The Community Ownership Fund was launched in 2021 to help community groups take ownership of assets that were at risk of being lost. It was originally due to close at the end of March this year, but last December, the Government suddenly shut the fund, despite it having only allocated £135m of the originally announced £150m. In the three years, the COF was in place, it saved thousands of cherished communities sites and helped community groups generate income, build financial

War and restrictions have triggered an “unprecedented collapse across the Palestinian economy…significantly undermining every pillar of survival…and plunging Gaza into a human-made abyss.” That is the assessment from a new report by the UN Trade and Development Agency, which estimates that rebuilding the Gaza strip will cost more than $70bn.   But even after reconstruction is complete, the effects on the Palestinian people could persist for generations. We know from WW2 how s

Today, I asked the Prime Minister if he would back a smartphone ban in schools. Given the Government’s desire to improve educational outcomes and the wellbeing of our children, you’d think it’d be a no brainer. But, to my deep disappointment, he refused. Instead, he argued that most schools already ban smartphones. That is not correct. While more than 90% of schools have some form of controls in place, research from the Policy Exchange found that only 11% of them are effectiv

South Devon is home to some fantastic small wine producers whose contribution goes far beyond the bottle. Their work supports local jobs, attracts tourism, and strengthens the wider hospitality sector across the area. They are a vital part of our local economy, and they deserve a tax system that reflects their realities and supports their ability to continue thriving. Yet, the Government’s duty changes do the opposite. By replacing a simple, stable system with 30 separate dut

In my capacity as Lib Dem Schools Spokesperson, I spoke in a parliamentary debate on SEND in Kent this week. It was interesting when preparing for the speech to see just how many historic similarities there are in SEND support and delivery in Kent and Devon. Like here, Kent Council has in the past struggled to deliver EHCPs in a timely manner, with just 13% given in the 20-week deadline in the year to March 24. Much like other local authorities, Kent has statutory duties to m

Sexual exploitation is being perpetrated on an industrial scale by pimping websites which currently enjoy total legal impunity.