The Liberal Democrats have today claimed victory as the Conservative government bowed to pressure to take decisive action on empty houses, by giving new tax powers for councils.
PM has responsibility to women in Northern Ireland
Speaking ahead of the emergency debate today in the House of Commons on Northern Ireland's abortion law, Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine said:
“Women in Northern Ireland are now the only women across the UK that are denied their fundamental right to choose. It is simply appalling that abortion is still treated as a criminal rather than a medical issue in 2018.
Speaking following the new Home Secretary’s first speech to the Police Federation, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Ed Davey said:
"Warm words are not enough to gain the trust of hard working police officers who have faced the tough consequences of this Tory Government slashing police budgets and police numbers.
Upskirting is a vile crime that violates and degrades victims. Thousands of women are subjected to it every single year and it has a lasting impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
As you know, with the law as it currently stands the Police find it hard to prosecute this – and that’s why campaigners, including Wera Hobhouse MP and Gina Martin have been calling for upskirting to become a specific offence.
May should have sought Parliamentary approval for action
Responding to the military action taken by the UK government in Syria Leader of the Liberal Democrats,Vince Cable said:
“Riding the coattails of an erratic US President is no substitute for a mandate from the House of Commons.
“The Prime Minister could and should have recalled Parliament this week and sought the approval of MPs before proceeding.
“Liberal Democrats stood ready to assess the evidence and objectives for any action and, if it were properly planned and justified, to support a military response.
"At this moment our thoughts are with British and allied troops. But the Government’s decision fatally undermines the integrity of this mission. It shows a weak Government putting short term political expediency before democracy and in so doing further diminishing the standing of Britain in the world.”
