A big thank you to everyone who voted for our candidates in last week's County Council elections, and to the numerous volunteers who helped to get our message out in these challenging times.

Not only did we re-elect Julian Brazil in Kingsbridge, but in South Brent and Yealmpton we achieved approximately a 20% swing and managed to overcome the incumbent (the only division in the South Hams to do this)

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.

A great team effort

We've had a huge set of elections in difficult circumstances. It was a massive combined effort of volunteers and staff, candidates and agents, helpers and donors, to get several hundred Liberal Democrats elected. Thank you to everyone who played their part in an impressive team effort.

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

From Chair of EastDevon Liberal Democrats

We have had reports that our LibDem campaign leaflets were not received everywhere. I am very concerned about ths and would like to investigate it further. Voters need details to be fully informed and to make their choices.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions placed by the government to keep the community safe, there were limits on what political parties could do in terms of campaigning. Given the fast changing nature of the virus and the needfor communitysafety, there were no guarantees that any restrictions would be lifted in time. At Christmas, and at Eid, the government had, at very short notice, imposed tighter restrictions on activity.

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.