Liberal Democrats

John,

Yesterday was our first Opposition Day in the House of Commons in 15 years.

Our increased power in Parliament means we get to set the agenda on three days of each session of Parliament.

Our first of these started with a great win for our campaign to deliver a fair deal for carers, with this story from The Guardian published the night before our motion calling on the Government to address this crucial issue:

Standing up for the rights of carers has been a top priority for our party over the last few years - it played a big part in our General Election campaign, and the Carer’s Allowance repayment scandal was the focus of Ed Davey’s first question to the Prime Minister in July:

Watch ➜

⏲️ Watch time: 1 min

Tens of thousands of carers have faced unfair repayment demands for earning just a few pounds over an arbitrary limit, with many living in fear and distress about how they will manage to afford to meet these demands.

We are glad that after months of Lib Dem pressure, the Government has finally launched a review to end this outrageous scandal and focus on supporting our nation’s carers.

Please share Ed’s response to this news at yesterday’s PMQs on social media:

Facebook ➜

X ➜

While this is an important step forward, we now need proper reform.

Our first opposition day motion called on the Government to write-off existing overpayments, raise the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit and carry out a full review of support for carers.

Watch Ed’s contribution to the debate here:

Watch ➜

Start time: 12:46:14 | ⏲️ Watch time: 15 mins

Share on:

Facebook ➜

Instagram ➜

Our second motion focussed on fixing our frontline health services and improving access to GPs, NHS dentists, and community pharmacists.

Years of Conservative neglect have driven up waiting lists, and we’re urging the new Government to act bolder and faster, especially in the light of a shocking new poll we commissioned that reveals that 27% of working adults in the UK say they have been unable to work for a period of time in the last 12 months because they were waiting for a GP or NHS Dentist appointment.

Our Health and Social Care Spokesperson Helen Morgan MP opened the debate, addressing the pain, suffering, and economic impact of the current crises and sharing our practical solutions that formed such an important part of our Manifesto:

Watch ➜

⏲️ Starts from: 15:42:11 | Watch time: 17 mins

Share on:

Facebook ➜

Instagram ➜

X ➜

Although it is disappointing that our motions didn’t get passed, yesterday was crucial in shaping the agenda, raising awareness of these crucial issues, and delivering on our mandate.

We’ll continue to use our voices in Parliament to provide constructive and effective opposition by focusing on the issues that really matter to people, and offering our practical solutions.

Best wishes,

Liberal Democrats

Ed Davey MP with a crowd of Lib Dem supporters holding Lib Dem diamonds.

Join us today

The Liberal Democrats are back as a major force in British politics.

Our incredible General Election campaign delivered the best result in our party’s history, electing local champions across the country who will fight for the Fair Deal you and your community deserve.

If you share our values and want to ensure our success makes a real difference, join us as a member, or register as a supporter for free, today.

Join as a Member ➜

Already a Member or Supporter?
Get in touch to let us know at [email protected] so that we can check your record.