Your Latest Briefing from the Liberal Democrats in Parliament. |
| Dear John,
The Liberal Democrats have been busy in Parliament since returning from the Christmas recess. Our MPs and Peers have been pushing for change amid a packed agenda, both domestic and international.
We eagerly anticipate a General Election this year, as we hope to gain many new MPs and make our voice in Parliament even louder. But in the meantime, there’s lots to do to hold this Government accountable for its many crises and to fight for a better, fairer country.
Here are some recent contributions and achievements from Lib Dems in Parliament. 🔽 | |
Confronting the Conservatives’ NHS crisis | | | |
| At this week's Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), Ed Davey (MP for Kingston & Surbiton) raised the case of his constituent Millie.
Millie, a wheelchair user, had a serious accident at an athletics event. She was left waiting on the floor in pain for two hours before an ambulance arrived. In hospital, she's been dropped, badly, multiple times, and left stuck in her bed for days at a time.
Her ability to live independently has been destroyed by the Conservatives' NHS crisis.
Watch Ed's PMQ here: | | | |
| As the Rwanda Bill entered the House of Lords, Lib Dem peers tabled a motion to stop it in its tracks.
Three Home Secretaries and millions of pounds later, there’s still nothing to show for Sunak’s failing Rwanda scheme. Our country cannot afford to waste more money or time on a scheme that even senior Conservatives admit won’t work.
Our motion would have denied the bill a second reading in the House of Lords, highlighting its many problems; it is inhumane, totally unworkable, and runs roughshod over the rule of law.
We received some cross-party support, and Lord German gave a rousing speech against the Bill: | | | | | Although our motion did not succeed, the fight isn’t over.
Our peers will now turn their attention to amending this terrible piece of legislation. And Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for a more compassionate, long-term solution to stop small boat crossings - one that includes providing safe and legal routes for refugees. |
| | | | The 27th January marked Holocaust Memorial Day - a day to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, including six million Jews, and to reaffirm our commitment to ‘never again’.
To mark the day, Christine Jardine (MP for Edinburgh West) spoke about the importance of listening to the experience of survivors: | | | | At a time when antisemitism is rising, it’s essential we challenge religious prejudice in all its forms, to move towards a brighter future. | |
The Post Office Horizon scandal | | | |
| The Post Office Horizon scandal is an appalling miscarriage of justice. The Post Office lied to the victims, the High Court and ministers of all parties over a period of 20 years.
Liberal Democrat MPs are campaigning to speed up compensation and justice for victims. Sadly, the Conservative party is seeking to exploit this tragedy to mislead the public and attack our party. | | | |
Liberal Democrat debate day in the House of Lords | | | |
| On 11th January, the Liberal Democrats hosted a debate day in the House of Lords, allowing us to shape the day’s discussions.
Baroness Featherstone led a debate on democracy and standards in public life. In her opening speech, Baroness Featherstone highlighted the many ways standards are being eroded, including the Government’s disregard for parliamentary process and the rule of law. She offered insights into how all parties can help strengthen democracy and rebuild trust in politics. | | | | | Later that day, Baroness Northover held a debate on climate change and its impact on developing nations. She called on the UK to support climate finance for these countries, at a time when our international aid commitments have been cut by the Conservative Government.
Watch Baroness Northover’s opening speech here: | | |
Supporting a debate/vote over military action against the Houthi rebels | | | |
| Houthi rebel attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have raised fears of greater instability in the Middle East.
In response to UK strikes against the Houthi rebels, Ed Davey MP stressed that Parliament must have oversight with a debate and vote on military action.
Highlighting our support for limited strikes, Ed asked the Prime Minister if he would consider a vote, and urged him to consider defining clear objectives whenever military action is taken: | | | |
Calling for a bilateral ceasefire in Israel and Gaza | | | |
| The conflict in Israel and Gaza has continued into the new year with no clear end to hostilities.
In a debate on the conflict, Baroness Janke asked the Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron what steps he had taken to secure a lasting bilateral ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Lord Purvis called for an immediate bilateral ceasefire, allowing all the hostages to be returned, bombing to stop and aid to be delivered. He urged the Government to increase aid and put more pressure on the Israeli Government to ensure it’s delivered. | | | | | You can read more about our position on the on-going conflict here: | | |
| Here are a few highlights from our media rounds from the past month:
Ed Davey MP - on Sky News discussing UK strikes on the Houthi rebels.
Layla Moran MP - on BBC News advocating Parliament’s right to a debate and vote on military action.
Christine Jardine MP - on BBC's Politics Scotland talking about the Rwanda Scheme.
Daisy Cooper MP - on LBC's Cross Question. | |
| As always, we aren’t able to share everything that happens in Parliament every month, but if you’d like to find out more about what individual MPs or Peers are working on, be sure to check out their social media accounts or websites.
You can find out more about our MPs and Peers by visiting our website below. | |
| As the next General Election is just around the corner, it’s never been more important to show people what Liberal Democrats in power can achieve. Why not forward this email to your friends and family so they too can see the important work we are doing? | |
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