2025: Week 12 - Tariffs, litter and GPs

This week sees the final week of Parliament before the Easter recess, and although I’ll miss the debates and committees in Westminster I’m looking forward to spending a couple of weeks at home and getting out and about in the constituency.

Donald Trump’s news - that Britain will be subject to 10% tariffs on UK exports to the USA and 25% tariffs on exports of cars -  shows that the Government needs now to strengthen our relationship with our European neighbours. 

We need to end this trade war now, and that means standing with our allies against Trump’s bullying. Despite being one of the US’ most longstanding allies, alongside the offer of watering down the tax on US tech billionaires, the UK have been rewarded with the same tariffs as Iran (and islands inhabited only by penguins!)

The Prime Minister should bring our Commonwealth and European partners together in a coalition of the willing against Trump’s tariffs.  If the Government gives in to Trump's threats, it will only encourage him to use the same bullying tactics again and again. We should also urgently negotiate a better trade deal with our European neighbours, with a goal of a new customs union by 2030, something the Lib Dems have been calling for.

Back in the constituency I attended a meeting with local GP practice managers where we discussed the issues and problems facing surgeries.  The rise in employer NI contributions is a real concern, as is the shortfall in funding required to ensure the future stability of GP surgeries.

Over the weekend I was pleased to be invited to join litter picking parties in both Teignmouth and Starcross. I was able to attend both, and thankfully the weather was on our side! It was a pleasure to help just a little bit to tidy up the local environment and it was so nice to spend time with people who are passionate about where they live and who are prepared to go above and beyond, making small changes that have a positive impact on the community. 

A few weeks ago, I tabled a question to the Department for Education asking the Government to confirm further funding for the Adoption and Special Guardian support fund.  This is a fund which can be used by local authorities and regional adoption agencies to pay for essential therapeutic services for eligible families. 

I am pleased to say that, after a campaign by the Lib Dems and an urgent question by Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson, the Government have announced that this will continue and have allocated £50 million for the fund for 2025/6.  The Minister for Children and Families regretted the delay in announcing this funding, recognising that families had been left “in limbo” whilst waiting for the confirmation, and she hoped that they would be opening applications to the fund as soon as possible.  A success for the Lib Dems, and we will continue to hold the Government to account.