Welsh Liberal blogs

rresponding to the news that Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has declared a ‘black alert’, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have stated the Welsh Government must make getting to grips with the crisis in Welsh healthcare its top priority. Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said:   “This news is extremely concerning, black alerts are always serious but this has happened on a weekday night, typically a time of lower demand.   “Our NHS staff are working their absolute hardest to provide the care people deserve, but the Welsh Labour Government has so far failed to get to grips with this crisis.   “We know COVID has added sustained pressure to the healthcare system in recent years, not least with large backlogs but A&E services have been struggling for the best part of a decade.   “Labour must make reforming and fixing A&E services their absolute priority and of course, improve health care services at a local level which would g...

We're calling on the Chancellor to give self-employed workers the support they need to weather the Covid-19 outbreak Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds has urged Chancellor Rushi Sunak to use his announcement today to increase support for the self-employed so no-one is left worse off self-employed than they would be in employment. There have been growing calls from across the political spectrum for a package of support for the self-employed that matches support for those in employment. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: We are seeing unprecedented actions from a Conservative Government, with serious support on offer for firms and workers. However, one group that has fallen through the cracks so far is the self-employed. Give self-employed workers the same support as everyone else The self-employed are an essential part of the Welsh economy and make a vital contribution to their communities. No-one in self-employment should be lef...

Today, MPs will debate the Government’s emergency Coronavirus Bill. The Coronavirus crisis is an unprecedented threat, leaving the most vulnerable in our communities at risk. People across the country are rightly worried about their loved ones. This is a national emergency and emergency powers are clearly necessary to keep individuals and communities safe from the virus. Liberal Democrats are working with the Government and other opposition parties in Parliament to pass the emergency legislation we need. But we are also focused on ensuring that these powers do not go any further than absolutely necessary. Many of the powers in this Bill have serious implications for civil liberties and human rights. We are therefore making it clear that these powers must only be used when necessary during this emergency – and not a moment longer. Liberal Democrats will remain vigilant to ensure that any restrictions on civil liberties are only temporary, and that our rights and freedom...