Politics
Tidal Lagoon backed by Tories
WELSH CONSERVATIVES have praised the ‘transformational’ potential of the proposed tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, following a visit to the site of the proposed development last week.
The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, and South Wales West AM Suzy Davies were taken on a boat trip around the bay on Friday (Feb 10) to explore the site of the project and to discover its potential to make Wales world leaders in renewable energy generation.
It follows the publication of an independent review, which backed the £1.3bn project. Welsh Conservatives have consistently backed the tidal lagoon, and welcomed the Hendry Report.
However, it is worth noting that this backing becomes decidedly more equivocal with increased proximity to Westminster. Responding to the Hendry Report, Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns described it as a ‘comprehensive report’ which sets out ‘both the opportunities and challenges’.
“We now need to study this report and decide how tidal lagoons could contribute to the nation’s energy needs both in Wales and the rest of the UK,” he said.
His predecessor, Stephen Crabb, was also wary of committing too publicly to a development then- Prime Minister David Cameron said enthusiasm was ‘cooling’ for. “What we want to do is take a considered decision about whether it is in the best long-term interest in terms of energy, in terms of jobs and the economy,” he told the BBC in 2016, while claiming he was still a ‘fan’ of the development.
However, following his return to the back benches, Mr Crabb gave the scheme his public backing. In a Westminster Hall debate, the Conservative MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire said: “This can’t become another third runway decision where industry makes repeated calls for a government only for it to be kicked further down the road. There is too much at stake on this occasion.”
Mr Crabb added that ‘a myth of unaffordability’ had grown up around the vision of tidal lagoons, and claimed that a minister had told him that the project was ‘eyewateringly expensive’.
It was ‘embarrassingly clear’ that minister did not understand the project at all, he told MPs.
It is now hoped that the UK Government will give the green light.
Commenting after the visit, Mr Davies said: “I am as convinced as ever that this transformational project needs to go ahead, and I’m hopeful that the findings of the Hendry Review will be the spur needed to take this project forward.
“Tidal energy holds great promise to be the most reliable and resilient source of green energy available, and the Welsh Conservatives have been supportive of this ambitious scheme since day one.
“I look forward to this project being taken forward by the UK Government.
“We have an opportunity to lead the world in the generation of non-carbon, renewable energy, whilst providing a boost to the whole of the Welsh economy in terms of jobs and investment.”
South Wales West AM Suzy Davies said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to visit the proposed site of the tidal lagoon.
“There is a great deal of excitement about the prospect of the first one being located in Swansea, because it has the potential to propel Wales to being global pioneers in the application of this ground-breaking technology.
“The benefits to local jobs, the economy and the future energy needs of Wales, the UK and wider world of this technology are potentially massive and I will continue to push for this project to become a reality.”
Mark Shorrock, Chief Executive, Tidal Lagoon Power, said: “Andrew, Suzy and the Welsh Conservatives have been with us every step of the way – even on a freezing February morning on the Bay! We very much look forward to now making the transition from development to delivery of a world first infrastructure project for Wales.”
News
20mph U-turn: Some roads will return to 30mph following public outcry
IN a recent shift in policy, Transport Secretary Ken Skates announced that some roads in Wales will revert to a 30mph speed limit following significant public opposition to the Welsh Government’s £34 million initiative to impose a default 20mph limit. This move addresses the concerns consistently raised by many citizens.
The controversial policy, initially rolled out across Wales under former First Minister Mark Drakeford and his transport minister, Lee Waters, aimed at enhancing road safety. However, it has since faced backlash, illustrated by nearly half a million signatures on a Senedd petition opposing the change.
“We’ve put our hands up to say the guidance has to be corrected,” Skates stated, acknowledging the widespread dissatisfaction with the policy’s implementation. He emphasised the need for targeted 20mph zones, particularly in sensitive areas such as near schools, hospitals, and densely populated housing estates. Yet, he admitted that certain routes should not have been included under the stricter speed limit.
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart welcomed the revised approach but highlighted the financial burden of changing road signage, urging the Welsh Government to assist with the expenses. Stewart praised Skates’ “pragmatic approach” and stressed that the government should not impose the financial strain on local councils, which are already facing tough budgetary decisions.
The policy has had its proponents, particularly among cycling groups and safety advocates who argue that the lower speed limits contribute to safer community spaces. Despite this, many have called for a more nuanced application of the speed limits rather than a blanket reduction.
In response to the backlash, Skates is set to present the planned adjustments in a forthcoming statement to the Senedd. The changes will allow local councils the autonomy to restore the 30mph limit where deemed appropriate, potentially affecting up to 10 roads in Swansea alone.
Leaders from other councils, including Huw Thomas of Cardiff, expressed relief over the change. Cardiff, where the majority of roads were already under a 20mph limit, saw a favourable reception of the policy. Nonetheless, the decision to empower local governments has been largely welcomed.
The Welsh Conservatives, through their transport spokesperson Natasha Asghar, have voiced strong opposition to the original policy, criticising its expansive application. Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth called for a more carefully considered implementation, supporting the principle of 20mph zones but criticising their inconsistent enforcement.
Responding to comments made by Ken Skates, Labour’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport on potential changes to the 20mph guidance, Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister said: “The people of Wales have rightfully taken significant issue with Labour’s 20mph policy and ‘correcting guidance’ will not be enough to ease concerns.
“The Welsh Conservatives are the only the party to have consistently voted against the ridiculous 20mph policy involving 97% of previously 30mph roads and a £9 billion hit to the Welsh economy.
“The Welsh Conservatives want to see this policy scrapped and have given the Labour Government a number of opportunities to vote to do so. A more targeted approach is needed with the support of the Welsh people.”
News
Withyhedge Landfill faces political allegations and regulatory enforcement
STEPHEN CRABB MP has vociferously criticised the Welsh Labour Government for its management of the Withyhedge Landfill in Pembrokeshire, claiming it has turned the area into a “dumping ground” for waste from across Wales. Mr. Crabb, supported by Paul Davies MS, alleges that substantial lorries deliver waste daily to the site, causing significant distress to local residents. The MP has repeatedly written to the First Minister, demanding immediate intervention, yet claims to have received no response.
Compounding the controversy, Mr. Crabb highlighted a substantial £200,000 donation to Vaughan Gething’s recent election campaign from the landfill’s owner, questioning the impartiality of regulatory practices. Despite ongoing political efforts, Mr. Crabb asserts that resolution lies solely with the Welsh Government, which has the ultimate authority to address these grievances.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has escalated its enforcement actions against the site’s operators, Resources Management UK Ltd (RML), amid persistent community complaints about odour and gas emissions. A recent Regulation 36 Enforcement Notice demands a series of remedial actions by RML, with deadlines stretching into May 2024. These measures focus on improving the site’s gas management infrastructure and capping exposed areas to mitigate odour issues.
Huwel Manley, Head of South West Operations at NRW, expressed understanding of the community’s frustration, emphasizing the urgency of the required actions. “We are committed to ensuring RML Ltd. deliver these actions rapidly and effectively. Continued non-compliance will lead to further measures, potentially including a suspension of the environmental permit,” stated Mr. Manley.
Pembrokeshire County Council, represented by Chief Executive Will Bramble, also voiced disappointment over the ongoing issues, affirming full support for NRW’s stringent enforcement steps. The Council and NRW are working closely to monitor the situation and have encouraged the public to report any odour incidents promptly to aid in effective resolution.
As the deadline approaches, all parties involved are under increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible improvements and ensure the health and well-being of Pembrokeshire residents are prioritised.
Politics
Barclays closure in Haverfordwest sparks calls for banking changes
A CALL for Pembrokeshire County Council to potentially change its banking arrangement with Barclays, after the bank announced it was closing its county town branch, is expected to be turned down next week.
Barclays Bank in Haverfordwest, located on the town’s High Street, is to close on May 10.
The council has had a banking services contract with Barclays since 2013, with the most recent contract – for four years – signed last May following an independent review.
Councillor Huw Murphy, in a notice of motion to be heard by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting of April 22, is asking the council to review its banking arrangements with Barclays following the announced closure.
“The loss of many banking facilities within Pembrokeshire over recent years has had a detrimental impact on many town centres such as Tenby, St Davids, Fishguard, Milford Haven, Narberth, Newport and Pembroke and Pembroke Dock and will soon impact Haverfordwest with the loss of Barclays bank to the town.”
He said the loss of a branch “not only impacts upon town centres and businesses but also disproportionately impacts the elderly who are less likely to embrace on-line banking options”.
After the Haverfordwest closure was announced, a spokesperson for the bank said that the Haverfordwest branch only had 32 regular customers who used the branch exclusively for their banking and do not interact with Barclays in any other way.
A report for cabinet members says, in terms of the impact on Pembrokeshire residents, Barclays has said that it is “not leaving Haverfordwest and [will] continue to provide face-to-face support for those who need it” via community locations.
It adds: “Everything else can be done via alternative channels such as everyday transactions via the Post Office. We will be making personal contact with our regular and vulnerable branch users to discuss their options and guide them through alternative ways to bank.”
Two options were presented to cabinet following Mr Murphy’s motion, to retender the banking services contract, and, the favoured, to work with Barclays to ensure a community location is set up in Haverfordwest.
The report says the costs associated with moving to a new service provider “can be excessive and in some cases greater than the cost of the annual contract value,” adding: “Whilst the costs can vary between local authorities it can be in excess of £50,000.”
For the second, favoured option, the report says: “An integral part of the branch closure communication, Barclays advised that they will be setting up a community location in Haverfordwest.
“Whilst this is a change to how Barclays currently operate in Haverfordwest, this concept mirrors the successful implementation of a hub located within The Giltar Hotel in Tenby that operates twice a week.”
It adds: “Discussions have commenced with Barclays to see what the council can offer in terms of locations.”
Cabinet members are recommended to back the second option.
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