I just wanted to send out my heartfelt sympathy to the parents, family and friends to the two young girls from the Rhondda who died on the road between Merthyr and Hirwaun on Saturday. I know the road well having grown up in the area, and its near to where I had my crash on the Rhigos mountain.
The road can be awful in the rain, and its high time that alterations were made to it. I hate three lane roads( the Heads of the Valleys road past Dowlais is the same, and equally as dangerous) as they are confusing to navigate, especially in the dark winter evenings when you cannot see clearly the marked arrows on the road. Its always tragic to see people die so young, when they had their whole lives ahead of them.
I saw my life flash before me when I crashed in worse weather conditions over two years ago now. For me, it was lucky that there wasn't another car coming in the other direction as I skidded across the icy road, ever closer to side of the mountain. I will never forget the feeling of having no control, that I too could be another headline in the newspaper.
I draw comparisons to swimming when I think of car crashes like this- it doesn't matter how strong a swimmer you are, if you are out in the sea and the current pulls you away, it is almost impossible to battle against the elements. The same can be said of driving. When you are young, you often feel that you are invincible, and that you won't ever be in a crash of any kind.
I don't know if there are lessons to learn immediately from this, only that we have to be careful on the roads, and ensure that there are proper warnings on roads, and that people are aware of the conditions before they venture out in the car. I still have panic attacks if the weather is bad on the road, and try not to drive in such conditions, but that feeling of pure helplessness will be with me for the rest of my life.
Monday, 31 March 2008
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Twitter.com- social networking online
I have recently joined http://www.twitter.com/. It is described as a site for 'microblogging' and a social network service. I am joining every new web based social forum I can at the moment, as an experiment of their usefulness and worth!
For anyone who is on Facebook, you will understand that it is basically the updates application enhanced- you can tell the world what you are doing in an instant, and it is also a way of having a regular conversation with others. I believe its just taking off over here, but young people, marketing companies and Politicians alike have been using twitter for some time over in America. Its useful if you are out and about because you can update what you are doing from your phone. You can 'follow' different people's updates on the site, and you can also be 'followed' so that if someone is interested in you, you are reachable in an instant!
According to the Wikipedia site on twitter, it was started in San Francisco in 2006 as an internal company communication exercise, but it was launched officially later that year due to its instant success. People are now conducting interviews on twitter with renowned bloggers, and investigative Journalists are using it as a means of updating people on what they are doing for people who are interested in their work.
It is seen to be mre natural than a blog, which is often constructed with much thought and analysis, and can be amended constantly. Lets see how twitter takes off, and what will be the next new web phenomenon....
For anyone who is on Facebook, you will understand that it is basically the updates application enhanced- you can tell the world what you are doing in an instant, and it is also a way of having a regular conversation with others. I believe its just taking off over here, but young people, marketing companies and Politicians alike have been using twitter for some time over in America. Its useful if you are out and about because you can update what you are doing from your phone. You can 'follow' different people's updates on the site, and you can also be 'followed' so that if someone is interested in you, you are reachable in an instant!
According to the Wikipedia site on twitter, it was started in San Francisco in 2006 as an internal company communication exercise, but it was launched officially later that year due to its instant success. People are now conducting interviews on twitter with renowned bloggers, and investigative Journalists are using it as a means of updating people on what they are doing for people who are interested in their work.
It is seen to be mre natural than a blog, which is often constructed with much thought and analysis, and can be amended constantly. Lets see how twitter takes off, and what will be the next new web phenomenon....
Petitions committee visits Brussels
Plaid Conference was a success I do believe, and its now on to the local elections. Spring conferences are always shorter and to the point than the main conferences in September, but it was good to go to Newport- branching out to an area where we have a growing number of members. I recorded a few of the speeches, so I will put them up on here when I have had time to sort it all out.
I have to prepare for my trip to Brussels now( we are going on Tuesday), as I am going to view how the petitions committee works at the European Parliament alongside fellow members of the National Assembly's petitions committee. It will be interesting to sit in on two important Welsh based petitions also- one of the LNG pipeline, and the Hafod landfill site in Wrexham. Both have generated mass local campaigns, and Jill Evans MEP has been helping to represent the petitioners on an EU level.
I have to prepare for my trip to Brussels now( we are going on Tuesday), as I am going to view how the petitions committee works at the European Parliament alongside fellow members of the National Assembly's petitions committee. It will be interesting to sit in on two important Welsh based petitions also- one of the LNG pipeline, and the Hafod landfill site in Wrexham. Both have generated mass local campaigns, and Jill Evans MEP has been helping to represent the petitioners on an EU level.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Plaid Conference
Apologies for failing to blog this week. I took a short break from work. I'm going to Plaid's Conference in Newport today to see the launch of the local Government policies. Ieuan is making a speech at 2pm, so don't forget to tune in. I'm also looking forward to popping in to a few of the fringe meetings, and talking to members.
While I was travelling back from Falmouth yesterday I listened to the debate between Alun Michael and Edwina Hart about the policies on violence against NHS staff on Radio Wales. This is a subject that the Assembly has been debating for months now, but the way Alun Michael was talking, it didn't seem as if he was that aware of his colleague's progress. More tension between Labour in Wales and Westminster I see... That wasn't an attempt to take our thunder on the Conference today, I can be sure of that at least!
I will blog about the Conference goings on as soon as possible...
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Ymddiheuriadau am beidio blogio'r wythnos hon. Fe wnes i gymryd brec bach o'r gwaith. Rwy'n mynd i Gynhadledd Plaid heddiw yng Nghasnewydd i weld lansiad polisiau Llywodraeth Lleol y Blaid. Mae Ieuan Wyn Jones yn gwneud araith am 2, felly cofiwch gwylio! Rwyf hefyd yn edrych mlan at fynd i rhai o'r cyfarfodydd ymylol, a siarad gyda aelodau yn gyffredinol.
Wrth i mi deithio yn ol o Falmouth ddoe fe wnes i wrando a ddiddordeb ar y dadl rhwng Edwina Hart ac Alun Michael ar bolisiau i amddiffyn staff iechyd rhag trais yn eu herbyn ar Radio Wales. Mae hwn yn bwnc mae'r Cynulliad wedi trafod ar nifer o adegau, ond roedd y ffordd roedd Alun Michael yn son am y peth yn ymddangos fel nad oedd o wir yn ymwybodol o waith ei cyd weithwyr yn y Bae. Dadl ddiddorol arall rhwng Llafur yng Nghymru a Llafur yn Llundain... Dwi'm yn credu chwaith mai hwn oedd ymgais Llafur i dynnu sylw o'n Cynhadledd heddiw!
Byddai'n blogio am hynt a helynt y Gynhadledd yn y man..
While I was travelling back from Falmouth yesterday I listened to the debate between Alun Michael and Edwina Hart about the policies on violence against NHS staff on Radio Wales. This is a subject that the Assembly has been debating for months now, but the way Alun Michael was talking, it didn't seem as if he was that aware of his colleague's progress. More tension between Labour in Wales and Westminster I see... That wasn't an attempt to take our thunder on the Conference today, I can be sure of that at least!
I will blog about the Conference goings on as soon as possible...
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Ymddiheuriadau am beidio blogio'r wythnos hon. Fe wnes i gymryd brec bach o'r gwaith. Rwy'n mynd i Gynhadledd Plaid heddiw yng Nghasnewydd i weld lansiad polisiau Llywodraeth Lleol y Blaid. Mae Ieuan Wyn Jones yn gwneud araith am 2, felly cofiwch gwylio! Rwyf hefyd yn edrych mlan at fynd i rhai o'r cyfarfodydd ymylol, a siarad gyda aelodau yn gyffredinol.
Wrth i mi deithio yn ol o Falmouth ddoe fe wnes i wrando a ddiddordeb ar y dadl rhwng Edwina Hart ac Alun Michael ar bolisiau i amddiffyn staff iechyd rhag trais yn eu herbyn ar Radio Wales. Mae hwn yn bwnc mae'r Cynulliad wedi trafod ar nifer o adegau, ond roedd y ffordd roedd Alun Michael yn son am y peth yn ymddangos fel nad oedd o wir yn ymwybodol o waith ei cyd weithwyr yn y Bae. Dadl ddiddorol arall rhwng Llafur yng Nghymru a Llafur yn Llundain... Dwi'm yn credu chwaith mai hwn oedd ymgais Llafur i dynnu sylw o'n Cynhadledd heddiw!
Byddai'n blogio am hynt a helynt y Gynhadledd yn y man..
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Call for an inquiry in to Iraq War ( again...)
So the Tories have called for an inquiry in to the Iraq War, oh how opportunistic of them. Do I sense an election on the way? Of course I do! Perhaps they would like to erase from history the fact that 146 of their MPs voted in favour of the war from the outset, or, because they have a new sparkling leader, does that automatically mean that they can change their opinions?
Plaid has been consistent in calling for an inquiry, and Adam Price's campaign to Impeach Tony Blair was positive in that it sought to mobilise the peace movement in a common campaign goal. Nevertheless, these calls have fallen flat, and the Government still do not believe that it is 'the right time' for an inquiry, when 'our troops' are fighting on the ground ( and are losing morale if the latest poll of families of servicemen is anything to go by)
The Lib dems have put in an amendment to the Tory motion, asking all MPs who voted for the War to apologise. I don't see anything wrong with this, but unfortunately I don't see MPs offering to apologise in a hurry. Apologies are not that common in politics because politicians don't like being wrong, or being seen to be wrong even if they know they are!
Miliband is still in denial that the war was even a mistake, regardless of the fact that even some of George Bush's most ardent supporters in America now recognise that yes, they were, ( gulp) wrong to occupy Iraq.
An Independent inquiry is desperately needed to assess the war on every level- from clarity on the reasoning for war, to the action taken on a ground level, to the continuation of US/ British intervention in Iraq, to seeking to restore faith from the electorate in the political system. Until the London Government acknowledges this, I do not see how they can seek to even address their waning credibility.
Plaid has been consistent in calling for an inquiry, and Adam Price's campaign to Impeach Tony Blair was positive in that it sought to mobilise the peace movement in a common campaign goal. Nevertheless, these calls have fallen flat, and the Government still do not believe that it is 'the right time' for an inquiry, when 'our troops' are fighting on the ground ( and are losing morale if the latest poll of families of servicemen is anything to go by)
The Lib dems have put in an amendment to the Tory motion, asking all MPs who voted for the War to apologise. I don't see anything wrong with this, but unfortunately I don't see MPs offering to apologise in a hurry. Apologies are not that common in politics because politicians don't like being wrong, or being seen to be wrong even if they know they are!
Miliband is still in denial that the war was even a mistake, regardless of the fact that even some of George Bush's most ardent supporters in America now recognise that yes, they were, ( gulp) wrong to occupy Iraq.
An Independent inquiry is desperately needed to assess the war on every level- from clarity on the reasoning for war, to the action taken on a ground level, to the continuation of US/ British intervention in Iraq, to seeking to restore faith from the electorate in the political system. Until the London Government acknowledges this, I do not see how they can seek to even address their waning credibility.
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Do you have a voice?
The Scottish Government is looking at the possibility of raising the legal age for buying alcohol from 18 to 21 years of age. Now, I know that I'm fast approaching 30 and I won't be able to call myself 'young' for very much longer, but if I could only try and put myself in the mind of a 16, 18 or 21 year old right now, I could be sure that they would be very confused with the varying rules and regulations that are being placed upon their lives.
They are paying taxes at 16, voting at 18, allowed to drink at 18, drive at 17. Personally, I would welcome some consistency, and I think that some clarity would naturally ensue...
What annoys me is that most of these proposals almost always ignore the opinions of young people. Although we have new ways of communicating with young people, it still seems as if the world is against them. We need only talk about ASBO's, or the new mosquito sound device which attempts to disperse young people from large crowds as if they were rats in an dirty alleyway, to realise that we need to take a step back, take stock, and reconsider our attitudes towards young people.
So they may not vote in their droves, but this isn't a reason to undermine them or to treat them like 3rd class citizens. Take binge drinking as an example- of course this is an issue that we must deal with, but is it really a youth phenomenon, or is it a social phenomenon( not even of our times)? Take anti-social behaviour- can we really say that it is only young people who are disruptive, and negatively affect the society we all live in? Take crime- is it really only young people who are stealing or joyriding? If you take the media at face value, you would believe as such.
I don't pretend for a minute that those gangs of young people on our streets don't exist, or that underage drinking doesn't happen, but I think that over regulating what our young people can and can't do, and more importantly when they can and can't do it will only intensify the problems we have in Wales, or Britain for that matter. Perhaps I am an idealist, but if we could only try and treat young people with a little more respect from the outset, then at least we would be able to try and nurture a relationship of equals.
Having met some people from the USA over the last few weeks while in Berlin, we got on to the subject of drinking, where it is illegal for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol. As expected, they said that people would buy alcohol illegally and drink as groups in their University dorm rooms or houses. Changing the age limit on alcohol consumption will change little, but what will make a difference will be the changing of attitudes in society, and the way we live our lives.
They are paying taxes at 16, voting at 18, allowed to drink at 18, drive at 17. Personally, I would welcome some consistency, and I think that some clarity would naturally ensue...
What annoys me is that most of these proposals almost always ignore the opinions of young people. Although we have new ways of communicating with young people, it still seems as if the world is against them. We need only talk about ASBO's, or the new mosquito sound device which attempts to disperse young people from large crowds as if they were rats in an dirty alleyway, to realise that we need to take a step back, take stock, and reconsider our attitudes towards young people.
So they may not vote in their droves, but this isn't a reason to undermine them or to treat them like 3rd class citizens. Take binge drinking as an example- of course this is an issue that we must deal with, but is it really a youth phenomenon, or is it a social phenomenon( not even of our times)? Take anti-social behaviour- can we really say that it is only young people who are disruptive, and negatively affect the society we all live in? Take crime- is it really only young people who are stealing or joyriding? If you take the media at face value, you would believe as such.
I don't pretend for a minute that those gangs of young people on our streets don't exist, or that underage drinking doesn't happen, but I think that over regulating what our young people can and can't do, and more importantly when they can and can't do it will only intensify the problems we have in Wales, or Britain for that matter. Perhaps I am an idealist, but if we could only try and treat young people with a little more respect from the outset, then at least we would be able to try and nurture a relationship of equals.
Having met some people from the USA over the last few weeks while in Berlin, we got on to the subject of drinking, where it is illegal for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol. As expected, they said that people would buy alcohol illegally and drink as groups in their University dorm rooms or houses. Changing the age limit on alcohol consumption will change little, but what will make a difference will be the changing of attitudes in society, and the way we live our lives.
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Does blogging make you laugh out loud?
Ok, so aside from the humorous comments that result from the way some AMs look and act in the Chamber from day to day in the National Assembly, I wonder whether our ability to laugh in politics is waning at a faster rate than the influence of Peter Hain over Welsh affairs. I say this in reaction to one of Glyn Davies's latest blog posts about the McCartney vs Mills court house drama, where opposition politicians and the media launched an attack on him for his comments.
I don't think I need to go in to the detail of the blog that reached the headlines here- I want to do the opposite.
The content of what Glyn Davies said aside, he has a valid point when stating that it may be 'goodbye to humour'. When are politicians, or prospective politicians at that allowed to be tongue in cheek, humorous, sarcastic, without it offending others in some tiny way?
I took a blog post down( one of the only ones I have ever taken down) a few months ago as a politician's office contacted me in such an angry, emotional way that I believed that I had no choice but to do so. This was of course regardless of the fact that the post was intended to be taken in a light hearted way, and I stated as such at the beginning of the post.
Will all future political bloggers, especially politicians, have to provide a hazard sign at the top of their blogs if they want to, or intend to say anything that may offend others, even in the slightest manner? Obviously we have to take in to account equal opportunities and fair play when we blog, but where, and how do we draw the line? People may accuse me of having somewhat simple, vague blogs on occasions, but to be honest, this is intentional as I do not want my words to be taken out of context or misinterpreted.
If I was an anonymous blogger such as Pippa Wagstaff or Normal Mouth, then I believe that I would be able to be much more free in my ways of conveying my opinions, if only because I would not be judged for it at every stage. Of course, I hear you say that I have put myself in this position, that I am an elected representative, therefore I should be held to account for my musings. Nevertheless, if the very people who want to communicate with the public fear that they cannot due to pressures from the press, other political parties, or anonymous bloggers with vendettas, then it will be impossible for us to encourage other politicians who are currently in the dark ages of communication to embrace new technologies, and to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
Many politicians have started blogs with good intentions, but have fallen by the wayside. I don't think that this is all to do with them being lazy or uninteresting, but more to do with how they grapple with communicating in such an unregulated and judgemental environment.
( I was going to add a photo of a politician laughing but didn't want to offend anyone by picking out one particular politician;-))
I don't think I need to go in to the detail of the blog that reached the headlines here- I want to do the opposite.
The content of what Glyn Davies said aside, he has a valid point when stating that it may be 'goodbye to humour'. When are politicians, or prospective politicians at that allowed to be tongue in cheek, humorous, sarcastic, without it offending others in some tiny way?
I took a blog post down( one of the only ones I have ever taken down) a few months ago as a politician's office contacted me in such an angry, emotional way that I believed that I had no choice but to do so. This was of course regardless of the fact that the post was intended to be taken in a light hearted way, and I stated as such at the beginning of the post.
Will all future political bloggers, especially politicians, have to provide a hazard sign at the top of their blogs if they want to, or intend to say anything that may offend others, even in the slightest manner? Obviously we have to take in to account equal opportunities and fair play when we blog, but where, and how do we draw the line? People may accuse me of having somewhat simple, vague blogs on occasions, but to be honest, this is intentional as I do not want my words to be taken out of context or misinterpreted.
If I was an anonymous blogger such as Pippa Wagstaff or Normal Mouth, then I believe that I would be able to be much more free in my ways of conveying my opinions, if only because I would not be judged for it at every stage. Of course, I hear you say that I have put myself in this position, that I am an elected representative, therefore I should be held to account for my musings. Nevertheless, if the very people who want to communicate with the public fear that they cannot due to pressures from the press, other political parties, or anonymous bloggers with vendettas, then it will be impossible for us to encourage other politicians who are currently in the dark ages of communication to embrace new technologies, and to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
Many politicians have started blogs with good intentions, but have fallen by the wayside. I don't think that this is all to do with them being lazy or uninteresting, but more to do with how they grapple with communicating in such an unregulated and judgemental environment.
( I was going to add a photo of a politician laughing but didn't want to offend anyone by picking out one particular politician;-))
Friday, 21 March 2008
Thursday, 20 March 2008
Mosgito
Braidd yn flinedig ar ol y teithio ddoe i ddweud y lleia, ond wedi cwpwl o gyfarfodydd yn y Cynulliad heddiw( sydd yn le dawel iawn dros y pasg, rhaid dweud) fe wnes i ffilmio ar gyfer y rhaglen i bobl ifanc ar S4C, Mosgito. Cwpwl o oriau difyr yn stiwdios Llandaf yn ymarfer cyfweliadau ar fy ngwaith fel AC, ac yn gwylio'r cyflwynwyr yn rhedeg o gwmpas y lle mewn hetiau difyr( gan fod eitem arall ar hetiau, a'u ffasiwn...) Yn ffodus does dim rhaid i ACau wisgo wigs na hetiau ffurfiol yn y Siambr felly doedd dim rhyw lawer gen i i gyfrannu i'r drafodaeth hynny!
Gobeithio'n fawr y bydd mwy o bobl ifanc yn cysylltu a mi ynglyn a gwleidyddiaeth ac ymgyrchu ar ol gwylio'r sioe heno ma. Mae e dal yn anodd i bobl ifanc sichrau bod y system yn croesawu eu barn yn rhan o'r drafodaeth gwleidyddol, ond gobeithio bydd hwn yn newid gyda dyfodiad y pwyllgor deisebau, a'r pwyllgor ar blant a phobl ifanc......
Pasg Hapus pawb!
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Im quite tired after the travelling yesterday but after a couple of meetings at the Assembly today( which is a very quiet place over easter I noticed) I went over to LLandaff BBC to film for the Welsh language youth show, Mosgito. A few hours of rehersals of interviews on my work as an AM ensued, and I then watched with vague hilarity at the presenters fleet around in random hats- as they were doing another piece for the show on fashion hats and easter hats! Fortunately for me us AMs don't have to wear such formal attire at the Assembly so I had little to contribute to that particular bit!
I hope that more young people will contact me to get involved in politics/ campaigns following the show. Its still quite a challenge for young people to get their voice heard in the system, but I hope with the establishment of the petitions committee and the young people's commitee at the Assembly that this will change.....
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
The joys of travelling
I'm travelling back from Berlin at the moment, and for someone who hates flying I am holding up thanks to the wonders of Bach herbal remedy (although its affect on my current state of mind may be entirely psychological)
I've enjoyed the network all in all, although it was intense at times. Neil Kinnock addressed us as Chair of the British Council last night at a buffet dinner, and although everybody expected me to launch into a heated discussion with him on devolution, I refrained when a Scottish friend over-heard him talk to a Romanian delegate about, should I say,the negatives of self determination in a devolved context.
I am sure that he carries out important work for the British Council, but it was somewhat ironic that he was promoting transatlantic links, and noting the growth of the EU when he does not recognise the importance of Wales as a Nation.
I look forward to the Network event in Ireland- we are planning for a 100 young people to attend, and to share in the experience of the network. I've met some very interesting, colourful people who are already shaping the way that we work in the World.
I've enjoyed the network all in all, although it was intense at times. Neil Kinnock addressed us as Chair of the British Council last night at a buffet dinner, and although everybody expected me to launch into a heated discussion with him on devolution, I refrained when a Scottish friend over-heard him talk to a Romanian delegate about, should I say,the negatives of self determination in a devolved context.
I am sure that he carries out important work for the British Council, but it was somewhat ironic that he was promoting transatlantic links, and noting the growth of the EU when he does not recognise the importance of Wales as a Nation.
I look forward to the Network event in Ireland- we are planning for a 100 young people to attend, and to share in the experience of the network. I've met some very interesting, colourful people who are already shaping the way that we work in the World.
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Berlin
I am updating this from my hotel room in Berlin,on my blackberry to be precise so I don't know how this post will turn out! The conference is set to start officially in a few hours, but when I arrived last night I met with the American and Canadian delegates. Its all quite overwhelming as they are all so talented- from young businessmen, to Nasa staff, to political consultants, to journalists- everyone is hugely successful in their field. The point of the conference is to build relations between Europe and America, and devleop new ways of working for the future. I've already picked up some useful information on Canadian citizenship programmes, which I hope to trial in Wales. I am sure that there will be varying opinions on issues of the day, but I'm looking forward to the busy week ahead.
On to the important issue of food- things have changed a lot since I was in Germany 6 years ago(in Nurtingen to be precise) There are now vegetarian options in restaurants! I will now survive the week!
Friday, 14 March 2008
Off to Berlin.....
Here is what I have written for Our Kingdom on the Oath of Allegiance.
Unless I can find internet connection I will not be blogging until Thursday as I am in Berlin with the British Council on a Conference which is bringing young people from different professions together to discuss global priorities. I've never been to Berlin before, so it should be a good experience. I'll try and keep up with the discussions on the blogs, but I don't promise anything. See you soon!
Unless I can find internet connection I will not be blogging until Thursday as I am in Berlin with the British Council on a Conference which is bringing young people from different professions together to discuss global priorities. I've never been to Berlin before, so it should be a good experience. I'll try and keep up with the discussions on the blogs, but I don't promise anything. See you soon!
Thursday, 13 March 2008
Question to Housing Minister on young runaways
Bethan Jenkins: I commend the work that you are doing on affordable housing. However, you must acknowledge that some people fall out of the loop altogether. I recently met NSPCC and Shelter Cymru to discuss runaways under the age of 16, and the fact that there are only six beds in the whole of England and Wales to accommodate these young people. Will there be anything in the code of guidance for local authorities on youth homelessness, so that we can tackle this issue seriously?
Jocelyn Davies: I am shortly to meet with the WLGA, and I will take up that point with it.
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Bethan Jenkins: Cymeradwyaf y gwaith yr ydych yn ei wnewch gyda thai fforddiadwy. Fodd bynnag, rhaid ichi gydnabod bod rhai pobl yn syrthio drwy’r rhwyd yn llwyr. Yn ddiweddar, cyfarfûm â’r NSPCC a Shelter Cymru i drafod pobl ifanc dan 16 sy’n rhedeg i ffwrdd, a’r ffaith mai dim ond chwe gwely sydd yng Nghymru a Lloegr gyfan i letya’r bobl ifanc hyn. A fydd unrhyw beth yn y cod arweiniad ar gyfer awdurdodau lleol ynghylch digartrefedd ymhlith pobl ifanc, er mwyn inni fynd i’r afael yn ddifrifol â’r mater hwn?
Jocelyn Davies: Byddaf yn cyfarfod â CLlLC yn fuan, a chodaf y pwynt hwnnw â hwy.
Jocelyn Davies: I am shortly to meet with the WLGA, and I will take up that point with it.
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Bethan Jenkins: Cymeradwyaf y gwaith yr ydych yn ei wnewch gyda thai fforddiadwy. Fodd bynnag, rhaid ichi gydnabod bod rhai pobl yn syrthio drwy’r rhwyd yn llwyr. Yn ddiweddar, cyfarfûm â’r NSPCC a Shelter Cymru i drafod pobl ifanc dan 16 sy’n rhedeg i ffwrdd, a’r ffaith mai dim ond chwe gwely sydd yng Nghymru a Lloegr gyfan i letya’r bobl ifanc hyn. A fydd unrhyw beth yn y cod arweiniad ar gyfer awdurdodau lleol ynghylch digartrefedd ymhlith pobl ifanc, er mwyn inni fynd i’r afael yn ddifrifol â’r mater hwn?
Jocelyn Davies: Byddaf yn cyfarfod â CLlLC yn fuan, a chodaf y pwynt hwnnw â hwy.
Tax credit question to Social Justice Minister
Bethan Jenkins: I also welcome the £3 million in extra resources going in to an awareness campaign on benefit take-up. My only concern is that the recent centralisation of services through the Department for Work and Pensions will severely hinder any development that we will be able to undertake in Wales. The Public and Commercial Services union has said that the new system is rigid and bureaucratic and that we are now moving towards telephone lines where 20 million people have been reported as not being able to access key services. What representations will you be making to your colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions in relation to this situation?
Brian Gibbons: There is an awareness that one of the big problems is not so much that people are unaware of their entitlements but of how to access those entitlements. Certainly, in the previous scheme on benefit uptake, the more successful organisations were those that gave real practical help to the claimants rather than simply attempting to increase awareness about entitlement. So, I would expect this scheme to build on that good practice and for the individual schemes to give real practical, pragmatic help to claimants so that they can overcome many of the problems that you have outlined.
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Bethan Jenkins: Yr wyf finnau’n croesawu’r £3 miliwn o adnoddau ychwanegol i’w rhoi mewn ymgyrch i godi ymwybyddiaeth pobl o hawlio budd-daliadau. Yr unig bryder sydd gennyf yw y gwnaiff y broses ddiweddar o ganoli gwasanaethau drwy’r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau lesteirio’n ddifrifol unrhyw ddatblygiad y gallwn ei gyflawni yng Nghymru. Mae Undeb y Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus a Masnachol wedi dweud bod y system newydd yn anhyblyg ac yn fiwrocrataidd a’n bod yn awr yn symud at linellau ffôn lle mae 20 miliwn o bobl wedi’u cofnodi fel pobl na allant hawlio budd-daliadau. Pa sylwadau y byddwch yn eu gwneud i’ch cyd-Weinidogion yn yr Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau yng nghyswllt y sefyllfa hon?
Brian Gibbons: Cydnabyddir mai un o’r problemau mawr yw nad yw pobl yn gwybod sut mae cael gafael ar eu hawliau yn hytrach na’r ffaith nad ydynt yn ymwybodol o’r hawliau hynny. Yn sicr, yn y cynllun blaenorol ar hawlio budd-daliadau, y mudiadau mwyaf llwyddiannus oedd y rheini a roddodd help ymarferol gwirioneddol i’r hawlwyr yn hytrach na chodi ymwybyddiaeth yn unig am hawliau. Felly, byddwn yn disgwyl i’r cynllun hwn adeiladu ar yr arfer da hwnnw a bod y cynlluniau unigol yn rhoi cymorth ymarferol, pragmatig, gwirioneddol i’r hawlwyr er mwyn iddynt allu goresgyn llawer o’r problemau yr ydych wedi’u hamlinellu.
Brian Gibbons: There is an awareness that one of the big problems is not so much that people are unaware of their entitlements but of how to access those entitlements. Certainly, in the previous scheme on benefit uptake, the more successful organisations were those that gave real practical help to the claimants rather than simply attempting to increase awareness about entitlement. So, I would expect this scheme to build on that good practice and for the individual schemes to give real practical, pragmatic help to claimants so that they can overcome many of the problems that you have outlined.
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Bethan Jenkins: Yr wyf finnau’n croesawu’r £3 miliwn o adnoddau ychwanegol i’w rhoi mewn ymgyrch i godi ymwybyddiaeth pobl o hawlio budd-daliadau. Yr unig bryder sydd gennyf yw y gwnaiff y broses ddiweddar o ganoli gwasanaethau drwy’r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau lesteirio’n ddifrifol unrhyw ddatblygiad y gallwn ei gyflawni yng Nghymru. Mae Undeb y Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus a Masnachol wedi dweud bod y system newydd yn anhyblyg ac yn fiwrocrataidd a’n bod yn awr yn symud at linellau ffôn lle mae 20 miliwn o bobl wedi’u cofnodi fel pobl na allant hawlio budd-daliadau. Pa sylwadau y byddwch yn eu gwneud i’ch cyd-Weinidogion yn yr Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau yng nghyswllt y sefyllfa hon?
Brian Gibbons: Cydnabyddir mai un o’r problemau mawr yw nad yw pobl yn gwybod sut mae cael gafael ar eu hawliau yn hytrach na’r ffaith nad ydynt yn ymwybodol o’r hawliau hynny. Yn sicr, yn y cynllun blaenorol ar hawlio budd-daliadau, y mudiadau mwyaf llwyddiannus oedd y rheini a roddodd help ymarferol gwirioneddol i’r hawlwyr yn hytrach na chodi ymwybyddiaeth yn unig am hawliau. Felly, byddwn yn disgwyl i’r cynllun hwn adeiladu ar yr arfer da hwnnw a bod y cynlluniau unigol yn rhoi cymorth ymarferol, pragmatig, gwirioneddol i’r hawlwyr er mwyn iddynt allu goresgyn llawer o’r problemau yr ydych wedi’u hamlinellu.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
More power for Wales.
I haven't mentioned that this week I took part in a Monmouth Young Rotary Interviewee competition which was held at Newport Civic Centre on Monday evening. I had to give a short speech on Independence for Wales, and was subsequently grilled by 6 young people about Independence. There was a mixed reaction to my stance, but some of the people who attended did tell me that they managed to learn more about Nationalism in one session than they had in 20 years!
I really enjoyed the night, but found it quite odd that before the young people interviewed me they almost all laid their stall against Independence, so I was ready for a negative questioning session. Nick Partridge from ITV Wales, one of the judges also noted this, and advised that Journalists ( at least publicly anyway!) should remain neutral on their own personal political opinion. I hope that other AMs will take part in such opportunities in the future, as it inevitably gives young people experience in their chosen future profession.
On the same night I was harangued on Independence, Ieuan Wyn Jones launched the local Government election campaign in Pontypridd. The main focus of the evening was Ieuan's reference in his speech on a Referendum, and his challenge to the cynics in Labour and the Tories who are trying their very best to undermine the viability of the referendum, and the Convention. I have read Glyn Davies's blog on this issue, and I would like to say that while he is entitled to question whether or not a referendum will happen before or at 2011, I believe that this is a commitment within One Wales that must be to be kept to.
As far as I know, the establishing committee for the Convention has run smoothly, and does not reflect the negative remarks made by Paul Murphy, Don Touhig and others. We take these discussions seriously as a Party, naturally, and I believe that Sir Emyr will not want to waste time in his involvement in the Convention if there is an assumption against success in this area.
I really enjoyed the night, but found it quite odd that before the young people interviewed me they almost all laid their stall against Independence, so I was ready for a negative questioning session. Nick Partridge from ITV Wales, one of the judges also noted this, and advised that Journalists ( at least publicly anyway!) should remain neutral on their own personal political opinion. I hope that other AMs will take part in such opportunities in the future, as it inevitably gives young people experience in their chosen future profession.
On the same night I was harangued on Independence, Ieuan Wyn Jones launched the local Government election campaign in Pontypridd. The main focus of the evening was Ieuan's reference in his speech on a Referendum, and his challenge to the cynics in Labour and the Tories who are trying their very best to undermine the viability of the referendum, and the Convention. I have read Glyn Davies's blog on this issue, and I would like to say that while he is entitled to question whether or not a referendum will happen before or at 2011, I believe that this is a commitment within One Wales that must be to be kept to.
As far as I know, the establishing committee for the Convention has run smoothly, and does not reflect the negative remarks made by Paul Murphy, Don Touhig and others. We take these discussions seriously as a Party, naturally, and I believe that Sir Emyr will not want to waste time in his involvement in the Convention if there is an assumption against success in this area.
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
No to Oath of Allegiance
As you can imagine, I do not agree with the comments made today by former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith to introduce a mandatory oath of allegiance for school pupils.
I'm deeply disturbed by proposals to force young people in our schools to swear an oath of allegiance to the monarchy. The conscious right of people in Wales to express their political and cultural identity in their own way would be violated if such proposals are ever realised.
I firmly believe that such practices have no room in a confident, forward looking Wales that is perfectly at ease with its identity. We need reassurances that our National Assembly will have the powers to block any such proposals if Gordon Brown chooses to embrace Lord Goldsmith's recommendations in full.
What we need is more investment in political citizenship across the board at a younger age, not an attempt at forcing a narrow, old fashioned and Imperial political ideology on our young people. Scotland has already rejected the plans, so too should Wales.
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Fel y medrwch ddychmygu, dydw i ddim yn cytuno gyda sylwadau yr Arglwydd Goldsmith heddiw i gyflwyno system o dyngu llw gorfodol ar bobl ifanc.
Dydw i ddim yn cytuno gyda’r fath gynllun i dyngu llw i’r Frenhiniaeth. Byddai cynllun o’r fath yn tanseilio gallu pobl Cymru i leisio eu barn gwleidyddol, a’u hunaniaeth diwylliannol.
Dydw i ddim yn credu y dylai’r fath weithred fod yn rhan o’n gwlad hyderus, blaengar, sydd yn balch o’i hunaniaeth unigryw. Mae angen i ni sicrhau yn nawr bod gan ein Cynulliad y gallu i wrthwynebu unrhyw gynlluniau y mae Gordon Brown yn ceisio gweithredu yn y maes hwn.
Beth sydd angen arnom yng Nghymru yw mwy o ymwybyddiaeth o wleidyddiaeth yn gyffredinol, ac nid ymgais negyddol i wthio barn ideolegol hen ffasiwn, Imperialaidd ar ein pobl ifanc. Mae’r Alban wedi gwrthod y cynlluniau yn barod, a dylai Cymru wneud yr un peth.
I'm deeply disturbed by proposals to force young people in our schools to swear an oath of allegiance to the monarchy. The conscious right of people in Wales to express their political and cultural identity in their own way would be violated if such proposals are ever realised.
I firmly believe that such practices have no room in a confident, forward looking Wales that is perfectly at ease with its identity. We need reassurances that our National Assembly will have the powers to block any such proposals if Gordon Brown chooses to embrace Lord Goldsmith's recommendations in full.
What we need is more investment in political citizenship across the board at a younger age, not an attempt at forcing a narrow, old fashioned and Imperial political ideology on our young people. Scotland has already rejected the plans, so too should Wales.
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Fel y medrwch ddychmygu, dydw i ddim yn cytuno gyda sylwadau yr Arglwydd Goldsmith heddiw i gyflwyno system o dyngu llw gorfodol ar bobl ifanc.
Dydw i ddim yn cytuno gyda’r fath gynllun i dyngu llw i’r Frenhiniaeth. Byddai cynllun o’r fath yn tanseilio gallu pobl Cymru i leisio eu barn gwleidyddol, a’u hunaniaeth diwylliannol.
Dydw i ddim yn credu y dylai’r fath weithred fod yn rhan o’n gwlad hyderus, blaengar, sydd yn balch o’i hunaniaeth unigryw. Mae angen i ni sicrhau yn nawr bod gan ein Cynulliad y gallu i wrthwynebu unrhyw gynlluniau y mae Gordon Brown yn ceisio gweithredu yn y maes hwn.
Beth sydd angen arnom yng Nghymru yw mwy o ymwybyddiaeth o wleidyddiaeth yn gyffredinol, ac nid ymgais negyddol i wthio barn ideolegol hen ffasiwn, Imperialaidd ar ein pobl ifanc. Mae’r Alban wedi gwrthod y cynlluniau yn barod, a dylai Cymru wneud yr un peth.
Monday, 10 March 2008
'No surrender' Paisley to retire
Commenting on Ian Paisley's announcement to stand down as First Minister in Northern Ireland has obviously led to varying reactions. For now, the comments are relatively moderate, although with time, I am sure that this will change! Liking Ian Paisley has been quite a challenge for me over the years, but his willingness to enter coalition with Sinn Fein was the catalyst for me to reassess my position. Known for his hard line 'No surrender' stance to Republicanism, it was surprising that he was ready to take on the power-sharing role with Sinn Fein, a step too far for David Trimble -which ultimately led to his downfall.
The reasons why Ian Paisley is resigning is of little significance in the wider political picture in my opinion, but what will happen next will determine the future of the North. Ian Paisley has dominated the political landscape, and that of the DUP for decades. Despite Ian Paisley's now waning popularity as leader, one may not merely dismiss his influence on the party and his hold on its members, and his successor will be only too aware of this. I remember driving past Paisley's church years ago, the congregation spilling out onto the streets- such was his influence.
Paisley's decision to enter Government with Sinn Fein may not have been a simple decision, but it was certainly a way in which to tie Sinn Fein closer to the British establishment, and a way of removing them from their plight of creating a united Ireland. Paisley may have sat down to compare Northern Ireland with the other devolved entities in enacting his strategy- certainly, in Scotland and Wales, many argue that providing us with a limited form of devolution will 'keep us quiet', and will allow Westminster to keep an arms length approach to governance in the UK. Whether this will be successful in the long-term is unclear, especially with the SNP highlighting the call for Independence- however genuine this is at the present moment in time. Nevertheless, it is true that Sinn Fein now work within the confines of the British establishment, but with an effort to build a new Ireland of the North in the short term, I am convinced that embrace this they must before considering the issue of a United Ireland.
The next leader of the DUP must take on the challenge of balancing a new approach to governance and that of ensuring their former leader's goal of remaining as part of Britain. Paisley's quotes over the weekend of 'smashing' Sinn Fein is an overestimation of their success in encouraging/forcing/pulling Sinn Fein into the British system, and Sinn Fein leaders are only too aware of this strategy.
However, I don't believe that any political party in the North of Ireland wants to return to the violence of the Troubles, and the new generation of politicians must show that there are other ways of working, of co-operating so that social justice and equality are issues of importance for them all, in line with the constitutional question, of course.
The reasons why Ian Paisley is resigning is of little significance in the wider political picture in my opinion, but what will happen next will determine the future of the North. Ian Paisley has dominated the political landscape, and that of the DUP for decades. Despite Ian Paisley's now waning popularity as leader, one may not merely dismiss his influence on the party and his hold on its members, and his successor will be only too aware of this. I remember driving past Paisley's church years ago, the congregation spilling out onto the streets- such was his influence.
Paisley's decision to enter Government with Sinn Fein may not have been a simple decision, but it was certainly a way in which to tie Sinn Fein closer to the British establishment, and a way of removing them from their plight of creating a united Ireland. Paisley may have sat down to compare Northern Ireland with the other devolved entities in enacting his strategy- certainly, in Scotland and Wales, many argue that providing us with a limited form of devolution will 'keep us quiet', and will allow Westminster to keep an arms length approach to governance in the UK. Whether this will be successful in the long-term is unclear, especially with the SNP highlighting the call for Independence- however genuine this is at the present moment in time. Nevertheless, it is true that Sinn Fein now work within the confines of the British establishment, but with an effort to build a new Ireland of the North in the short term, I am convinced that embrace this they must before considering the issue of a United Ireland.
The next leader of the DUP must take on the challenge of balancing a new approach to governance and that of ensuring their former leader's goal of remaining as part of Britain. Paisley's quotes over the weekend of 'smashing' Sinn Fein is an overestimation of their success in encouraging/forcing/pulling Sinn Fein into the British system, and Sinn Fein leaders are only too aware of this strategy.
However, I don't believe that any political party in the North of Ireland wants to return to the violence of the Troubles, and the new generation of politicians must show that there are other ways of working, of co-operating so that social justice and equality are issues of importance for them all, in line with the constitutional question, of course.
Sunday, 9 March 2008
More on AMs salaries....
The Wales on Sunday reports today-
Mid and West Wales Labour AM Alun Davies accused the Plaid six of playing “sixth form politics”, adding:
“It’s time for people to grow up.
“At the end of the day, they have got to decide whether they want to be a serious political party or just a party that tries to score cheap political points with little credibility.'
“If you want to govern a country and be taken seriously you have got to leave the students’ union behind and take difficult decisions.”
While I commend Alun Davies AM for coming out publicly on the issue I do not agree with him. There may be backlash amongst AMs on this one, but that is only to be expected given that it directly affects all of us.
I really don't appreciate the way in which some politicians constantly undermine the worth of Student Union politics ( especially as many of us come from that background!).
I also do not like the way in which some AMs have sought to undermine our stance on this entirely, when we have not made a decision for political gain, or without thinking it through thoroughly. I would like to see Alun Davies say the same as he said to the Wales on Sunday to the Police or the Trade Unions the next time he meets them. I don't think that his argument will hold water.
AMs are working harder, and I know it is hard for politicians of any colour to win the argument on this because of the cynicism that exists. But for the cynicism to go away, then refusing this pay rise would be one way of showing that politicians are not in it for the money.
Mid and West Wales Labour AM Alun Davies accused the Plaid six of playing “sixth form politics”, adding:
“It’s time for people to grow up.
“At the end of the day, they have got to decide whether they want to be a serious political party or just a party that tries to score cheap political points with little credibility.'
“If you want to govern a country and be taken seriously you have got to leave the students’ union behind and take difficult decisions.”
While I commend Alun Davies AM for coming out publicly on the issue I do not agree with him. There may be backlash amongst AMs on this one, but that is only to be expected given that it directly affects all of us.
I really don't appreciate the way in which some politicians constantly undermine the worth of Student Union politics ( especially as many of us come from that background!).
I also do not like the way in which some AMs have sought to undermine our stance on this entirely, when we have not made a decision for political gain, or without thinking it through thoroughly. I would like to see Alun Davies say the same as he said to the Wales on Sunday to the Police or the Trade Unions the next time he meets them. I don't think that his argument will hold water.
AMs are working harder, and I know it is hard for politicians of any colour to win the argument on this because of the cynicism that exists. But for the cynicism to go away, then refusing this pay rise would be one way of showing that politicians are not in it for the money.
Friday, 7 March 2008
Ymweliad Gofal Cymru visit
Fe wnes i ymweld a gwasanaeth Gofal Cymru yn Jersey Marine heddiw er mwyn gweld ei gwasanaethau yn y gymuned, ac er mwyn siarad am eu profiadau yn gweithio gyda pobl sydd a iechyd meddwl yn yr ardal. Mae'n bwysig mod i'n cwrdd a phobl yn y sector hwn, yn enwedig nawr fy mod i ar y pwyllgor sydd yn scriwtineiddio LCO Jonathan Morgan ar wasanaethau iechyd meddwl yng Nghymru. Roedd y gweithwyr a'r rheiny sy'n byddio o'r wasanaeth yn gyfeillgar iawn, ac llawn pasiwn am ei waith yn helpu pobl a iechyd meddwl i ffeindio tai fforddiadwy, a thrwy helpu nhw i geisio am fudd-daliadau. Rwyf yn gobeithio gallu cymryd rhan mewn mwy o'i ddigwyddiadau, ac yn bwriadu ymuno a rhai o'r gweithwyr wrth ei waith pob dydd.
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Today I visited Gofal Cymru's Jersey Marine service to discuss their work with people with mental health in the area, and to discuss their experiences in this field. It is important for me to visit those who help people who suffer from mental health in Wales, especially now that I am sitting on Jonathan Morgan's LCO committee which will look at provision for mental health in Wales. The workers at Gofal Cymru, and service users were passionate about the role that Gofal Cymru plays in helping people with mental illnessess to access services- specifically with regards to tenancy support, and benefits. I hope to continue to support Gofal Cymru in the area, and will hopefully take up the chance to shadow one of the workers in the near future.
Remploy Ystradgynlais
Fe es i i Remploy Ystradgynlais wythnos diwethaf gydag Alun Llewelyn, ein Cynghorydd yn Ystalyfera, i drafod dyfodol y Ffatri. Fel mae'n sefyll, mae'r ffatri yn mynd i cau, ac fe fydd rhaid i weithwyr deithio i Faglan i weithio yn y Ffatri yno. Mae yna si bod cwmniau eraill wedi dangos diddordeb mewn datblygu'r adeilad, ond yr wythnos hwn, mi roedd yn rhaid i'r gweithwyr arwyddo'r cytundeb naillau yn cytuno i symud i Baglan ai peidio. Er y newidiadau, nid yw'r gweithwyr yn sicr o hyd beth yw'r trefniadau teithio- os byddent yn derbyn lwfans teithio, ac os fyddent yn derbyn yr un cyflog gwaith ym Maglan. Mae'n anffodus iawn bod cyfathrebiaeth rhwng y gweithwyr a'r cwmni wedi dod i ben, er bod nifer o gwestiynnau eto i'w hateb. Fe wnes i godi'r mater ar lawr y Cynulliad, ac fe fydd Plaid yn yr ardal yn parhau i geisio cynrychioli'r gweithwyr.
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I visited the workers at the Remploy Ystradgynlais Factory last week alongside my colleague, Councillor Alun Llewelyn of Ystalyfera, to discuss the future of the factory. As it stands presently, the factory will be closing, and workers will have to travel to the Baglan factory. There are rumours circulating that a company is interested in developing the Ystradgynlais site, but this may be too late for the workers, who this week had to sign a contract to agree the terms of work for Baglan. Nevertheless, details of the move are still hazy, as they are unclear as to whether or not they will receive reimbursment for travel, and the same salaries as they receive presently. It is unfortunate that the communication between the workers and the company has broken down, but Plaid in the area will continue to raise this issue on a regular basis on a local level, and at the Assembly.
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I visited the workers at the Remploy Ystradgynlais Factory last week alongside my colleague, Councillor Alun Llewelyn of Ystalyfera, to discuss the future of the factory. As it stands presently, the factory will be closing, and workers will have to travel to the Baglan factory. There are rumours circulating that a company is interested in developing the Ystradgynlais site, but this may be too late for the workers, who this week had to sign a contract to agree the terms of work for Baglan. Nevertheless, details of the move are still hazy, as they are unclear as to whether or not they will receive reimbursment for travel, and the same salaries as they receive presently. It is unfortunate that the communication between the workers and the company has broken down, but Plaid in the area will continue to raise this issue on a regular basis on a local level, and at the Assembly.
AMs salaries
I will oppose plans to award Assembly members an above inflation pay rise. An independent panel has recommended the pay rise, saying that AMs now have a higher workload because of their extra legislative powers. But following a series of low pay increases for public sector workers, Plaid AMs have argued against such a large increase for themselves.
At a time when public sector workers have to accept below inflation pay rises, I find it inappropriate for us to be awarded. It is somewhat unjustifiable.
I am clear about my actions in relation to this, and it is not political opportunism as Nick Bourne is trying to portray it. If we are to debate police pay, and public sector pay at the Assembly on a regular basis, then I really do not believe that we can be making grand standing statements without reflecting that in our own lives also.
In the current climate of the tightening of budgets, I can't see how we will win any support as an Institution. I would have prefered it had all AMs taken the same position on this issue, as now there will be questions around what will happen if some AMs take the pay rise, and others do not.
I believe that AMs pay should be in line with other National parliaments. We need to attract more people to stand, but now is not the right time to be accepting such a substantial increase in pay.
At a time when public sector workers have to accept below inflation pay rises, I find it inappropriate for us to be awarded. It is somewhat unjustifiable.
I am clear about my actions in relation to this, and it is not political opportunism as Nick Bourne is trying to portray it. If we are to debate police pay, and public sector pay at the Assembly on a regular basis, then I really do not believe that we can be making grand standing statements without reflecting that in our own lives also.
In the current climate of the tightening of budgets, I can't see how we will win any support as an Institution. I would have prefered it had all AMs taken the same position on this issue, as now there will be questions around what will happen if some AMs take the pay rise, and others do not.
I believe that AMs pay should be in line with other National parliaments. We need to attract more people to stand, but now is not the right time to be accepting such a substantial increase in pay.
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
Representation of rape in the media
There is a Home Office funded report out today, 'Just Representations? Press Reporting and the reality of rape' which criticises the media's stereotypical representation of rape, which they claim damage conviction rates severely. This stereotype is clear in many a police drama or soap opera, where women are often raped on the way home after a night out, or unfairly represent women who concoct a story of being a victim of rape to reap the benefits of the husband or partners bulging bank balance. There is no doubt that such stories are true in a number of cases, but the media have a strong role to play in properly informing their viewers about the reality of rape- for example, as outlined in the Independent today, 89% of men actually know their victims, and are not the rouge man on the street, and only 13% of rapes take place in public.
Its really worrying that only 5.7% of rapes lead to a criminal conviction, and that so many women feel that they cannot come forward to report rape, or go through the court process for fear of being misinterpreted, or misinformed. Recent reports of rape have only served to counter the confidence of women to come forward. High profile cases such as the one in Aberystwyth a few years ago when a Security Guard walked a student home and was later accused of rape is case in point, as the arguments used against the woman in question was that she was drunk, and that the issue of consent was open to question.
The report recommends that there should be guidelines in place to enforce newspapers and the PCC to act in this area, and to ensure that they report rape as a wider social issue, as opposed to sporadic, high profile, sensational representations that exist currently. I would support this wholeheartedly, and also the need for wider awareness raising on this issue.
Its really worrying that only 5.7% of rapes lead to a criminal conviction, and that so many women feel that they cannot come forward to report rape, or go through the court process for fear of being misinterpreted, or misinformed. Recent reports of rape have only served to counter the confidence of women to come forward. High profile cases such as the one in Aberystwyth a few years ago when a Security Guard walked a student home and was later accused of rape is case in point, as the arguments used against the woman in question was that she was drunk, and that the issue of consent was open to question.
The report recommends that there should be guidelines in place to enforce newspapers and the PCC to act in this area, and to ensure that they report rape as a wider social issue, as opposed to sporadic, high profile, sensational representations that exist currently. I would support this wholeheartedly, and also the need for wider awareness raising on this issue.
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Today at the Assembly
Today, I asked Carwyn Jones during Business questions for the Government in Wales to make urgent representations to the Westminster Government following the Work and Pensions committee report that stated that the interim targets for child poverty may not be met, especially so if the Government at Westminster fails to put forward new policy initiatives. I called for this action precisely because I believe that London's failure to act is affecting the progress here in Wales, and our capability to reach the target on a Wales level. Darling pandering to the business classes and back-tracking on a levy for non-domiciles is case in point.
Experts in the field constantly claim that more action is needed from Labour in London to reach the targets, yet this is not reflected in practise. I also asked for a debate in Government time regarding child poverty as I believe that we cannot sit on this issue any longer.
The newly formed children and young people committee chaired by Helen Mary Jones will later this week launch a new investigation into child poverty in Wales in relation to the actions of the Minster, Dr Brian Gibbons AM, and this is to be commended, yet I am cynical of success here in Wales without a robust lead from Westminster. We are yet to find out any clear details about the new section in the DWP devoted to child poverty initiatives, and the affect of Ed Balls's plans for child poverty. I certainly don't want to reach 2020 with targets well and truly missed.
I have also today contributed to the debate on the consultation on the coal M tan- which specifically concentrates on the initiation of a new 500 meter buffer zone, and the implementation of Health Impact Assessments on areas affected by open cast mining. These were both Plaid Cymru Manifesto commitments, and commitments which we are working positively to deliver here in Wales. From listening to some Labour colleagues in the Chamber today, Plaid's involvement has obviously riled them, but I sincerely believe that these ideas will move forward the debate on open cast mining. There has to be clear guidelines in place for 500 meter buffer zones, and I would argue that exceptions to this buffer zone should be outlined clearly, and be few and far between. I also would like to stress that there should be a presumption against extensions as many developers see this as a potential to continue open cast mining in a given area.
This is of course a sensitive issue for many areas, namely Ffos y Fran in Merthyr, and that is one reason why Leanne Wood AM and myself emphasised that there should be a case for retrospective buffer zones and Health Impact Assessments. It will be for the Minister to decide as to whether this is possible or not. I look forward to placing a comprehensive case forward for the consultation process, and hope that the final document will be robust and clear, so that communities can be protected from open cast mining in the future.
Experts in the field constantly claim that more action is needed from Labour in London to reach the targets, yet this is not reflected in practise. I also asked for a debate in Government time regarding child poverty as I believe that we cannot sit on this issue any longer.
The newly formed children and young people committee chaired by Helen Mary Jones will later this week launch a new investigation into child poverty in Wales in relation to the actions of the Minster, Dr Brian Gibbons AM, and this is to be commended, yet I am cynical of success here in Wales without a robust lead from Westminster. We are yet to find out any clear details about the new section in the DWP devoted to child poverty initiatives, and the affect of Ed Balls's plans for child poverty. I certainly don't want to reach 2020 with targets well and truly missed.
I have also today contributed to the debate on the consultation on the coal M tan- which specifically concentrates on the initiation of a new 500 meter buffer zone, and the implementation of Health Impact Assessments on areas affected by open cast mining. These were both Plaid Cymru Manifesto commitments, and commitments which we are working positively to deliver here in Wales. From listening to some Labour colleagues in the Chamber today, Plaid's involvement has obviously riled them, but I sincerely believe that these ideas will move forward the debate on open cast mining. There has to be clear guidelines in place for 500 meter buffer zones, and I would argue that exceptions to this buffer zone should be outlined clearly, and be few and far between. I also would like to stress that there should be a presumption against extensions as many developers see this as a potential to continue open cast mining in a given area.
This is of course a sensitive issue for many areas, namely Ffos y Fran in Merthyr, and that is one reason why Leanne Wood AM and myself emphasised that there should be a case for retrospective buffer zones and Health Impact Assessments. It will be for the Minister to decide as to whether this is possible or not. I look forward to placing a comprehensive case forward for the consultation process, and hope that the final document will be robust and clear, so that communities can be protected from open cast mining in the future.
Monday, 3 March 2008
Free parking at Hospitals. But not in Neath Port Talbot.
I am disappointed that patients in Neath Port Talbot will not benefit from today’s One Wales Government announcement abolishing hospital car park charges. The realisation of this One Wales commitment is very welcome indeed, but I feel compelled to question the competence of Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust, who have signed a contract with car parking companies that means patients in Neath Port Talbot will continue to be charged for parking at our hospitals.
We are not discussing a contract lasting a few months or even a few years. Bro Morgannwg are in a binding contract with car parking companies until 2032 which means that they are now unable to respond to the change in direction provided by the new Government of Wales. This is mismanagement of our public services. I will be contacting the Trust to seek clarification of their contract, and to discuss whether or not the terms of the agreement can be changed. I believe that this is a positive measure from the Government. For patients who have to attend repeat consultations, or for families visiting patients on a regular basis, such charges are unviable and unfair.
Jenny Randerson AM has waded in to the debate, saying that this will take away from front- line care, but once we enter the debate over charging for health care, we will end up on the slippery slope of allowing it to be the norm. This should not be the case.
In any case, it seems ironic that the Lib dems have been somewhat negative in their response to this announcement, when they were ready to jump on the bandwagon in Cardiff against the rise of NCP car parking charges.
We are not discussing a contract lasting a few months or even a few years. Bro Morgannwg are in a binding contract with car parking companies until 2032 which means that they are now unable to respond to the change in direction provided by the new Government of Wales. This is mismanagement of our public services. I will be contacting the Trust to seek clarification of their contract, and to discuss whether or not the terms of the agreement can be changed. I believe that this is a positive measure from the Government. For patients who have to attend repeat consultations, or for families visiting patients on a regular basis, such charges are unviable and unfair.
Jenny Randerson AM has waded in to the debate, saying that this will take away from front- line care, but once we enter the debate over charging for health care, we will end up on the slippery slope of allowing it to be the norm. This should not be the case.
In any case, it seems ironic that the Lib dems have been somewhat negative in their response to this announcement, when they were ready to jump on the bandwagon in Cardiff against the rise of NCP car parking charges.
Sunday, 2 March 2008
Tory review on further devolution
Lord Wyn Roberts is to head a review of Tory grassroots opinion on further powers for the Assembly. We heard all about it over the weekend, and from Nick Bourne on the Politics Show. I understood it to be a review of Tory opinion, but it got a bit sidetracked by the fact that Nick Bourne seemed to suggest that its brief would be wider- they would also consult with the community at large(but surely that's what the Convention is going to do?)
This is of course a last ditch attempt by Bourne to shore up party support for his undeniable support for further devolution for Wales. Of course, naturally, I believe that we should have more powers for the people of Wales, yet there remains a difference of opinion amongst the Tories to this day.
OK, so David Cameron wants to get this over and done with so that the party can get on with dealing with the real issues ( although I would argue that bread and butter issues come hand in hand with the constitutional question. Paul Murphy, are you listening?!)
What would have been more positive from Cameron would have been a clear, direct lead on his views as to the future of devolution. He seems able to comment freely on most issues- from Faith schools, to the green agenda to party funding, so why not devolution? Perhaps it is the devo-bashing element within his party, namely David Davies MP that stops him from doing as such?
My initial feeling therefore is that this review will come out in support of further powers for Wales. If the review does not come out as such, then Bourne's position will be weakened significantly. He wants Tory members behind him, and does not want to be challenged for his party's dithering on this.
Where this will then leave the Unionists of the Labour Party is another question for another day....
This is of course a last ditch attempt by Bourne to shore up party support for his undeniable support for further devolution for Wales. Of course, naturally, I believe that we should have more powers for the people of Wales, yet there remains a difference of opinion amongst the Tories to this day.
OK, so David Cameron wants to get this over and done with so that the party can get on with dealing with the real issues ( although I would argue that bread and butter issues come hand in hand with the constitutional question. Paul Murphy, are you listening?!)
What would have been more positive from Cameron would have been a clear, direct lead on his views as to the future of devolution. He seems able to comment freely on most issues- from Faith schools, to the green agenda to party funding, so why not devolution? Perhaps it is the devo-bashing element within his party, namely David Davies MP that stops him from doing as such?
My initial feeling therefore is that this review will come out in support of further powers for Wales. If the review does not come out as such, then Bourne's position will be weakened significantly. He wants Tory members behind him, and does not want to be challenged for his party's dithering on this.
Where this will then leave the Unionists of the Labour Party is another question for another day....
Infrequent blogging of an AM
Apologies for failing to blog for such a long time. It has been a hectic week. The eating disorders awareness week launch went brilliantly, and thank you to Ali Valenzuela and David Samuel for speaking at the event about your experiences with overcoming eating disorders. I sincerely hope that the group can keep on with the work of influencing policy in this field, with the help of those who are specialists in this particular area, and campaigners.
I went to Wrexham Wednesday evening as the Equal Opportunities Committee was taking evidence for our report on Migrant Workers the following day. We visited Caia Park, and saw the excellent work that is being carried out there in order to welcome migrants into the community, and to provide services for them. All the people who worked there were so passionate about what they do, and is one reason why I love to visit groups in the community- to see their enthusiasm for their work, and their dedication. We also took evidence from two North Wales Councils, a local Catholic Priest and the Police. There is still little data available on the migrant workers that come to Wales, and while there is a large Polish community in places like Wrexham and Llanelli, there are people from other European countries seeking work in Wales, from countries such as Lithuania and Portugal. We are taking evidence from Trade Unions for the next committee, and hopefully this will again assist us in shaping our investigation into the needs of migrant workers in Wales.
I attended the St David's Day Parade yesterday in Cardiff. I went two years ago, and I must say it has grown in stature significantly since then. This has been helped of course by support from the Council locally, and the Welsh Assembly Government. A day to celebrate a Nation...All we need now are the powers to go with it!
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Ymddiheriadau am beidio blogio. Mae e wedi bod yn wythnos brysur iawn!Fe aeth y lansiad i godi ymwybyddiaeth o anhwylderau bwyta yn wych, a diolch i Ali Valenzuela a David Samuel am gymryd rhan yn y digwyddiad, ac am rhannu eu profiadau gyda ni. Gobeithio nawr y bydd y pwyllgor yn medru parhau i ddylanwadu polisi yn y maes hwn, ac hynny wrth weithio'n agos gydag arbennigwyr yn y maes, ac ymgyrchwyr.
Fe es i i Wrecsam nos Fercher ar ol y lansiad oherwydd roeddem yn cymryd tystiolaeth fel pwyllgor Cyfleoedd Cyfartal y Cynulliad y dydd nesaf am ein hymchwiliad ar weithwyr mudol. Fe wnaethom ni ymweld a Caia Parc, a chwrdd a phobl sydd yn gweithio'n agos gyda gweithwyr mudol o ran rhoi cefnogaeth iddynt, a cheisio eu hennyn i ddod yn rhan o'r gymuned ehangach. Mae'r bobl yno llawn egni am eu gwaith, ac yn un o'r prif rhesymau paham rwyf yn hoffi ymweld a grwpiau yn y gymuned- er mwyn rhannu eu ymroddiad i'w gwaith, a'u cariad at eu gwaith yn gyffredinol. Fe wnaethom wedyn cymryd tystiolaeth gan dau Gyngor lleol, Offeiriad Catholig, a'r Heddlu. Mae diffyg data ar weithwyr mudol yng Nghymru ar hyn o bryd, ac er fod nifer fawr o weithwyr Pwyleg yn byw yn Wrecsam a Llanelli, mae pobl o Lithuania a Portiwgal yn trigo yng Nhgymru hefyd. Rydym yn cymryd tystiolaeth gan Undebwyr Llafur yr wythnos nesaf, a gobeithio'n fawr y bydd hwn hefyd yn helpu i siapio ein gwaith ar weithwyr mudol yng Nghymru.
Fe es i i'r Orymdaith Dydd Gwyl Dewi ddoe yng Nghaerdydd. Es i dwy mlynedd yn ol, ac rhaid dweud bod y digwyddiad wedi tyfu, ac hynny yn bennaf oherwydd cefnogaeth gan y Cyngor a'r Llywodraeth. Dydd i ddathlu Cenedl, nawr yr oll sydd angen yw'r pwerau i gyd fynd ag hynny!
I went to Wrexham Wednesday evening as the Equal Opportunities Committee was taking evidence for our report on Migrant Workers the following day. We visited Caia Park, and saw the excellent work that is being carried out there in order to welcome migrants into the community, and to provide services for them. All the people who worked there were so passionate about what they do, and is one reason why I love to visit groups in the community- to see their enthusiasm for their work, and their dedication. We also took evidence from two North Wales Councils, a local Catholic Priest and the Police. There is still little data available on the migrant workers that come to Wales, and while there is a large Polish community in places like Wrexham and Llanelli, there are people from other European countries seeking work in Wales, from countries such as Lithuania and Portugal. We are taking evidence from Trade Unions for the next committee, and hopefully this will again assist us in shaping our investigation into the needs of migrant workers in Wales.
I attended the St David's Day Parade yesterday in Cardiff. I went two years ago, and I must say it has grown in stature significantly since then. This has been helped of course by support from the Council locally, and the Welsh Assembly Government. A day to celebrate a Nation...All we need now are the powers to go with it!
................................................................................................
Ymddiheriadau am beidio blogio. Mae e wedi bod yn wythnos brysur iawn!Fe aeth y lansiad i godi ymwybyddiaeth o anhwylderau bwyta yn wych, a diolch i Ali Valenzuela a David Samuel am gymryd rhan yn y digwyddiad, ac am rhannu eu profiadau gyda ni. Gobeithio nawr y bydd y pwyllgor yn medru parhau i ddylanwadu polisi yn y maes hwn, ac hynny wrth weithio'n agos gydag arbennigwyr yn y maes, ac ymgyrchwyr.
Fe es i i Wrecsam nos Fercher ar ol y lansiad oherwydd roeddem yn cymryd tystiolaeth fel pwyllgor Cyfleoedd Cyfartal y Cynulliad y dydd nesaf am ein hymchwiliad ar weithwyr mudol. Fe wnaethom ni ymweld a Caia Parc, a chwrdd a phobl sydd yn gweithio'n agos gyda gweithwyr mudol o ran rhoi cefnogaeth iddynt, a cheisio eu hennyn i ddod yn rhan o'r gymuned ehangach. Mae'r bobl yno llawn egni am eu gwaith, ac yn un o'r prif rhesymau paham rwyf yn hoffi ymweld a grwpiau yn y gymuned- er mwyn rhannu eu ymroddiad i'w gwaith, a'u cariad at eu gwaith yn gyffredinol. Fe wnaethom wedyn cymryd tystiolaeth gan dau Gyngor lleol, Offeiriad Catholig, a'r Heddlu. Mae diffyg data ar weithwyr mudol yng Nghymru ar hyn o bryd, ac er fod nifer fawr o weithwyr Pwyleg yn byw yn Wrecsam a Llanelli, mae pobl o Lithuania a Portiwgal yn trigo yng Nhgymru hefyd. Rydym yn cymryd tystiolaeth gan Undebwyr Llafur yr wythnos nesaf, a gobeithio'n fawr y bydd hwn hefyd yn helpu i siapio ein gwaith ar weithwyr mudol yng Nghymru.
Fe es i i'r Orymdaith Dydd Gwyl Dewi ddoe yng Nghaerdydd. Es i dwy mlynedd yn ol, ac rhaid dweud bod y digwyddiad wedi tyfu, ac hynny yn bennaf oherwydd cefnogaeth gan y Cyngor a'r Llywodraeth. Dydd i ddathlu Cenedl, nawr yr oll sydd angen yw'r pwerau i gyd fynd ag hynny!
