Liberal Democrats in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and Rossendale

Responding to Robert Jenrick's comments today about the Government's reforms to the planning system, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Government Tim Farron said:" Robert Jenrick's comments this morning have done nothing to persuade anyone that these planning reforms will alleviate the problems behind the UK's housing crisis. It is not the lack of planning permission that stops houses being built, but Conservative Minsters' refusal to invest in social housing.

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hong Kong has published the findings of its inquiry into violations of human rights and humanitarian principles by the Hong Kong Police Force, including a series of recommendations.

Following the publication of the report Alistair Carmichael, Chair of the APPG for Hong Kong and Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said,"The APPG's first inquiry into the situation in Hong Kong has vital findings that the Government must sit up and listen to.

Responding to news that scientists have warned that current testing and contact tracing is inadequate to prevent a second wave of coronavirus when schools in the UK reopen, Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Layla Moran said: "After months being cooped up at home, millions of children are looking forward to getting back to school in September, but safety must remain the top priority.

Responding to the Prime Minister's press conference, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

"The Government's communications over the past few days have been woefully incompetent to say the least. Individuals have no idea of the rules, let alone the reasoning behind some of them.

Of course the Government need to move quickly to stop the spread of coronavirus, but this does not excuse their shambolic approach. Without clear messaging, people will not be able to follow the rules properly.

Commenting after a call between the Prime Minister and opposition party leaders, acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said:

"As millions of people in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire are facing a tightening up of restrictions there is a real concern for what this will mean for jobs and businesses.

A study commissioned by Balckburn with Darwen Director of Public Health, Professor Dominic Harrison, highlights th stark difference between rich and poor and how they ae affected by the Covid 19 disease. From 10-27 July, 80% of cases were in the poorest 30% of the borough. In the same period period33% were in the poorest 10% of the borough and there were no cases in the richest 10%.. Prof. Harrison highlighted that these figures relate to cases not deaths and were unlikely to translate into similar mortatlity risks.

Responding to the Government's change in guidance stating that separate households will not be able to meet indoors from today in Greater Manchester, Ea

st Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson said:

"Throughout this crisis, the Government's communications have been an utter disaster. To announce a regional lockdown of millions of people not only just hours before it's enforced, but with no clarity on the new rules coming into place, is beyond comprehension.

Commenting on a Public Accounts Committee report which condemns the "slow, inconsistent and at times negligent approach" to the social care sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, Liberal Democrat MP and member of the committee Sarah Olney said:"The coronavirus has left people worried about their future and mourning loved ones. While we have relied on frontline staff to protect us, the Government's PPE shortages seriously let NHS and care workers down.

The Liberal Democrats have today urged the Chancellor to step in and support freelancers excluded from existing government support schemes. This comes after the announcement that the BBC will offer financial support to around 600 freelancers who they regularly employ.

Liberal Demcorat MP and Chair of the Excluded UK APPG Jamie Stone demanded Rishi Sunak step in after the BBC confirmed it will pay average earnings for March, April and May capped at £2,500 to around 600 freelancers who have not been eligible for any of the UK Government's support schemes.

Responding to reports that the UK will continue to export tear gas and rubber bullets to the US despite continued use of force against protesters, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: "From the use of gas and rubber bullets against peaceful protesters, to the arrest of over 70 journalists, it is clear that there are serious ongoing questions regarding the use of this equipment in the United States.