Government plans for “second-class refugees” defeated
The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the defeat of a clause in the Government’s controversial Nationality and Borders Bill that would have created two classes of refugees.
The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the defeat of a clause in the Government’s controversial Nationality and Borders Bill that would have created two classes of refugees.
Responding to Boris Johnson's announcement that Ukrainian refugees can come to the UK without a visa if they already have family here, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said:
"This move falls way short of what is needed and will not help the vast majority of those currently fleeing war in Ukraine.
The Liberal Democrats have criticised the Government for rejecting a law that would make misogyny a hate crime.
Today, Conservative MPs voted against the law, which had been passed by the House of Lords last month. The vote comes days after a man pleaded guilty to the murder of Sabina Nessa and just days before the anniversary of the murder of Sarah Everard.
Responding to the Government's plan on Living with Covid, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said:
"The Conservatives have been planning to end free Covid testing for more than two months, yet still we have no clarity on what this means in reality.
The Liberal Democrats have warned that the scrapping of Covid lateral flow tests will amount to a “tax on caring,” with almost four millon people facing costs of over £500 a year to take regular tests and visit vulnerable relatives.
Despite the easing of Covid restrictions, the latest figures show that every week nearly four million people take regular Covid tests, taking two tests a week on average. This includes people who take tests to protect their elderly relatives and friends, or vulnerable workers who work in people-facing industries such as hospitality and are concerned about their health.
Responding to Boris Johnson's interview on BBC Sunday Morning, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:
"Boris Johnson is not fit to be Prime Minister. If Johnson is found to have broken the law, he must fess up and resign. No more cover-ups, no more lies.