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 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. | | | | | Introducing his Bill, James outlined the many benefits it will bring young people and the country as a whole. | | | | 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 to deepen our relationship with Europe.
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. | | | | |
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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. | | | |
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. | | | |
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. | | | | ⏲️ 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. | | | |
Protecting venues from terrorism | | | |
| Lib Dem Peers re-stated our support for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, 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. | | | | | Baroness Hamwee echoed these sentiments and said guidance must be easy to follow so premises get it right and the public are kept safe. |
Calling for all new homes to have solar panels | | | | This week, Max Wilkinson MP's 'Sunshine Bill', 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. | | | | 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. | |
 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. | | | | ⏲️ Est. reading time: 3 mins | | | | ⏲️ Starts at: 18:09:05 ⏐ Watch time: 2 mins | | | | ⏲️ 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 and Wendy Chamberlain MP on 14 January.
Calum Miller MP on BBC Question Time.
Helen Maguire MP on ITN talking about concerns the Government has not taken enough action on social care.
Tim Farron MP on BBC Newsnight saying the Government must be ambitious on the economy.
Munira Wilson MP on BBC Breakfast talking about the 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: | |
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