Liberal Democrats What the Lib Dems have been up to in Parliament



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Your Latest Briefing from the Liberal Democrats in Parliament.



Dear John,

In 2025, we will continue to push the government to be bolder and faster to
fix the many challenges our country faces. Having 72 MPs gives us an increased
opportunity to push forward our proposals to build the liberal, fair society
that will benefit all.

And we’re already working hard to accomplish this.

Check out recent contributions from Lib Dems in Parliament below. 🔽





Supporting a Youth Mobility Scheme with the EU




This week, our Europe Spokesperson James MacCleary MP tabled a Bill to set up a
Youth Mobility Scheme <[link removed]> that would allow
under-30s to live and work in the EU.

The scheme would unlock cultural and career opportunities for young people,
helping to boost the economy, and it would help rebuild our ties with Europe.


Read more ➜
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⏲️ Est. reading time: 2 mins


Introducing his Bill, James outlined the many benefits it will bring young
people and the country as a whole.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Starts at: 16:02:54 ⏐ Watch time: 9 mins


Although the Bill did not proceed to a vote, it may get a second reading on
the 25 July. We remain committed to promoting this policy, as well as broader
steps todeepen our relationship with Europe
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.

Days out from Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President, it’s vital the UK
is at the heart of Europe, to mitigate the harm of Trump’s isolationist agenda.
In this vein, Ed Davey MP gave a speech this week outlining how we can
Trump-proof our economy by forming a new Customs Union with the EU.


Find out more ➜ <[link removed]>


Back our Customs Union campaign ➜ <[link removed]>






Opposing the increase to employers’ National Insurance contributions




The Liberal Democrats stand firmly against the Government’s increase to
employers’ National Insurance contributions.

After years of Conservative mismanagement, the country expected better from
the new Labour Government. These changes will poorly impact small businesses,
holding back economic growth, and it will worsen the health and social care
crisis by hitting providers.

Last week, Lib Dem Peers opposed the plans by voting for a ‘regret motion’
from Baroness Kramer, which highlights the dire impact on social care, the NHS,
and small businesses.

In her speech, Baroness Kramer recognised the need to fund public services,
but said those with the broadest shoulders should pay for it.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Starts at: 15:58:41 | Watch time: 6 mins






Supporting an Israel-Gaza ceasefire



The announcement of a ceasefire this week is finally a moment of hope after
many months of devastating conflict.

In a statement to the House of Commons, our Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
Calum Miller MP expressed relief that a ceasefire deal has finally been
reached, but also expressed anger that it took so long to achieve.

Calum recognised that there is still much work to be done to ensure the
humanitarian disaster in Gaza is resolved and that the remaining hostages are
brought home, as well as to bring about a two-state solution. He asked the
Foreign Secretary whether the Government would now work towards recognising a
Palestinian state to support a lasting peace.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Starts at: 12:14:17 ⏐ Watch time: 3 mins




New Liberal Democrat members of the House of Lords


Last month, two new Lib Dem Peers were announced.

Cllr Shaffaq Mohammed MBE has dedicated his life to youth work, public service
and local government. He has been leader of the Liberal Democrat group on
Sheffield City Council since 2011, was previously a member of the European
Parliament, and chaired a Carers Commission in 2021-22, to ensure we develop
the best policies to support carers.

Dr Mark Pack is an experienced campaigner, communications professional and
constitutional expert. Mark has been involved with the Lib Dems for decades,
holding several roles, including serving as the President of the Liberal
Democrats since 2020.

We can’t wait to see the work they will do as excellent additions to our
Lords team.


Read more ➜
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⏲️ Est. reading time: 4 mins





Standing up for WASPI Women



Last month, the government announced that there will be no compensation for
WASPI Women, who lost out financially due to a lack of government communication
when their state pension age changed.

Our Work and Pensions Spokesperson Steve Darling MP called the government’s
decision a betrayal in the House of Commons.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Starts at: 12:53:34 ⏐ Watch time: 2 mins







Protecting venues from terrorism




Lib Dem Peers re-stated our support for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises)
Bill <[link removed]>, which will require premises and
events to protect themselves against terrorism. Baroness Suttie and Baroness
Hamwee urged the government to provide proper training and clear guidance for
those premises affected.

Baroness Suttie said the Bill must be proportionate, both protecting the
public while acknowledging the costs of implementation, especially for small
organisations.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Starts at: 17:02:19 ⏐ Watch time: 8 mins


Baroness Hamwee echoed these sentiments and said guidance must be easy to
follow so premises get it right and the public are kept safe.




Watch ➜
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⏲️ Starts at: 19:39:19 ⏐ Watch time: 10 mins






Calling for all new homes to have solar panels



This week, Max Wilkinson MP's 'Sunshine Bill'
<[link removed]>, to force developers to install solar
panels on new-build homes, had its Second Reading in the House of Commons.

Introducing the debate, Max said the changes would lead to a brighter future,
with lower household bills, less reliance on dirty fossil fuels, and with our
country's energy supplies more secure.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Starts at: 09:35:02 ⏐ Watch time: 20 mins


We were delighted that there was a positive response from the Minister, who
committed to bringing forward the principles of the Bill later this year.





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Remembering Baroness Jenny Randerson

Earlier this month, we had the very sad news that Baroness Jenny Randerson
passed away.

Jenny was a great friend and colleague to many people across the Liberal
Democrat family, and worked tirelessly to support communities throughout her
life, first as a councillor in Cardiff, then as a Minister in Wales, and later
as a Peer.

You can read a tribute to her life below, as well as watch tributes made in
the Lords chamber.


Read more ➜
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⏲️ Est. reading time: 3 mins


Watch Baroness Pidgeon’s tribute ➜
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⏲️ Starts at: 18:09:05 ⏐ Watch time: 2 mins


Watch Baroness Brinton’s tribute ➜
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⏲️ Starts at: 19:48:59 ⏐ Watch time: 2 mins



On Broadcast


Here are a few highlights from our media rounds from the past month:

Christine Jardine MP on LBC’s Cross Question on 8 January
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andWendy Chamberlain MP on 14 January
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Calum Miller MP on BBC Question Time
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Helen Maguire MP on ITN
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talking about concerns the Government has not taken enough action on social
care.

Tim Farron MP on BBC Newsnight
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Government must be ambitious on the economy.

Munira Wilson MP on BBC Breakfast
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Liberal Democrat amendment to take real action to tackle the child sex abuse
scandal.




We aren’t able to share everything that happens in Parliament so make sure to
check out the social media accounts and websites of our MPs and Peers to find
out more about them and their work:



Our MPs ➜ <[link removed]>


Our Peers ➜ <[link removed]>



Why not forward this email to your friends and family, so they too can see the
important work we are doing to fight for a fair deal?



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We hope you’ve been inspired by learning about our work in Parliament. If you
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Best wishes,




Liberal Democrats




Keep up to date


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