Welsh Liberal blogs

  Protests are an essential way for people to make their voices heard. Liberal Democrats are fiercely opposing the new Protest Crackdown Law and will be voting against it this evening. As you may have noticed, this Conservative Government doesn’t like to be challenged. Just look at how angry and red-faced Boris Johnson gets at Prime Minister’s Questions every week. Just listen to how often Ministers rail against lawyers and the courts, because judges sometimes rule against them. Just remember how they refused to do interviews with journalists who might dare to ask difficult questions. MPs vote today on Priti Patel’s Protest Crackdown Law And now comes their latest attempt to silence any opposition to their policies, as MPs vote today on Priti Patel’s Protest Crackdown Law – or, to use its official title, Part 3 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. The new law would, if passed, give the police new powers to clampdown on protests if they are nois...

  Happy Pride Month from the Lib Dems! We are proud of the strides we've made in the UK when it comes to LGBTQ+ equality, but there is still progress to be made. Pride Month is a time of LGBTQ+ celebration, activism and commemoration. Whilst pride marches across the world have been cancelled for a second year due to Coronavirus, Pride Month is an opportunity to take stock of the march towards LGBTQ+ equality in the UK, while acknowledging and continuing to fight for progress.  Pride Month is held every June in remembrance of the Stonewall Riots when LGBTQ+ people in New York fought back against police brutality in 1969. Trailblazing activists helped capitalise on the momentum after the riots, including Marsha P Johnson,  Sylvia Rivera, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy.  The UK too witnessed increased LGBTQ+ activism from the 1960s onwards, helping propel important legislation like the decriminalisation of homosexual acts in 1967. But more chan...

  We mustn’t let George Floyd’s memory fade. We must hold onto the outrage we felt at his murder, and continue to channel it into action for positive change. Today marks one year since George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was brutally murdered by a police officer on the streets of Minneapolis.   George’s murder — and the wave of protests it sparked — forced us all to confront the racial injustice that Black people face every day.   George’s murder — and the wave of protests it sparked — forced us all to confront the racial injustice that Black people face every day.   The past twelve months have brought watershed moments.   The Black Lives Matter movement rose to prominence around the world.   It inspired many of us to have difficult but important conversations about race — myself included.   And in April, Derek Chauvin was found guilty of George’s murder.   Although Chauvin’s guilty verdict is a step in the right direction, we are still a long way...

  The theme of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is resisting, supporting and healing together. Pre-pandemic there were reports that hate crimes were on the rise. As we start to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, it perfectly encapsulates many of the needs of LGBT+ people in 2021. It’s now a cliche to say that our “return to normal” can’t be a return to the way that things were before, but it’s true. Pre-pandemic there were reports that hate crimes were on the rise, homophobic hate crimes up 19% year-on-year and transgender hate crimes up 16%. As we start to head back out again, we need to be mindful that  things need to change . Resisting homophobia, biphobia and transphobia is essential both at home and abroad. Domestically, trans people face a  barrage of obstacles and harassment  in our media, and have been routinely  let down  by our government. In ILGA-Europe’s latest ranking of LGBT+ rights in th...

  Boris Johnson's plan set out in the Queen's Speech utterly fails to deliver an ambitious programme to respond to the real challenges people are facing after this terribly difficult year. We must rebuild as a fairer, greener and more caring country in the aftermath of Covid. Boris Johnson has utterly failed to deliver an ambitious programme So it is crushingly disappointing that  the Government’s plans will fail on every account  – still failing small businesses and the self-employed, still not rising properly to the climate challenge and still ignoring millions of people caring for loved ones at home. Their planning reforms will rip powers away from local people and communities in favour of wealthy property developers,  threatening our environment  and treasured green spaces. Their  cruel asylum plans  will stop people fleeing violence and persecution, from seeking sanctuary in the UK. And long delayed reforms to social care have been pushed back int...

I would like to send warm greetings to everyo ne celebrating Chinese New Year, here in the UK and across the world   This year we welcome The Year of the Ox - an animal known for its strength, diligence and hardworking nature. These are positive values to which we should all aspire to live our lives by. The New Year is usually a time of large family get-togethers. This year however, intimate, virtual celebrations will be the norm. I know the adjustment won’t be easy but let us keep doing our part to suppress this virus. This year we welcome The Year of the Ox - an animal known for its strength, diligence and hardworking nature. These are positive values to which we should all aspire to live our lives by. As we welcome the New Year, we must also honour the immeasurable contributions of British Chinese communities to our country. Thank you to the generations who have helped build our country and made it the success it is today. Let us also recognise the hard work and...

  Today we remember every single life cut short during the Holocaust - the Jewish lives and the countless others who suffered at the hands of the Nazis. It is vital that we remember these innocent victims and tell new generations of the unspeakable things people experienced in Nazi death camps and ghettos, from the torture to the mass exterminations. It’s vital because we must never forget the lesson - that every human life should be valued and cared for. The theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day -  be the light in the darkness  - is the lesson we can all choose to live out. That as we struggle with what the world confronts us with - we can all choose to be a force for good. And that choosing to be a light in the darkness will always be a necessary choice. There can be devastating consequences if we choose to turn a blind eye to hate and injustice. For as we say again, “never again”, we must recognise that the depravity, evil and lies that led to th...

  I would like to send my warmest wishes to Tamils around the world celebrating Thai Pongal, the four day harvest festival. It’s been a huge privilege to come to know many Tamil people in my constituency and across the UK since being elected to Parliament back in 1997, and I can therefore say with total certainty, that the contribution of British Tamils to our country and society has been exemplary, with the hard work, intelligence and dedication of so many amazing British Tamils. Celebrations like this are an opportunity to remember the exceptional contributions we witness everyday from entrepreneurs, public servants and of course our frontline workers. Thank you for all you do. Current lockdown measures mean this year’s Pongal celebrations will feel distinctly different as so many of us remain separated from friends and loved ones. Despite these challenges, let us look to the future with hope and let us strengthen our collective efforts to beat this virus. To everyone c...

Liberal Democrats will vote against Boris Johnson’s threadbare deal because it is bad for jobs, business, security, and our environment. is clear that this is a bad deal that will make people’s lives poorer. Liberal Democrats will vote against this deal So the Liberal Democrats will vote against it. This  botched deal  leaves the services sector in limbo and is the only ‘free’ trade deal in history to put up barriers and increase red tape, bringing long delays and higher costs. We all are desperate to move forward, to see our country united again, to restore our economy and our communities after a terrible year.

  On Human Rights Day, we must redouble our efforts to save the Human Rights Act from the Tories. Conservatives are at it again.  Trying to strip away the protections that stop governments from trampling on people’s rights. First, they launched their review of judicial review in the summer. And now – before that one’s even finished – they’ve launched a second review, this time of the Human Rights Act. Liberal Democrats are committed to promoting justice and human rights and building a free, fair and open society. The Human Rights Act protects everyone’s rights to a fair trial, to keep your private life private, to marry the person you love.  And not to be tortured, discriminated against or forced to work against your will. It was thanks to the Human Rights Act that the families of those who died because of poor care at Stafford Hospital secured an inquiry, which led to major improvements in accountability and patient safety. It was thanks to the Human Rights A...

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...

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...

  I wish everyone celebrating a healthy and happy Rosh Hashanah and a year filled with joy and immeasurable peace.   Tonight, Jewish communities in the UK and around the world will mark Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year. The Jewish High Holidays are a time of deep contemplation and self-reflection.  They are an opportunity for all of us to look back on the past year as we set new goals for the future. This year has been particularly challenging; we have all had to adjust to new ways of living, whilst grappling with economic uncertainty. For religious communities, the past year has also been difficult as so many customs and traditions have either been adapted or suspended altogether. However, as a new year begins, let us all enter it with hope and expectation. I am thrilled that this is my first Rosh Hashanah message as Leader of the Liberal Democrats. I am proud to lead a party that stands for equality, justice and fairness.  Under my leadership, our ...

  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 ...

  We are calling on the government to offer the Uyghur population asylum in the UK, so that they can flee t   he unthinkable horrors of the situation in Xinjiang and find safety here.   n just the last few months, drone footage believed to be from Xinjiang in China, showed Uyghurs kneeling and blindfolded, waiting to be led onto trains. At the same time, the Chinese Government is also accused of undertaking a  programme  of forced  sterilisation  against Uyghur women.   The situation is abhorrent. Over the course of the last three years, Liberal Democrats have urged the UK government to do more to stop this gross violation of human rights. We have led cross-party letters, parliamentary debates, and parliamentary motions.   We remain clear that the UK has a duty to act.  That is why we have led on a cross-party letter this week to Priti Patel urging her to do the right thing and automatically give refugee status to the Uyghur people. ...

  Read our response to Rishi Sunak's statement today      VID-19 crisis .   More than a million people have lost their jobs and many more are worried about losing theirs in the weeks and months ahead.   We are also facing big challenges in deep-seated inequality and the climate emergency.   We must ensure no one is left behind.   Against this unprecedented economic and health crisis we need a radical new direction of economic policy to meet this challenge.   We need a Green Recovery Plan   This is precisely the right time for a massive green stimulus to provide jobs and tackle the other great crisis of our time, the climate emergency.   The Government’s green spending simply does not match the scale of ambition necessary to reshape our economy and save the planet.   The UK’s green investment is being outpaced by the likes of France, Germany, South Korea and even rivalled by Denmark.   That is why the Liberal Democrats are ...