LDDA - The Liberal Democrat Disability Association

This week culminates in the Trans Day of Remembrance - a day set aside to remember the lives lost as a result of transphobia and anti-trans violence.

Globally, trans rights are eroding and rates of suicide and self harm in the community are alarming. Far too many live in constant fear of physical violence and persecution. This is unacceptable.

Time and again the Chinese Government has shown its utter disdain for the Joint Declaration.

The disqualification of elected lawmakers in Hong Kong is reprehensible and marks another step in China's work to end democracy and freedom on the peninsula.

The 'one country, two systems' is disappearing before our eyes.

On Wednesday 11th November, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey and Liberal Democrat Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Spokesperson Munira Wilson took part in an open meeting with Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and other representatives from Liverpool City Council.

Chaired by Leader of the Liverpool Liberal Democrats, Councillor Richard Kemp, they discussed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in Liverpool, including the latest developments in the roll out of the new testing regime across the city.

It will end EU free movement on 31st December - taking away the rights of British people to live, work and study across Europe, and the rights of EU citizens to come here to do the same.

The Bill itself doesn't set out what will come after free movement ends. But we already know that Priti Patel's immigration plans will be a disaster for the small businesses that power the UK economy.

Like the rest of our wonderful NHS and care staff, thousands of people from other countries have been on the frontline throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Foreign nationals working in the NHS deserve the right to remain in the UK.

We cannot thank them enough for the brave and tireless work they are doing in such difficult circumstances and under such intense pressure.

I should start with a word of thanks - in fact, many words of thanks - to Kirsty Williams. She has announced that she will be standing down at the Welsh Senedd elections next May. As such a successful education minister in Wales, she is a daily demonstration of the difference that Liberal Democrats in power make. A consistently powerful voice for liberalism through all her many years of service, she has made such a big difference to so many lives. Thank you, Kirsty.

Yesterday, Liberal Democrat peers voted to remove the illegal aspects of the Government's 'Brexit Bill', due to the fact that it would break international law.

We urge the Government to do the right thing and accept these changes to the Bill.

The Internal Market Bill will now return to the Commons, where we urge the Government to do the right thing and accept these changes.

The separation of care home residents and their loved ones has left families devastated. Worse still, the health of those in care has worryingly deteriorated due to a lack of contact.

Too many people have already lost family members as a direct result of lack of contact.

Eight months into the pandemic, and the Government's so-called "new" guidance simply allows a continuation of visiting from outside or behind a screen and will continue to separate families and abandon those in need.

During Covid-19, this support is more important than ever.

With coronavirus restrictions in place across the country, this is a difficult year for the Poppy Appeal.

Ordinarily around 40,000 volunteers help make the appeal happen. Through their dedication the Royal British Legion can continue to provide support to members and veterans of our armed forces, as well as their families.