Welsh Liberal blogs

Ed Davey’s speech in full For the last four years, the Liberal Democrats fought to stop Brexit. We held street stalls, town hall meetings and we marched in our millions. Today we stand strong in the knowledge that we did everything we could. Tens of thousands of people got involved with our campaign. People who had never campaigned before. And old hands, campaigning harder than they ever had before. We fought with good humour and great energy. We fought because we love our country. Our pro-Europeanism is built on our patriotism. So I will always be proud of the campaigners, candidates, activists and members of our movement who had the courage to stand up for what we believe in. And though ultimately we did not succeed in stopping Brexit, I am immensely proud of all that we did achieve. We built the largest pro-European movement this country has ever seen. Prevented a catastrophic no-deal Brexit – not once, not twice but three times. ...

The Vagrancy Act is an archaic bit of legislation that isn't fit for purpose in 21st century Britain. I'm calling on the Tories to bin it. In 2018 a homeless man, Gyula Remes, died in Westminster Tube station. He was one of over 700 homeless people who died that year, and the second to die in Westminster station that year. There's a gate in the station - near the entrance to Parliament. It's designed to push homeless people just a little bit further away. How many times did MPs just walk past him and turn a blind eye? I see homeless people every day when I arrive at Parliament. It breaks my heart. It makes me absolutely determined that 2020 is the year that we scrap the Vagrancy Act. The Vagrancy Act makes it an offence to sleep rough or beg on the streets. It's a cruel, Dickensian law - brought in to keep veterans of the Napoleonic Wars off the streets. It has no place in modern Britain. Many MPs can find the political will to spe...

I am delighted to publish the revised guidance today for our new, completely reformed, made in Wales, school curriculum. This is a huge landmark for Welsh education - I am proud that we are leading the way on education reform and focusing on the knowledge and skills our young people need to become rounded citizens of Wales and the world. The new guidance has been revised following extensive feedback from the draft curriculum published in April 2019 - it is simpler, shorter and gives every school in Wales the opportunity to design their own curriculum within a national approach that ensures consistency. The Minister continued: I would like to thank practitioners for their commitment over the last three years in drafting this guidance.  I would also like to thank the individuals and organisations who engaged during the feedback phase last year after the guidance was released in draft.  The high quality and detail of these contributions has helped us ma...

On Holocaust Memorial Day, we pause to remember one of the darkest chapters in human history. We remember a time of unimaginable evil which resulted in the death of 6 million Jewish people and countless others who perished under a state-sponsored policy of hate and systemic violence. This year marks 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz which led to the release of 7000 people and exposed the depth of the horrors committed there and elsewhere.  Although time has moved on, the poison of anti-Semitism has not gone away. Across the globe we are witnessing a worrying increase in anti-Semitic violence. When hate crimes against religious communities rise and when people in the Jewish community speak out about the fear they feel, we must all sit up and act, because any pledge to end division rings hollow if it’s not followed by meaningful action. History has taught us many hard lessons and although we often repeat the admonition “never again”, the pain of genoci...

Ed Davey's Chinese New Year Message I would like to send best wishes to everyone celebrating Chinese New Year! Across the world friends and loved ones will be coming together, to reflect on the year gone by and look ahead to the future. Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by wonderful traditions that date back thousands of years. Each year they remind us of how alive and vibrant Chinese culture is in Britain today. As we usher in a new year, let us also celebrate the ongoing contributions of British Chinese communities who have helped to shape the economic, social and cultural identity of our nation. This year, we enter the Year of the Rat. Rats are known symbols of wealth and new beginnings and those born in the Year of the Rat are said to be resourceful, quick-witted and adaptable. Liberal Democrats will work to ensure that the Year of the Rat is one marked by success and prosperity for all our communities. To all those celebrati...

 Report Wales Poc Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay kept suspended by CoA senior assembly member arrested on New Year's Day but released without charge remains suspended from the Conservatives as the party continues its investigations. Nick Ramsay is thought to be taking legal advice over the arrest. Party sources claim there have been several occasions when his behaviour after drinking led to complaints. Friends reject claims he has been spoken to about allegations relating to alcohol. They say the suspension process may be open to legal challenge. Mr Ramsay's friends also defended him and suggested he was the victim of a campaign against him by some in his local party in Monmouth. That claim is denied by the local party chairman, Nick Hackett-Pain. The Welsh Conservatives say an "investigation is underway". The party did not explain what the investigation is looking into. Mr Ramsay, a frontbench Tory spokesman in the assembly and...

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have urged the UK Government to rethink their EU Withdrawal Bill ahead of the Legislative Consent Motion in the Senedd later. The Senedd is expected to vote to withhold its consent to the EU Withdrawal Bill, meaning all three devolved legislatures will have rejected the bill. Despite this, the UK Government has stated it plans to pursue the bill as it stands anyway. In the House of Lords, Liberal Democrat Lords have successfully defeated the government on amendments on EU citizens rights. Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: Today Kirsty Williams will vote against the UK Government’s deeply flawed EU Withdrawal Bill in the Senedd. The UK Government has had several opportunities to work with the devolved governments to draw up proposals that maintain a close relationship with the EU and could begin to bring the UK together. It is therefore deeply disappointing that the Prime Minister has categorically...

Welsh Liberal Democrat peers today helped to inflict another defeat on the Conservative Government in the House of Lords, this time on a vote to protect child refugees. By 300 to 220, the House of Lords passed an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill to maintain the rights of unaccompanied refugee children elsewhere in Europe to be reunited with their family members in the UK. This marks the fourth government defeat on the Bill, after the Lords passed three amendments yesterday: one moved by Liberal Democrat peer Jonny Oates to guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK, and two to prevent Ministers from instructing lower courts to ignore legal precedent. The Bill is set to return to the House of Commons tomorrow, when the Conservative Government is expected to try to overturn these amendments – against opposition from Liberal Democrat MPs. Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: Liberal Democrats will not stand by...

Lord Robert Maclennan of Rogart, known as Bob Maclennan, was the last leader of the Social Democrat Party before it merged with the Liberal Party. He then became joint interim leader of the new party. Bob Maclennan was a Member of Parliament from 1966 to 2001. Upon stepping down as MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Bob Maclennan was elevated to the House of Lords. Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey said: "It is with great sadness that we learn our friend and colleague Bob Maclennan has died. "Bob was the kind of politician we all strive to be. Considerate, honest and hardworking with an uncanny ability to reach out across the political spectrum to find common ground. "He was also a great servant, over many decades, to his Highland constituents. A passionate advocate of devolution, he campaigned tirelessly for the creation of the Scottish Parliament and wider constitutional reform. "As Liberal Democrats, we also pa...

Conservative MP Jamie Wallis worked in the same office that ran a "sugar daddy" dating website, two former employees have told BBC Wales. The newly-elected Bridgend MP has distanced himself from Sugar-Daddy.net. A Labour MP has said this was "clearly" contradicted by company records. James Cleverly told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday it was not his job as the chairman of the Conservative Party to investigate any claims linked to "business arrangements". One ex-staffer said he "was aware" the site was being run from the office, while another said his denial "totally lacks credibility". BBC Wales tried to contact Mr Wallis for comment but was told "he's not available". Sugar-Daddy.net offered introductions to wealthy individuals, saying: "We can introduce you to your very own sugar daddy and solve your money worries. "Whether you're a boy, girl, straight or gay, the...

The Liberal Democrats have announced they will have a new party leader in place by the middle of July. Ex-leader Jo Swinson resigned after losing her East Dunbartonshire seat at the general election in December. The party's federal board has set out a timetable that will see nominations for candidates open on 11 May and close on 28 May. The ballot for the new Lib Dem leader will then start on 18 June and conclude on 15 July. The party says it has more than 100,000 members who will be eligible to take part in the selection process. Ex-cabinet minister Sir Ed Davey and party president Mark Pack will continue as joint acting leaders of the Lib Dems until the election process is completed, the party said. Mr Pack said: "I want first to thank Jo Swinson for her determined leadership of the Liberal Democrats. "The Liberal Democrats are the home for everyone who shares our vision of an outward-looking, caring country that celebrates div...

The Welsh Liberal Democrats welcome the introduction of votes at 16 and 17 for Senedd elections following the granting of Royal Assent for the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act this afternoon. The act means that both Wales and Scotland now have a voting age for 16 for elections to their devolved Parliaments. The act will add 70,000 people to the franchise in Wales. This is the largest increase in the voting franchise in Wales since the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds commented: Today is a momentous day in Welsh democracy. This important step will ensure the voices of our young people are properly heard in our Senedd and strengthen the bonds of our democracy. For too long the voices of young people in Wales have been ignored and marginalised, but no more - now they will be able to greater shape their futures and the future of our country. With Wales joining Scotland in lowering the voting age to...

Report BBC Welsh Policies' Newly elected Tory MP Jamie Wallis should apologise for his alleged involvement in a "sugar daddy" dating website, a Labour MP has said. Tonia Antoniazzi said the Bridgend MP's denial of a link to Sugar-Daddy.net was "clearly" contradicted by company records. She accused Mr Wallis of misleading the press. Jamie Wallis, who was elected MP for Bridgend in December, has been approached for comment. It comes after a candidate in the Labour leadership contest, Jess Phillips, called for Mr Wallis to be thrown out of the Conservative party . The Sugar-Daddy.net business offered people introductions to wealthy individuals, saying: "We can introduce you to your very own sugar daddy and solve your money worries. "Whether you're a boy, girl, straight or gay, there's a sugar daddy for you." Ms Antoniazzi's comments in the House of Commons follow reporting by BuzzFeed News into Mr Wallis' busin...

Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement that a new Dyfi bridge will be built on the A487 north of Machynlleth. The bridge was part of the 2014 budget agreement between the Welsh Liberal Democrats and the Welsh Government but the construction has only recently received the go-ahead. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds commented: “I’m glad a new Dyfi bridge has finally been given the green light following our successful campaign. This is an important project that will bring huge benefits to communities across Mid Wales. “The new Dyfi bridge will better connect North, Mid and South Wales whilst improving road safety, helping prevent flooding and boosting active travel in the Machynlleth area. “This is another example of Welsh Liberal Democrats standing up for Mid Wales and highlights our record of championing investment in our rural communities.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have criticised the UK Government following today's new GDP figures showing the UK experienced the lowest 12-month growth for 7 years in the last quarter. Today’s official figures showed the economy in November was only 0.6% larger than a year before. This is the weakest growth since June 2012 and means output in November shrank by 0.3%, this is the greatest fall since April. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds commented: “Today’s GDP figures make for grim reading for the Welsh economy. Despite numerous claims our economy is thriving, these numbers paint a totally different picture. "Our economy is shrinking as the reality of Brexit bites. Boris Johnson made a lot of promises to the people of Wales during the general election and he must now show he plans to deliver on these promises by delivering the investment Wales deserves. “He can start by using his first budget to ensure the Welsh Government gets the resources it ne...

Reporter Wales Pollical BBC A candidate in the Labour leadership contest wants Boris Johnson to kick one of his new Welsh MPs out of the Conservative party in Parliament. Jess Phillips has started a petition calling on the prime minister to withdraw the whip from the Tory MP for Bridgend, Jamie Wallis. He was the director of several firms which have been the subject of hundreds of complaints to Bridgend trading standards. Mr Wallis has been asked to comment. On Saturday the Conservative Party said it could not make a comment at this time. He won Bridgend for the Tories from Labour in last month's election. It has emerged that one of the companies, Quickie Divorce Ltd, which trades under the title clean-break.co.uk, advertised on its website a separate business called Sugar-Daddy.net. This business offered people introductions to wealthy individuals, saying: "We can introduce you to your very own sugar daddy and solve your money worries. "Whether y...

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have responded to a report released today from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services on ‘county lines’ gangs; claiming a new approach is needed to tackle this serious issue. Too many lives and communities across Wales have been blighted by ‘county lines’ gangs in recent years, and the problem is only getting worse. Children as young as 12 and vulnerable adults are being exploited by these gangs, showing us just how real this problem is. The sad truth is Tory cuts to the police, the Border Force and youth services have made it easier for organised criminal networks to spread, for gangs to smuggle illegal substances into the UK, and for them to prey on our young people. The UK Government must take a grown-up, evidence-based approach to drugs and treat substance misuse and addiction as the health issue that it truly is. Only then will our police forces be able to focus their efforts on what really matters; tackling ...

Today I've announced my team of spokespeople in the House of Commons. We'll speak up for the millions of people who voted for the Liberal Democrats in the general election, and the millions more who are dismayed with the actions of this Conservative government. The team's portfolios can be found below: Ed Davey Acting Leader, Economy and Social Justice Christine Jardine Home Office, Women and Equalities Alistair Carmichael Foreign Affairs and Brexit, Chief Whip Wera Hobhouse Climate Emergency, Energy and the Environment Tim Farron Housing, Local Government, Food and Rural Affairs, North of England Layla Moran Education Munira Wilson Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Transport Jamie Stone Defence Sarah Olney Business and Trade Daisy ...

Iran is governed by a brutal regime which has been openly hostile to the west. Donald Trump has yet again radically and recklessly escalated tensions in an area where peace-keeping was already on a knife edge. There is a real danger this will stoke further conflict, undermining peace and stability in the region. Given the severity of the crisis, the Prime Minister must make a statement about the UK's position immediately. The UK should not automatically follow whatever position the Trump administration takes, but work with a broader group of concerned states at the United Nations.