Welsh Liberal blogs

It's vital we extend the transition period to avoid no deal. aders to sign a joint letter to the UK Government requesting an extension to the Brexit transition period until after the coronavirus crisis has subsided. Her call comes after EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier made clear in a letter to Westminster leaders that an extension to the Brexit transition period is possible. Jane Dodds said: “It is clear the UK Government’s plan to have Brexit wrapped up by the end of the year is no longer feasible. Trade negotiations have stalled as Governments across Europe are, rightly, focusing on defeating the Coronavirus. “The UK Government must grasp the opportunity of an extension to the trade talks that the European Union has offered. This is not about rerunning the debates of the past, it is about ensuring we avoid crashing out without a deal. "Extending the transition period is the only sensible option and will allow us to focus all our energy on fighting this deadl...

It's vital we allow MPs to continue to participate from home.     Alok Sharma MP has had to return home to self isolate after becoming unwell with suspected Covid-19 at the dispatch box. In response we're calling for MPs to restore the virtual Parliament as a matter of urgency. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: “I am incredibly concerned for Alok Sharma. He was clearly very unwell at the dispatch box earlier and I hope that he recovers soon. "Mr Rees Mogg was warned about forcing MPs to return, but he didn’t listen. His obsession with tradition has put the health and wellbeing of MPs at risk, and excluded those who cannot return due to health concerns. “Mr Rees Mogg has lost all credibility and needs to resign as Leader of the House of Commons. “This case shows just how important maintaining the virtual parliament is. It is ludicrous that MPs have to spend 45 minutes snaking around the Parliamentary estate in order to vote, when this can be done online in a ma...

Today Kirsty Williams MS, Welsh Liberal Democrat Education Secretary, has unveiled her plans to begin a phased re-opening of schools from 29th June. All children will have the opportunity to “Check in, Catch Up, Prepare for summer and September”. It is proposed that all schools will start the next phase on the 29th June, with the term extended by a week, therefore ending on 27th July.  In each school there will be a phased approach. Year groups will be split into cohorts with staggered starts, lessons and breaks. It is expected that this will mean, at most, a third of pupils present at any one time, though schools may need time to reach this level of operation. There will be much smaller classes, providing secure dedicated time with teachers and classmates. This time will include online and personalised classroom experience, getting children and teachers ready for a similar experience in September. Further Education colleges are ensuring that appropriate measures are being taken to...