"This letter is a rather desperate attempt by a rich man who is used to getting his own way, but his latest tizzy is embarrassing. Instead of the world laughing at Scotland, Scotland is laughing at Mr Trump."
- Feb 10, 2012:
- ROGER WILLIAMS SECURES BANK BRANCH CLOSURES DEBATE
Brecon and Radnorshire, Liberal Democrat MP Roger Williams has secured a ninety minute Westminster Hall debate on "High Street Bank Branch Closures in Rural Areas". After the announcement that HSBC was to close its Presteigne Branch, Roger Williams applied for a debate to discuss the impact that these closures have on rural communities. Commenting Roger Williams said: "This will be a very important debate, the local bank branch is crucial to the local economy. HSBC's argument was that at this branch, people were not buying enough mortgages and other banking products in enough quantity to make the branch viable. This may be the case but large numbers of people have bought products from them in the past and then to get up and walk away from the area to me is very shaky morally. "I understand the commercial pressures these banks are under but they must understand the effects these closures have on the areas, its tourism, economic development and indeed the effect it has on their customers. "We will be fighting tooth and nail to keep these banks in the communities they serve." Ends: Notes: The debate will be at 9.30am on Tuesday 21st February. You will be able to watch the debate live on http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/ Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Liberal Democrat News 10th February 2012
Confident Ed stands firm
Strongly backed by Nick Clegg, newly appointed Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey was quick to make his mark in his new role when he confirmed his personal commitment to green growth, green jobs and the wider use of wind power technology. "I think that onshore and offshore wind power has a real place in a balanced mix of energy generation so I'm a huge supporter of renewables" he said.
100 Tory back-benchers have tabled a motion calling for a dramatic cut in subsidies for onshore wind farms but Ed is very clear where he stands. "Already we've seen through the subsidies that this government has invested in onshore wind that the price has come down to make onshore more competitive, so we've got money in all sorts of renewables because of the success of these investments.
"There may have been a change at the helm, but there'll be no change in direction or ambition. My priorities are very simple: green jobs, green growth and getting the best deal for energy bill payers."Ed and Nick Clegg were visiting the Building Research Establishment's Innovation Park near Watford, a testing site for green homes, where they met graduates considering moving into green construction jobs. Nick Clegg told them "The race is on to lead the world in clean, green energy. The savviest states understand that going for growth means going green. Low-carbon markets are the next frontier in the battle for global pre-eminence.
"We have every reason to be confident. The combination of enviable wind, wave and tidal power, a world-beating research base and a proud history of engineering give the UK a clear competitive edge. So we're already in pole position. But the reality is: we need to sharpen our elbows if we want to stay ahead." Ed Davey also announced that 155 community energy projects across the country have won a share of £5.1 million of funding from the Local Energy Assessment Fund. The winning bids include projects to demonstrate wall insulation to the public, schemes to check the energy efficiency of homes and events to promote energy efficiency in local communities.
While Ed was getting to grips with his new job, Norfolk North's Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb was taking up his new appointment as Minister for Employment Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs in the Department of Business Innovation and Skills. Welcoming him Secretary of State Vince Cable said "Norman's professional background as an employment lawyer and experience as the Liberal Democrat's Trade and Industry Spokesman make him an ideal replacement. He pioneered our policy to privatise Royal Mail and establish employee share ownership in the business so it is fitting that he will be responsible for implementing that policy."
Norman, who was previously chief political adviser to Nick Clegg, expressed himself particularly delighted to be implementing the Post Office reforms he had pioneered in opposition. These would give employees a stake in the company.
Two other new appointments were announced in the mini-reshuffle. Cardiff Central MP Jenny Willott becomes an Assistant Government Whip and Dunbartonshire East's MP Jo Swinson becomes PPS to Nick Clegg.
- ROGER WILLIAMS SECURES BANK BRANCH CLOSURES DEBATE
- Feb 9, 2012:
- Awema: "The spotlight must be shone onto the links between ministers, a charity riddled with malpractice and the Labour Party" - Peter Black
Responding to the Investigation Report on Funding for AWEMA, Peter Black AM, said: "For ten years, the Labour government has stood by as millions of pounds of taxpayers money is wasted by a charity that has played fast and loose with public money. "The Welsh Labour Government was repeatedly warned over the last decade that all was not well at Awema, however, they still continued to throw Welsh tax payers' money at this charity. "This report is highly critical of a charity that has been wasting Welsh tax payers' money with cavalier abandon. It is astonishing that the Labour Government has the gall to blame others. They need to look closer to home. "That key individuals involved in running the charity have now been suspended from the Labour party over this scandal only serves to highlight the cosy links between key Labour figures and this discredited charity. "While further investigation by the Charity Commission and the Welsh Audit Office is welcome, it is clear that the spotlight must now be shone also onto the links between Government ministers, a charity riddled with financial malpractice and the Labour Party." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Donald Trump's millions won't bully Scotland
- FM is Goliath blocking rights of ordinary Scots
"Instead of trying to blame anyone else, the First Minister needs to explain why his Government blocked the extension of information laws in Scotland."
- Assembly Member calls for Ministerial inquiry into health watchdog
The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has called on the Health Minister to carry out an investigation into the circumstances behind the suspension of the vice-chair of the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Community Health Council, following claims that the code of conduct was used to stop her criticising health board decisions. Mr. Black was reacting to the resignation of two members of the CHC after they alleged that their views were being suppressed. Brendan Campbell and Jeff Jones say that decisions are being made by a select few, and that the code of conduct is being used to gag perceived troublemakers. In addition Mr Campbell claims that venues for meetings were not accessible to wheelchairs. Mr. Jones is also angry about the suspension of Alison Morgan over comments that she had made at CHC meetings. This suspension has now been extended for a further three months because the Health Minister has not reached any conclusions on her case. "I am very concerned at the way that the Community Health Council is being emasculated in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg area," said Mr. Black, "with the code of conduct being used to silence those who are considered to be troublemakers. This body is meant to be a watchdog, so it is right that members of it are free to criticise and raise issues that concern them in the way they consider appropriate. It is not for others to use codes of conduct to shut them up when they are raising legitimate questions. "I have raised this matter with the health minister on a number of occasions but there appears to be no progress in resolving it. I am sure that she will not be comfortable with the suppression of opinions on the CHC. It is now time that the Minister brought this matter to a head, with a formal investigation and swift conclusions." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- 'Trend of growing physiotherapy waiting list must be tackled' - Kirsty Williams
Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Kirsty Williams, has today expressed her dismay at a huge increase in the number of people waiting more than 14 weeks for certain types of specialist therapies on the Welsh NHS. Figures released today show that the number of people waiting more than 14 weeks for specified therapy services rose over the month from 1,256 to 1,776. There was an overall increase of 450 patients waiting for Physiotherapy. Kirsty Williams AM commented: "We have seen a monthly increase since May this year of people waiting for therapy services on the NHS in Wales. The Welsh Labour Government's target is for no patients to be waiting more than 14 weeks. This target is being severely missed with over a thousand patients waiting longer. "If we are to keep people well we need to make sure patients needing treatments such as Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy get timely access to treatment. We are currently seeing an upturn of around 450 patients waiting for Physiotherapy each month. I am increasingly worried about this trend. The Health Minister needs to get a grip on this situation to stop waiting times spiralling out of control." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- 'NHS vacancies must be filled as a matter of urgency' - Kirsty Williams
Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Kirsty Williams, has spoken of her disappointment regarding patient waiting times in Wales. By the end of December, a total of 7,699 patients had been waiting more than 36 weeks for the start of their NHS treatment. 25,194 patients had been waiting between 26 to 36 weeks. The Welsh Labour Government's target is for 95% of patients to be waiting less than 26 weeks from referral to treatment. There is a 100% target for patients (not treated within 26 weeks) to be treated within a maximum of 36 weeks. Both of these targets were missed - 91% had been waiting less than 26 weeks, and 98% for less than 36 weeks. Kirsty Williams AM said: "The Welsh Labour Government has presided over an NHS that now has thousands of patients who are having to wait more than 26 weeks for treatment. It is a disgrace than over 7,000 people are waiting more than 36 weeks. "Waiting for the start of treatment is a worrying, stressful and uncomfortable time for any patient. Reducing these long waiting periods has to be an important priority for this Welsh government. "There is an acute shortage of doctors and consultants here in Wales. These vacancies need to be filled as a matter of urgency as the problem is leading to temporary hospital closures that are having a detrimental effect on patient safety and care. The Health Minister launched, somewhat belatedly, her recruitment campaign last week. Sadly the lack of detail and information surrounding this announcement reeks of bad planning and rushed announcements. The Minister has failed to set any sort of measurable target for this scheme. "The number of patients waiting to start treatment has been generally increasing over the last 14 months. Welsh Labour speak of how proud they are of their record on the NHS, it beggars belief they can say such a thing when the NHS in Wales spends more per head than in England, but delivers longer waiting lists. Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- William Powell AM demands more energy price cuts
Planned price reductions by big energy suppliers have been described as too little too late by William Powell AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development. All the big energy companies have followed the lead of British Gas by announcing they will reduce prices by around 5% this spring, but this is nothing compared to the massive price hikes of the last two years says Mr Powell. He is demanding more energy price cuts now. William Powell, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, said: "Fuel poverty in Wales has soared to 41% of households which is the highest in the UK. So any price reduction is welcome news because it will help hard-pressed families. But the main reason for fuel poverty going up has been the price hikes imposed on us all by the big energy suppliers. A cut now is the least that they could do. I am also concerned that most large energy companies have cut the price of one fuel only - the one that has the smallest number of customers. For instance, British Gas has only cut electricity prices but it has twice as many gas-buying customers. EDF and SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) have only cut gas prices but more of their customers buy electricity. That does not appear to be a coincidence. When the big energy companies pushed their prices up, gas and electricity prices rose together. That is not the case when we have price cuts. Wholesale prices have fallen from their 2011 peak by 19% for gas, and 25% for electricity, and yet we are only being offered a 5% reduction that will come into effect as winter ends when fuel use falls. The energy companies are indulging in yet more cynical PR posturing. If they were serious about helping their customers they would reduce prices across both fuels, increase the size of the cut to reflect their falling costs, and introduce it immediately. It is obvious that they will not change until they are forced to do so. That is why the Competition Commission needs to investigate this latest manoeuvre urgently." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Action required to curb metal theft across Wales - William Powell AM
William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson, has called on the Welsh Government to act swiftly to curb metal theft across rural Wales. William Powell, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, said: "In these difficult times we have seen a significant number of metal theft cases across Wales. In some cases thefts have caused asbestos to be dangerously exposed and have led to perpetrators clothes becoming contaminated. This is not only a very real danger to both the public and the perpetrators, but also places the Police in danger when they apprehend any suspects. Last year this problem became so acute that a Dyfed Powys Police vehicle even had to be scrapped, after a villain had been apprehended at the crime scene - the former Mid Wales Hospital in Talgarth. As a result I have written to the Minister for Local Government and Communities to request that he makes a statement to me on this issue, and also engage with the Police, and relevant local authorities, to assist them in developing measures to deal with contaminated suspects." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Awema: "The spotlight must be shone onto the links between ministers, a charity riddled with malpractice and the Labour Party" - Peter Black
- Feb 8, 2012:
- Lib Dems vote for Scottish budget
"The additional support for students, colleges, new homes and help for children from disadvantaged backgrounds reflected the priorities we argued for."
- Equalities Minister did not meet with Awema following warning report - Peter Black
Further evidence of Welsh Labour Government inaction over Awema has come to light. A Written Assembly Question reveals how, Jane Hutt, the then Equalities Minister had not met with Awema officials in her new tenure following a critical report of the race charity in 2004/2005 In April 2006, Peter Black, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM asked: "What meetings has the Minister had with the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association officials in the last 12 months? Jane Hutt responded: "I have not had any meetings with AWEMA officials over the past 12 months." Responding to this revelation, Peter Black, Shadow Welsh Liberal Democrat Equalities Minister said: "In light of the recent critical Awema report, my written assembly question to the then Labour Equalities Minister casts a dark shadow over Welsh Labour Government's reluctance to take action over a charity in receipt of thousands of tax payers' money. "The Welsh Labour Government was warned not to continue funding this charity because of concerns surrounding project management, performance monitoring and financial management controls. Not only did the Welsh Labour Government continue funding this charity despite this warning, it seems that the Equalities Minister did not meet with officials to monitor their spending of millions of tax payers' money. "The more we research what has been happening in Awema and in the secretive corridors of the Welsh Labour Government, the more murky and serious this affair is becoming." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- 'Welsh Government must seize this opportunity to reform Glastir' - William Powell AM
William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson, has called on the Welsh Government to use the opportunity presented by the 'Working Smarter' report to reform fundamentally the Glastir Scheme. William Powell, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, said: "Despite there being around 14,000 expressions of interest, fewer than 2,000 farmers have so far signed up to Glastir. By any measure, this is far below the levels expected and the numbers required to make the scheme a success. The 74 recommendations contained within the report demonstrate just how inappropriately regulated the farming sector in Wales has been in recent years, and I welcome the fact that the Welsh Government has accepted every single one in whole or in part. As the report states, Glastir was 'introduced too soon and in a rushed fashion before the scheme policy detail was properly developed in a true partnership with stakeholders'. As such it is essential that the Welsh Government grasps this opportunity to reform Glastir and correct the mistakes of the One Wales Government, giving our farmers the support they need and deserve in facing the challenges that lie ahead." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Welsh Labour Government advised not to continue Awema funding in review - Kirsty Williams
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have obtained a copy of the 2003 commissioned review into the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association. The report, published in 2005, commissioned by the then Labour Social Justice Minister following claims of financial irregularities, states in its recommendations that "no further funding is provided to Awema for new projects until AWEMA is able to verify that it has taken a systematic approach to project and performance management" Further recommendations state: "the main recommendations for Awema relate to project management, performance monitoring and financial management controls." As of 2003, AWEMA had received £325,000 in tax payers' money to engage with BME communities. Even after the independent review recommended that no further funding be given to Awema, the Welsh Labour Government continued to fund the charity to the tune of £8.5 million. Carwyn Jones, First Minister, today in the Assembly Chamber said that his government had nothing to hide over Awema. The First Minister also said it was "not clear" whether the 2003 report had been published. Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said: "Carwyn Jones told me today that his government had "nothing to hide" from the people of Wales over the funding of Awema. The report we obtained today clearly states that the Welsh Labour Government knew that there were problems with Awema, its funding and financial management back in 2005. "The Welsh Labour Government was advised by an independent review not to continue to fund this organisation. Why did they not heed this advice? Awema have been in receipt of millions of tax-payers' pounds since this report was given to the Welsh Labour Government. In tough financial times, the public expect the Welsh Government to ensure that their taxes are spent wisely. This is simply not good enough. "I am also very surprised by the Welsh Labour Government's foolishness in not applying rigorous scrutiny and transparency when dealing with Awema given that Labour is heavily involved with the charity. Accusations have been levelled at the Welsh Labour Government for trying 'to protect its own', I fear that the disclosure of this report does nothing to quell those suggestions." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Lib Dems vote for Scottish budget
- Feb 7, 2012:
- Russell last man standing over college cuts
"At a time when Scotland's unemployment rate is rising faster the elsewhere in the UK, and youth unemployment is seen as a priority, this attack by the SNP on colleges defies logic."
- Russell last man standing over college cuts
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