Liberal Democrats What we've been up to in Parliament this month



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Your Latest Briefing from the Liberal Democrats in Parliament.



Dear John,

Much of the political agenda over the past month has focussed on
international affairs, with the conflict in Ukraine dominating the headlines.
In Parliament, we’ve shown our unwavering support for Ukraine and called for
the UK to step up and lead in its defence.

We’ve also been pushing hard on the issues that matter on the domestic agenda
- from tackling the health and social care crisis to strengthening our
democracy.

Check out recent contributions from Lib Dems in Parliament below. 🔽







Supporting Ukraine




US President Donald Trump is threatening a full-on betrayal of the Ukrainian
people, having already paused US aid to the country. Now is the time for the UK
to step up, lead in Europe, and reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine.

Our Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller MP welcomed the government’s
commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, and to bring all parties together
to agree to an increase to 3% of GDP as soon as possible. He also supported the
use of UK troops on a reassurance mission in Ukraine, and urged the government
to seize the £40 billion worth of frozen Russian assets, held across the UK and
Europe, and repurpose them for Ukraine.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Start time: 16:21:47 ⏐ Watch time: 2 mins


Our Defence Spokesperson Helen Maguire MP urged the government to reverse the
Conservatives’ reckless 10,000 troop cut.

Helen also explained why funding extra defence spending through cutting
international development is the wrong choice, laying out our plans to fund it
through tax rises on social media firms and other tech giants.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Start time: 14:53:35 ⏐ Watch time: 7 mins




Over the past few weeks, Ed Davey MP has used many of his Prime Minister’s
Questions to back Ukraine, including last week, when he called on the Prime
Minister to reduce UK dependence on the US and seize Russian assets now.



Watch ➜ <[link removed]>

⏲️ Watch time: 2 mins






Protecting NHS and social care providers from NIC rises




The Labour government’s increase to employer’s national insurance
contributions (NICs) will have a particularly devastating impact on the health
and social care sectors, which are already struggling.

But in February, Lib Dem Peers had a huge win - the House of Lords voted in
favour of our amendment to exempt care providers, NHS GP practices, NHS
dentists, and others from upcoming NI rises.

It’s now essential that Labour in the House of Commons listens and agrees to
protecting these vital public services.

Baroness Barker explained the reasons why health and social care providers
should be exempt:


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Start time: 16:21:36 ⏐ Watch time: 9 mins




Back our calls to scrap the tax on health and social care by sharing our post
on social media:



Share:

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Celebrating International Women’s Day



International Women’s Day on 7 March was a time to celebrate the achievements
of women and raise awareness of the work still needed to achieve gender
equality.

Alex Brewer MP celebrated the hard won rights of women in a speech to the
House of Commons, while also pointing out the challenges ahead, and how we can
overcome them.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Start time: 15:16:45 ⏐ Watch time: 7 mins


You can also read and watch a statement from our Women & Equalities
Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP to mark the day:


Read / Watch ➜
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⏲️ Read / Watch time: 1 min






Safeguarding children online




In February, there was a major government defeat in the House of Lords, as a
Lib Demmotion <[link removed]> calling
for stronger online safety regulations, especially to protect children, passed
a vote in the House.

The motion, put forward by Lord Clement-Jones, highlights the regulatory
loopholes in theOnline Safety Act <[link removed]>. Due
to its focus on the size of online platforms, Ofcom is failing to regulate
small but high-risk platforms, leaving harmful platforms unchecked.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Start time:19:32:46 ⏐ Watch time: 14 mins







Capping political donations



In February, Manuela Perteghella MP presented her Political Donations Bill
<[link removed]> to cap political donations, including
those made through companies by foreign nationals.

It comes following rumours that Elon Musk could donate to Reform through one
of his companies. Although political parties can only accept money from
individuals registered in a UK electoral register, foreign-owned companies
registered in the UK can make donations themselves.

The Bill would help kick big money out of politics and protect our democracy
from foreign interference, and is set to have its Second Reading in Parliament
in May.


Read more ➜
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⏲️ Est. reading time: 2 mins


Last week, Sarah Olney MP spoke in a debate on political finance rules,
supporting Manuela’s Bill, and arguing for the Electoral Commission to be
strengthened, to restore its independence and increase its enforcement powers.


Watch ➜
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⏲️ Start time: 16:36:03 | Watch time: 5 mins







New Liberal Democrat Peers




We are delighted that the two newest members of the Lib Dem Lords team have
now been officially introduced into the House of Lords.

Lord Pack, our current Party President, was introduced in February. This
week, it was the turn of Lord Mohammed, who has been leader of the Liberal
Democrat group on Sheffield City Council since 2011.


Read more about our newest Peers ➜
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⏲️ Est. reading time: 4 mins




On Broadcast


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

Ed Davey MP on This Morning <[link removed]>
talking about care homes, care workers and mistreatment within the industry.

Helen Maguire MP on BBC News
<[link removed]> talking about US
Vice President J D Vance’s comments regarding Britain’s Armed Forces.

Pippa Heylings MP on BBC Politics Live
<[link removed]> calling for the UK to spend 3% of
GDP on defence.

Victoria Collins MP on Sky News
<[link removed]> talking about the
Safer Phones Bill.




We aren’t able to share everything that happens in Parliament so make sure to
check out the social media accounts and websites of our MPs and Peers to find
out more about them and their work:



Our MPs ➜ <[link removed]>


Our Peers ➜ <[link removed]>



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important work we are doing to fight for a fair deal?



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Best wishes,




Liberal Democrats





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