Welsh Liberal blogs

The Liberal Democrats have announced that Wales would receive an extra £29m as a result of Liberal Democrat plans to end rough sleeping within five years in England. The plan’s commitments to scrap the Vagrancy Act, increase Local Housing Allowance payments and extend the “move on” period for refugees from 28 days to 56 would be applicable to Wales. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have a plan to end rough sleeping in Wales through devolved policy areas. The latest government figures show that 347 people were sleeping rough across Wales in the 2 weeks between 15th and 28th October 2018. This is an increase of less than 1% (2 people) compared with October 2017. In 2018, 1,320 people were prosecuted under the Vagrancy Act across England and Wales. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds, commented: No one in Wales should have to sleep on the streets. The numbers of rough sleepers on our streets is consistently high, serving as a clear example of our societ...

Today, the Liberal Democrats announce plans to invest an extra £1 billion a year to restore community policing by enabling forces to recruit 20,000 more police officers across England & Wales and fund an immediate 2% pay-rise. In March 2019 there were 5,906 police officers in Wales, a fall of 7.4% from the 2010 figure of 6,375. Gwent police had the greatest fall in police numbers, a fall of 10.5%. Liberal Democrat plans stand in stark contrast to Labour and the Conservatives, who have made big promises on police numbers, but have failed to commit the funding needed to deliver them. The Conservatives’ cuts to police numbers have contributed to a rise in violence and decimated community policing, with 47% of people saying they never see police foot patrols, up from 30% in 2014-15. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds, commented: Communities across Wales have suffered under years of repeated Conservative cuts to police funding. Too many people now f...

A repor t by the Resolution Foundation has found that the Liberal Democrats' policies would mean 600,000 fewer children in poverty across the UK by 2023-24, making it the best set of proposals of the three main UK-wide parties. The report also found child poverty risks reaching a record high under Conservative plans. Wales has a disproportionate number of people in poverty, with more than one in five people (23%) and more than one in four children (29%) living in poverty. This means Liberal Democrat welfare policies will be most beneficial for Wales, whilst the Conservative’s policies would be the most damaging. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: This report is a damning indictment of the Tories’ welfare policies, which have seen levels of child poverty soar across the country and have hurt communities across Wales. While the Conservatives continue to drive more and more children into poverty, the Welsh Liberal Democrats will in...

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have criticised Boris Johnson’s claim that his Brexit deal would mean zero tariffs or quotas for Welsh farmers exporting to the EU. NFU Cymru President John Davies said farmers had no certainty about access to EU markets until "the ink is dry" on a post-Brexit trade agreement. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: Boris Johnson saying that Welsh farmers would face no tariffs or quotas under his Brexit plans shows he is either deliberately misleading people or does not know what his own Withdrawal Agreement entails. Under Johnson’s deal the UK would enter a year-long transition period, in which time negotiations will take place to determine our future trading relationship with the EU. It provides no guarantees about the end destination and fails to provide any safeguards in case a deal is not reached in time. Furthermore, due to the Conservatives ruling out any extension to this transition per...

The Liberal Democrats claim Wales would gain an extra £560m a year due to their election pledges on education. The party has unveiled a £10bn boost to schools in England in its manifesto. Education is devolved, so more spending in England triggers extra cash for the Welsh Government to use as it sees fit. Pledging to stop Brexit if it wins a majority , the party says it would herald a wider remit for the assembly with powers over policing and prisons. "The election of a Liberal Democrat majority government on a clear stop Brexit platform will provide a democratic mandate to stop this mess, revoke Article 50 and stay in the EU," the manifesto, launched Wednesday, said. "We are unashamedly fighting to stay in the European Union, and we are the strongest party of Remain." Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds said she would urge ministers in Cardiff to spend the extra money promised on schools, to give children "the best start in life...

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson will be making a speech to business leaders at the CBI annual conference. She will be making the case that the Liberal Democrats are the natural party of business. Jo Swinson is expected to say: In an interview last week, Carolyn asked who the party of business is today. The answer is clear. The Liberal Democrats are the natural party of business. With the Conservatives in the pocket of Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn stuck in the 1970s, we are the only ones standing up for you. Because we believe that any form of Brexit, whether it’s hard or soft, blue or red, will be bad for jobs, business, and our public services. We believe that being part of one of the most successful economic blocs in the world is the best guarantee we can have for the future success of our businesses and of our country. We believe that our best future is as members of the European Union. …… I know that recent years have been challengin...

Jo Swinson wishes a very blessed and joyous Gurpurab to all those celebrating today Today marks Guru Nanak Gurpurab, which commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith. Sikh communities across the world will be celebrating the life of a great thinker; someone who stood up for equality, justice and fairness. The teachings of Guru Nanak are profoundly significant. As we mark 550 years since his birth, let us reflect on his message of love and community service to others. These teachings continue to resonate with millions today and are a source of inspiration to people of all faiths and those of none. Today we also recognise the extraordinary contributions of British Sikhs to our country. Sikh communities are essential to our national way of life. Celebrations like this are a reminder of how fortunate we are to be home to such vibrant and diverse communities. To all those celebrating, I wish you a very blessed and joyous Gurpura...

An American fighter plane which crashed during the Second World War has recently been scheduled by Cadw, making it the first legally designated military aircraft crash site protected for its historic and archaeological interest in the UK. The Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft crashed off the north Wales coast in September 1942 and is the best preserved military aircraft crash site in Wales. Buried around 2m below the sands it has been uncovered three times since it crashed - the first sighting being in the 1970s, in 2007 and most recently in 2014. The pilot at the time of the incident was Second Lt. Robert F. Elliott, 24, of Rich Square, North Carolina, who flew from Llanbedr on a gunnery practice mission and encountered difficulties - resulting in the crash-landing. The pilot walked away safely from the incident, but was reported missing in action a few months later.  Nephew of the pilot, Robert Elliott today lives in Kingsport, Tennessee and i...

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds has slammed the Tories for creating a “Nurse Tax” on EU citizens who come to the UK to work for the NHS. The new Tory policy extends the Immigration health surcharge of £400 to EU health professionals, coming to the UK to work in our NHS. The fee, which is £400 per person per year, under Conservative plans could be payable directly out of doctor and nurse salaries. This would mean an NHS worker from the EU with a family of four, would be expected to pay £8000 over five years. This is on top of the upfront visa application cost of £464 per person or £1856 for a family of four. Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: The Conservatives plans to create a new Nurse Tax is an insult to the thousands of people who dedicate their lives coming to work in our health service from the EU. Our NHS relies on the thousands of doctors, nurses and other key NHS staff from across the EU to provide the quality serv...

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed the announcement of the Unite to Remain initiative, which will see parties stand aside in 11 constituencies across Wales. The Unite to Remain initiative was set up Heidi Allen, prior to her joining the Liberal Democrats, and aims to ensure as many MPs from pro-Remain parties are given a clear run in the upcoming election As part of this deal, 11 constituencies across Wales will see parties stand aside in order to give each other a clear run. These include all incumbent seats, along with other high profile target seats. The arrangements mean Plaid Cymru and the Green Party will stand aside for the Welsh Liberal Democrats in Brecon and Radnorshire, Montgomeryshire and Cardiff Central. Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds said: "During the by-election in Brecon and Radnorshire, we showed what can be achieved when parties put aside their differences and work together. "This coming election ...

Launched by the minister on a visit to Radyr Primary School, the anti-bullying guidance has been created to challenge bullying in schools. The guidance, aimed at governing bodies for maintained schools, local authorities, parents, carers and children and young people, has been launched ahead of Anti-Bullying Week which starts Monday, November 11. Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: We are committed to ensuring that all our learners feel safe, secure and are properly supported to achieve their full potential. We are determined to address bullying holistically and this is achieved by understanding and dealing with the root causes of unacceptable behaviour. We want our schools to be inclusive and engaging environments where priority is placed on well-being, so learners feel safe and are ready to learn. It is so important that children and young people are taught, both at home and in school, about building and maintaining respectful relationships and ...

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have urged Alun Cairns not to stand as a candidate for the Vale of Glamorgan following his resignation as Secretary of State for Wales. Alun Cairns’ resignation follows revelations he was aware that former aide and Assembly Vale of Glamorgan candidate Ross England deliberately sabotaged a rape trial; despite assurances to the contrary. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds commented: I welcome Alun Cairns’ resignation as it is clear he is not fit to represent Wales. These recent events show he is not fit to represent the Vale of Glamorgan in Westminster either. There must now be a full independent investigation to determine what people knew, when they knew it and how Mr England was able to be selected as a candidate despite his actions. This whole situation is a damming indictment of the entire leadership of the Welsh Conservatives. The way they have tried to turn a blind eye to the case is outrageous. Both Mr E...

Today, the Liberal Democrats announce plans to invest an extra £1 billion a year to restore community policing by enabling forces to recruit 20,000 more police officers across England & Wales and fund an immediate 2% pay-rise. In March 2019 there were 5,906 police officers in Wales, a fall of 7.4% from the 2010 figure of 6,375. Gwent police had the greatest fall in police numbers, a fall of 10.5%. Liberal Democrat plans stand in stark contrast to Labour and the Conservatives, who have made big promises on police numbers, but have failed to commit the funding needed to deliver them. The Conservatives’ cuts to police numbers have contributed to a rise in violence and decimated community policing, with 47% of people saying they never see police foot patrols, up from 30% in 2014-15. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds, commented: Communities across Wales have suffered under years of repeated Conservative cuts to police funding. Too many people now...