South Hams Liberal Democrats

Our thoughts are with those in Afghanistan after this weekend's events. Women and girls will be terrified that their liberties and rights are about to be permanently extinguished. We must not conclude that this rapid collapse was inevitable. It was not. We must never forget that the scenes playing out before our eyes are a direct result of the decisions taken by President Biden, the UK Government and other coalition forces. The Prime Minister should call in all political parties and ensure that we respond with unity and purpose.

Despite the UK's GDP increasing by 4.8%, we shouldn't be lulled into thinking that all our problems are solved. We still face potentially massive obstacles if the Government goes ahead with ending the furlough scheme and the Universal credit uplift at the end of next month. Hard pressed families and struggling businesses need more reassurance than improving GDP figures - they need support extended into next year.

There is nothing more important than investing in children and young people - and that must include making sure they get the sixth form places they deserve.

After all the stress and anxiety they have been through, young people deserve certainty and support. The Government should give them a clear guarantee: if you get the grades, you get the place.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey, spoke out about Goverment vaccine incentives for young people:

"This Government is all stick and no carrot when it comes to young people. Too many young people have been left out of education, let down on the climate, and now stand to lose out on a night out clubbing thanks to Boris Johnson.

Responding to the Government only giving NHS staff a 3% pay rise, Martin Wrigley, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Newton Abbot and Councillor for Dawlish, said:

"This is a slap in the face to NHS heroes who have put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe.

"This miserable amount will do nothing.

At SHDC's Executive meeting held last Thursday it was reported that the Council's waste collection contractor, FCC, has shown an improvement in its collection service.

Cllr John Birch says "At the height of its dismal performance it was being reported that FCC was missing up to 1600 household recycling collections each day. Following widespread public outrage and pressure from SHDC councillors at two lively council meetings FCC took immediate steps to improve its performance. The missed collections at the beginning of July were reduced to 200 per day. However, this is still not good enough as there shouldn't be any missed collections.

Responding to the news that the Government has planned to cut Pupil Premium funding by some £90million, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Newton Abbot and County Councillor for Dawlish commented:

"Liberal Democrats warned the government months ago that the most disadvantaged children would lose out on support because of the Government's shameful penny pinching.