Today's Headlines

Govt must publish scientific advice for reopening schools

The Liberal Democrats are urging the Government to release the scientific advice for reopening schools without delay.

• Every day that schools remain shut, the disadvantage gap widens and vulnerable children risk falling through the cracks. But that doesn't mean we should open schools before it's actually safe.
• The Government has failed to consult with school leaders, teachers and unions on the details of its guidance for reopening schools, and that's just not good enough. We need reassurance that the decisions are being made based on public health advice only, and not economic fears.
• That's why Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to publish all scientific advice it has received on this today, and for a guarantee that all children, of all ages, will be given the equipment and funding to learn safely, either at home or in school.

Govt must not end virtual parliament

Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said the UK government wants to see Parliament return to physical proceedings as soon as possible.

• We are living through a national emergency. We have worked incredibly hard to get Parliament up and running in virtual form for exactly that reason. The current advice is that people should work at home if the can - we have proven that MPs can.
• As yet, the Government has published no guidance as to how MPs and staff are meant to keep a two metres distance from each other whilst working in Parliament. Perhaps most worryingly of all, MPs and staff would be further filling up public transport networks and presumably travelling back and forth to communities all over the country.
• The Government must be absolutely clear why MPs need to be physically in Parliament and how Parliament can be a safe place to work so that MPs and staff do not become a factor in any future peak of the virus.

Lib Dems call for Safe Trace App Law to ensure coronavirus app is safe and effective

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to bring forward a new "Safe Trace App Law", to ensure the Government's coronavirus tracing app is safe and effective.

• Any strategy for easing the country out of lockdown must prevent another surge. An app alone will not end this lockdown, but a safe and effective app could play an important part in a broader strategy to test, trace and isolate to keep people safe
• Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to bring forward a new Safe Trace App Law, to ensure that the app will keep people safe, and be a genuinely effective tool in which the public have confidence.
• The new Safe Trace App Law would also provide a clear legal framework for the enormous collection, storage and use of people's personal data.
• To keep people safe, the Government must be open and honest about the decisions it is making in the design of this app. If the public don't have confidence in it, they won't use it - the Liberal Democrats' plans for a Safe Trace App Law would fix that.

Johnson's Govt misled businesses on post-Brexit trade checks

The Government have admitted that there will be checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea after Brexit.

• Johnson's Government have failed to give businesses much needed clarity on this issue. It now seems Johnson was deeply dishonest with businesses when he previously asserted there would be no checks and businesses could put paperwork "in the bin".
• His Brexit deal will mean extra costs and bureaucracy for businesses in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, at a time when many are already struggling with the impact of coronavirus.
• Liberal Democrats will continue to call on the Government to do the right thing and protect UK businesses. As part of this, it is vital the government extend the transition period to help prevent any additional economic damage.