media narrative".

The leaked documents also show that US negotiators had ‘the most angst’ about EU limits to the use of chemicals in food production, trying to persuade the UK to change seek a clean break from EU rules that protect UK consumers by maintaining high standards in farms and the food industry across the UK.  

Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade Secretary Chuka Umunna said:

“The fact the US are offering PR tips on how to force chlorinated chicken down our throats tells you everything you need to know.

“The Tories’ desperation for a trade deal with Donald Trump risks leading to lower standards for the food on our tables.  

“We must stop Boris Johnson ramming through a damaging Trump trade deal that threatens British consumers and farmers.

“The Liberal Democrats will stop Boris, stop Brexit and uphold our world-leading food standards.”

Immigration detention must be absolute last resort

The Liberal Democrats have criticised the Conservative government following today's Supreme Court judgment, which found that five asylum seekers had been unlawfully detained. The Liberal Democrats are committed to making immigration detention an absolute last resort.
 
The judgment concerns five asylum seekers, each detained for more than a month in 2015. One was detained for 16 weeks, from 18 August to 8 December. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that they were wrongfully detained, and that they are entitled to compensation.
 
The Liberal Democrat manifesto commits to making immigration detention an absolute last resort, introducing a 28-day time limit on detention and closing seven of the UK’s nine detention centres.
 
More than 24,000 people are put into detention centres each year, at a cost to the taxpayer of £90 million a year. On top of this, the Home Office had to pay out £8 million last year in compensation for 312 cases of wrongful detention.
 
Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary Christine Jardine said:
 
“The Conservatives’ excessive use of immigration detention is inhumane, unnecessary and expensive – as this case demonstrates.
 
“Not only did the Home Office cause misery and waste money unlawfully detaining these people in the first place, they then wasted even more taxpayer money fighting this case all the way up to the Supreme Court. And now they’ll have to pay compensation too.
 
“The Liberal Democrats will put compassion and common sense at the heart of our immigration system by ending indefinite detention and making any detention an absolute last resort.
 
“We will build a brighter future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where taxpayers’ money is not wasted defending unlawful Home Office actions.”

Lib Dem policies would mean 600,000 fewer children in poverty

A report by the Resolution Foundation has found the Liberal Democrats' policies would mean 600,000 fewer children in poverty by 2023-24, making it the most progressive of the three main parties.

The report also found child poverty risks reaching a record high under Conservative plans.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Tim Farron commented:

“This report is a damning indictment of the Tories’ heartless welfare policy, which is leading to soaring levels of child poverty across the country.

“Only the Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit and invest billions of pounds from the Remain bonus in building a brighter future for those struggling in our society. We would scrap the cruel two-child limit, benefit cap and bedroom tax, and invest in free school meals and childcare for millions of families.

“As the Resolution Foundation recognises, we have the most progressive policy of all the major parties, focused on ensuring everyone has the same opportunities regardless of where they come from.”

Lib Dems to give gig workers 20% increase to minimum wage and greater protections

A Liberal Democrats Government would increase the minimum wage by 20 per cent for zero-hour contract employees and introduce a raft of policies to create a working environment that protects employees.

The new, higher minimum wage for those on zero-hours contracts will seek to compensate workers for the uncertainty of fluctuating incomes.
 
As part of their plan for the future of work, the Liberal Democrats will also promise to establish a new ‘dependent contractor’ employment status for workers tied to one employer, which enshrines rights such as minimum earnings, sick pay and holiday entitlement.

The party will also give workers the right to request a fixed-hours contract after 12 months, which could not be unreasonably refused.
 
Sam Gyimah, Liberal Democrat Shadow Business Secretary, said:

“The Tories are gambling with our economic future which would make workers in the gig economy vulnerable to the consequences of a damaging and destructive Brexit.

"The Liberal Democrats, as the natural party of business, will improve pay and enshrine rights and protections for gig workers.

"The Liberal Democrats will create a brighter future for those who do so much to support how we live our lives today, while making sure innovative business models can flourish in the modern economy."

Lib Dems announce war on plastics

Today the Liberal Democrats will set out a raft of policies as part of a radical plan to end the UK’s addiction to plastic. These policies include: Requiring all retailers to reduce the amount of plastics and non-recyclable packaging they use Implementing a deposit return scheme Ending plastic exports abroad by 2030 Following this announcement, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, Wera Hobhouse said: "The UK produces 2.26 million tonnes of plastic packaging every year, but less than half of this is being recycled. The Conservatives have claimed they will cut plastic pollution but all they have done in reality is attempt to get headlines with piecemeal bans on straws and stirrers. "The Liberal Democrats demand better for our environment. We need a rapid plan to eliminate plastic pollution if our seas are to recover from the damage we’ve done. "That is why the Liberal Democrats are proposing a radical plan that will end the UK's addiction to plastic. By banning all non-essential non-recyclable single-use plastics within the first three years of a Liberal Democrat government we will stop huge amounts of plastic pollution. "Under the Liberal Democrats, no plastic put into a bin in the UK will end up in our oceans. By declaring a war on plastic the Liberal Democrats will ensure a brighter future for our planet."

Human Rights Act on the line in this election

The Liberal Democrats have vowed to defend the Human Rights Act, after the Conservative manifesto pledged to “update” the legislation.
 
Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary Christine Jardine said:
 
“We’ve known for years that the Conservatives want to undermine the Human Rights Act that safeguards our individual freedoms, and their manifesto confirms it.
 
“When the Tories say they will ‘update’ the Act, there’s no doubt that they mean weaken it.
 
“They tried during the coalition, but the Liberal Democrats stopped them. We will stop them again if they try now.
 
"Liberal Democrats will build a brighter future where everyone’s rights and liberties are protected.”

Lib Dems will expand vital 'Blue Belt' network

The Liberal Democrats have announced that they would expand the 'Blue Belt' of Marine Protected areas to cover at least 50% of the UK's territorial waters, including overseas territories, by 2030.  Expanding the network of Marine Protected Areas will mean ensuring better regulation of commercial activities like fishing and protecting biodiversity in key habitats through effective monitoring.  Liberal Democrats will also protect and restore England’s lakes, rivers and wetlands, through reform of water management and the introduction of higher water efficiency standards. To tackle plastic pollution - a major threat to the marine environment - Liberal Democrats will introduced a Zero-Waste and Resource Efficiency Act, encouraging the transition towards a circular economy in the UK.  A Liberal Democrat government will take bold steps to safeguard our precious marine environment. This is at the heart of our plan to build a brighter future.   Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:  "Our marine environment is in crisis. Plastic pollution, over-fishing, high volumes of shipping traffic and rising temperatures are just some of the threats to the world's beloved marine species like whales and turtles. Programmes like the BBC's Blue Planet 2 have revealed the scale of the threat across every continent. We must act now to ensure that our global ocean thrives for future generations to enjoy.   "Working in partnership with UK Overseas Territories, a Liberal Democrat government will continue to expand the 'Blue Belt'. We will aim for marine protected areas to cover 50 percent of our ocean territories by 2030. "We will put the UK at the heart of global efforts to protect our marine environment."

Chuka Umunna speech: Lib Dems would spend £1 billion more on defence than the Tories

Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary Chuka Umunna gave a speech today in Watford setting out the party's policy on foreign affairs, including spending £1 billion more on defence by 2024/25 than under Conservative plans due to the economic boost from staying in the EU. He underlined the party's commitment to NATO, but asserted that the organisation must adapt to today's threats.

Ivan Rogers exposes Johnson's Brexit plan as a sham

The UK's former Ambassador to the EU Ivan Rogers has given a speech today criticising Boris Johnson's “diplomatic amateurism" and warning the UK is headed for a no-deal Brexit in 2020. Responding, Liberal Democrat Shadow Brexit Secretary Tom Brake said: “Boris Johnson’s promise to get Brexit done has been exposed as the sham it is. His plan would either lead to a catastrophic no deal in 2020 or years more chaos and damaging uncertainty. “We can still prevent an economically ruinous Brexit that would damage opportunities for future generations. This election is a chance to deprive Boris Johnson of a majority so we can secure a brighter future in the EU."

Farage takes credit for the terrible Tory manifesto

Responding to the comments by Nigel Farage that much of the Tory manifesto was in fact in the UKIP 2015 manifesto, Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesperson Tom Brake said:

"These comments from Nigel Farage show that he is the real author of the Tory manifesto.

"This confirms what we already knew: the Tories have become the Brexit party.

"It's not too late to stop Johnson and Farage from dragging us back to the past and imposing their destructive Brexit on the country.

"The Liberal Democrats are the only party in this election who can deprive Boris Johnson of a majority, giving voters the opportunity to stop Brexit and build a brighter future."

Lib Dems condemn Farage refugee comment

Responding to Nigel Farage’s comment that “perhaps we can have a genuine debate about who a refugee really is”, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary Christine Jardine said:

“If Nigel Farage doesn’t know who a refugee is, I’ll tell him. It’s someone who has been forced to flee their home for fear of persecution.

“We must do all we can to protect people in that awful, vulnerable position, and the UK has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those in need.

“The Liberal Democrats will not let Nigel Farage or his ally Boris Johnson undermine that commitment. We will treat all seekers of sanctuary with the compassion and dignity they deserve.”

Widdecombe fuels election pact scandal

Following Ann Widdecombe's comments on LBC on Thursday evening that she was offered a role in the Brexit negotiations to stand down in the general election, Liberal Democrat Shadow Brexit Secretary Tom Brake said:

"This revelation by Ann Widdecombe is yet more evidence that the Conservative Party may have acted illegally in offering her a job in the Brexit negotiations in return for her standing aside in the 2019 election.

"The allegation must be added to the police investigation into whether peerages were offered to Brexit party candidates to stand down.This is just further evidence that Boris Johnson's Conservatives are not fit for government.

"Only the Liberal Democrats can take seats of the Conservatives in this election. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to take on Boris Johnson, stop Brexit, and build a brighter future."

Davey: Labour maths do not add up

Responding to the Labour Party Manifesto launched today, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Ed Davey said:

“As long as Jeremy Corbyn continues pursuing his Brexit policy, the maths in his manifesto simply do not add up.

"The Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit and use the £50 billion Remain Bonus to invest in public services and build a brighter future. We'll prioritise tackling the climate emergency and investing in housing, education and welfare, while Corbyn would embark on yet another Brexit renegotiation.

"Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour party has put forward a manifesto which is filled with uncosted, undeliverable promises and fails to address Brexit. Only the Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit and build a brighter future."

Labour can't keep their housing promises without EU workers

Responding to Labour’s council and social housing programme, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government Tim Farron said: “It won’t be councils denying planning permission for new council homes under Labour, it will be Labour denying entry to the EU workers travelling here to build them.  “10% of our construction industry workforce is made up of EU citizens, but - just like the Tories - Corbyn’s Labour has failed to back free movement from the EU. Under Labour, the workforce we rely on will no longer be available in the UK. “We can only build the homes Britain so badly needs if we stop Brexit and a Liberal Democrat government will do just that. We are the only party with a bold plan to stop Brexit and build a brighter future.”

Jo Swinson launches Lib Dem manifesto

This evening Jo Swinson, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, launched the party's manifesto to stop Brexit and build a brighter future. 

Conservative Campaign HQ's Twitter factchecking ploy is straight off Putin's playbook

Responding to Conservatives rebranding their Twitter account as "factcheckUK" during tonight's ITV leaders' debate, Liberal Democrat Shadow Brexit Secretary Tom Brake said: "This is straight out of Donald Trump or Putin’s playbook. Not content with excluding the voice of Remain from this debate, the Tories are now resorting to deliberately misleading the public. "People know they can't trust a word that Boris Johnson or the Conservatives say. The country deserves better. Only the Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit on day one and build a brighter future."

Lib Dems respond to Farage comments on local Tory and Brexit Party deals

Responding to Nigel Farage’s comments that deals are being done at a local level between Brexit Party and Conservative candidates, Liberal Democrat Shadow Brexit Secretary Tom Brake said:

“The Conservative party is no longer recognisable to millions of moderate voters across the country. They have gone from the party of Ken Clarke and Michael Heseltine to the party of Nigel Farage and Donald Trump.

“With so little to separate the Brexit Party and Tories, it’s little wonder their candidates no longer see each other as competition.

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party that will end this nightmare by stopping Brexit and building a brighter future for our country.”

Johnson offers failed knife crime policies

Responding to Boris Johnson's announcement on knife crime, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Ed Davey said: 

“The UK is in the grip of an epidemic of serious violence, and we urgently need real solutions. Instead, all the Tories can offer are the same old failed policies.

“These Conservative policies are all about seeming tough on crime, but they won’t actually do anything to make our communities safer.

“Boris Johnson tried a massive expansion of suspicion-less Stop and Search when he was Mayor. His own Government’s analysis shows it didn’t work to stop knife crime then, and it won’t work now.

“All it will do is see more young BAME people disproportionately targeted and undermine the trust and confidence police officers need to gather intelligence and prevent crime.

“Only the Liberal Democrats will invest in the things that actually work to build safer communities: more community policing, more youth services and a proper public health approach to serious violence.”

Arcuri interview suggests Johnson abused his position as Mayor

Responding to Jennifer Arcuri's interview on ITV last night, Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture Secretary Layla Moran said: "The evidence is mounting that the Prime Minister, the then mayor of London, abused his position to forward the business interests of his friend Jennifer Arcuri. This flouts the very rules he was meant to uphold and is further evidence that Boris Johnson is both wholly incompetent and not to be trusted. "The move to postpone the decision of whether there should be an investigation into the Prime Minister until after election cannot stand. Voters must have the full facts on who they are voting for before they go the polls on December the 12th. "Only the Liberal Democrats can take seats from the Conservatives this election and offer the British public the chance to stop Brexit and build a brighter future."

Swinson: The Liberal Democrats are the party of business

Today Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson will be making a speech to business leaders at the CBI annual conference. She will be making the case that the Liberal Democrats are the natural party of business.

Tory nurse tax ballooning due to immigration health surcharge rise

Today the Liberal Democrats have slammed reports that Boris Johnson's Conservatives have pledged to make all those permanently relocating to the UK pay an increased surcharge of £625, further increasing what was dubbed by the Liberal Democrats the 'nurse tax'. The 'nurse tax' was the policy outlined just last week by the Tory Party that the Immigration health surcharge and immigration visa fee were being extended to EU health professionals, coming to the UK to work in the NHS. Following these announcements, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary Christine Jardine said: “The Tory nurse tax is ballooning due to the immigration health surcharge rise announced today and is an insult to the thousands of people who dedicate their lives coming to work for our health service from the EU. “The NHS relies on 20,000 EU nurses, 10,000 EU doctors, and we’ve already lost more than 5,000 EU nurses in the last 2 years. Without EU doctors and nurses our NHS would not be able to function and our loved ones would not receive the care they need.  “Equally, Matt Hancock’s comments today are heartless. He should know better than anyone how important international workers are to our NHS.  “For Matt Hancock to say that these doctors and nurses are not making a fair contribution towards our NHS is appalling. And for the Conservatives to charge people even more money to work in our NHS – when we are already struggling with severe staff shortages – is irresponsible and absurd.  “The Liberal Democrats have the solution to the NHS staff crisis: stop Brexit so that we can build a brighter future for our NHS". Frank Little, local Liberal Democrat officer, added: "Yet another penalty imposed on the Welsh NHS which the Senedd can do nothing about."

Bolton fire shows further action must be taken to ensure building safety

Responding to news that cladding may have been a factor in a fire at a student accommodation block in Bolton, Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government said:  “My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident and our emergency services teams who tackled the blaze last night.    “In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, it is absolutely shocking to witness another high-rise fire in which cladding may have been a factor in allowing the fire to spread.   “Lives are in danger. The government must act immediately to make sure that all high-rise buildings are safe to live in, whether they are owned by councils, housing associations or the private sector. The priority must be people’s safety. There is no excuse for inaction. “It’s also essential that we review building safety regulations to ensure that building materials are fit for purpose and do not pose a fire risk. We cannot allow buildings to be built that endanger people’s live.”

Lib Dems commit £6 billion per year to strengthen welfare system

The Liberal Democrats will announce bold proposals to invest £6 billion per year to strengthen the welfare system over the next Parliament. This forms part of the party's ambitious plans to build a brighter future. Tory austerity has left a fifth of UK citizens in poverty, unable to afford even the most basic essentials. The Liberal Democrats will tackle this crisis by committing £6 billion per year to strengthen the welfare system over the next Parliament. Liberal Democrat proposals will prioritise tackling child poverty by abolishing the cruel two-child limit for Universal Credit and ending the unfair benefits cap.  A Liberal Democrat government will make work pay and tackle in-work poverty, by using part of the Remain bonus - the £50 billion of extra funding that would be generated by stopping Brexit - to restore Work Allowances and introduce a second-earner Work Allowance. A Liberal Democrat government will also invest in boosting the Local Housing Allowance by linking it to average rents in each area. Liberal Democrat plans to strengthen the UK's welfare system will protect the most vulnerable and help to build a brighter future.  Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for Work and Pensions Tim Farron said: “For too many people in the UK today, working hard and playing by the rules is no longer enough to secure a decent life. Millions of people’s lives have worsened under the Conservatives. Since 2015 they have bungled the roll-out of Universal Credit, made brutal cuts to benefits and introduced their senseless two-child limit that is fuelling child poverty. “The Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit and invest billions of pounds from the Remain bonus in building a brighter future for those struggling in our society. We will fix our broken welfare system to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities regardless of where they come from.”