Responding to reports that the Universal Credit roll-out is leading to an increased need for food bank parcels, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions Spokesperson Stephen Lloyd said: “Wherever Universal Credit is introduced, the pressure on local food banks goes up; in Hastings last year it soared by a shocking 80%. Given major cuts to benefits since 2015, it’s no wonder … Continue reading Wherever Universal Credit is introduced the pressure on local food banks goes up
New-build home woes fall on deaf ears
Commenting on an investigation into Bovis Homes, conducted by The Times, Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson, Wera Hobhouse said: “Our housing market is not producing the quantity, quality, or type of new homes we need. More than half of new homes have experienced major problems, whilst major housebuilding firms have seen their profits increase by … Continue reading New-build home woes fall on deaf ears
Leaked Grenfell report a ‘wake-up call’
Responding to today's leaked report on the Grenfell fire, Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson Wera Hobhouse, said: “We have been pointing out for months that the lack of accountable building control services on Kensington Council is likely to be at the heart of the Grenfell tragedy. “The Grenfell fire exposed current safety regulations as outdated and inadequate and … Continue reading Leaked Grenfell report a ‘wake-up call’
The Home Office is seriously failing the Windrush generation
Commenting on the treatment of the Windrush generation by the Home Office, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, Ed Davey said: “The Home Office is seriously failing the Windrush generation by this heavy-handed bureaucratic treatment - and that is unacceptable. “It’s time Home Office Ministers recognised we should be treating these people with the respect they … Continue reading The Home Office is seriously failing the Windrush generation
Good Friday Agreement shows need for leadership, flexibility and spirit of compromise
Marking 20 years of the Good Friday Agreement and responding to comments from the Labour front bench, Liberal Democrats Northern Ireland spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: “The 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement is a time for honest reflection. Given the current circumstances it would be easy to dismiss what that agreement represents. Comments coming from … Continue reading Good Friday Agreement shows need for leadership, flexibility and spirit of compromise
Conservatives failing vulnerable domestic violence victims
Responding to reports that thousands of domestic violence victims abandon cases after being denied legal aid, Home Affairs spokesperson Ed Davey commented: “The Conservatives pledged to expand access to legal aid in cases of domestic violence, but have failed to make good on this promise, and continue to let down thousands of highly vulnerable victims. … Continue reading Conservatives failing vulnerable domestic violence victims
Wera Hobhouse: legislation a victory for the Liberal Democrats
Commenting on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s report on the draft Tenant Fees Bill, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, Wera Hobhouse, said: “This draft legislation on letting fees is a victory for the Liberal Democrats. We have long called for the government to cap upfront deposits, ban letting agency fees and clamp down on rogue … Continue reading Wera Hobhouse: legislation a victory for the Liberal Democrats
Rise of identity politics poses a threat to society
Tomorrow, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable will emphasise the importance of fighting for liberal values following the increase in far-right hate crime and antisemitism. In a speech held in Westminster, Cable will also point to Prevent; the government's counter-terrorism strategy for “contributing to a culture of suspicion and mistrust”. Vince Cable is expected to say: … Continue reading Rise of identity politics poses a threat to society
Govt must deal with what could be a child poverty crisis
Commenting on results from a survey undertaken by the Child Poverty Action Group, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson, Layla Moran said: “The work that teachers are doing in schools up and down the country to help families in poverty is truly inspiring. This report shows them going far beyond any reasonable expectation, helping ensure children are … Continue reading Govt must deal with what could be a child poverty crisis
Tim Clement-Jones: the gambling industry must sit up and take notice
Responding to the news that SkyBet has been fined £1 million for failing to protect vulnerable gamblers, Tim Clement-Jones, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson the Creative Industries, said: “This fine should make the rest of the industry sit up and take notice that they must take their responsibilities towards customers seriously. "If people have been allowed to … Continue reading Tim Clement-Jones: the gambling industry must sit up and take notice