My blog comes to an end...

Well, all I'm doing is moving really. Don't get too disappointed yet!
I'm moving to http://www.bethanjenkinsblog.org.uk/. I thought I'd create a new look ( well, with a little help from my friend at Webs Wonder Design) Please go there in future if you want to read my blog or take part in any discussions.

For those of you with blogs that have links to me already, or new ones that wish to link to me, please could you change the link?
Also, sorry to those of you who have commented recently, but my new blog does not show them.

In case bloggers complain that they do not see their blog on the link list, every time you refresh my blog, a differing list of blogs and websites come up. This was so as not to have a really long list of blogs on the side bar. So you are all still there, do not fret.

I've done over 500 blogs on this blog, so its a sad goodbye, but I'm looking forward to future discussions over at my new blog spot...

.....................................................

Wel yr oll rwy'n neud yw symud, rili. Paid a cholli gobaith eto. Rwy'n symud i http://www.bethanjenkinsblog.org.uk/ O'n i'n meddwl o'dd e'n hen bryd i mi greu blog newydd, trawiadol ( wel, gyda help fy ffrind yn Webs Wonder Design wrth gwrs!) Plis ewch fan na yn y dyfodol os ydych am ddarllen fy mlog diweddara, ac os ydych am gyfrannu i'r drafodaeth.

I'r rheiny ohonoch sydd a chyswllt i'm blog yn barod, byddech chi cystal a newid y linc ar eich blogiau? Diolch mawr.

Hefyd, ymddiheuriadau i bawb sydd wedi cyfrannu sylwad i'm blog yn ddiweddar, am nad oes modd i mi drosglwyddo'r cyfraniadau i'r blog newydd.

Rhag bod blogwyr yn cwyno nad oes gen i linc rhagor i'w blogs unigol, peidiwch a phoeni. Mae nhw oll yno, ond mae cysylltiadau i blogs wahanol yn newid bob tro rydych yn gwasgu 'refresh' ar y blog. Fe wnes i hwn er mwyn peidio cael rhestr hirfaeth o flogs ar hyd ochr y blog newydd.

Dwi wedi neud dros 500 o flogs nawr ar y blog penodol hwn, felly fe ddywedaf hwyl fawr trist, ond edrychaf ymlaen at lu o drafodaethau newydd ar y blog arall....

Boris to rescue 'The Valleys'?

I am far from convinced by the idea floated by the Institute for Welsh Affairs of an elected Mayor for 'The Valleys'. It sounds like an idea from somebody who doesn't live in South Wales
(oh, it is!) It also sounds quite patronizing, and quite frankly if I should be excited about praising the system which elected Boris Johnson as Mayor of London then there is something seriously wrong! As Valleys Mam says in her impassioned blog on this issue, there are schemes to re- energise said communities already in place. Would a Boris-esque hero save 'The Valleys' from destruction and doom?

The whole point of devolution is to bring politics closer to the people. I certainly don't believe that another tier of government in the form of a Mayor is the answer to the question in relation to the development of the South Wales communities that are mentioned in the report.

And while we're on the subject, where do you actually stop when you talk about 'The Valleys'? There's been arguments over many a year now within valleys communities themselves about who are the real valleys communities (Yes, its true) Do we really want to open up that debate again?! ( I think of the old Aberdare, Rhondda hatred for one which stems from the Miners strikes.)

The fact that the report was launched in Cardiff says it all, really. It would also help if the Westminster government stopped their centralisation agenda of closing HMRC offices that provide key jobs for people in the South Wales area, stop closing Job Centre offices and moving all the positions to Cardiff, and stop actively working against the Welsh Assembly Government's agenda of seeking to devolve key offices to areas such as Merthyr Tydfil.

Let the debate continue.

I'm back again..

Notoriously, I haven't blogged in a while. Perhaps because I've been more busy than usual. Recess has portrayed this negative image of politicians holidaying- but only in camper vans or tents over Wales, mind. We don't do flying any more, at least those of use who a( hate flying ( that's me for the record. Since my car crash I am awful on a plane. or b) are trying to show off about their environmental credentials ...or c) like me( again) haven't actually taken any holiday at all.

I have been dealing mainly with issues that constituents have raised with me in the past few weeks, and taking the opportunity to visit more organisations in my region, like the Port Talbot Tigers football team- a team of people wanting to encourage those from ethnic minorities in the area to take part in a team sport, and to integrate with the wider community.

I've also visited People's First Neath Port Talbot who provide advocacy services for people with learning disabilities, and who are hoping to develop a transition service for those who are aged between 16-18 years of age, as well as visiting Sarn Residents Association to see the work that they are carrying out in the community.

I love what I do for the reason that I can visit so many differing organisations and people, and help them in achieving their goals. So many people have negative images of politicians, but from the community groups I've visited, and the constituents who place their faith in me to help them, I feel a huge responsibility to assist them, and not to let them down.

In that sense, I am a servant to them- to help them and to reassure them that we can try and progress their case, their grant application, their appeal process and so on. So when I sit down at night, I can relax in the knowledge that there are people out there who appreciate me, and the help that I give them. That one letter will put a look of relief on their faces, that a mention in plenary will bring the issue closer to their goal, and that one meeting with a Minister will further their agenda. This is what its all about. Its not about petty political point scoring or stupid gossiping. Its about making people realise that they can put their trust in politicians, and that we will fight for them until the end, no matter what.

I'm off to the Eisteddfod tomorrow. I hope I have a productive day!

Welsh women bloggers please stand up.

Everyone is starting to talk about who has the most political bloggers- is it Plaid, lib dems etc (its certainly not Labour in Wales that's for sure, although Labour are excellent at providing plenty of anonymous comments...)

Nevertheless, my plea is for more Welsh women to blog about Welsh politics. From scanning welshblogindex.blogspot.com I can only identify seven women bloggers- Betsan Powys, Miss Wagstaff, Heledd Fychan, Leanne Wood AM, Jill Evans MEP, Valleys Mam, and me. If there are more then let me know. Perhaps some of the other bloggers with pseudonyms are women, but I don't think they are. Jane Davidson AM started a blog on her myspace page before the election but that has fallen by the wayside, and some of the other women candidates for the National Assembly stopped blogging very soon after the May result.

It would give a different angle on the blogosphere if more women decided to blog, but I think many are put off by the mainly male orientated vibe that the blogosphere exudes. The remarks which are left in some of the comment boxes of various blogs are sexist on occasions- one comment talked about the weight of female politicians in a negative way, for example. Yes, I know that you will say that we should take it with a pinch of salt- and believe me I do, otherwise I would never blog again, but there has to be a positive way in which we can attract more women to the world of the blogs. In other fields of interest, women have embraced the blogosphere (often to the detriment of their personal lives) but here in Wales the phenomenon hasn't really taken off.

Considering that there are so many female politicians at the Assembly we should encourage a campaign to get more women blogging and contributing to the debate online. Only then can we rival Glyn Davies's infamous wet t-shirt competition blog entry a while back...

The future of the Wales Office. Need it all be so negative?

I have to admit that I don't particularly see eye to eye with Elfyn Llwyd's analysis as to why the Wales Office should not be reformed under new constitutional changes by Gordon Brown- i.e that "it would slow down the democratic process and hinder the work being done on LCOs [legislative competence orders]' and that ' it would be foolish to take this step at this moment in time. '

The Westminster Government has plans to introduce a new super department for the UK's nations and regions. Whether Wales is classed as a region in this instance I'm not so sure, but the main thrust behind this particular change is the argument that it would serve to benefit devolution, not undermine it. I haven't seen the plans in full, but I would tend to agree with Peter Black AMs analysis ( there's a first!) in that the main concern lies with the status of any new super department, and the need for Wales to be fully represented in such a department. To do away with the current system of having a dedicated Secretary of State for Wales would be insufficient without taking this into account.

I am more flexible about changes to the Wales Office as I believe that it must evolve as devolution progresses. To leave it as it stands would be in denial of the system that we have in place at the moment, and the development of the Welsh Assembly to date. Of course, as I have said on so many occasions that I am now becoming bored of myself, the current LCO system was created by Labour for Labour, and the veto by the Secretary of State on new legislation brought forward by AMs still stands. I would be much more supportive of any ideas to change the make up of the Wales Office if Gordon Brown and his advisers scrapped this injustice, and gave the Assembly more flexibility to govern without strict caveats to power here in Wales.

The sooner we get a Parliament for Wales the less we will have to worry ourselves with the workings of the Wales Office. In my opinion, an office that combines the work of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland could be given the flexibility to be more progressive in that it may encourage those in the department to share cross border ideas on legislation, and encourage greater communication between the Celtic Nations.

We shall wait and see what comes of this idea.

Top Ten blogs

In early September TOTAL POLITICS, in association with APCO WORLDWIDE will publish the 2008-9 Guide to Political Blogging in the UK. It will contain articles on blogging by some of Britain's leading bloggers, together with a directory of UK political blogs, and a series of Top 20s and Top 10s. The book will be available at the Green Party, TUC, Labour, LibDem and Tory Conferences, where TOTAL POLITICS will have exhibition stands.They're asking for your votes to decide the Top 100 UK Political Blogs.

Simply email your Top Ten (ranked from 1 to 10) to toptenblogs@totalpolitics.com. If you have a blog, please encourage your readers to do the same. Iain Dale will then compile the Top 100 from those that you send in. Just order them from 1 to 10. Your top blog gets 10 points and your tenth gets 1 point.The deadline for submitting your Top 10 is Friday August 15th. Please type Top 10 in the subject line. Or you can of course leave your Top 10 in the Comments on Iain's post.Once all the entries are in a lucky dip draw will take place and the winner will be sent £100 worth of political books!

The rules are simple:
1. Please only vote once
2. Only blogs based in the UK, run by UK residents are eligible or based on UK politics are eligible
3. Votes must be cast before Friday 15 August
4. Blogs chosen must be listed in the Total Politics Blog Directory.
5. You must send a list of TEN blogs, ranked. Any entry containing fewer than ten blogs will not count.
6. Anonymous votes left in the comments will not count. You must give a name

So, once again, the email address to send your TOP TEN BLOGS to is...toptenblogs@totalpolitics.com

-this has been taken from Ordovicius's blog. Feel free to vote for me aswell!!

Scotland follows our lead- for a change!

I hope you can take time to read this article that I wrote, that was printed in today's health section of the Western Mail with regards to the treatment of eating disorders in Wales. If you want to join the cross party group, then just get in touch, or if you are on Facebook please join us for discussion there.

I also received a link from a member of the cross party group of a debate on eating disorders that took place this March at the Scottish Parliament- praising our action here in Wales on eating disorders. Well, it makes a change to Wales following Scotland all the time! A Tory MSP, Mary Scanlon was singing our praises, although I gather from her speech that she believes the cross party group to be a government led initiative. There's pressure on us now to perform as a committee, which of course we will do!

Here is the quote:

"Whereas there has been a lack of action—or insufficient action—on the issue in Scotland, the Welsh Assembly has taken dramatic and decisive action to combat eating disorders. It established a cross-party committee on the issue to compile a comprehensive analysis of eating disorders in Wales, including recommendations from the NHS in Wales on provision and support for patients and their families. The committee has managed to raise awareness of eating disorders across Wales and has called for proactive campaigns that specifically target young women in schools and universities. It has also promoted the need for increased training in the health sector to equip front-line staff with the skills to identify and to deal effectively and efficiently with patients suffering from eating disorders."

I am pleased that we are progressing on this issue here in Wales, especially following a meeting that a delegation of the group had with the Health Minister, Edwina Hart AM lately. There's still much to be done, but we have recess to continue the work ( some of us are not taking 9 weeks holiday, I'll have you know. We are working very hard in our constituencies, as some journalists such as Matt Withers needs to know.....;-)) and to follow up any issues in the next cross party group in the new term. B-eat Cymru will be launched in October also, which will also be an exciting time for those working in the sector, and for those suffering from an eating disorder in Wales.

Cameron at Builth

SNP win in Glasgow East!

A huge congratulations to the SNP for winning the by election in Glasgow East, and to the newly elected MP John Mason.It truly is a massive success for the SNP, and a big blow for Gordon Brown.

I bet he's regretting not holding that General election when Labour looked better in the polls!The SNP are unstoppable at the moment. Independence could be a closer reality than we think. Let's hope Plaid can emulate their success here in Wales.

I've heard from Plaid colleagues who were in Builth yesterday that Cameron refused to commit the Tories to a referendum on a Parliament for Wales. If he's going to visit Wales he should be ready to answer such questions- and answer them directly. Nick Bourne is out of the country at the moment I understand(is this why Cameron visited when he did?) I bet he won't be very pleased to return to Wales, only to understand that his colleagues are flip flopping yet again on the question of devolution.But after all, Cameron is the leader of the Tories, so we shouldn't be surprised with the divergence of opinion.

Miserable Welsh MPs

It doesn't surprise me one bit that Labour MPs are today moaning about the amount of LCOs that we are asking the Welsh Affairs Committee at Westminster to scrutinise.

David Cornock reports that they have sent a memo to Paul Murphy requesting that we limit what we do to 5 LCOs a year, and that the LCOs are not so broad( specifically referring to the ensuing Welsh Language LCO, no doubt). The cheek! Surely if more of them attended the meetings in the first place they could catch up with the efforts that we put into legislation at the Assembly?

We work really hard on any of the legislation proposals coming forward- I know this from sitting on the Mental Health LCO committee.

Stop complaining, stop trying to get out of doing the work, and get on with it is my message to Labour MPs. After all, it is your system to defend. If you don't like it,then campaign with us for a Parliament so that we can do all the work in Wales.There will be nothing to complain about then....

A trip to Builth and back.

I haven't blogged in a few days sorry ( if anyone noticed or cared) In the meantime, while I have been away from the blogosphere, you may know that Plaid has a new Heritage Minister. I can tell you one thing for certain, he won't be frequenting any of the Cardiff Bay pubs in a hurry- neither will most AMs if they want to make sure that they won't be in the press for all the wrong reasons the next morning...Anyway, I digress.

I was in Builth today- we held a petitions committee meeting at the show, where we took evidence from Cymdeithas yr Iaith regarding the funding of a Welsh language newspaper, and those who are opposed to the closure of Wyeside Arts Centre. The meeting went well all in all, but it didn't help that our meeting took place right opposite the young farmers stage, where our proceedings were nearly drowned out by karaoke- esque singers blasting out old favourites! At one stage I thought it would be easier if we just gave up and joined in singing and dancing to the can can, but that would have just looked absurd;-)

I took a look around the showground as well while I was there, although I have to admit that I frequented the craft and food stalls more than I did the areas where they were displaying various tractors and diggers, not to mention special comfort mats for cows! The place was packed, although I did take issue with the massive McDonald's stand which proudly displayed a fruit stall as if trying to trick us into believing that they are some sort of up market, locally producing food company! Hmmmm. I don't think so somehow. That's my lot for Builth this year, but I'll be popping in to the Eisteddfod in a week's time.

In other news, things seem to be looking good for the SNP in the Glasgow East by-election. Some commentators are saying that a loss for Labour could force Brown out as PM. I'm not so sure myself, as this was said of Crewe and Nantwich etc, but considering that this is in Brown's back yard, ( when he isn't at 10 Downing street entertaining the likes of Thatcher, that is) and that it is a clear Labour stronghold, to lose this seat would be a massive loss to Scottish Labour. Some of my fellow Plaid colleagues have been up there helping out.. the SNP. I only hope that they will return the favour when we need support in the future. The SNP would no doubt be very pleased to win this seat. It would definitely show a confidence in the SNP government, and signal a change in perception amongst voters in the area.

The Tories have let rip about civil servants bonuses today also. I wouldn't mind them taking the moral high ground so much if they weren't hypocritical in taking the pay rise for AMs that many of us refused to take at the time when public sector workers were being squeezed. So its one rule for civil servants, another for the Tories? Typical.

The Iron Lady

Iron Lady

Pieces of coal scrabbled from a heap
she flattened into so much dust;
but the one wheel proved her wrong,
every spoke a miner's arm.

Wind through the hall windows
and trees grew as once orators:
door open to clouds, a child's mouth
she parched like a collier's.

by Mike Jenkins

petitions committee celebrates its first year

Its been a busy few days for me, and now I have time to sit down and blog. I was privileged that Huw Lewis responded so quickly to my blog on his comments on devolution. I have read his article on this issue, but I based my blog on the general BBC story to clarify to all. I'm pleased that Huw is so passionate about devolution, and that he has emphasised his commitment to the process. I need never attack him again on this matter.

Yesterday a delegation of the cross party group on eating disorders met with Edwina Hart to discuss the future strategy for eating disorders in Wales. I will expand on developments in due course, but I can say that it was a very productive meeting, and we all came out with smiles on our faces! Sarah Aldritt, a young woman who is recovering from an eating disorder came to the meeting also, and put forward her opinions to the Minister regarding the lack of access to Dietitians in Wales, and a carer- Martin Ball also came along to provide the Minister with a valuable insight in to his experiences caring for a daughter with an eating disorder. Health professionals were also present, and could obviously provide the Minister with expert knowledge of what is happening in the Trusts and LHBs ( if anything) regarding the treatment of eating disorders in Wales.

Yesterday I also attended the launch of the AMs photo display at the Senedd. Many AMs took part, and the photos are there are week at the Senedd for you to look at. I took pictures around the theme of the 'Iron Lady'. I'll post them here for you to look at!

I also took part in a petitions committee event last night to mark a year since the establishment of the petitions committee. It was a hugely successful event, and Andy Williamson from the Hansard society chaired a panel debate about the petitions system, and how we are developing it here in Wales. We have had over 100 petitions now, and the committee is going from strength to strength.

Today I attended the Unison/Unite public sector pay rally at The Point in Cardiff Bay. I'm hoping to go and meet those who are on strike at the Bridgend picket line tomorrow. Its an issue that is totally unacceptable. When MPs can award themselves hefty pay rises and such, its unacceptable that those in the public sector are not been rewarded the pay rise they deserve. London Labour undermining the workers in the public sector again. No surprises there.

Unionist Labour hit out at devolution...again.

Huw Lewis AM has today questioned what the All Wales Convention can achieve, and has said that despite the fact that it is now taking place, many in his own party have questioned the need for it. Is this because you believe that we should by-pass the referendum system and have full law-making powers in Wales like they have in Scotland, Huw? Hardly... Unionists in Labour like Huw Lewis cannot stop themselves making negative statements when we are trying to ensure, through the One Wales Government, that this process is a success.

But Huw is currently putting forward legislation regarding the regulation of public transport in Wales, so this cannot put him in the devo-sceptic camp, I here you cry! However, when he states that Wales is potentially 'putting the cart before the horse" in seeking more powers, it only goes to show that the Unionist in him is alive and well.

Now remember, if it wasn't for the devo sceptics in the Labour party that they accommodated in the Government of Wales Act, we would never have had such a hotch potch, complicated, laughable system. The Richard Commisssion's recommendations could have been implemented without a second thought. But Richard isn't the reality we see before us, so we must move on as best we can from the situation we are in.

We want the powers to legislate for the people of Wales, to be made by the people of Wales, in Wales. We shouldn't have to justify why we want those powers, especially not at this stage in the devolution process. It is only natural that a country should want to govern itself, and to refrain from going cap in hand to a far removed London Government. Its high time the Unionists in Labour realised that they need devolution more than devolution needs them, and get on with the job of making it work.

Perhaps this is a Labour leadership attempt at underimining the One Wales government, but I'd rather they kept their misgivings to the internal workings of the Labour party, quite frankly. After all, there is an ongoing review of grassroots Labour party activity. I'm sure Huw Lewis and others could whip up some energy in those forums as opposed to parading their misgivings like this, and undermining the goverment that they are part of here at the National Assembly.

Office launch and other such interesting information.

I don't have much tolerance to blog today unfortunately. Its been a busy week, and next week looks even busier from what I see in my diary- but luckily we have recess on the 21st of July so I have more time to spend here in Neath, and around the region. Last night I opened my office 'officially' and hosted a party for members. My office has been open a while, but we've had a lot of work done to it as the rooms upstairs were a little run down! Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing delivered an inspiring speech about Plaid in government, and we later had some musical entertainment from two young people from Neath who are members of the National Youth Choir of Wales. Everyone was in good humour, knowing that summer is on its way ( whether the nice weather will follow suit is anyone's guess!)

I also took part in a panel debate with new Sabbatical Officers in an NUS training day alongside Andrew R T Davies AM, Kirsty Williams, and Alun Davies yesterday. I enjoyed taking part in the discussion, but was a little disappointed that some of the panel members decided to talk the Assembly down to young leaders. I want to be able to inspire young people to get involved in politics, not put them off by saying that chamber debates are boring! Anyway, I'm sure the NUS will have enough to keep them busy on the campaign front in the near future, especially with the changes in FE, the student finance review and the Welsh language education strategy. Good luck to them!

Have a nice weekend all.

Did Kirsty want the Rainbow after all?

Kirsty Williams got a bit touchy in a debate yesterday when Alun Ffred Jones AM questioned the effectiveness of the Liberal Democrats in Wales. It looks from the quote below from the chamber debate that Kirsty did in fact regret her stance in opposing the Tory coalition last year after all! But now she is happy to be in opposition. Of course she is pleased with this - no responsibilites, no obligation to deliver, no alternative policy suggestions. If she becomes leader of the Lib dems in Wales, she will have more opportunities to shout from the sidelines. Oh to be a Lib dem AM...

Kirsty Williams: I am grateful for the mention in your speech( to Alun Ffred Jones). There have been times over the past 12 months when the performance of this Government has led me to doubt what I voted for in that executive meeting last year. I have thought that I may have got it wrong, having seeing what you have done over the last 12 months, but then I realise that, had I voted the other way, I would not have been looking at Ieuan Wyn Jones as the Deputy First Minister, but he would have been First Minister, and then I do not feel quite so bad.

Don tries to gatecrash One Wales celebrations

Don Touhig's comments on the One Wales Government, specifically his view that Plaid are 'runnning rings around Labour' will not go unnoticed on the blogosphere today, especially not by Plaid bloggers! I read the story on the BBC website, and went straight over to Normal Mouth's blog. Normal Mouth's attempts to brush off Plaid's influence on government made me smile, especially as only seconds ago I read the way in which a leading Labour MP believes that
' They've ( Plaid) exploited their position in the assembly very well to make sure that the people believe that advances and changes and benefits to Wales are coming from them and not from the Labour Party.
"We're too dull, we haven't done that."

Comments such as this, along with the leaked Labour document on the dwindling grassroots support for the party will be worrying for the Labour leadership, and for any potential leadership hopeful. As Helen Mary Jones hints at in the article, it seems that instead of Don and the like accepting and embracing this coalition for what it is, they are childishly trying to undermine it at every cost.

Again, the Westminster v Assembly agenda goes in to overdrive. It is clear that the Unionists in the Labour party are in a very weak position at the moment, and that they are scrabbling to find a strategy to undermine a coalition which is working well, which is offering stability, and which is implementing progressive policies- merely in order to highlight their own personal misgivings a year on. Even some of the Labour AMs who were pessimistic about the Labour-Plaid deal have come on board, and recognised that the coalition is offering a new dynamic to Welsh politics. Yet the same Labour Unionists clamour for negative press coverage on the coalition, knowing that this is the only way they will make the headlines. Surely they have better things to do than to undermine the work of their own colleagues in Wales?

I believe that the coalition with Plaid has teased out many of the radical elements in Labour that were there in previous administrations, but which they felt ( for reasons I do not know) could not be explored further in the context in which they governed at the time. Plaid in government alongside them has provided them with a degree of flexibility to implement new ideas, and to approach policy in a fresh light. Plaid in government alone has started the long awaited shake up of the civil service, who are being told to understand that the Ministers make the policy- not the other way around! I don't need to list the things that we have done in government here, but what I will say is that this coalition has ensured that it looks highly unlikely that Wales will return to a one party majority administration- ensuring that governments do not become complacent and take voters for granted.

The fact that the Labour party are assessing their internal situation is, I believe, as a result of this government in the Bay- a realisation that they must ensure that what they are seeking to achieve on a One Wales government level is reflected in the party membership. This positivity on a National level should feed down to the grassroots level, as opposed to Labour maintaining a parochial, Nationalist hater stance at all costs.

I look forward to the next few years of Plaid being in government. Obviously we will make mistakes, that is the nature of being a party of government. Obviously there will be decisions made that I and others will not agree with, but this is historical for Plaid- to be in government for the very first time, and I won't let the likes of Don ruin that for me or my party.

Barnett review group members announced

PR on the Barnett Review

CHAIR OF COMMISSION ON
FUNDING AND FINANCE ANNOUNCED

One of the UK’s most respected investment fund managers and economists has been appointed to chair the Assembly Government’s Commission on Funding and Finance. Aberdare-born Gerald Holtham, will chair the Commission which, in the first instance, will examine the present allocation of public expenditure to the Welsh Assembly Government through the Barnett Formula.

The appointment was announced today by First Minister Rhodri Morgan in a special media briefing with Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones to mark the first anniversary of the signing of the One Wales agreement. The review of funding and finance is a One Wales commitment and the appointment marks a significant milestone for the Assembly Government.

The First Minister hailed the appointment as a major coup for Wales. He said: “There are few people as qualified to lead this review as Gerald Holtham who is one of the UK leading financial experts and a passionate Welshman. He already serves on Economic Research Advisory Panel (ERAP) which advises the Assembly Government on economic research and provides evidence for public policy making. His appointment marks a significant step forward in delivering one of our key One Wales commitments.”

Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones said, “In the One Wales programme of Government both Labour and Plaid Cymru agree that the Welsh Assembly Government should receive “a fair allocation of funding so that people across the nation can see enduring differences and real outcomes. This Commission is an important step forward in reaching our aims and I wish Gerald Holtham well with this important work”.

Gerald Holtham said: “Reviewing the current funding formula is an exciting and challenging task but very worthwhile. I look forward to work starting in earnest in September when other panel members are appointed.”

The tasks set for the Commission on Funding and Finance are in the first phase to review the Barnett Formula, before looking to broaden its work in phase 2 to consider other issues including tax varying powers and borrowing powers. There is also a requirement to develop a thorough and robust evidence base to ensure a well informed debate on the issues.

The Commission will:
look at the pros and cons of the present formula-based approach to the distribution of public expenditure resources to the Welsh Assembly Government; and
identify possible alternative funding mechanisms including the scope for the Welsh Assembly Government to have tax varying powers as well as greater powers to borrow.

The Commission will be a small expert panel. It is expected to begin work in September and report back to Ministers with an interim report on Phase 1 of the work by the summer of 2009. The interim report would be published and debated in the Assembly prior to undertaking more detailed work towards the end of the year.

It is expected that the Commission’s work will run in parallel with the Calman Commission in Scotland and that both Commissions would be able to liaise over their respective work programmes and, where relevant and appropriate, share research papers.

Note to Editors:

Gerald Holtham is current Director of Cadwyn Capital LLP, a Director of the Institute of Welsh Affairs and a visiting professor at Cardiff Business School where he is co-director of the Investment Management Research Unit. He has wide experience of conducting and applying economic research on a range of public policy issues and was previously the Chief Investment Officer of Morley Fund Management – one of the largest active fund managers in the UK. He was Director of the Institute of Public Policy Research and was a member of the OECD for 10 years where he was Head of the General Economics Division. He was also Chief Economist at Lehman Brothers and an ex-fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford. He is a member of Glas Cymru and serves on the Welsh Assembly Government’s Economic Research Advisory Panel (ERAP). He was born in Aberdare and divides his time between his homes in London and Nantymoel.

Post Office Ltd- London Labour's scapegoats

On Saturday I spoke at a public meeting against the closure of Neath Abbey Post Office. Representatives from Post Watch and Post Office Ltd were present. There was a good turnout of local people, who had obvious concerns about the possible closure of a Post Office that they use on a regular basis, and which elderly people find to be much more accessible than the Skewen or Neath central Post Office service. What was frustrating about the meeting was the continued emphasis by Post Office Ltd that they could not be 'political', and that they were merely acting on the Westminster Government's wishes to close 2,500 Post Offices.

It is phenomenal how the Labour Government at Westminster are trying to shrug off any responsibility with regards to the closure programme by allowing the Post Office Ltd to front such public meetings. They are effectively forcing them to take the flack for their own political decision, and making them stand up as scapegoats by the likes of Peter Hain MP who voted in favour of the closures from the outset.

I think that government Ministers, and Labour MPs that voted the way they did should take responsibility for their actions, and partake in such meetings from a government perspective instead of the Post Office Ltd, so that they can tell people exactly what is happening. How are Labour MPs across the country allowed to get away with organising their own public meetings in the guise of supporting communities and retaining their Post Offices, when they are the very people that facilitiated the process by which the Post Offices are diminishing?

How are they then allowed to stop other political parties from airing their opinions at such meetings, (as happened at the meeting in Aberdulais) who are merely seeking to emphasise that it is the Labour Government in London that is making this decision, that it is they who are actively taking government services away from the Post Office?

Is it any wonder that people lose faith in the political process? People are not naive, they can see how hypocritical Labour MPs are in this regard. If MPs care so much about eradicating poverty and developing their communities, why did they not put up a fight when it mattered- when they were voting on this issue? Crying crocodile tears now will not fool the public. Peter Hain should know that more than anybody.

Plaid One in Government One Year on.

Press statement on the Convention

MEMBERS OF ALL WALES CONVENTION ANNOUNCED
THE members of the All Wales Convention Executive Committee were announced today by First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones.

“We have been seeking a cross section of Welsh life and Welsh opinion who can tap into the views of ordinary Welsh people. I believe we have achieved that balance,” said the First Minister.
“I am confident that with the skilful chairing of Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the committee will gel as a group, get around all parts of Wales and ask the big questions about a referendum and what the ordinary people of Wales need to know about the key issues.”

The Deputy First Minister said: “I’m delighted that we have succeeded in attracting people of a high calibre from all corners of Wales to serve on the Convention.

“These people have a vital job to do in creating a debate across the country on the future governance of our nation. They will assess the levels of support for devolving law-making powers to our National Assembly in line with the commitment made by this Government in the One Wales agreement. I look forward to hearing their conclusions next year.”

Setting up the All Wales Convention is an Assembly Government One Wales commitment.
The coalition partners are committed to campaign for a successful outcome to a referendum once it is called under the terms of the Government of Wales Act 2006.

The Executive Committee has 16 members, plus the Chairman, former British Ambassador to the United Nations Sir Emyr Jones Parry, and is made up as follows:

Four members of the public appointed through an open competition process.
Eight appointed from nominations received from key Welsh organisations.

Four members nominated by the main political parties..
Appointed through open competition

Joan Asby of Narberth, Pembrokeshire: Joan has 30 years experience of supporting community engagement in local regeneration. She is the Chief Officer of PLANED, (Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Enterprise and Development). She has served on the Welsh Assembly Governments’ Rural Partnership for Wales, its Social Enterprise Joint Working Group and 2020 Stakeholder Group. She was a founder member and Chair of her local community centre, Bloomfield House, Narberth and of Wales Rural Forum.

Nicholas Bennett of Cardiff: Nick was born in St Asaph, brought up on Anglesey and educated at Aberystwyth University. He is a member of the OFCOM Advisory Panel for Wales and is a member of the Welsh Language Board and of Glas Cymru. Nick was appointed Chief Executive of Community Housing Cymru in 2006 and has been a founding executive director of both an economic development consultancy and public affairs agency. Nick has recently attended the JFK Executive Education programme “Innovations in Governance” at Harvard University.

Sally Hyman of Baglan, Port Talbot: Sally is the former Headteacher of Bedwellty Comprehensive School. Now retired, she is Chair of RSPCA Cymru and Llys Nini animal centre. She is also involved in voluntary community initiatives including the Guides and works with other groups and charities including Environmental Wales and Shaw Trust.

Shereen Williams of Newport: Shereen is a recent migrant to Wales and represents a part of the mosaic of Wales’ communities. As Director of the Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisation in Wales, she works with various faith and racial groups and supports Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities. Shereen is currently carrying out research on disabled communities in Wales.

Organisations

Faith Forum: Aled Edwards has had a career with the Church since 1979. He is currently employed as the Chief Executive Officer of CYTUN and is to be received as a member of the Gorsedd of the Bards at this year's National Eisteddfod in Cardiff. He is a member of the National Assembly for Wales Faith Forum, Chair of Displaced People in Action (Refugee Charity) and a member of the Wales Committee of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. He wasa born in Trawsfynydd and went to school in Blaenau Ffestiniog. He now lives in Pontypridd.

Funky Dragon: Laura Hayes is a member of Funky Dragon representing Rhondda Cynon Taff Youth Council. Laura has finished her A Levels and is hoping to go to University next year. She has been active in achieving her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and as a school councillor, achieving an OCN in Effective Communication and Listening. She lives in Gilfach Goch.
Wales CBI. Harry Ludgate is the Wales CBI representative and is currently employed by the Dow Corning Corporation as a consultant. He has worked for the organisation for many years as Chief Information and Corporate Vice President, and has extensive knowledge of global business. He lives in Barry.

Wales Council for Voluntary Action: John R Jones is currently the Chief Officer of Medrwn Môn, the County Voluntary Council for the Isle of Anglesey. Educated in Anglesey and at the University College of Wales in Aberystwyth, John worked briefly for a solicitor’s firm in Cardiff before returning to Anglesey. He has worked in the voluntary sector for over 25 years. John’s first language is Welsh and he is committed to developing bilingual communities.

Wales TUC: Paul O’Shea was born and brought up in Tredegar. He then moved to Manchester to study Politics and Social Science at the city’s university. He has worked for UNISON since 1980 and is their current Welsh Secretary. Paul has also been a Board Member of the Somerset Learning and Skills Council, a non executive Director of the Training and Enterprise Council and a founding executive committee member of Tomorrow’s Wales, the group established by the Archbishop of Wales to campaign around the report of the Richard Commission. He lives in St Mellons, Cardiff.

Wales Women’s National Coalition: Shân Ashton is currently the Director of Postgraduate Studies and Lifelong Learning at Bangor University. Her main research interests are women, work and enterprise, rural and community development and regeneration and women in politics. She has a commitment to rural and community futures and equality and diversity. Shân is bilingual and lives in Capel Curig in North Wales.

Young Farmers Clubs: Rhodri Evans graduated from Aberystwyth with a degree in agriculture and is now a full-time farmer. He sits on the Wales and National YFC Board of Management and has recently been appointed as a non-executive director of Hybu Cig Cymru. Rhodri is also a Community Councillor and lives in Tregaron, Ceredigion.

Welsh Local Government Association: The WLGA will also have a seat on the Executive Committee and a nomination will be announced in due course.
Political nominees

Labour: Alex Aldridge has been a member of Flintshire County Council since 1995, representing the Flint Coleshill Ward. He was Council Leader from 2005-06. He served on Clwyd County Council from 1991, and is also a member of Flint Town Council. He is also a former leader of the Welsh Local Government Association. A former Corus worker at Shotton, he was also a previous chair of the then Clwyd Fire Service and its successor, the North Wales Fire Authority.

Plaid Cymru: Marc Phillips is Head of BBC Children in Need in Wales. He has a long history in the voluntary sector having, at various times, been Chief Executive of Tenovus, Director of Dyfed Association of Voluntary Services, and Mid Glamorgan Organiser for Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Marc Phillips was Chair of Plaid Cymru between 1996 and 2000. He is a current member of the Welsh Language Board.

Conservative: Paul Valerio. Born in 1940, Mr Valerio has also served on the Richard Commission. He was the first Lord Mayor of Swansea in 1982, and was a Conservative member of the City Council between 1968-1996. He also served as Leader of the Conservative group. A former Deputy Chairman of the Welsh Conservative Party, he was also the Conservative Assembly Candidate for Swansea West in 1999. He lives in Reynoldston, Gower.

Liberal Democrats: Rob Humphreys is Director of the Open University in Wales. He held posts previously as Director for Wales of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, and lecturer in adult education at Swansea University. He was appointed to the first and second Rees Reviews of higher education student support and funding and later to the Graham Review of part-time higher education funding. He is a past President and Chair of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. He was born and brought up in Montgomeryshire and now lives in Swansea.

Notes for Editors

The first meeting of the All Wales Convention Executive Committee is scheduled to take place in Cardiff on Monday, July 14. Further details will be issued in due course.

Convention on a parliament for Wales

I hear that there is going to be an announcement on those who will be sitting on the All Wales Convention later today/ tomorrow. It'll be interesting to see who is on it, and how they intend to go about their work. As far as I'm concerned, its important that the members of the group get to work straightaway, and canvass opinions on the future powers of the National Assembly.There is a general acceptance that the Assembly should have the same powers as Scotland ( of course we should have had such powers in 1999..)

The fact that there are differing structures and varying forms of devolution in the UK is a joke, and has meant that progress has been far slower- with a lack of consistency throughout the UK. With the Tories opening the floodgates yesterday on the discussion of stopping Welsh MPs voting on English legislation, it only goes to show that the current system is rife with difficulties.

We now have to look forward to the imminent work of the Convention, and how we can shape the agenda to ensure that there is a yes vote on a Parliament for Wales. No doubt there are MPs at Westminster intent on ensuring that a referendum does not go ahead, therefore there must be a large scale campaign to undermine such self interest and self protection from the MPs.

I believe that a yes campaign should start now, in conjunction with the Convention. The timeline is as such that I believe that it is necessary for us to be pushing ahead with gathering information as to the population's opinions, but at the same time, ensuring that leading up to a referendum people care about the issues, and that they feel that they are part of the wider campaign for the development of Wales as a Nation.

One of the flagship elements of the One Wales agreement is the referendum on a parliament for Wales, therefore we have a clear duty to ensure that it takes place, and that it is successful.

Politicians are human too!!

I have had a relatively quiet day today, which is more than I can say for my colleague Nerys Evans AM who has been running around doing interviews about her anonomous survey of AMs on their own experiences of domestic abuse and sexual assault. This was initiated in relation to an Amnesty and NUS Wales led survey on the perceptions of domestic abuse amongst students, and the rate at which it takes place. Of course, the findings of the questionnaire are not surprising as we all, no doubt, know people who are victims of domestic violence in one shape or another. But it was actually surprising that so few AMs took part in the process. Nerys Evans was, after all, only seeking to communicate the fact that politicians are involved in this situation, and that we too have experiences that shape our society. I commend her for raising awareness of this issue, and hope that the Assembly's report on domestic violence will lead to action in this area, as well as place additional pressure on the UK government to push this to the forefront of the political agenda.

The eating disorders cross party group went really well last night, and I thank everyone who attended. We will be meeting with the Minister imminently to discuss the care pathway with regards to eating disorders, and I hope that we can get assurances that there will be substantial investment in this area. Carers and those suffering from an eating disorder, as well as those working in the health sector were present, and I look forward to the next meeting, and arranging more events to raise awareness of the issue.

Tomorrow, I am taking part in a British Council event in encouraging young people to get involved in politics. I met with a group of 6th form pupils to discuss their political aspirations yesterday, and their enthusiasm is clear for all to see. I only hope that we can try and ensure that young people feel part of the political system as opposed to believeing that their voices are irrelevant to us as Assembly Members.

Its Friday!

Here is a link to the blog that I wrote for Ourkingdom on devolution if you want to take a look. It concentrates on the challenges ahead for both the Labour party and the Tories in the context of the referendum on a Parliament for Wales.

I visited Christchurch Primary school in Swansea today. I am always touched by the enthusiasm and the drive of teachers who dedicate themselves to their pupils. They were all very welcoming. My mother is also a Primary school teacher, and so I will always respect the time and effort that teachers invest in their work. It is certainly not an easy job, and I don't think that I could juggle a class of 30 children personally!

I am doing a surgery at the Berwyn Centre, Nantymoel on Monday between 10am and 12 if any readers of my blog live in that area and wish to raise any local issues with me personally. I am trying to do a mixture of street surgeries, and surgeries in various locations across the region so as to reach as many people as possible.

The next cross party group on eating disorders is at 5.30pm next Tuesday at the National Assembly if any of you wish to attend. We are looking at the provision of services by GPs, and also the response of the Health Minster to a letter that we wrote regarding the fact that the current care pathway on eating disorders is only an advisory document- which ultimately means that many local health boards, trusts and GPs alike do not take it as their own individual responsibility to treat eating disorders accordingly.

I've just remembered that there is a London Olympics event at the Assembly on Monday evening also. I was hoping to attend so that I could ask some awkward questions about the financial burden of the Olympics on Welsh lottery monies, but it looks to me as if it will be more of a wine and canapes session. hmmm!

Have a nice weekend....

Review of Higher Education in Wales

The Education Minister at the Assembly, Jane Hutt announced a review of Higher Education yesterday, to be chaired by Prof Mervyn Jones, Vice Chancellor of Bangor University. The review will, and I quote from the Minister's statement:

'The first stage of the review, to conclude by the end of September 2008, will consider student finance arrangements in Wales. In particular, the group will assess the extent to which student finance is targeted to widen access and encourage take up of priority subjects as well as the need to identify options to help tackle graduate debt.

The second phase will focus on reviewing the purpose and role for higher education in Wales taking account of the vision set out in Reaching Higher – the Assembly Government’s strategy for the higher education sector in Wales and its skills and employment strategy, Skills that Work for Wales. It will also look at higher education policy developments in England and Scotland as well as analysing the current and likely future demands and needs of learners, the economy and society. The second stage of the review should be completed by the end of February 2009.'

Both elements of the review are important of course, but I am largely interested in the possibility of any changes to student finance in Wales. No doubt people are aware of the role that I played in the student movement in campaigning against the introduction of top-up fees in Wales, and I am pleased therefore that the One Wales Government has committed to retaining the current student support arrangements until the end of this Assembly term.

Nevertheless, with the review of HE funding set to take place on a UK level next year, it is necessary for Wales to conduct a review to assess the options available for Wales- especially if the UK Government is intent on lifting the cap on top-up fees in England. I don't agree with Andrew RT Davies, Tory AMs comments that the timescale is tight on the review. Far too many reviews are long-winded and seemingly everlasting, and I hope that this committee can work diligently and effectively to assess all options available for Welsh students for the future.

I am against the implementation of top-up fees, I cannot deny that, but I know that there are people within the sector that believe that such fees should be introduced in order that they can properly fund their Institutions and develop their research capacity- effectively buying in to the idea that we need to create a market in the HE sector, much like the DWP are intent on advocating the marketisation of the welfare sector on a UK level.

I don't see how charging students for their education, and forcing them in to debt can be a way in which to develop our Institutions, and the ambition of Wales as a Nation. I also believe that to introduce such fees undermines the legitimacy of the widening access, and the lifelong learning agendas here in Wales.

Nevertheless, we have to discuss these issues frankly and honestly if we are serious about addressing the issues surrounding student finance and HE funding. I look forward to taking part in the process, and in reading the committee's report in September ( how I will respond to any recommendations made is another matter altogether!)

Senedd today

I'm not taking part in any of the debates today at the Senedd, but I am listening in on the debate on co-payments in the NHS. There is a debate later by the lib dems on bus services in Wales, where no doubt they will add to their growing wish list of financial demands from the Welsh Assembly Government. A few months ago, the idea was floated that backbenchers should be able to table debates here at the Assembly. We are still waiting to find out whether there is scope to table time for backbench debates. It is frustrating sometimes that those within the ruling groups in the Assembly cannot be pro active in initiating debates on this level. I believe this would inject some energy in to debates in the Chamber, and ultimately add another layer of scrutiny of Government Ministers. Of course, we respond diligently and thoughtfully to all the opposition party debates, but I sincerely believe that there is a need to re- assess the way that debates are run here, or how time is used during the afternoon, mid-week sessions.

Another conversation that I had today with fellow AMs was about the potential for more academic discussion amongst AMs on policy and strategy. We all know about the House magazine which is produced at Westminster, but there is no Assembly equivalent. Of course, we could look at doing an online journal of sorts, and encourage critical debate amongst AMs and political thinkers alike on the web. Those of us who blog take part in such discussions on a daily basis, but I believe that we could look in to this idea again, as this may be another way of encouraging public interest and involvement in our National Assembly.

An update on the Royal visit tomorrow- supposedly the cleaners have been asked to polish the plants on show at the Assembly! What a joke. The place is smelling of paint, and flowers have been placed on display. Its interesting that so much effort is being made for one person, for one day. Why don't the public have this treatment when they come here every day? I asked for a debate on the future of the Monarchy during business questions yesterday, and Nick Bourne AM also agreed that such a debate should take place. Perhaps that could be a theme for a backbench debate for the future?

Israeli Ambassador

Today, the Israeli Ambassador to the UK will visit the National Assembly, and Assembly members will have an opportunity to raise questions with him. Following my commitment to discuss with Palestinian campaign groups in Wales, and to seek their advice on whether to attend the event or not, I have decided that the best course of action would be for me to join their protests outside the Senedd building.

Their arguments were compelling: that engaging in dialogue with the Ambassador would have no bearing on Israel’s continuing violations of UN resolutions in relation to human rights in the Palestinian Territories, and until they conform to such resolutions politicians such as myself should not provide them with a legitimate platform for which to endorse their actions.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, following a visit to the Holy Land, publicly declared that the situation reminded him of what happened to black people in South Africa. As someone who was heavily involved in the anti-apartheid campaign, it does not sit easy with me to attend the event at this particular moment in time.

The Palestinian campaigners recommended that I join them outside the Senedd, as they believe that this course of action would be the most effective way of demonstrating our collective dissatisfaction with Israeli government policies.

Who would be party president?

As one of the few elected politicians who blog from Plaid I thought that I should comment on the press interest that Elfyn Llwyd MP has announced his intention to run for the president's position within Plaid Cymru. While the blogger blogmenai looks at the various strands that could potentially make an effective president- strategist, thinker, and older politician that can be more of a figurehead for the party, or a person who inspires - other bloggers such as ordovicius have questioned Llwyd's interest in leading on this level while performing a role as an MP, and in leading Plaid's Parliamentary team. As far as the article in the Western Mail suggests, nobody in our party is willing to speak out against Dafydd Iwan, or give clear reasons as to why he should stand down. OK, so he lost his seat on the Council, but that does not mean that Dafydd Iwan cannot perform effectively as party president.

Personally, and I stress the word personally, I don't see that we actually need both a president and a party leader. Is a leader not sufficient in itself? I certainly don't think that there should be a massive debate in the press over it. There are already enough hierarchical structures in the political World, without us losing sleep in this instance!

I didn't closely follow the ongoing debate surrounding the confusion amongst the public when we had one too many leaders a few years ago (hence the reorganisation of the party structures that ensued) but I think now that we are in Government, that we have a strong team on every level of Government, and a strong leadership, we do not need to embroil ourselves in a debate on this issue. If two people want to stand for president then that should be accepted. It is also a positive that someone else is putting their name forward, so that people do not become complacent in their positions, or take support from others for granted.

As far as I am concerned, I am pleased with the work that Dafydd Iwan has done as president, and the work that Elfyn has done as an MP. Dafydd Iwan is an inspirational figure, that has strong, passionate beliefs, and this is what we need to enthuse party members. It is good for democracy that a party president can express his concerns regarding policy initiatives spearheaded by either the parliamentary or Assembly group that may go against the grain of party policy such as the St Athan military Academy. It keeps elected politicians' feet firmly on the ground, and is another level of scrutiny for elected politicians.

I look forward to the hustings process, and hope that Elfyn Llwyd continues his blog regardless of the result......

A right Royal visit.

Oh gosh. I'm faltering on the blog scene aren't I? But that's justified by the fact that I've just written a blog for ourkingdom regarding the Tories and devolution, so that should go live in the next few days. I've been really busy this week with attending local events to mark Refugee Week, to speaking at an event to support asylum seekers, to doing street surgeries in Porthcawl. These are all very valid reasons as to why I haven't been here on the blogosphere, although I do keep up to date with the affairs of the day from the comfort of my twitter page welsh politics updates.

Today I was on the Politics Show in Wales talking about Prince Charles's visit to the Assembly next week( its not a breach of security to discuss it we learnt today, as all the details are on the Royal Family website- check it out!) He is set to open the new youth chamber at the National Assembly, and I voiced my concerns with the fact that an unaccountable and undemocratic representative will be opening the chamber. After all, we are seeking to encourage young people to engage in politics, and the involvement of the Monarchy may well lead to more disengagement from our youth in the political process. How about asking a young person to 'officially' open the chamber. Would that be beyond the realm of possibility?

I haven't been invited to the day of Royal bonanza at the Senedd, but as I left the Assembly today there were decorators in painting the walls of Ty Hywel. A member of staff muttered to me- 'If the weather is nice, he won't even walk through Ty Hywel anyway, so what's the point?' Is it a wonder that the Royal family believe that everywhere they go in the world smells of fresh paint and flowers, when public institutions must foot the bill to ensure that they don't see the cracks in the walls? I've put in a Freedom of Information request to find out how much this visit is costing the Assembly's Commission. Its times like this that I wish that I'd taken my full pay rise, as I know on good authority that the pay rise I didn't take went straight back in to the hands of the Commission! Is this really a good use of our resources?

So, another busy week ahead, what with Prince Charles's visit, and the controversy over the Israeli Ambassador's visit also. I can guarantee you that security will be tight this week at the Senedd so if you are considering visiting the Chamber to see the portrait of Maggie Thatcher, I'd probably wait a bit....

Cameron on pay rise for MPs- political opportunism?

Does anyone recall Nick Bourne's remarks back in March this year with regards to the decision by a number of Plaid AMs to reject the 8.3% pay rise that was suggested by an Independent review? I'm sure you do, but I'll remind you- Bourne said that it was the 'worst kind of political opportunism'. Well, fast forward a few months, and the same debate is taking place on a Westminster level following an Independent report on MPs salaries. However, Tory hypocrisy is clear yet again, with David Cameron clearly indicating that those on the Ministerial payroll will not accept the suggested pay rise, or the above inflation pay rise for MPs. Will Nick Bourne be telling his leader at Westminster that he is guilty of political opportunism, and that of the worst kind? I don't think so somehow! Will Nick Bourne and his group at the Assembly refuse to take their pay rise retrospectively as a result of their colleagues' decision at Westminster? Hardly.

Don't think for a minute that I'm letting the other parties off the hook, either. Harriet Harman, a Labour Minister has also been quoted in the press as saying that MPs should not accept the pay rise due to rising inflation and household finances. It was for this very reason that I did not accept my pay rise- how can it be justified when workers on the front line are being squeezed due to rising social pressures, and a lack of salary increase to coincide with this?

At the time, I received hundreds of emails from Police officers and nurses, amazed that we were even considering accepting such a hefty pay rise under current circumstances. Of course I understand that we have more responsibilities as AMs due to new powers at the Assembly, but like those in the third sector, and those who work diligently on low wages throughout their lives, if we are passionate and committed about what we do, finances should be at the back of our minds, not the main reason as to why one becomes a political representative.

I understand that there will be a vote at Westminster on this issue on the 3rd of July, but I agree with the recommendation made that MPs should not vote on their own salary increase. It somehow defeats the object of having an independent investigation in to the issue in the first place.

I look forward to seeing what individual MPs have to say on the matter. Following the somewhat controversial discussion on MPs allowances, I think that many MPs will make up some excuse or another for why they deserve a pay rise of such significance.

Transatlantic Network- your involvement.

I have been given a deadline of the 23rd of June to nominate three people who I believe would be suitable to take part in the Transatlantic Network event in Ireland at the end of September this year. We are looking for young people from different social, cultural and political backgrounds.

I wrote a blog previously about my involvement in setting up the network alongside 30 other young leaders from across North America and Europe at Berlin earlier this year. The intention is to encourage greater links between young people in Europe and North America, and to break down barriers that have arisen over recent years. I was privileged to be part of the initial group to set up this scheme, looking at how we can enhance links between those who will be the leaders of the future- in all walks of life- from business leaders, to those in the political World, the environment and so on.

I had planned to approach the media in Wales to see if they would have an interest in helping me in my quest to nominate three people to take part in this exciting venture, but time is now short and it will not be possible. If you would like to take part in the scheme, please email me on bethan.jenkins@wales.gov.uk so that I can send you a form to complete. There is no guarantee that my suggestions of people for the network will be accepted, but at least I can try!

There is more information on this on the British Council website. The name of the network is TN2020.

Wales and our International links

Apologies for failing to blog in a few days. I was really ill yesterday, and am trying to catch up with everything today. Some of the blogs have made reference to my question to the First Minister on Tuesday requesting that he looks at securing observer status for Wales on the UN General Assembly. I was inspired to place this as a question following Elin Jones's heartfelt speech at our last Conference-unknowingly making the case fore more powers for Wales due to the fact that she could not partake in discussions with the Uk Government during an emergency meeting concerning foot and mouth.

It made me realise that we must push forward with enhancing Wales's links with the wider International community- as Wales, and not merely as part of the UK. Surely if people believe in devolution, they can see a strong case for us attending such meetings, and promoting Wales as a serious force in the World?

Perhaps not, that is for Rhodri Morgan to discuss now that he has conceded to consider this as a viable option for Wales.

After all, he has nothing to lose in doing so, especially as he is stepping down as First Minister very soon. Surely he wants his legacy to be much more than providing free transport for the elderly? ( Regardless of how important this is to those that benefit from it)

On the other issue- of the comments made by Dafydd Elis Thomas on the Israeli visit to the Assembly.. I don't particularly want to get sucked in to this issue if I am honest. I won't be boycotting the event, but I sincerely believe that the Presiding Officer has the right to make a principled stand on this matter. He can and should be political as one of the leaders of the National Assembly. There are no rules saying that the Presiding Officer cannot voice opinions of the sort.

Nevertheless, I only wish that he was as strong willed on the issue of the Monarchy. Prince Charles is visiting in the same week as the Israeli delegates. I am not invited to meet him surprisingly, but I will certainly be voicing my opposition to an unelected and archaic Institution.

Now we know- child poverty targets let-down

Today I expressed my deep disappointment on the floor of the Senedd that the UK Government’s target of abolishing child poverty by 2020 has suffered a severe set-back. Figures released by the Department for Work an Pensions today reveal child poverty levels have risen for a second successive year – there are now an additional 100,000 children living in poverty, taking the total to 3.9million for the UK. The figures are a huge blow to the efforts being made to eradicate child poverty in Wales. The most vulnerable in our society are paying the price for the UK Government’s missed opportunities in several Budgets. There is a moral obligation on Whitehall to come up with the necessary resources to reverse this damaging trend.

I called on the Assembly’s Counsel General to set aside time at the Assembly to debate the issue as a matter of urgency, and also called on Social Justice Minister Brian Gibbons to lobby the Westminster Government for the Assembly to have an enhanced say on Welfare policy.

Other countries across Europe continue to out-perform the UK in child poverty eradication. I fully support calls made by child poverty charities for an additional £3billion from the Treasury to be targeted at children in poverty using the welfare systems. If London continues to show impotence in this area then the Assembly will have an obligation to seek powers over aspects of the welfare system to deliver for our young people.

Today's figures show that:

* The number of children in the UK experiencing low income and material deprivation - those who can't afford basic things such as sending their kids on a school trip - fell by 100,000 between 2005/06 and 2006/07.

* The number of children in relative poverty rose by 100,000, both before and after housing costs are taken into account, to 2.9million (BHC) and 3.9million (AHC) respectively between 2005/06 and 2006/07. Between 1998/99 and 2006/07 the number of children in relative poverty has fallen by 600,000 (BHC) and 500,000 (AHC).

* The numbers of pensioners in relative poverty rose by 300,000 to 2.5million (BHC) and by 200,000 (AHC) to 2.1million between 2005/06 and 2006/07. Between 1998/99 and 2006/07 the number of pensioners in relative poverty has fallen by 200,000 (BHC) and 900,000 (AHC).

Will child poverty targets be met?

I've indicated many a time on this blog that for the One Wales government to be able to seriously reach the same UK government based targets of halving child poverty by 2010 and its eradication by 2020, it will rely heavily on joint up commitment and policy drive on both an Assembly and a Westminster level. New figures out next week by the DWP are being primed in the press to suggest that the targets will be missed, and that without a £3 billion investment in the 2009 budget, the target will be nothing more than a failed aspiration.

This is of course very worrying, especially as here in Wales we are trying on every level of Government to ensure that the child poverty agenda is at the forefront of the work by Ministers and policy initiatives alike.How this work can prove successful, however, without the UK Labour party investing in the benefits system, and overhauling the taxation system is a challenge even for the best of us.

We need only look at how the UK government is intent upon centralising public services, prioritising the strategy of securing seats in middle Engand where child poverty is a trendy buzz word for middle class volunteers, and the general lack of drive behind addressing child poverty to understand that we are going nowhere fast on this issue.

Child Poverty campaigners will be the first to criticise the Government for not reaching its targets when the stats are released on Tuesday. Whether Brown can, and will, be bold enough after months of dithering on a wide variety of matters to deliver on child poverty will be anyone's guess.

But until he does act, I reserve my right to be judgemental of a Government in London who prefer the sound of fluffly soundbites on key social policy as opposed to actually getting on with the job at hand.

Migrant workers in Wales

Glyn Davies's blog on the Polish community in Wales makes some valid points about the current downward trend in those from Poland moving to the UK to find work. There are of course varying reasons for such actions, but the most predominant being that due to the economic downturn in the UK at the moment, living costs are soaring, and those who are moving here from the A8 countries are suddenly finding that the money they earn is being thrown into this area as opposed to providing them with the opportunities to send money home to their families. Poland and other such countries are also settling in to the EU system, which means that there are steady increases in salaries in their countries of residence, thus negating the need for them to move elsewhere to find jobs and support their loved ones.

Nevertheless, the reality at the moment is that there are thousands of people from such countries settling in Wales without sufficient support mechanisms around them in terms of understanding how to access advice on employment, benefits and such. They are also very vulnerable to unscrupulous employers who take advantage of the fact that they do not have sufficient skills in English or Welsh language, in communicating their situation to relevant authorities.

The Equal Opportunities committee at the National Assembly, of which I am a member is currently carrying out a review on migrant workers, and I have found the evidence sessions from those who are supporting Polish, Portuguese or other EU residents in Wales very interesting, and thought provoking. We are set to advise the Welsh Assembly Government on how to improve support for such communities, and how to ensure that they are fully accepted into Welsh society.

We have heard evidence of the lack of ESOL funding available that enables migrant workers to learn both English and Welsh when they arrive here, the need to create an Employment Commission on a UK level so that migrant workers' rights are protected and respected, and the need for more partnership work between the WAG, Local Authorities and organisations such as Careers Wales, Embassies and voluntary organisations.

There is much to be done in this area, especially with regards to transferring migrant workers skills in to applicable qualifications here in Wales, but I sincerely hope that, given that many of the powers rests with the UK Government on this issue, that we will be able to take our key recommendations to both the Welsh Assembly Government and the UK Parliament.

Will the ' Welsh' Tory Party please stand up?

Gosh. Just heard Nick Bourne AM on a question to the Heritage Minister regarding supporting the commemoration of Owain Glyndwr! Whatever next? Supporting Welsh Independence?! I wonder whether their leader in Westminster knows what they are up to here in the Bay. After all, Alun Cairns Tory AM ( a Parliamentary candidate) has said on record during a debate last week that Cameron isn't their leader in Wales. For a Unionist party, they appear on face value to be on very shaky ground. But I know full well of course what the Tory strategy is in terms of merely appearing to be a unique Welsh party. However, we need only look at how Glyn Davies and his colleagues are refusing to accept that the decision on the right to buy be devolved to Wales to know that the cracks are appearing in the 'Welsh' Tory game.

The same divergence in opinion is clear from the Tory camp when discussing top-up fees. David Cameron has of course stated on numerous occasions that he now supports the rolling out of top-up fees, but his party in Wales purport to be able to take a differing line in opposing such fees here in Wales for now, at least ( or until the General election campaign kicks off) Again, there is a lack of consistency in the Tory spin machine, and a robust opposition in even admitting that they will have to take a UK Unionist opinion on most policy decisions and directions.

On the Referendum front, the Tories are holding a consultation process on whether they support future devolution for Wales. If this consultation results in a positive outcome to support a referendum on more powers for Wales, it will be highly interesting to see whether they place this in their Uk General election manifesto, and whether they will promise to enact on this if they take power on a UK level.

Of course, if the Tories win power at Westminster, or even if all the polls prior to the election indicate as such, I will be keeping a keen eye on Labour party activity in this area. I want to see whether or not those who are current devo sceptics in Labour's Unionist wing, (we all know who they are) and who are currently intent on talking down the referendum in the One Wales Government will be manouvering to change their mind, and to support future powers for our National Assembly in fear of losing all power in the devolved administrations.