Devon Liberal Democrats have called for teachers to be vaccinated against coronavirus after the government admitted schools were the epicentre of high community transmission.

Devon Lib Dems are calling for teachers to be vaccinated as part of category seven. This would make them a top priority after everyone working in the NHS and social care and those most at risk by virtue of their age, being clinically vulnerable or having an underlying health condition.

The pandemic brought out the kindness and strength of our communities. Volunteer groups sprang up across towns and villages to help others. We were offered practical help with shopping and collecting prescriptions. Food was delivered to those in need. Friendly voices called people who were alone and lonely. Just knowing that someone cares can help in difficult times.

In the early months of this pandemic, the Government's messaging was clear. 'Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.' And so it is once again. Monday's lockdown announcement, although belated, was absolutely right.

But why must we protect the NHS? So that it can continue to tackle COVID, but also, equally, so that the NHS can carry on its life-saving work in every other area.

Like you, I watched domestic terrorists and insurrectionists storm the US Capitol last night with a sense of horror and shock.

I watched with a sense of horror and shock

A symbol of democracy worldwide was shown to be fragile, vulnerable.

It is a stark reminder that will remain etched in our memories.

The chaotic incompetence of a government that declares schools safe on a Sunday, sends children back for a day and then closes them is the sort of thing that should be the domain of political fiction.

Sadly and tragically, it's the government we suffer from in Westminster. It is a reminder about how important it is that we recover as a party, and a spur to our efforts to ensure we do our part in defeating the Conservatives at the ballot box.

Our intervention comes amidst growing concern for safety in schools, including headteachers launching legal action to force ministers to reveal data behind the decision for some schools to reopen.

Time and time again, this Government has squandered opportunities to get ahead of the virus in schools.

The Conservatives have consistently failed to support such a measure, risking future trade deals that could permit the import of food that fails to meet the UK's high standards.

Farmers across the country are worried about their future

This puts significant pressure on British farmers.

Farmers across the country are worried about their future - they're worried that the UK will be flooded with poor quality food that undercuts the food they produce to high environmental and animal welfare standards.

Reports that the 25th amendment may be invoked to remove Donald Trump from office reaffirm what we already knew: Donald Trump is not and has never been fit to hold the office of President.

The scenes coming out of Washington last night were an attack on democracy, plain and simple. pic.twitter.com/U00CSBvS1e

- Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) January 7, 2021

Party Awards recognise publicly those who have given the party outstanding service and commitment in the past year. They are presented at Conference and each winner receives a trophy to keep.

You can watch last autumn's presentation ceremony here!

We present three awards at Spring Conference, and five at Autumn Conference. You can nominate someone by clicking here. The upcoming awards are:

Unpaid carers are doing a remarkable and important job in very difficult circumstances. They deserve our support.

But many carers are facing extreme financial hardship.

900,000 full-time unpaid carers rely on Carer's Allowance - but at just £67.25 a week, it's just not nearly enough.

In November, the Liberal Democrats launched a campaign calling on the UK Government to immediately raise Carer's Allowance by £1,000 a year, the same as the uplift in Universal Credit. To make this campaign a success, we need local parties up and down the country to make it part of their campaigns.