On May 20th, Boris Johnson declared that the UK would have a 'world-beating' coronavirus test, track and trace system in place by June 1st. Instead, four months later the UK is facing a testing crisis.

The British public are confronting the reality that we may be facing a second wave of coronavirus with a test and trace system that is just inadequate. It is unacceptable.

Essex Lib Dem PFCC candidate Callum Robertson revealed his shocked at victims of domestic abuse being reported to the Home Office Immigration as a result of reporting their experiences.

Earlier today, Robertson listened to workers at Essex domestic abuse charity Changing Pathways who told him that abuse victims were being detained in immigration centres after they disclosed their abuse to the Police.

Welcome to the Weekly Whip. Your one-stop shop for Lib Dem Parliamentary updates, covering the week that was and the week to come.

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Weekly Whip w/c 14th September

Monday 14th September

Monday's news was heavily dominated by the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill. MPs from across the House had already raised serious concerns last week when it was noted by a government official that the Bill would break international law in a "specific and limited way".

Every day Liberal Democrat councillors are working hard to help their communities across the country.

We understand that often the most meaningful change happens at a local level. That's why we have such a strong record in local and community politics.

We're so proud to have hardworking local councillors like Flick striving to deliver real change for people in their area. Thanks Flick!

Let me be clear about this: I am passionately pro-European.

I am proud that we stood by our pro-EU values throughout the Brexit process, giving voice to the millions of Remainers who didn't see themselves included in the future that Boris Johnson was trying to build.

I could not have predicted the almighty shambles that we are seeing now with Brexit.

Tonight, Jewish communities in the UK and around the world will mark Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year.

The Jewish High Holidays are a time of deep contemplation and self-reflection. They are an opportunity for all of us to look back on the past year as we set new goals for the future.

This year has been particularly challenging; we have all had to adjust to new ways of living, whilst grappling with economic uncertainty.

Our first ever full online conference is set to be one of our biggest ever. I'm so proud that we've been able to keep costs low for members to attend, plus no cost of travel, accommodation, or buying all your meals out.

With a more accessible, affordable, and flexible conference, more members than ever will be able to have their say and vote on some of the fantastic policy motions coming up at Autumn Conference.

I'm honoured to have been elected by my fellow MPs as Deputy Leader and I'm champing at the bit to get started.

Whilst Ed is touring the country listening to and reconnecting with voters, it's going to be my role to help build a campaigning machine that will get us winning again at every level.

It's going to be my role to help build a campaigning machine that will get us winning again at every level.

Today, Callum Robertson, the Liberal Democrat Candidate for Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner continued his listening tour of community organisations Essex with a virtual visit to the South Essex Citizens Advice Bureau.

Katherine, the CEO of the South Essex CAB branch, which covers Basildon, Brentwood, Thurrock, Rayleigh and Castle Point met with Callum Robertson to discuss how the Office of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex can best support the third sector in the delivery of frontline services.

Most readers will not have been following the upcoming police (fire) and crime commissioner elections which are due to occur in May 2021. Though given the lack of publicity around the elections and historical turnout levels, this isn't terribly surprising.

Police and crime commissioners first came into being in 2012. The first set of elections had a turnout of just 15.1 per cent, with the second elections in 2016 hitting the dizzy heights of a 26.6 per cent, although turnout was higher in areas with additional elections happening at the same time. With the next set of elections due in May 2021 alongside a bumper crop of other elections, the turnout should improve dramatically.