Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats

Newcastle voted Remain at the referendum. In the two and a half years since then, debate has continued on the relative merits of possible withdrawal options. That we are still debating these derives from the huge complexity of Brexit, driven in part by the triggering of Article 50 too early, and the Prime Minister's decision to define unhelpful red lines equally early, John Lord Shipley, a Liberal Democrats peer, told the House of Lords during Monday's debate.

Liberal Democrats believe strongly that asylum seekers should be allowed to work while waiting for a decision on their application. It's good for the UK economy and it gives asylum seekers self respect and allows them to provide for their families. It would avoid destitution, isolation and exploitation.

The statement by the three local councils (reproduced in full below) is a massive political cop-out and an abject failure of political leadership on the issue of the dangers of the air quality on our Tyneside streets.

Cllr Greg Stone, who speaks on transport and air quality issues for the Liberal Democrats, said "Other cities are dealing with the same challenges and the likes of Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham are consulting on their clean air charging proposals for polluting diesel emissions, not making excuses. We recognise that the A1 Western Bypass needs a national Highways Agency approach, but Newcastle, Gateshead, and North Tyneside had the opportunity to set out by the end of last year how they proposed to reduce emissions on the local network without a clean air charging scheme and have failed to do so.

Gosforth councillors will be on Gosforth High Street on the first Saturday of every month, outside the Shopping Centre (look out for the umbrella and the sandwich board)

This is in addition to private Councillor surgeries which are advertised widely and regularly.

We look forward to seeing you to discuss issues of concern, or just to say hello!

Following approval by Liberal Democrats members across Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, John Appleby has been selected as the prospective candidate for the election of a Mayor of the new North of Tyne Combined Authority in May 2019.

"I am delighted to be selected to stand for this important new position," said John. "In an over-centralised country, devolution to regions is a welcome step towards putting decisions in the hands of those most affected by them.

Handy number to remember. Ring 105 for information if you have a power cut.

After pressure from Liberal Democrats Peers, the Government have today announced major concessions on the Tenant Fees Bill.

The amendments, if agreed by MPs, would significantly limit the fees that could be charged to a tenant by their landlord or lettings agent, require a greater amount of transparency when deciding not to refund a holding deposit, and limit the maximum security deposit a landlord can require to five weeks rent.

Responding to the Government amendments, Liberal Democrats Housing Spokesperson John Shipley (pictured) said:

"It is good to see the Government have listened to the concerns we raised during the progress of the Bill. These amendments will make a huge difference for tenants, who will save hundreds of pounds every year.

UK can unilaterally revoke Article 50

The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice has this morning confirmed that the UK can revoke Article 50 without EU approval. The case was brought forward by a cross-party group of politicians, including the Liberal Democrats.

Liberal Democrats have long said that we can get out of this Brexit mess if we chose to. As MPs begin to debate Theresa May's terrible deal, many will be reflecting on how it compares with the deal we've currently got. Ultimately the Government must give a final say through a People's Vote, with the option to remain in the EU.

Govt must publish Brexit legal advice

The House of Commons will today debate a cross-party contempt motion over the Government's refusal to fully publish the Brexit legal advice.

In an unprecedented move, this shows Parliament is finally taking back control from this chaotic Conservative Government. Taking back control was of course one of the things Leavers campaigned for (along with mythical money for the NHS) These political shenanigans suggest the Tories have something to hide. People deserve better, and the Liberal Democrats demand better.

MPs expect the publication of the full legal Brexit advice before the debates on the withdrawal deal begin. However, the best way to avoid a Brexit mess is with a People's Vote, including the option to remain in the EU.


Lib Dems back amendment to stop no deal Brexit

The Liberal Democrats have added their names to a cross-party amendment, originally put down by Hilary Benn, which would force the Conservative Government to take no-deal Brexit off the table and pave the way to a People's Vote.

The Liberal Democrats will work with MPs from all parties to get the country out of this mess. Given that the Conservative Government wholeheartedly accept that a no-deal Brexit will create chaos and mayhem, they must do the responsible thing and take No Deal off the table. This amendment paves the way to a People's Vote on Brexit, with an option to remain in the EU.

The Bank of England and the Treasury have concluded that Brexit - with or without a deal - will leave the UK poorer, less productive and with an economy smaller than if we had stayed in the European Union.

The Treasury assessment of Theresa May's deal assumes a rapid transition to a frictionless trade deal with the EU and other free trade arrangements with third-party countries, but the prospect of these negotiations happening quickly is wildly optimistic.