Bethan's 'guest bloggers'. # 1 Jamie Hepburn SNP

Here is a blog by Jamie Hepburn SNP MSP about the SNP in Government. I am trying to get 'guest bloggers' to contribute to my blog to create a debate on the blog- politicians or activists. If anyone would like to take part please let me know. I hope that it will work, and encourage discussion!

Dyma blog am yr SNP mewn Llywodraeth, gan Jamie Hepburn sydd yn SNP MSP. Rwyf yn ceisio ennyn pobl i sgwennu blogs fan hyn- gwleidyddion neu actifyddion, ac hynny er mwyn creu trafodaeth difyr ar y blog. Rwy'n gobeithio fydd o'n gweithio o ran ennyn dadleuon.

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Anyone who knows their Shakespeare will be aware of the question posed in Macbeth; “stands Scotland where it did?”

If someone had fallen asleep before the Scottish Parliament election this year and awoke today and posed that same question, the answer would have to be a resounding no. You would need to have been asleep not to have noticed the changes taking place in Scotland.

The Scottish writer and artist Alasdair Gray once wrote “work as if you were in the early days of a better nation”, and our hypothetical Rip Van Winkle would be able to wake from their slumber to find that by virtue of the election of an SNP government these are the early days of a better nation.

The SNP is already pursuing its distinctive social democratic agenda, designed to bring about a more prosperous, fair and socially just Scotland. For my part it is a huge honour to serve in the Scottish Parliament at a time when we have the first ever SNP government. Indeed, not only is this the first ever SNP government, I would contend that it is the first ever Scottish government. Our predecessors in the shape of the Labour-Liberal pact which was in place for eight years could be accused of many things, but acting as a government is not really one of them. Their local council mentality would only ever allow them to be described as an administration at best.

However, since Alex Salmond and his cabinet were put in place we have seen a series of announcements that are impressive in their intent and reach. In just five months announcements have been made that will see the abolition of tuition fees for university students, and a return to the principle of free education; plans to follow the Welsh example and abolish prescription charges for all Scottish citizens; one of the most ambitious targets for carbon reduction by the middle of this century of any country on the planet; the creation of a new entrants scheme for Scottish farming; a review of the right to buy policy in council housing, with the suggestion that this will be scrapped entirely for newly built homes; two local accident and emergency departments earmarked for closure have been saved; a decision that no more private prisons will be built in Scotland; work begun on creating a viable alternative to New Labour’s PFI madness; the most ambitious programme of railway infrastructure improvements for decades; a decision to allow asylum seekers the same rights in higher education as the rest of Scotland’s people; the freezing of the unfair council tax with a view to replacing it with a fairer local income tax based on the ability to pay; and a summit held to discuss nuclear disarmament – the first ever government organised summit in the UK to discuss such.

This indicates a government that is progressive and outward looking. It reflects a programme of a real government rather than that of an administration following orders from London.

This is not to say that we do not face difficulties. The SNP are a minority government, with 47 members of the Scottish Parliament out of a total of 129. The maths clearly indicates that it will be difficult to pursue some of our agenda. That will mean that, on occasion, we will have to build loose alliances with other parties on a one off, policy by policy basis.

Furthermore, the comprehensive spending review conducted at Westminster has announced that the SNP government can expect to get the lowest annual increase to the Scottish block grant since the advent of devolution, with a miserly 0.5% increase.

This makes things financially tight for the SNP government, but in John Swinney MSP, we have a Cabinet Secretary for Finance who is equipped with all the abilities that his predecessors have lacked necessary for the task at hand, and I remain confident that the government will be able to cope with this financial settlement.

So, things are going well just now. I remain confident that they will remain to go that way so long as the SNP remains in power. The challenge for the SNP is to ensure that after four years we win the next Scottish Parliament election in 2011.

My hope is that when we do so, it will be the first elections to a Scottish Parliament in an independent Scotland. The SNP government has launched a “national conversation” which it wants all citizens and all of civic society to engage in about the future constitutional direction of our country. We will clearly set out our belief that Scotland can be a hugely better country to live in with independence, and I think we can convince the people of the merits of that case.

The plan is to hold a referendum in 2010, where we will provide the Scottish people with the chance to move to independence. If we can hold that referendum, then my hopes that the SNP election victory in 2011 is in the context of Scottish independence stand a very real chance of being fulfilled.

Referendum

Another sceptic on the Referendum on a Parliament for Wales, another day in the life of Welsh politics. I'm not surprised by Hain's remarks at all( it is now predictable), but I don't agree with Paul Flynn's blog comments that Hain is not being pressurised by the devo- sceptics in this respect, and that as a pro devolutionist, Hain only wants to make sure that a referendum is held when it can be won. This argument doesn't sit easy with me.

As has been said already by Adam Price on the BBC today, it is now up to Rhodri Morgan to make it clear that his opinions differ to that of Peter Hain, or the coalition could be in jeopardy. Personally, I don't see how we can be part of a coalition if our partners are intent on reneging on their promises. This would not bode well for a stable government. I supported this coalition in good faith, and in the knowledge that both parties would work together to campaign for a successful outcome to a referendum.

Peter Hain must be aware of the fact that he cannot make such opinions known publicly without understanding the ramifications of such remarks on the future of the One Wales Government- the public perception of the goings on in Cardiff Bay, and its relationship with Westminster.

Hain may also have said what he said on Sunday as a knee jerk reaction to that of which is happening in Scotland at the moment, and as a caution against Tory calls for Scottish MP's not to vote on Enlgish only matters. It is certain that he would not like to see this happening to Welsh MP's, and a referendum in his eyes equates to less power at Westminster, and subsequently less power for Welsh MP's. Hain's personal positioning in the Labour Party is obviously of utmost concern to him, but I doubt that it goes as far as him contemplating a career in the National Assembly....

Treatment for Eating Disorders in Wales

The Delivery of Public Services / Darparu Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus

C9 Bethan Jenkins: Will the Minister make a statement on the delivery of public services in south Wales? OAQ(3)0058(FPS)

Andrew Davies: Thanks to our investment and to all those working in public services, there has been a substantial improvement in the delivery of those services. We now have the ‘One Wales’ partnership programme, which gives us a further opportunity to develop the sustained improvement of the whole public service delivery system throughout our country.

Bethan Jenkins: Last week, as part of channel 5's news programme, I had the honour of meeting Ali Valenzuela from Swansea who suffers from an eating disorder. While I acknowledge that this is a health issue, it does relate to funding and so to this portfolio. She raised the issue of a lack of funding for the 60,000 people who suffer from eating disorders in Wales. How much do you pay English health authorities for the treatment of eating disorders, and will you make any movement to fund such provision in Wales?

Andrew Davies: As I said in response to earlier questions, any specific announcements or spending programmes will be announced either in the draft budget or by individual Ministers. However, I will ask the Minister for health to write to you on this matter.

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Q9 Bethan Jenkins: A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am ddarparu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus yn y de? OAQ(3)0058(FPS)

Andrew Davies: Diolch i’n buddsoddiad ac i bawb sy’n gweithio mewn gwasanaethau cyhoeddus, bu gwelliant sylweddol yn y modd y darperir y gwasanaethau hynny. Erbyn hyn mae gennym y rhaglen bartneriaeth ‘Cymru’n Un’, sy’n rhoi cyfle pellach inni ddatblygu gwellhad parhaus y cyfan o’r system ddarparu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus ar hyd a lled ein gwlad.

Bethan Jenkins: Yr wythnos diwethaf, fel rhan o raglen newyddion sianel pump, cefais y fraint o gwrdd ag Ali Valenzuela o Abertawe, sy’n dioddef o anhwylder bwyta. Er fy mod yn cydnabod mai mater iechyd yw hwn, y mae’n ymwneud ag arian ac felly â’r portffolio hwn. Cyfeiriodd hi at y diffyg arian ar gyfer y 60,000 o bobl sy’n dioddef o anhwylderau bwyta yng Nghymru. Faint yr ydych chi’n ei dalu i awdurdodau iechyd yn Lloegr am drin anhwylderau bwyta, ac a wnewch unrhyw symudiad i ariannu darpariaeth o’r fath yng Nghymru?

Andrew Davies: Fel y dywedais wrth ateb cwestiynau cynharach, cyhoeddir unrhyw gyhoeddiadau neu raglenni gwariant penodol naill ai yn y gyllideb ddrafft neu gan Weinidogion unigol. Fodd bynnag, fe ofynnaf i’r Gweinidog iechyd ysgrifennu atoch ynglŷn â’r mater hwn.

Don gets on his high horse...again...

Don Touhig has today announced his dissatisfaction with the appointment of Sir Emyr Jones Parry as the Chair of the Convention on a Parliament for Wales. He is concerned about his appointment, despite his 'impeccable' reputation. Don exclaims that the Welsh crachach have gone and made a decision without consulting Labour MP's! How dare they! He goes on to say that Sir Emyr would need a sat nav to find his way around Wales- this despite him coming from Carmarthenshire. A little insulting I would think!

This smacks of making an argument against the Convention for the sake of it. It seems that some regressive Labour MP's can't get any coverage any more unless they are devo-sceptic( or Tory MP's for that matter)

Don is disappointed that the Convention is a 'priority' for the One Wales Government. But he should know that we promised to make a statement on this 6 months in to our tenure, and after all, it is an integral part of our coalition agreement.

These negative comments from a backward looking MP is reason enough to push for more powers for Wales's Senedd.

Convention on a Parliament for Wales

This week the Convention on a Parliament for Wales was announced by Ieuan Wyn Jones and Rhodri Morgan. I was in Scotland during this announcement, which seemed quite fitting at the time. I know that it grates many a Plaid member that we always seem to be following in Scotland's footsteps, but until we do achieve full legislative status in Wales, that will always be the case in my opinion. We can set the agenda with forward looking policy ideas as much as we like, but if we cannot implement them fully, then we are in a stalemate situation effectively.

I am pleased that the momentum behind the Convention is gathering pace, and that we can now seek to engage with different groups and individuals about what having more powers for Wales would mean to them, and their involvement in any process. I would like to have seen a referendum before 2011- to have hit the ground running at the next election as a full legislative Parliament, but I am willing to wait a few more years! I sincerely believe that there is a groundswell of opinion in favour of a Parliament for Wales, and that the majority opinion has evolved to accept devolution and its role in bringing democracy closer to the people it represents.

On a political level, we have some convincing to do- especially as some Labour MP's and Tory politicians are far from comfortable with any additional powers crossing the border to Wales. It might have something to do with their comfortable London jobs, but what do I know?!

I also believe that the referendum campaign needs to be a cross party initiative for it to be successful, despite it being a Plaid -Labour coalition agreement as it stands. We all must know by now that this is necessary in light of previous referendum campaigns.

I look forward to the progression of the Convention, and the way it will seek to go about its work.

'Young' Politicians.

Visiting the Scottish Parliament was very useful for us as a Petitions committee, especially with regards finding out about their e-petitioning system and floating the idea of allowing people to text in support for various petitions. The visit, for those who are interested, was also an attempt to formulate our terms of reference and best practise as a committee.

The Parliament was buzzing with people, and I am informed by colleagues in the SNP that they are enjoying their Governmental responsibilities immensely. While I was there, they were launching the conversation on the future of trident in Scotland, which has managed to wind the Unionist parties up quite successfully. I hope that they are successful in their attempt to make Scotland a nuclear arms free country.

I also met with Jamie Hepburn who is one of the youngest SNP MSP's while I was there. Obviously the Parliament is much larger in numbers than our National Assembly, and now there are a fair few young elected representatives.

As an aside, ITV are doing a programme on young politicians as a reaction to the fact that Tony Benn's grand- daughter has declared her intention to stand when she is 19 years old. They contacted us in Plaid for young politicians to take part in the scheme, but I was duly told that I am now too old!!! Great!

Ali Valenzuela- Treatment for Eating Disorders in Wales

Mae hwn ar newyddion Sianel 5 heddiw.
This is on Channel 5 news today

Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee

I'm going to Scotland today as we have a full day at the Scottish Parliament tomorrow looking at how their petitions committee works. Ours is a very new committee therefore we want to get some idea of their best practise, and how we can potentially mirror this in Wales. Of course, we have ideas of our own as a committee, but I'm sure it will be interesting to see how another such committee works- how they communicate the system, how they get people involved, and how their process works in practise.

Rwy'n mynd i'r Alban heddiw gan fod gen i ddydd llawn yn Senedd yr Alban yfory yn edrych ar sut mae ei pwyllgor deisebau yn gweithio. Mae ein pwyllgor ni yn weddol newydd, felly da ni am weld sut mae'r pwyllgor yn yr Alban yn gweithio yn effeithiol. Wrth gwrs, mae gennym ni syniadau unigryw ein hun ar sut dylai'r pwyllgor gweithio, ond mae'n sicr y bydd gweld sut mae'r pwyllgor yn yr Alban yn cyfathrebu'r system, yn ennyn ymrwymiad i waith y pwyllgor deisebau yn fuddiol i ni fel Aelodau Cynulliad.

Henson the Hedgehog!

Yesterday I took part in the Community Safety 'Walk to School' initiative with Catwg Primary School in Neath. This is a month long National campaign to encourage parents and children to walk to school, and to promote the safer routes to school scheme. It was made enjoyable in the freezing morning sun by 'Henson the Hedgehog,' who accompanied us on the walk! It seems that there are a number of schools taking up the challenge of promoting the 'Walk to School' initiative in their every day practises, and that others are slowly getting there. If anything, it will encourage more young people to be active and to get the exercise they need in a day.

In the evening, I then went over to Ogmore Vale to take part in a local patrol with Community Police in the area. They showed me around the local youth club and the Life Centre, and showed me the areas where they are targeting through complaints from local PACT meetings. Most of the complaints are probably the same in every area- speeding, dog fouling, and young people on the streets. I did enjoy the evening, and it was good to see that they have 3 youth centres that cater for different age groups- facilities which didn't really exist in the area where I grew up in Merthyr. The Police have a very positive attitude to young people in the area, and were on first name terms with most that we bumped in to. It makes a change from some of the tabloid presentations of young people as yobs, that's for sure!

Today I'm going to watch the Swans play. Much better than watching that other match!

Youth Justice System- FM questions

Bethan Jenkins: The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that custody is meant to be the sentence of last resort for children, yet twice as many children are locked up today than was the case a decade ago. There is only one secure children’s home in Wales: Hillside Secure Centre in Neath. High prison numbers mean that children are being placed further away from their families, increasing the risk of their inflicting self-harm or even committing suicide. Many are being placed in adult prisons and approximately 84 per cent of incarcerated Welsh youths are placed in England. Will you, therefore, agree that the National Assembly for Wales needs powers over criminal justice policy in Wales and the power to create a Welsh youth justice board, the main aim of which would be to reduce the child prison population and ensure that any young Welsh prisoners are incarcerated in Wales?

The First Minister: That is yet another issue that forms part of the very complex set of issues to be considered by the Ministry of Justice. We have mentioned the fact that there is no prison in north and mid Wales, but, allied to that is the Welsh language issue, the women’s issue, the general expansion of the prison population, and, finally, as you said, young people in prison. I have been to Hillside, and I must admit that I was pretty impressed by the quality of care provided there, but, as you say, it is not big enough, and we need another facility of that sort. However, we must then decide whether it should be located in north, mid or another part of south Wales. We would want to have detailed discussions with the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales and the Ministry of Justice on such issues, particularly issues regarding young people, as those tend to be on the fringes of our area of responsibility for children.

Port Talbot Biomass Station

Bethan Jenkins: A fyddai amser ar gael, fel rhan o amser y Llywodraeth, i drafod yr orsaf bŵer biomas ym Mhort Talbot? Wrth gwrs, mae’n bwysig ein bod yn cefnogi pethau o’r fath, ond mae tystiolaeth newydd wedi dod i’r golwg ers i’r penderfyniad gael ei wneud gan Gyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Castell-nedd Port Talbot, ac mae pryderon ynghylch iechyd pobl ac ynghylch goblygiadau carbon niwtral y system newydd. Felly, a fyddai modd cael trafodaeth ar y pwnc, neu o leiaf ddatganiad gan y Gweinidog?

Carwyn Jones: Cafodd yr orsaf ganiatâd cynllunio beth amser yn ôl. Mae unrhyw bryderon am y ffordd y bydd yr orsaf yn gweithio yn fater i Asiantaeth yr Amgylchedd ac i Awdurdod Gweithredol Iechyd a Diogelwch, er mwyn sicrhau bod yr orsaf yn gweithio mewn ffordd ddiogel. Nid yw’n bosibl i’r Cynulliad ailedrych ar, neu ailystyried, y caniatâd cynllunio, ond mae’n hollol deg i Aelodau godi pwyntiau ynglŷn a diogelwch a’r amgylchedd gyda’r Gweinidog sy’n gyfrifol am hynny, sef Jane Davidson.

Bethan Jenkins: Would time be available, as part of Government time, to discuss the biomass power station at Port Talbot? Naturally, it is important that we support projects such as these, but new evidence has come to light since the decision was made by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, which raises concerns over public health and the implications of the new system’s carbon-neutral emissions. Therefore, would it be possible to hold a discussion on the subject, or at least have a statement by the Minister?

Carwyn Jones: The station was granted planning consent some time ago. Any concerns over how the station works are a matter for the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive, in order to ensure that the station works safely. It is not possible for the Assembly to revisit or reconsider that planning consent, but it is entirely fair for Members to raise points about safety and the environment with the Minister responsible for such matters, namely Jane Davidson.

Renewable energy sources- question to the FM

Ffynonellau Ynni Adnewyddadwy

C4 Bethan Jenkins: A wnaiff y Prif Weinidog ddatganiad am ddatblygu ffynonellau ynni adnewyddadwy yng Ngorllewin De Cymru? OAQ(3)0350(FM)

Y Prif Weinidog: Mae datblygu ynni adnewyddadwy yn y De-orllewin yn adlewyrchu ein hagwedd tuag at annog cynhyrchu ynni carbon-isel ledled Cymru. Defnyddir amrywiaeth eang o dechnolegau, gan gynnwys gwynt atraeth ac alltraeth, biomas, a thechnoleg forol. Ceir cynigion penodol hefyd ar gyfer datblygiadau gwynt a biomas yn y rhanbarth.

Bethan Jenkins: Efallai eich bod yn ymwybodol o gwmni o’r enw Coastal Oil and Gas yn nghwm Llynfi, sy’n lansio prosiect peilot i echdynnu nwy methan o’r ardal leol er mwyn cynhyrchu ynni glân. Tybed a fyddech yn cefnogi’r cynllun hwn, oherwydd gwn fod rhai o’ch cyd-Aelodau yn San Steffan wedi dangos diddordeb ynddo. Tybed hefyd a fyddech yn cefnogi mwy o ymchwil i’r math hwn o fenter ynni glân.

Y Prif Weinidog: Mae’n dipyn o anomaledd ar hyn o bryd—ac nid oherwydd diffyg ymdrech ar ein rhan ni—ond nid yw’r rhwymedigaeth ynni adnewyddadwy’n berthnasol ar gyfer methan pyllau glo, fel y deallaf, er bod y broses honno’n trosi methan yn garbon deuocsid. Mae carbon deuocsid yn ddrwg, ond mae methan 21 gwaith yn waeth, fesul pwys, o ran ei effaith niweidiol fel nwy tŷ gwydr. Mae’n drueni nad yw’r rhwymedigaeth ynni adnewyddadwy’n berthnasol iddo, a hoffem weld y sefyllfa honno’n newid. Nid wyf yn gyfarwydd â’r cynllun penodol ym Maesteg y cyfeiriwch ato, ond yr wyf yn siŵr y byddem yn cymeradwyo echdynnu nwy methan o byllau glo, a’i drosi’n ffurfiau llai niweidiol.


Renewable Energy Sources

Q4 Bethan Jenkins: Will the First Minister make a statement on the development of renewable energy sources in South Wales West? OAQ(3)0350(FM)

The First Minister: The development of renewable energy in south-west Wales reflects our approach to encouraging low-carbon energy generation throughout Wales. A diverse range of technologies is involved, including onshore and offshore wind, biomass, and marine technology. There are also specific proposals for wind and biomass developments in the region.

Bethan Jenkins: You may be aware of a company called Coastal Oil and Gas in the Llynfi valley, which is launching a pilot project to extract methane gas from the local area to produce clean energy. I wonder whether you would be supportive of this scheme, as I know that some of your Westminster colleagues have shown an interest in it. I also wonder whether you would support further research into this type of clean energy initiative.

The First Minister: It is a bit of an anomaly at the moment—not from any want of trying on our part—but the renewables obligation does not apply to colliery methane, as I understand it, even though that process converts methane into carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is bad, but methane is 21 times worse, pound for pound, in its pernicious effect as a greenhouse gas. It is a pity that it is not covered by the renewables obligation, and we would like to see that situation changed. I do not know the particular scheme in Maesteg that you refer to, but I am sure that we would commend colliery methane gas extraction, and its conversion into less pernicious forms.

Boring title? I just won't bother then.

Before I start, I'll just mention that a brother of mine has mentioned that some of my blog titles are boring and that it puts him off reading them. Sometimes, my creative juices fail to flow, and given that it's been a long day I have decided not to bother today ( and so I won't be picked on basically!)

....Yesterday I had a busy day at the Assembly. I raised questions on the extraction of methane gas to create clean energy in the former coalfield area of the Llynfi Valley with the First Minister, and today I raised questions on integrated transport systems in the Swansea Valley, as well as enhancing provision for sexual health in Students Union's across Wales. I also came in on the Short debate on the marginalisation of young people, and commented on how young people are often stigmatised and overly criticised in today's society.

Yesterday afternoon I met with Ali Valenzuela, a young woman who is recovering from anorexia from Swansea who is doing a series of films with Channel 5 news about her illness and the problems that she encountered with accessing services in Wales. There will be another installment, with her visiting the Assembly on next week's news show. I'll keep you posted. She is an inspiration, and it is good to see that she is raising the profile of the need for more services in Wales, and for joined up thinking on the treatment provided currently by local health boards.

This morning I attended a Conference in Cardiff to mark the UN Eradication of poverty day. There were interesting speeches from representatives of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and questions regarding how we can implement new policies here in Wales to tackle Child Poverty. Oxfam were also playing their part in highlighting the importance of the day, and were asking all AM's to support their white band initiative outside the Senedd steps.

Most exciting event from the Chamber today was that Kirsty Williams almost got ejected from the Chamber for failing to withdraw her comments about Ieuan Wyn Jones not appearing in front of their committee this week. She withdrew eventually when David Melding had a quiet word with her. If she wants to remain with a chance of the leadership, then she will have to behave!!!! Rhodri Glyn Thomas was also very good responding to Tory haranguing on the WMC. But as Jenny Randerson said today in the Senedd- it was all down to her, so we all know who to blame now then....

Quite a busy few days all in all.

Ming has called it a day

Well, when should you call it a day? Today obviously! Menzies Campbell has announced he's standing down as Lib dem leader. His reason- too much discussion on the leadership, which is taking away from real political discussion- that being what policies they can nick from other parties. (Sorry, it was too easy a hit!)

I know I'm not supposed to, but I actually feel sorry for Ming tonight. According to the BBC he has returned home to his wife in Edinburgh to be consoled. It would only be natural for him to want to be around people he can trust- he certainly won't find many of them in the corridors of Westminster.

If it's one thing that Lib dems do well, its getting rid of leaders, and then appearing as if they are whiter than white to the public. Simon Hughes appeared tonight on our screens all morose(he'd definitely practised the frowning. Perhaps he's having tips from Cameron's team?) but in my opinion, there's no hiding the fact that Ming was pushed. Now that the dust has settled, and we've all stopped being so excited about the snap election, the Lib dems have sat down in their leaflet strewn offices to plot and plan the next leadership coup. Conspiring against one of the best leader they ever had, arguably, in Charles Kennedy, they now know that they have to compete with the young, or the younger guns in Brown and Cameron, so Ming had to go.

If we're still interested by then, the Lib dem leadership should be decided upon by about December. This is surely an avid attempt by a lib dem press officer to make sure that the Lib dems stay in the press until then. Bring on the candidates- Nick Clegg, Simon Hughes, Chris Huhne. What about a woman? Wouldn't that really put a spanner in the works?

Whatever happens, I hope that Ming can still play a part in active politics. Us politicians who are criticised for our age on a regular basis have to stick together. Ok, so he wasn't the most inspiring leader ever, but I don't think he deserved to be made a scape goat for Lib dem failings.

Let the battle for the leadership commence.

When should you call it a day? The story of Campbell and German

News flash today is that Mike German says that he intends to remain as leader of the Assembly Lib dem group until 2008. Now, there must have been group discussion on this, as only a few weeks ago Peter Black was adamant that a leadership contest was needed- a 'fresh mandate' for a leader was the words he used if I can recall.

This will now give Kirsty Williams enough time to shore up support with members after a bruising few months. Or, then again, there could be a Kirsty vs Randerson battle ahead... if you're bothered to keep an interest until then.

It is a concern about what will happen to the Lib dems in Wales up until 2008. They do appear a little lack lustre at the moment as a group, and have little in common to promote until the leadership battle commences in 2008. This is not to say that individuals are not hard working or energised by their role, but a leadership contest now might have been just what they needed.

Anyway, the Lib dem problems in Wales are arguably out done by the UK leadership issue. Today's Independent reports that senior Lib dems have allegedly set until March next year for Campbell to improve his ratings in the polls or make ' a dignified exit.' It was only a matter of time before the cracks started to appear again on this particular issue. The fact that the political debate has now been polarised between the Tories and Labour makes the Lib dem situation look even worse in reality. That and the fact that the other two parties are fighting for the middle ground in British politics, which has again led to a squeeze in support for the Lib dems.

There will, more than likely, be another two years until the General election. Can the party afford to wait around for a renewal in leadership until then?

Gibbons and that new suit

I've just been reading the new look ic- wales website, and was shocked that the top story was 'AM shops online during debate'. Now, I know that there is sometimes less news on the weekend, but I'm sure that there are more pressing issues than whether or not Brian Gibbons was caught red handed buying a suit online. Ok, so perhaps its not the best thing to do in the Chamber, but he's learnt his lesson.

People talk of Britain becoming a surveillance state under Labour in Westminster, but I'm afraid that the Tories seem to be taking on this microcosmic mantle in Cardiff Bay- Alun Cairns being at the centre of it. Knowing that there are people like Mr Cairns in the Bay with little else to do in the Chamber than to snitch on other AM's, its wise not to be caught in the trap.

Yes I blog in the Chamber, but I think that live blogging about the political discussions of the day is of interest to the general public. Live blogging about what other AM's are doing on their computer? You make up your own mind.

Who's that wearing a hoody?

I've had a busy few days. On Thursday evening at the Assembly 'Operation Black Vote' was launched. This is a scheme where 9 people from ethnic minority backgrounds in Wales will be shadowing AM's over the next year. The launch was great, and I met with the student that I am mentoring- Abdool Khodabocus from Newport. He is very keen to get some experience at the Assembly, so I look forward to him working with me. I also have a student from Swansea University who will spend every Tuesday up until Christmas with me. There's certainly no shortage of things for her to be getting on with, anyhow!

Today I visited Bridgend College, and talked to a group of students studying politics as part of the Welsh Bacc. I didn't know that I would be meeting them, but they had all prepared questions( as well as a good cup of tea and cakes!) They were so interested and passionate about issues affecting them, especially with regards to not being able to vote at 16, and about being stigmatised for wearing hoodies. The debate on hoodies was quite a lively one, especially given that this week's Glamorgan Gazette has reported that a young 8 year old girl was asked to leave a shopping centre for wearing one! I really enjoyed the session, and I hope that they get involved in politics one way or another in the future.

This afternoon I spent up in Pontycymmer talking to the Community Police Officer about local issues and youth engagement in the community. I had contacted him over the summer as they were launching a new scheme in the area to encourage young people to use local facilities as opposed to staying out on the streets. It seems to be going well, and I'm going there again next week as they are organising a week of community safety and involvement events in the area.

To round off the day superbly, I had a call from Guardian Women saying that I am one of the 10 women who entered their competition that will attend their party in London next month celebrating 50 years of Guardian Women. The competition was to write a few hundred words about what the Guardian Women's section means to me, and I wrote a piece about my work as a female politician, and the wider Welsh dimension. I'm very excited about going to the event next month, and when I get more details I'll post them here first!

CSR and Child Poverty

I have just asked the Minister about the effect of the Pre - Budget Report and the Comprehensive Spending Review on our efforts to end Child Poverty in Wales. Save the Children have said that the changes to Child Tax Credits announced by the Chancellor yesterday equates to a miserly 48p rise per week for each child living in poverty, and that at this rate it will take decades to meet the 2020 pledge.

Considering how essential the benefits system and fiscal power in general is to tackling child poverty, it is obvious that policies pursued in Westminster will make it difficult to address the problem in Wales. Now I appreciate that the previous WAG Administration has set its own criteria in relation to child poverty, but the reality is unless we increase wealth levels in our poorest communities, via redistribution, it is arguable whether we are going to make any real meaningful progress.

If child poverty was such a priority for Labour at Westminster you would think that instead of trying to shoot the Tory fox by raising the threshold of inheritance tax, they would have made more progress on increasing the wealth levels of children living in poverty. When it comes to priorities for Labour in London it is clear that middle England comes first, not those who desperately need help.

Today at the Assembly

I am in the Chamber now, and there are emergency questions on the LNG project and the accident at Milford Haven. We are told that we should not stoke up fear on this, which is code for saying that we should all sit happily and support the development. I'm afraid I cannot do that. I have grave reservations about the project and its affect on Wales, not to mention the minimal benefits for Wales. Local people still feel that they have been pushed in to accepting the pipeline which is tearing our countryside apart. Until I am convinced that this is the best way forward for our communities, I will stand by my reservations.

Today I have again put on my Child poverty hat at the Assembly, and have questioned the First Minister over the future of prisons in Wales, specifically with regards young offenders. With only one secure children's home at Hillside Centre in Neath, high prison numbers mean that children are being placed further away from their families, and increasing the risk of self harm and suicide. Many are being placed in adult prisons, and approximately 84% of Welsh youth are incarcerated in England. I therefore called on the Minister to support the need for the devolution of criminal justice policy in Wales, and the power to create a Welsh Youth Justice Board whose main aim would be to reduce the child prison population, and that they are subsequently incarcerated in Wales.

I have also asked for a discussion at the Assembly on the Prenergy Biomass Power Station which is set to be erected in Port Talbot. Since the councils decision to give it the go ahead, new evidence has arisen with regards its health affect on the people who live in the surrounding area, and its carbon neutral credentials. I understand, of course, that it is necessary for us to look in to the development of new renewable industries, but there are grave concerns about the plant in Port Talbot. Carwyn Jones, who has taken charge over the business of the Assembly has informed me that he does not believe a debate on the floor of the Chamber will be possible, but I will indeed follow this issue through with the Environment Minister, Jane Davidson.

Dadleuon Ieithyddol yng Ngogledd Iwerddon/ Language divides in Northern Ireland

Following the row over David Collins calling the Welsh language 'brain dead' I doubt it that any politician would try and stop the use of Welsh in the Assembly Chamber. For one, it is important for AM's to be able to raise questions throught the medium of Welsh, and to encourage others to use the language.

It shouldn't really be up for discussion, but in the Northern Irish Assembly, the UUP MLA David McNarry has set down a motion calling on Ministers not to make statements to the Assembly in Irish. The motion in question also opposes any more legislation on the Language in the North of Ireland, which language protestors are angrily opposing.

To stop the use of Irish in such public arenas seems to remind me of Chris Bryant's summer attempt to have Railway station announcements through the medium of English before Welsh. If we want to develop our languages, I don't think that stifling their public usage is the answer.

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Yn dilyn y dadl pan wnaeth David Collins galw'r iaith gymraeg yn 'brain dead', dwi ddim yn credu y byddai unrhyw gwleidydd wedi ceisio rhoi terfyn ar ddefnydd y gymraeg yn siambr y Cynulliad. Yn syml, mae'n bwysig iawn bod ACau yn medru siarad a thrafod gwleidyddiaeth ar lefel Cenedlaethol drwy gyfrwng y gymraeg, ac i ennyn eraill i ddilyn yr esiampl hynny.

Dylai'r fath beth ddim fod yn bwnc llosg ond yn Ngogledd Iwerddon, ond eto mae'r MLA UUP David McNarry wedi rhoi cynnig gerbron y Cynulliad sydd yn datgan i aelodau cefnogi ei hymgais i sicrhau nad yw Aelodau'r Cynulliad yn siarad Gwyddelig yn y brif Siambr. Mae'r cynnig hefyd yn datgan gwrthwynebiad i fwy o ddeddfu yn y maes ieithyddol, ac wrth gwrs mae ymgyrchwyr ieithyddol y dalaith wedi ymateb yn ffyrnig yn erbyn gweithredoedd David McNarry.

Mae rhoi terfyn i'r ddefnydd o'r wyddelig yn fy atgoffa i rhywsut o ymgais Chris Bryant dros yr haf i ddefnyddio'r iaith Gymraeg ar ol Saesneg ar ddatganiadau gorsafoedd rheilffyrdd yng Nghymru. Os ydym am ddatblygu ein ieithoedd gynhenid, dwi ddim yn credu bod cyfyngu ar ei ddefnydd yn gyhoeddus yn fawr o help.

The dangers of the blogosphere

Here is a link to the article by Matt Withers in today's Wales on Sunday with regards the news that Marcus Warner, formely known as the blogger Keir Hardly and Clear Red Water has been sacked as a researcher for Irene James AM. This is evidence, if ever there was any need of it, of the dangers of the blogosphere, and about accountability for comments made on blogs in one's day to day life.

I am sure we will hear much more about this case on the blogs, ironically, given that Marcus now has a new blog called Southpaw Grammar where he expands on his anger at being dismissed from work at the Assembly. I don't know the ins and outs of what has happened, but what I will say is that there should be guidance for staff from employers if keeping a blog is to become a matter of interest for the said employer. It may conflict with the work carried out by the employer, and if so, this should be clarified from the outset.

I know Marcus, as do many of you on the blogs here in Wales. While I disagree with much that he says politically, he is a friendly and approachable person. I would advise him, nevertheless(however much I would like to know about Labour researchers and their blogs!) that he should stay relatively quiet until any court case or appeal is well and truly over. It will only muddy the waters if comments are made at this stage.

LNG. How many more accidents?

The news that a man has died while at work at the LNG terminal near Milford Haven will lead to more criticisms of the safety surrounding the scheme. The man in question was killed when a floating maintenance rig collapsed, and although this was an accident, it will mean that critics of the LNG development will be keeping a keen eye on such events.

Those who are actively campaigning against the LNG development will say that this was an accident waiting to happen, and it may be well justified. In Cilfrew, where they are erecting a gas pressure reduction plant, villagers are concerned that one accident will have a severe affect on those who preside in the village and the surrounding area. Yet despite numerous protests and court appearances, the erection of the blasting station, which is within 300m of people's homes is in full swing. National Grid argue that the scheme is safe, of course, but as highlighted in last week's papers, their own information reveals that a pipeline puncture may “give rise to a thermal radiation hazard to individuals in the vicinity of the pipeline if the gas subsequently ignites'. (Not a very comforting thought, and I speak personally- living only meters away from where the pipeline goes through Rhos over the mountain to Cilfrew)

Of course, all those in areas where the pipeline is tearing up the land, all efforts to oppose it has fallen on deaf ears. We have already had one fatal accident. We cannot merely wait for another such accident. The onus must be on National Grid to reveal all information with regards the development, and to listen to the people in the areas affected by it. This may sound old news to the campaigners, but given that the power over such things lies at Westminster, I and other representatives can only try and raise the political pressure on such issues.

No snap election. Do you care?

If you haven't been watching News 24 for the last few hours, you might just not know that there will be no snap election. You've probably been watching the X Factor or the other reality show on the BBC, or you might have a life, and be out having a good time and frankly, you probably don't care at this time of the evening.

Well, unfortunately I was one of those few watching News 24 and when I first switched on I thought there had been some sort of World crisis. Nick Robinson was twitching and staring in to the camera all doom and gloom, and Andrew Marr was busy shoving an ear piece on after his 'exclusive' with Gordon Brown, where he told us all that he would not be announcing that election after all. Now, if there ever was a boy who cried wolf...

The BBC reports that Cameron reacted with a 'new fire in his belly'- and sickeningly so, Cameron stood outside his house all demure and serious, stating that Gordon Brown had denied the voters of 'choice'. Well all I can say is, if Cameron is so distraught at this election being called off, then he should now call for a fixed term for General elections, so we won't have future Prime Minister's even considering playing political games on this level. It's not a positive aspect of the Westminster style of politics that such power should be in the hands of one person. But then we still have the Monarchy, so who am I to argue about this one tiny issue?

Obviously people are wise enough to realise that Brown was considering this election to make gains for the Labour party, and not much else. Now that he has done a u-turn, I think that his honeymoon period is well and truly over- at least in the press! Time will tell whether Cameron can sustain this new found confidence, or whether we really are looking too much in to the polls....

Cameron's A Listers. Where are they now?

Adam Rickitt, lesser known as the ex Coronation Street actor, and most recently famous for being one of Cameron's A list Tory candidates was ( according to a high standard weekly journal) recently caught shoplifting cheese, HP sauce and coffee in New Zealand. His excuse for such actions?- stress. No witty political response, or a remark about missing home, nothing at all. I guess the shoplifting of HP sauce was an ironic gesture, and definitely the closest he will ever get to the London corridors of power at this rate! I wonder what Cameron thinks about this?

In other news, tonight's polls show that the Tories are catching up with Labour. ICM polls today show Labour at 38% (-1) and the Conservatives at 38%(up 5) .It's neck and neck. So the question is, will Gordon be brave enough to go for it now that the Tories are sneaking up the opinion polls? It may be that the Conference has provided a bounce towards Cameron and that this could wane, but will he suffer that severly in the environment of a snap election?

Only Gordon Brown knows how he will act, and what decision he will ultimately make. I think he's missed the hour, personally, but if he doesn't go now, it may be a hard few years ahead for the Blair successor.

Petitions

Today the petitions committee sits for the third time. At 11 today I will be taking part in an interview with a Tory activist who believes that the petitions committee will take up too much of our time as Assembly Members, and that the local issues raised should be done so on a Council level. Unsurprisingly, I totally disagree. The National Assembly should addrees local issues in all that it does. That is how AM's operate- finding local issues, and raising them on a National level. The idea of the petitions committee allows people to put forward their ideas in an accessible way, and to raise the profile of their individual issues. Of course, we're learning how the process can be developed, but in typical fashion, some Tory activists are questioning the purpose of this new committee.

We will be visiting the Scottish Parliament to see how their petitions committee works in a few weeks time( if there isn't an election, of course) and I'm sure we can develop the workings of our committee in line with best practise from Scotland. We are yet to develop a website and look in to the idea of texting in petitions, but for fear of appearing too big headed for the Wales on Sunday journo's who read my blog, I won't comment until we see the finished product from the Llywydd's office! Of course, any new ideas that you have are greatly appreciated.....

I am also doing an interview for AM PM today on image in politics. Personally, I don't think that how a person looks should have an influence on their political performance, but unfortunately it does in this day and age. People make their minds up about you in a glance, so image is vital. It's not the only aspect you have to get right, but it does help. I notice as a young woman that it's much more of a challenge to get people to take you seriously at face value. On the other end of the spectrum, Menzies Campbell gets a raw deal for being an older politician, which is equally as unfair. Until discrimination is a thing of the past, these judgements will continue unfortunately.

I'll let you know how the interveiws go, and the petitions committee for that matter. There is a petition from my old school about retaining the name Ysgol Rhydfelen for the school as opposed to Gartholwg, which I will be saying that I support today.

No spin Brown?

Well, we should all be thankful. Gordon Brown has withdrawn 1,000 troops from Iraq( or 500 if you want to take the information from Channel 4 news) When we were all trudging the streets of London, Cardiff, Aberystwyth wherever in protest against the war, what we wanted the London Government to do in Iraq was ignored.

Suddenly we must all fall over ourselves in praise of Gordon. 'Thank you for listening to us', 'thank you for acting with your conscience, dear Gordon' ( or thank you for getting ready for an election more like it. Bad advice from the media masters I must say. Cameron can get you on returning to the Blair spin now....nasty....)

So, to be positive about all of this today, and to ensure that I stop throwing things at my television in disgust, Gordon, I'd like to start by requesting that the Independent inquiry that Plaid called for many months ago will be acted upon now. Can we finally analyse the affects and the reasons for the war, and get the answers we need to restore people's faith in politics?

Or perhaps that won't fit in to the election strategy? While you are busy thinking about how to withdraw the remaining troops, I'm sure that we can start the process of an inquiry. After all, there are quite a few Government reviews ongoing at the moment. One more wouldn't hurt a soul.

While I wait for the announcement of the inquiry I'll go and get my canvassing shoes polished ready for the(possible) weeks of campaigning ahead.

Don't be fooled by Bourne.

Nick Bourne says that Plaid are playing second fiddle, or even third fiddle to the Labour party at the Assembly. Well, as a musician, and as someone who understands the positions within an Orchestra, as do many others, ( but as Nick Bourne obviously does not), the second violin section has a hugely important role to play. An Orchestra would fall apart without the harmony of the second violin section, so too would a choir without its altos. We could go on. My point being therefore that far from us propping up Labour, we are playing a pro active role within the Government, we have Ministers in the Cabinet implementing the One Wales document, and who are putting Plaid's policies in to practise. Our AM's are working on a grass roots level, communicating the work of Plaid as a party of Government. There is no denying our involvement in Government, but it is far from being a secondary role.

It is very easy to be a party in opposition, we all know that. Taking responsibility for actions will be challenging, without a doubt, but the way in which the Tories in Wales are trying to push Plaid in to a corner, and dismiss us as irrelevant is utterly unsustainable as an argument.

Believe me, if Plaid were to be 'propping up Labour', then we would not be part of the Government here in Wales. We have not taken this decision lightly as a party. I am passionate about the fact that we can now show the people of Wales how we can deliver for them, and to encourage them to show this in their support for us in future elections.

Just because we are not part of the Rainbow coalition, or the largest party as part of the coalition does not mean that we are suddenly Rhodri's poodles and that we have no individual opinion! It is too easy for Bourne to say such things at this point in time, as he is grappling to come up with ideas as to how to undermine the One Wales Government. Their desperate attempts at finding debates for opposition day slots at the Assembly is a clear example of this. Far from wanting to discuss issues for the sake of finding policy outcomes, their only concern is to try and implement a 'jolly ho' Westminster style of bantering, with no substance.

On Bourne's attempt to woo Plaid voters, well, this is nothing new, and I would have thought that they would have gone by now if they had so wished, and if they had seen a clear future for the Tories in Wales!

Glyn Davies has been applying the strategy for years, it is no suprise to read, and Bourne is trying to replicate this in his attempt to brand the Tories as a 'Welsh' party, with 'Welsh' interests at heart. Ask Cameron, their leader in London about any of the issues that really concern his colleagues in Wales, such as LCO's and more devolution, however, and you are left on deaf ears. Tory MPs such as David Davies have also been quite vocal on the issue of devolution also, which contradicts the cultural wing of the Tories in Wales.

Let's not be naive about this, this re -branding exercise isn't to do with the fact that the Tories have had a sea change of opinion towards devolution overnight. It's all to do with winning votes, and if they can try and do this by chipping away at Plaid votes, then that's what they will do.

I'd like to think that we would be intelligent enough to realise this, and to dismiss their opportunistic strategies.