OPPOSITION Senedd members accused ministers of going “round and round in circles” and “making a mess” of Wales’ school system.

Cefin Campbell described a Welsh Government update on school improvement as “yet another statement of the obvious” and an admission of serious shortcomings.

Plaid Cymru’s shadow education secretary warned: “Labour in Wales have failed pupils, parents and teachers for far too long,” with GCSE results lagging England.

Mr Campbell said Welsh ministers sought the OECD’s advice three times following “worst-ever” PISA results in 2009, only to end up with even worse results in 2023.

He raised a review of the four regional consortia, the middle tier between councils and the Welsh Government, which found they were ineffective, with a new model needed.

Mr Campbell said: “A government going round and round in circles does not lead to pupil progress. We need to support teachers to do what they do best.”

The former lecturer explained that school reserves stood at £301m three years ago but, at the current rate of decline, could fall to a deficit of -£71m by 2026.

He said: “Schools are facing unprecedented and precipitous budgetary challenges and it’s time Labour makes good on its promise on more money for schools in Wales immediately.”

Tom Giffard accused Welsh ministers of “doubling down on more of the same … ideologically driven solutions that got us into this mess in the first place”.

The Conservatives’ shadow education secretary warned: “Instead of raising standards, the evidence suggests that Labour’s approach will only lower them.”

Referring to PISA results, he said: “We have the worst educational standards anywhere in the UK … it’s been that way in every single subject every single time we’ve been assessed.”

Mr Giffard welcomed confirmation of a 5.5% pay rise for teachers but cautioned that schools are having to make roles redundant, put off works or withdraw subjects to make ends meet.

“In that context, the last thing our schools need is an unfunded pay settlement,” he said.

Mr Giffard, a former teaching assistant in a Welsh-language primary school, called for other school staff beyond teachers to also receive a 5.5% raise.

In a statement to the Senedd on November 5, Lynne Neagle did not shy away from the challenges as she set out key improvement priorities.

Wales’ education secretary welcomed a slight increase in attendance this academic year from 91.4% to 92% but accepted rates remain “nowhere near good enough”.

“I want to see a much bigger improvement” she said, with too much variation between councils, year groups and pupils from different backgrounds.

Ms Neagle, who was appointed in March, announced a new ministerial advisory group and an extra £1.1m this year aimed at driving up attainment.

The education secretary told the Senedd she is considering more international benchmarking by participating in the TIMSS and PILRS studies.

She said the 5.5% pay rise will be backdated to the start of the school year urgently.

Refuting suggestions of an ideology-driven approach, she said: “That is simply not the way that I work. My only interest in doing this job is to deliver for children and young people.”

A COUNCIL scheme to build 24 affordable homes for the ‘elderly’ at the “eyesore” site of the former Motor World building in Milford Haven has been backed by county planners, with hopes schemes like it will help create more sustainable communities.

W B Griffiths & Sons Ltd, on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council, in an application before the council’s planning committee on November 5, sought approval for the construction of a new residential redevelopment of 24 affordable apartments for over-55s at 70A-80A Charles Street.

It is proposed to build 21 one-bed apartments and three two-bed apartments, along with associated works.

The former Motor World site, previously described as an “eyesore,” was cleared in 2018 to enable redevelopment, with planning permission granted on the site for the development of 15 affordable apartments for over-55s in 2020 but the previous contractor was put into administration under what was described as, ‘significant financial stress’.

The latest application, recommended for delegated approval, submitted through agent DPP Planning, follows a public consultation earlier this year.

Local county councillor Viv Stoddart had previously raised concerns about insufficient parking space for residents and their carers, but the committee heard the councillor was now happy with delegated approval.

At the November 5 meeting, some consternation at the council definition of ‘elderly,’ for over-55s, was raised during the debate, with Cllr Alan Dennison also expressing concerns about the loss of potential business space by the plans.

Approval was proposed by Cllr Alistair Cameron, seconded by committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock, who said: “We need to achieve regeneration of our town centres by repopulating them, and they will be much more sustainable in the future.”

He was supported by Cllr Mark Carter, who said: “I like developments like these; I think this is the way forward for communities, we’ve got a site here that as far back as I’ve ben a councillor has attracted questions about when it will be built.”

On concerns about parking space availability, he added: “No-one is going to be forced to go there, you will go there if it suits you.”

He finished by saying the development may ease general housing pressures: “With a bit of luck, some houses may be freed up for families, this is a win all round and I fully support it.”

A sticking point is the application is subject to a Welsh Government Holding Direction where planning permission cannot be fully granted until an awaited vehicle Swept Path Analysis has been approved demonstrating that a turning area can be provided within the site for the largest type of vehicle that would serve it.

Members, by 12 votes in favour to one abstention, backed delegated authority for the council’s head of planning to approve the application following resolution of this issue.

DONALD TRUMP’S return to the US presidency casts an uncertain shadow over the UK, potentially leading to economic shocks that could burden British households with higher costs, lower growth, and less job security. His policy unpredictability and “America First” doctrine spell challenges for UK businesses, while his strong-willed approach to trade and foreign policy could drive a wedge between the two countries.

TRADE TENSIONS COULD COST UK EXPORTERS

Trump’s protectionist stance has reignited concerns about tariffs, which could cut deep into the UK economy. The US is Britain’s largest export market, receiving around 25% of all UK-manufactured exports. Proposed tariffs of up to 10% on imports to the US would affect major British exporters such as Rolls Royce and BAE Systems, impacting an estimated £56 billion in trade. If enacted, such tariffs could push costs higher, threatening thousands of jobs in sectors dependent on American demand.

A STRAINED UK-US RELATIONSHIP

While Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have made diplomatic overtures to Trump, attending dinners and working closely with Trump’s allies, challenges in the relationship remain evident. Starmer’s reserved style contrasts with Trump’s brash manner, raising questions about how compatible their leadership styles are. This uncertainty, highlighted by one diplomat’s remark that Trump “doesn’t give a stuff” about UK relations, suggests a bumpy road ahead.

Diplomats have tirelessly built relationships with Trump’s inner circle, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump’s likely national security adviser, Elbridge Colby. However, Trump’s mercurial nature, marked by unpredictable social media outbursts and contentious negotiations, may test these connections. As Lammy put it, relations with Trump are likely to be “bumpy, noisy, and transactional.”

ECONOMIC FALLOUT AND SLOWER GROWTH

The potential for UK economic slowdown under Trump’s policies is profound. Economists from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) predict UK growth will be halved if Trump enforces his proposed tariffs. Without tariffs, the UK could expect moderate growth of around 1.2% next year; however, this figure could drop as low as 0.4% should the trade restrictions come into force. Coupled with rising inflation, this could lead to diminished purchasing power for households already grappling with a cost-of-living crisis.

CURRENCY VOLATILITY AND JOB THREATS

Trump’s victory has already weakened the pound, with the GBP/USD exchange rate falling sharply as results came in. Investors are wary of increased tariffs and Trump’s isolationist policies, both of which could stoke currency volatility and strain the UK economy. A weakened pound also drives up the cost of imports, which affects consumers directly through higher prices for everyday goods.

The potential loss of thousands of jobs in sectors heavily reliant on US trade adds to the bleak outlook. Automotive manufacturing, for instance, could be heavily impacted by Trump’s threat of a 100% tariff on imported cars. Companies like Jaguar Land Rover, whose Land Rover Defender was one of the UK’s top exports to the US, may face cutbacks if tariffs make exports uncompetitive.

UNCERTAIN INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT

The UK’s global-facing stock market may also suffer. Companies in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250, which derive significant profits from international operations, could experience volatility as Trump’s policies introduce uncertainty into transatlantic trade. Such uncertainty could lead investors to shy away from the UK market, diminishing capital inflows and further affecting economic growth.

SHIFTS IN GLOBAL PRIORITIES

Beyond economic pressures, Trump’s foreign policy outlook could exacerbate the UK’s security challenges. Trump’s “America First” rhetoric and emphasis on Asia over Europe may leave European allies, including the UK, less confident about US support for initiatives like defending Ukraine. While the UK has publicly aligned with Trump’s view that Europe should shoulder more of its defense costs, there are fears that a US pivot to Asia could weaken the cohesion of NATO and reduce military backing for Europe.

Lammy has attempted to foster an understanding of Trump’s instincts, acknowledging his focus on American interests and recognition of Asia’s growing influence. However, as the UK looks toward cooperation on issues like Ukraine, this alignment may prove insufficient in securing the support needed to address shared security concerns.

BRITISH FAMILIES TO SHOULDER THE COST

For British families, the impact of a Trump presidency could hit close to home. With increased tariffs potentially driving up inflation by 3-4%, the Bank of England may feel compelled to raise interest rates by as much as 2-3% in response. For households already feeling the pinch from rising prices, this could lead to higher mortgage costs, increased borrowing rates, and a tougher job market, further squeezing living standards.

Though the UK government has prepared for Trump’s return, the effectiveness of these plans remains to be seen. As Britain braces for another unpredictable chapter with Trump at the helm, citizens may face a “bumpy, noisy, and transactional” relationship that could reshape the economy, impacting everything from job security to the prices at the supermarket.