The decision to end the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has created real uncertainty for churches and faith buildings, many of which rely on local donations for essential repairs. Ministers must now make clear how they will be supported if this VAT relief ends.
No surprise to see Trump totally out of touch with the impact his reckless war will have on UK households. But he isn’t seeking election here. Badenoch and Farage should hang their heads in shame for their boot-licking unconditional support for Trump’s unlimited war.
Happy #InternationalWomensDay. Today is a chance to recognise the extraordinary contribution women make in our communities every day, and to keep pushing for real equality and opportunity for every woman and girl.
The last thing the UK needs just now is Tony Blair’s advice on whether to trust a US President about a Middle East war. We know how that White House movie ended.
The US is widely reported to have hit the Qeshm desalination plant. The response from Iran suggests they may now use the precedent to justify attacks on Gulf plants. Attacking critical civilian infrastructure is a war crime. The Govt must seek an urgent explanation from the US.
As the Americans land B1 bombers at RAF Fairford, President Trump is promising a relentless assault. We are being drawn into an offensive war. The PM must spell out to Parliament what constitutes a “defensive” operation and the limits on the use of our bases.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Patriotic lectures from someone who makes their money talking down this country hit different when they are delivered from abroad.
Starmer needs to get on the phone to Trump and ask him to set out a plan to protect civilians and support a democratic transition in Iran.
We've seen before that bombs don't bring about democracy and regime change without a plan just leads to more chaos and suffering.
“People used to say that the US was the world’s policeman. Some people will be wondering today whether Donald Trump is now behaving like the world’s hit man.”
My comments on LBC this morning, urging the Government not to let the UK get drawn into this illegal, unilateral war.
The UK can't be dragged into another protracted Middle Eastern war by a US President. Keir Starmer needs to rule out the use of UK bases for any future unilateral US strikes.
The Trump administration hosting Tommy Robinson must be a wake-up call.
The government needs to include the US in their inquiry into foreign interference in UK politics.
We cannot stand by while the likes of Trump and Musk meddle in our democracy.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
This policy is a shambles and the Home Secretary needs to intervene to stop its introduction this week. The UK allows its citizens to be dual nationals. They and their families should not be held to ransom by a rushed new rule.
Much was hard to hear and confront but we return seized of the commitment of many to finding a more just and secure future.
This week, @timfarron.bsky.social, @victoria-collins.bsky.social & I travelled to Israel and Palestine to listen, learn and ask questions of a range of people. We had robust discussions about aid access, tackling corruption, settlement expansion, overcoming terrorism, and delivering accountability.
Wishing all those observing this holy month in the UK and around the world a healthy and blessed Ramadan.
Southill Solar gets it right: work with locals, deliver local benefit. Botley West is vast, with weak engagement and thin benefit.
The Planning Inspectorate called missing info “very disappointing”. With the Secretary of State now deciding, these concerns must be weighed.
Wishing a very happy new year to Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities in the UK and to everyone who is celebrating the Lunar New Year.
May it be a time of joy and celebration for you and your family.
Last week, I attended Kinship’s reception in Parliament to hear directly from kinship carers about the vital role they play, and the gaps in support they still face.
The Government’s parental leave review must finally address paid kinship care leave. #KinshipCarers #ValueOurLove
I support solar and the need to move fast on clean energy. But Botley West is a test of whether communities are genuinely heard. Serious questions on transparency, delivery and community benefit still have no answers. That is not good enough.
The level of violence towards Jewish communities is intolerable. No faith group should have to put trained security staff in place simply to worship. We must all work to counter anti-Jewish hate.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Chinese Communist Party continues to crush civil liberties and the rule of law in Hong Kong. It is time for the Government to stand up for UK values and interests. Starmer must make clear that there will be serious consequences for China unless it changes course.
The PM argued he could change outcomes for Jimmy Lai and Hong Kongers by speaking softly with President Xi. He failed spectacularly. He must summon the Chinese Ambassador today - and demand Jimmy Lai's immediate release and the quashing of this sentence.
www.independent.co.uk/asia/china/j...
We need to know how the Government plans to deal with Iran - and with Donald Trump’s plans for Iran. @jamesmaccleary.bsky.social
and I have written to the Defence and Foreign Secretaries today asking them to hold Iran’s leaders to account and to tell Parliament their plans.
This type of crime shows complete disregard for nature and the local community. The EA must seek to recover the full costs of clearing up illegal waste dumps from those responsible.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He generously shared his time and experience with me and many others. He has gone suddenly and too soon. He will be greatly and sorely missed.
Jim made an exceptional public contribution to Scotland and the UK. He was a conviction liberal who worked with others for the public good. In private, Jim was a man of deep faith with a wicked sense of humour. He would argue a point tenaciously yet be gracious in disagreement.
Jim Wallace was a wonderful man and a selfless and dedicated public servant. I am shocked to learn of his premature death and heartbroken for his close family. His many friends will be devastated by this news.
www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
The IRGC is a terrorist organisation at home and abroad. The IRGC supports Iran’s theocratic revolutionary leaders but is separate from the core state. So it can be proscribed - or the Government can finally act on Jonathan Hall’s recommendations from May 2025.
The Government must act today to proscribe the terrorists of the IRGC. Its dither and delay has endangered UK residents targeted by the IRGC. The IRGC slaughtered thousands of Iranian protestors in cold blood. The UK must act with the EU to outlaw them.
www.thetimes.com/world/middle...
Lib Dems are positive about our country and hopeful about the future.
Things have been tough and there are those who want to exploit that for their own ends - not to make lives better or our country stronger.
Lib Dems will continue to stand up for a better future. Join us.
