What's in a Name?

We conducted a Survey recently on a proposed name change for Chinese Liberal Democrats. This initiative was partly spurred on by a rise in Sinophobia and Covid19 anti-racism against people of Chinese and East Asian appearance. Singaporeans and South Koreans alike have suffered race hate attacks under Covid19. We would like to reach out to represent and speak up for them too.

In addition, there has also been a move over the last decade, particularly amongst those working in the arts and media to identify themselves as "East and SE Asean", a term that has entered the lexicon.

Mohsin's May update

Many of us have been involved in helping with the elections this month - and there's been many successes for Lib Dems nationally. For the first time in over a decade the Lib Dems have seen a net gain in councillors nationally, as well as one more council group directly controlled by the Lib Dems, and two more losing power from the Tories. We've seen gains made from Labour in Sunderland, Liverpool, Hull, Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley - which shows that the Lib Dems can make clear gains in 'red wall' areas, but also shows the importance of ensuring our policies and messaging works across the country.We've also seen a few gains in BAME representation up and down the country - but there's still more to do!

Here's a rundown of the key Bills being proposed by the Government in the Queen's Speech

Sovereign Borders Bill

The bill changes asylum rules, including making claims inadmissible if the person has arrived in the UK "illegally". The government has closed the UK's resettlement schemes, meaning there are no safe and legal routes into the UK. Asylum seekers are being forced to enter the country illegally, then being punished for it, this is inhumane and unacceptable. We should welcome refugees fleeing war and/or persecution with compassion, not treat them like criminals and understand they don't have time to check their plans with the Home Secretary.

A great team effort

We've had a huge set of elections in difficult circumstances. It was a massive combined effort of volunteers and staff, candidates and agents, helpers and donors, to get several hundred Liberal Democrats elected. Thank you to everyone who played their part in an impressive team effort.

Eid marks the end of Ramadan - a holy month of prayer and personal reflection.

I'm sure it feels strange to celebrate again with Covid restrictions in place.

But despite the many challenges of the past year, I'm amazed at how we've pulled together as a country - making it clear that we are a nation of carers.

The Prime Minister has today confirmed an inquiry into their actions during the Coronavirus pandemic under the powers of the Inquiries Act 2005.

Lessons must be learnt from the mistakes that were made"

Ed Davey

This comes after Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey first called for a full inquiry into the Government's actions during the pandemic 13 months ago in April 2020

We must rebuild as a fairer, greener and more caring country in the aftermath of Covid.

Boris Johnson has utterly failed to deliver an ambitious programme

So it is crushingly disappointing that the Government's plans will fail on every account - still failing small businesses and the self-employed, still not rising properly to the climate challenge and still ignoring millions of people caring for loved ones at home.

The Tories headline policy of creating "freeports" to benefit apparently from "Brexit freedoms" looks as if it will be a damp squid as the Financial Times reports. The government has failed to include clauses in its new trade agreements to allow the freeports to benefit from these agreements. Apparently the agreements with 23 different countries, including Singapore, Norway and Switzerland, include clauses that specifically prohibit manufacturers from benefitting from the deals if they are located in a Freeport. Any exports from these freeports will be subjected to tariffs.

Liberal Democrat have had some great early wins:

• We made gains from Labour in Sunderland;
• We became the largest party on Stockport council;
• We held Orkney, re-electing Liam McArthur MSP;
• We made gains in Cambridgeshire, taking away the Conservative's majority.

Find out how to help the Lib Dems in the Chesham and Amersham by-election

Learn more

In the Lords we get to grips with the detail of the legislation and improve it; we take part in debates on a whole range of issues; and we question and hold to account government ministers.

For up-to-date information about the work of the Lib Dem group in the Lords, follow us on Twitter: @LibDemLords