Latest Briefing from the Liberal Democrats in Parliament

Parliament has been in full swing since the Conference recess, and our MPs have been busy delivering on our mandate.

With 72 MPs filling the green benches, our presence is clear. In the past two weeks, we’ve seen more Lib Dems leading debates, and we had our first opposition day.

In this first Parliamentary briefing since the election, discover how we’re using our stronger voice for change. Check out recent contributions and achievements from Lib Dems in Parliament below. 🔽

As the third largest party, we have three opposition days every session of Parliament where we set the agenda in the House of Commons. On Wednesday, we held our first with a focus on the health and social care crisis.

The day began with a huge win – after months of Lib Dem pressure, the Government has finally launched a review into the carer’s allowance overpayments scandal.Read more ➜⏲️ Est. reading time: 5 min

Our first motion of the day urged the Government to go further, to write-off existing overpayments, raise the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit, and conduct a full review of carer support.

Ed Davey MP opened the debate:Watch ➜⏲️ Starts at: 12:46:14 | Watch time: 15 mins

Our second motion focussed on access to GPs, NHS dentists, and community pharmacists. Our Health and Social Care Spokesperson Helen Morgan MP opened the debate, addressing the pain, suffering, and economic impact of the current crises and sharing our practical solutions:Watch ➜⏲️ Starts at: 15:42:11 | Watch time: 17 mins

Sadly Labour MPs voted against both of our motions, and the Conservatives refused to back them, but the debates were crucial in shaping the agenda and raising awareness. By focussing on the issues that really matter and offering our solutions, we’re delivering on our mandate to fight for the communities we represent.

Banning bonuses for water company bosses

In the House of Lords, we introduced an amendment to the Water Bill to ban bonuses for water company bosses until sewage spills end and leaks are fixed. Despite £35 million in bonuses since 2021, the industry continues to dump sewage into our waterways. With Ofwat, the regulator, failing to issue any fines for sewage dumping since 2021, it’s time for tougher action.

Read more ➜⏲️ Est. reading time: 2 mins

With conflict escalating, our International Development Spokesperson Monica Harding MP called for more aid to the region, especially in Gaza, where three quarters of people currently rely on food aid.

Monica urged the government to step up talks to ensure aid gets through and she reaffirmed our commitment to an immediate bilateral ceasefire to resolve the humanitarian crisis, get the hostages out and open the door to a two-state solution.Read more ➜⏲️ Est. reading time: 4 mins

Monica also highlighted our commitment to restoring 0.7% of national income for international development, as part of our plans to restore the UK’s international reputation.

Lib Dem Peers led a debate on strengthening UK-EU ties in areas like culture, diplomacy and security. Baroness Smith of Newnham opened the debate, highlighting the mutual benefits of cooperation, and supporting a youth mobility scheme as one step we can take.Watch ➜⏲️ Starts at: 16:22:43 | Watch time: 15 mins

Earlier this month, Ed Davey MP also urged closer ties with the EU, using his Prime Minister’s Question to support the Youth Mobility Scheme.

Watch ➜⏲️ Watch time: 1 min

Mike Martin MP challenged the Government on when the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act would take effect.

This law is crucial for protecting women and girls, but despite being passed in 2023 it is currently not in force because the government hasn’t updated the necessary regulations.Watch ➜⏲️ Starts at: 11:40:55 | Watch time: 1 min

Our Housing and Planning Spokesperson Gideon Amos MP welcomed the Renter’s Rights Bill to ban no-fault evictions. Gideon said tenants deserve the security that all other residents have, and supported the Bill as a step toward ending homelessness.

However, Gideon also pushed the Government to go further. Our fair deal for renters would also make three-year tenancies the default and create a national register of licensed landlords.Watch ➜⏲️ Starts at: 14:59:48 | Watch time: 12 mins

On BroadcastHere are a few highlights from our media rounds from the past month:

Wendy Chamberlain MP on BBC Question Time.

Layla Moran MP on Good Morning Britain, talking on the one year anniversary of 7 October.

Daisy Cooper MP on LBC and Tim Farron MP on BBC Breakfast talking about our call to ban bonuses for water bosses.

Daisy Cooper MP on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

Josh Babarinde MP on the Pod Save the UK podcast.Our PeopleLast month, Ed Davey MP appointed a new Lib Dem frontbench to champion the public’s priorities and fight for a fair deal.

Learn more about all our MPs and their roles, and follow their social media channels, here:Our People ➜You can also find out more about our Peers below:Our Peers ➜Want to learn more about our new Parliamentarians?You can watch all their maiden speeches below, where they celebrate their constituencies and talk about their priorities:MP Maiden Speeches ➜Former councillor and London Assembly member Baroness Pidgeon also made her maiden speech in the House of Lords, speaking during a transport debate:Watch ➜⏲️ Starts at: 16:59:06 | Watch time: 6 mins

Daniel Barker

Latest Briefing from the Liberal Democrats in Parliament

Leave a Reply