Welsh Liberal blogs

  we wrap up the Liberal Democrat leadership election, I wanted to thank the thousands of people who have taken part in hustings, sent in questions to the campaigns and engaged in this contest. It’s absolutely right that there is a robust process that properly tests our next leader, and makes sure that whoever wins on Thursday has been put through their paces by the party. Whatever happens later this week, I know that Liberal Democrats will come together and turn our hand to doing what we do best, getting out campaigning and standing up for communities up and down the country. If you haven’t returned your ballot yet then there is still time to vote for me so that we can rebuild our party on solid foundations, and campaign for a fairer, greener and more caring society. That’s my vision for the future of our party, and I know I’ve got the experience we need to deliver it.  With your support, I want to rebuild our party and take on the Tories, and put ...

Today we mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of WW2.       Today is the 75 th  anniversary of VE Day, the day for us all to remember those who stepped up and put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms and defeat fascism.   Welsh Regiments have a long and proud history in our armed forces. Theywell known for being steadfast and answering the call of duty when we need them most.   It is only right that we recognise and pay tribute to the huge legacy of service by all of our brave servicemen and women, both now and in the past.   As we move forward into this new world which we find ourselves in, I believe we need to look at the way things are here in Wales.   It is clear that Lloyd George's mission of building a ' home fit for heroes ' is still not  acomplished . We need to refocus our efforts and ensure that it is.   So today, let us honour all those who have served on the frontline and given their lives to defend our fr...

Responding to the Budget, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: This Budget reveals the UK economy was alarmingly weak even before Coronavirus. The Government is desperate to blame anyone or anything but the reality is that it’s the Conservatives’ Brexit which is costing Britain’s economy dearly. Whilst the Government is taking some action to deal with the Coronavirus, after five years of Tory governments the NHS and our social care sector are chronically under-funded, under-resourced and under-staffed, just at the moment we need them most. Nothing is being done to fill the care sector’s staffing needs here and now. With COP26 around the corner this government has fundamentally failed to show any real global leadership on dealing with the climate emergency. Rather than create a green infrastructure plan for the future, Ministers have hidden their infrastructure strategy because it was not compliant with tackling the climate emergency and getting t...

Today is International Women's Day - read Ed Davey's message now On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women in every corner of the world. Today, we celebrate the women pushing boundaries, defying stereotypes and shattering glass ceilings. Let us recognise those who have paved the way - from Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, to Dina Asher-Smith, the fastest woman in British history. And of course, my amazing friend, Jo Swinson, who last year became the first female leader in our party’s history. Each of these women and countless others have played an important role in inspiring the next generation by showing young girls everywhere that gender should never place a limit on what a person can achieve. Sadly, the fight for equality is far from over, much work remains to be done. In the UK alone, women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence, 1 in 5 women will experience sexual assault during their l...

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the UK Government to reverse plans to scrap the BBC licence fee and ensure the future of S4C is secure in any future funding settlement. Welsh Liberal Democrat Peer Lord Roger Roberts has criticised the proposed scrapping of the licence fee as a threat to the future of S4C. Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey and Liberal Democrat DCMS Spokesperson Daisy Cooper have written to the Prime Minister, outlining how the Conservative government's plans will "cost the BBC hundreds of millions of pounds" and "at least double the cost of viewing the BBC". Welsh Liberal Democrat Lord Roger Roberts, commented: Since its inception in 1982, S4C has been a major factor in promoting and supporting the resurgence of our language. S4C is a vital part of Welsh broadcasting and Welsh political life, with their work being primarily supported by the licence fee. If this government scraps t...

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. ...