The Liberal Democrats are the most pro-European party in British politics. We truly believe that we are stronger together, and internationalism will always be one of our core values.
That hasn't changed now that we have left the European Union.
I am proud how we Liberal Democrats campaigned tirelessly against Brexit, and proud that last month all Liberal Democrat MPs voted against Johnson's dreadful EU Trade Deal - already proving so disastrous to small businesses, fishermen and the wider economy.
The Federal Conference Committee met via Zoom call on Saturday, 16 January for the agenda selection for our second virtual conference. The meeting was a lengthy one, which was in part due to the large selection of varied and interesting motions we received, but also to give us breaks from staring at computer screens for a number of hours.
The Government are refusing to accept cross-party amendments to the Trade Bill that would put human rights at the heart of our trade policy.
The UK and the world can't just stand by and do nothing.
This is particularly important because of what is happening to the Uyghur people in Xinjiang and across China. The Foreign Secretary last week described the mounting evidence to the Commons:
Farmers across the country are worried about their future - they're worried that the UK will be flooded with poor quality food that undercuts the goods they produce to high environmental and animal welfare standards.
Liberal Democrats back British farmers.
The Conservatives have continually failed to protect our farmers from these risks.
Welcome to the Weekly Whip. Your one-stop shop for Lib Dem Parliamentary updates, covering the week that was and the week to come.
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Weekly Whip w/c 11th January
Monday 11thJanuary
Monday started off with a statement from the Chancellor who has been notably quiet as of late. He came to the House to update MPs on the most recent packages of support for individuals and businesses during the pandemic.
For years, this Government have promised our fishing industry a sea of opportunity, but, today, our boats are tied up in harbour, their propellers fouled with red tape manufactured in Whitehall.
Our boats are tied up in harbour, their propellers fouled with red tape manufactured in Whitehall.
Boats that are able to go to sea are landing their catches in Denmark-an expensive round trip of at least 72 hours, which takes work away from processors and other shoreside businesses in this country.
I tabled the Immigration (Health and Social Care Staff) Bill 2019-21, which was due for its second reading on Friday.
Lib Dems will continue to fight for healthcare workers' rights
But the Government have decided to axe all sitting Fridays until the end of March, meaning dozens of Private Members Bills will effectively be shut down.
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.
Over the past year, Liberal Democrat MPs have tabled a number of Private Members' Bills that would make important changes to help build a fairer country, tackle deep-rooted inequalities and ensure a more effective response to the Covid pandemic.
Eleven key Liberal Democrat Bills were due to have "Second Reading" - the next stage of their progress through Parliament - over the next three months.
The 'spy powers bill' is a step too far - all parties should unite to oppose it in the Lords
The Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill would give police informants total immunity. Yet the government has failed to provide any evidence as to why that's necessary
Having served as a police officer for more than 30 years, I know that it is an undesirable but necessary part of policing to rely on informants, or "covert human intelligence sources" as they are now known. And, on occasion, those informants need to be tasked to commit crime.
Last month's Federal Communications and Elections Committee (FCEC) kicked off with a productive Q&A with deputy Leader Daisy Cooper. Daisy's approach to collaborative working across parts of the party was warmly welcomed and FCEC expressed its support, and desire to assist, Daisy's ongoing work to support a diverse range of candidates to stand.
In the early months of this pandemic, the Government's messaging was clear. 'Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.' And so it is once again. Monday's lockdown announcement, although belated, was absolutely right.
But why must we protect the NHS? So that it can continue to tackle COVID, but also, equally, so that the NHS can carry on its life-saving work in every other area.
Liberal Democrats
