Senedd Watch - September 2015

UKIP leader, Nigel Farage, backed calls to scrap Severn Bridge tolls in 2018, saying they penalised "those coming in....on one of the most direct routes from England". He suggested it would be paid for by building a cheaper Newport bypass. Peter Black AM (Lib Dem, South Wales West) accused him of being "financially illiterate"...

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The Coming Constitutional Crisis

Just when you thought the issue of Wales' law-making powers had been settled.... (Pic : The Guardian) The next Wales Bill is due to be introduced this autumn and will, as announced earlier this year (A St Davids Day Deposit), include additional powers for the National Assembl...

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Hear No Evil, See No Evil....

(Pic : thezooom.com) A significant story broke today - courtesy of ITV Wales and Friends of the Earth Cymru - that the trust that manages pensions for Assembly Members have been investing in what many would consider ethically dubious companies.UPDATE : 23/09/15 - The director of FoE Cymru, Gareth Clubb, has provided more...

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State of the Nation's Health

(Pic : Wales Online) As reported from Wales Online towards the end of last week, the latest National Health Survey results, for 2014, were published by the Welsh Government. It comes as the Assembly scrutinises the Public Health Bill (Tattoos, Bans & Bogs...

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A Princely Sum

Principality Building Society have taken a bold step in securing naming rights to the Millennium Stadium from 2016. (Pic : Welsh Rugby Union) As you probably already know, it was announced last week that the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have agreed a £15million, ten-year deal with Cardiff-based Principality Building Society...

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Refugee Crisis : Wales Responds

(Pic : The Telegraph) I'm sure most of us will have been moved by "that picture" of Aylan Kurdi lying dead on a Turkish beach a few weeks ago. It marked a turning point in the Syrian refugee crisis, changing it from something that was affecting "somewhere else" into a hard tug on Europe's conscience...

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You Won't Believe What Happens Next....

(Pic : [Various] Wales Online, via BBC Wales) In the midst of a review of the BBC's future role, the focus briefly shifted back to the Welsh press last wee...

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Road to Somewhere?

With the latest section of the A465 dualling project set to fully open soon, it's worth reflecting on the short-term and long-term impact. (Pic : a465brynmawr2tredegar.co.uk) The latest section in the long-running project to dual the Heads of the Valleys road (A465) between Abergavenny and Hirwaun is due to fully open imminently...

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Network Rail - Taking the Welsh Government for a ride?

The project to redouble a section of track between Wrexham and Chester is an example of Network Rail over-promising and under-delivering when it comes to Welsh railways. (Pic : rmweb.co.uk) Network Rail's relationship with devolved Wales has always been somewhat awkward. They now have a department responsible for rail infrastructure...

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O Ye of Little Faith

Religious studies has remained a compulsory part of the National Curriculum since the 1980s, but a major overhaul of the subject is expected to begin soon. (Pic : bargainbinblasphemy.tumblr.com) A few weeks ago, the Welsh Government announced that the religious education/religious studies (RE/RS) curriculum will be overhauled...

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What do we do with a drunken country?

A recent Assembly committee inquiry provided a stark reminder of the devastating impact drink and narcotics have on society. (Pic : Wales Online) Three major stories out of the National Assembly during the current summer recess were all related to public health.Firstly, a report from the cross-party group on eating disorders,...

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