City of Wolverhampton Liberal Democrats

The theme of this year's International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is resisting, supporting and healing together.

Pre-pandemic there were reports that hate crimes were on the rise.

As we start to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, it perfectly encapsulates many of the needs of LGBT+ people in 2021.

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.

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

Please consider buying a ticket for our Summer Draw. The Draw will take place on 30^th June and the prizes include:

£1,200 Prize Cheque Just what you need to make Summer 2021 even more special!

6 bottles Prosecco What better way to celebrate summer than with a glass of Prosecco with friends!

it's a great way to raise funds for our local Wolverhampton Lib Dem party. For the second year all our major fundraising events have been cancelled and we don't get donations from the "chumocracy" or the Trade Unions. We rely on individuals like you to help fund our campaigns.

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 government has announced in the Queen's Speech that they will legislate to make it harder for millions of ordinary people to vote.

Demanding ID at the doors of every polling station is a solution in search of a problem. Voting is safe and secure in the UK, meaning this policy is just an unnecessary barrier to democratic participation. Ministers need to listen to these concerns and drop these costly plans.

The English local council elections on 6^th May used the First Past the Post voting system. Here are some examples of how it worked,

In Harlow, the Conservatives won 92% of the seats with 60% of the vote.

In Gateshead, Labour secured 47% of the vote but 79% of the seats .

In Nuneaton the Conservatives got 58% of the vote but 88% of the seats.

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

A lot of new house building is taking place in Ettingshall which is excellent news but David Murray asks, "Why are there no ammenities? There are no green spaces or children's play areas close to their homes where they can play in safety."

Off the top end of Ward Street only now, some years after most of the houses were built, is there work on a play area. But no space has been left in other areas which could be used for a safe play area.