I am in the Chamber now, and there are emergency questions on the LNG project and the accident at Milford Haven. We are told that we should not stoke up fear on this, which is code for saying that we should all sit happily and support the development. I'm afraid I cannot do that. I have grave reservations about the project and its affect on Wales, not to mention the minimal benefits for Wales. Local people still feel that they have been pushed in to accepting the pipeline which is tearing our countryside apart. Until I am convinced that this is the best way forward for our communities, I will stand by my reservations.
Today I have again put on my Child poverty hat at the Assembly, and have questioned the First Minister over the future of prisons in Wales, specifically with regards young offenders. With only one secure children's home at Hillside Centre in Neath, high prison numbers mean that children are being placed further away from their families, and increasing the risk of self harm and suicide. Many are being placed in adult prisons, and approximately 84% of Welsh youth are incarcerated in England. I therefore called on the Minister to support the need for the devolution of criminal justice policy in Wales, and the power to create a Welsh Youth Justice Board whose main aim would be to reduce the child prison population, and that they are subsequently incarcerated in Wales.
I have also asked for a discussion at the Assembly on the Prenergy Biomass Power Station which is set to be erected in Port Talbot. Since the councils decision to give it the go ahead, new evidence has arisen with regards its health affect on the people who live in the surrounding area, and its carbon neutral credentials. I understand, of course, that it is necessary for us to look in to the development of new renewable industries, but there are grave concerns about the plant in Port Talbot. Carwyn Jones, who has taken charge over the business of the Assembly has informed me that he does not believe a debate on the floor of the Chamber will be possible, but I will indeed follow this issue through with the Environment Minister, Jane Davidson.
1 comment:
I must congratulate you and your team in raising safety issues and respecting warranted public anxiety over risks to life and property.
However, I am deeply concerned that someone in the Assembly is censoring what you should or should not say in respect of the LNG project.
I supect that you will be censored from answering this, but, I would really like to now despite me suspecting Carwyn Jones; who circulated you and told you that you "should not stoke up fear on this."
It is no secret that the above named Assembly Member is trying to put the lid tightly sealed on this LNG project. He is fully aware of the dangers associated with this experimental project but will not allow this information to be given a public airing.
Meirion Bowen, Ammanford
Post a Comment