Under the current government, we have seen increasing inequality, high taxes, deteriorating schools, and a healthcare system in crisis.

Full statement

Teachers are demoralized, crimes like burglaries are going unchecked, prisons are overcrowded, roads and rivers are in a poor state, and housing is unaffordable. In York, house prices are over ten times the average salary, with rents rising 15% annually. The Conservative Party crashed the economy and is failing to protect public services and the environment.

Elections are about future visions, yet the Labour Party’s vision is uninspiring, offering continuity rather than change. They are planning to keep to Tory spending plans, ignoring the significant challenges our country faces. Our ageing population urgently needs social care reform, a challenge the Liberal Democrats are prepared to address with a fully costed plan, including better pay for care staff to free up resources for front-line NHS services.

The UK has the worst inequality in Europe. Policies like George Osborne’s cap on child benefits for two children have kept too many in poverty. Labour has no policy to address this. I think this is a disgrace and the Liberal Democrats will change this.

Brexit remains a significant issue, dragging down the economy and public trust. Economic growth is crucial, but the Tory Brexit deal has weakened the UK. Labour has no plan for closer ties with key trading partners. Post-COVID growth in the UK has lagged behind the EU. The economy is 4% smaller than it would be if the UK had stayed in the Customs Union and Single Market. A proposed youth mobility scheme with the EU was rejected by both major parties. I am advocating rejoining the customs union and single market to spur growth and allow us to fund public services.

Public trust in politics is at a historic low, eroded by events like Brexit and COVID-19. Reforming our political system and restoring trust is crucial, starting with fairer voting.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to both a change in government and how we are governed. I want to represent York Central and build a fairer and more prosperous society.