Welsh Liberal blogs

Jane Dodds has criticised moves by Jacob Rees-Mogg to scrap the hybrid arrangements currently in place and force MPs to return London following the Parliamentary recess. Jacob Rees-Mogg, Leader of the House of Commons, has today announced plans to wind up the successful "hybrid" system, which allows MPs to speak and vote either from the chamber or from home, after Parliament returns from recess. The move has been widely condemned with many MPs highlighting that a resumption of 'business as usual' would force them to travel hundreds of miles to London to take part. In response, we're calling for Westminster to maintain the current arrangements indefinitely and fully embrace online voting and participation. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "Over the past few weeks people and businesses across the UK have had to adapt to remote working. What we have found is that not only can it work, it does work. "It allows people to juggle their work and pe...

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 ...

Hear why the Liberal Democrats will not be voting for the speech Today, Her Majesty The Queen opened the new parliamentary session. But we have exactly the same problems as we did in the last session: a government with no majority, no leadership and no realistic plan for our country . I used my speech in Parliament today to give a warning to my fellow MPs. Here's my speech in full: On behalf of my colleagues on these ever-expanding Liberal Democrat benches, I’d like to pay tribute to the mover and seconder of the Humble Address. Their wit and good humour have brought us all some light relief at this time of crisis. The Honourable Member for Truro and Falmouth is a well-respected former Minister, who is liked on all sides of the House for the way she genuinely engages with everyone. I understand that she was also Head Girl at school, graduated with a history degree from King's College London and then a masters as a Rotary Scholar. So some might call her a girly sw...

Jane Dodds, the newly elected MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, delivered her maiden speech in Parliament today during a crowded debate on Brexit. The full transcript of Jane Dodds’ speech is below: Thank you, Mr Speaker. May I start by paying tribute to my predecessor, Mr. Chris Davies. He worked hard for our local communities, raising awareness on the difficult issue of mental health and suicide in our farmers. I thank him for his service. Chris followed hard on the heels of the highly respected Liberal Democrat MP, Roger Williams. Roger’s are large boots to fill and if I can even partially match his passion, service and commitment, I shall be very pleased. It is a huge pleasure to represent Brecon and Radnorshire, one of the most beautiful constituencies in the country. It is also the largest constituency in England and Wales - something that I’m sure some Members here will have discovered during the recent by-election when searching for another elu...