Welsh Liberal blogs

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, shares a message to British Sikhs on Gurpurab   Today marks Guru Nanak's Gurpurab, which commemorates the birth of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak was a significant figure: his message of acceptance, compassion and community remains relevant even today. I have seen these values put into action by British Sikhs, be it through the practice of the langar, especially in gurdwaras, or through dedicated service in our schools and emergency services. During this awful pandemic, the amazing work of British Sikhs has been inspiring. Whether as key workers in our NHS, care homes, or elsewhere, or as volunteers, preparing free meals in langars. Thank you - for all your work and sacrifice and for adding to the success of our nation. COVID has made it so difficult to celebrate our religious festivals as we would like: with our families, friends, and communities. In our gurdwaras, churches, mosques, or temples.

Across the country, homes will be adorned with wonderful decorations and Diyas will be lit - all marking the festival of lights. For Hindu communities this is also the start of the Hindu New Year - an important time to sit back and reflect on the past year and look ahead to future opportunities. Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.  2020 has been a dark year for many of us and Diwali’s message that light will triumph in the end resonates with many of us, regardless of our faith or worldview. 2020 has been a dark year for many of us. Diwali's message that light will triumph in the end resonates with many of us This Diwali will be particularly difficult ; social distancing measures will no doubt prevent many from meeting up loved ones and the disproportionate impact of covid-19 on ethnic minority communities means that many families are dealing with loss this year - our thoughts are with you. Celebrations such as thes

Today, I’m proud to join people across the country to mark the beginning of Trans Awareness Week- an important time to raise the visibility of trans and gender non-conforming people. This week culminates in the Trans Day of Remembrance  - a day set aside to remember the lives lost as a result of transphobia and anti-trans violence. Globally, trans rights are eroding and rates of suicide and self harm in the community are alarming.  Far too many live in constant fear of physical violence and persecution. This is unacceptable. Far too many live in constant fear of physical violence and persecution. This is unacceptable. There are also massive issues of concern within our own country. The trans and non-binary community has been subjected to widespread attack within the media in recent years. And after years of debate and a huge opportunity to streamline the Gender Recognition Act, the government has refused to adopt a right of self-declaration for trans people without a medical

  Welsh Lib Dem Education Minister announces Christmas travel plans for students Welsh Lib Dem Education Minister Kirsty Williams has announced Christmas travel plans for students. Universities across Wales will also end face-to-face lessons in the week ending 8 December, allowing anyone who tests positive for coronavirus to self-isolate for 14 days before traveling home for the Christmas break.  New covid-19 lateral flow tests, designed to diagnose people without symptoms, will be provided to students who are planning to travel home for the holiday. Students at universities in Wales who plan to travel home for the holidays will be asked to: minimise their social contacts in the run up to the end of term; get an asymptomatic test, ideally within 24 hours of their intended travel time. New asymptomatic testing facilities will be available at participating universities in Wales within the next few weeks; Plan to travel no later than 9 December, al

In this dark hour we must honour those who have made such incredible sacrifices for our country, now more than ever.  With coronavirus restrictions in place across the country, this is a difficult year for the Poppy Appeal. During Covid-19, this support is more important than ever. Ordinarily around 40,000 volunteers help make the appeal happen. Through their dedication the Royal British Legion can continue to provide support to members and veterans of our armed forces, as well as their families.  During Covid-19, this support is more important than ever. Our veterans are facing the terrible consequences of lockdowns and coronavirus:  social isolation, financial insecurity, mental health difficulties. Many of those suffering the worst are older and in vulnerable categories. In this dark hour we must honour those who have made such incredible sacrifices for our country. In this dark hour we must honour those who have made such incredible sacrifices for our country, now more

  We must invest in our green infrastructure to support sustainable transport. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have this week called on both the Welsh Government and local councils to work together along with industry to ensure Wales is not left behind in the roll-out of electric vehicle charging points. Sales of electric vehicles grew by over 130% in the year to May 2020, with sales expected to grow further in the coming years. Consultancy Capital Economics last year estimated that the UK will need 25.3m charge points by 2050 if we are to hit the legislated target of net zero carbon emissions. This news coupled with a report from the Senedd’s Economy Infrastructure and Skills Committee could indicate that Wales has the potential to fall behind in our bid to become carbon neutral by 2050. Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: “The lack of charging points is clearly as issue for people all over Wales. “Many homes, especially those in built up urban areas whe