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Wales strengthens cooperation with German state

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DURING a visit to Stuttgart this week, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, and Baden-Württemberg’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, signed a joint statement of cooperation to further boost political, economic, social, and ecological ties.

The joint declaration intends to expand bilateral cooperation between Wales and Baden-Württemberg in areas including trade and entrepreneurship, science and research, education and youth, culture and civil society, as well as environmental and climate protection.

Welsh Government Minister for the Economy, Vaughan Gething said: “The signing of a shared statement with Baden-Württemberg is momentous in cementing our important relationship with this priority region for Wales. As one of our largest trading partners, it presents us with an opportunity to ensure continued, strengthened co-operation.

“Germany is a hugely important collaboration partner for Wales with an estimated 90 German-owned companies having a presence in Wales, employing just under 12,000 people. Around 20 of these organisations are owned by parent companies from Baden-Württemberg so I very much look forward to the opportunities that our engagement across areas including trade, research and education will bring.”

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford and Prime Minister Kretschmann agreed to strengthen cooperation in 2022, and today’s Shared Statement of Cooperation builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries in 1990.

Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann said: “The United Kingdom is and will remain a very important partner for Baden-Württemberg. It is important to overcome the challenges for business and science after Brexit together.

“In view of the current crises and wars in the world, the EU and the democratic states must now cooperate more closely, and valued partners such as Germany and the United Kingdom, Baden-Württemberg and Wales must move even closer together.”

Dr Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism, said: “I very much welcome the signing of an agreement on further cooperation between Wales and Baden-Württemberg. Wales and the United Kingdom are important trade and economic partners for us.”

In a one-to-one meeting, Minister Dr Hoffmeister-Kraut discussed innovation with her counterpart in Wales and said: “Transformation and structural change pose major challenges for companies in both countries. Minister Gething and I agreed that innovation is the key to a strong and resilient economy. That is why we want and need to strengthen the power of innovation through functioning regional innovation networks and continue to grow in international alliances with trustworthy partners.”

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething added: “Wales is an outward looking and welcoming nation. We want to have the strongest possible presence on the world stage and where better to build on and strengthen our global relationships than Baden-Württemberg.

“We will continue to make the most of the multiple connections between our governments, organisations, people and culture – and ensure that our long historical ties continue well into the future.”

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Andrew RT Davies resigns as Welsh Conservative leader after confidence vote

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ANDREW RT DAVIES has stepped down as leader of the Welsh Conservatives after narrowly surviving a confidence vote within his party.

In a letter announcing his resignation, Davies expressed regret, stating that his position had become “untenable” after some Members of the Senedd (MSs) threatened to resign from his frontbench if he remained in post.

The vote, held on Tuesday morning, saw Davies secure nine votes in support but faced opposition from seven MSs. Reflecting on the outcome, he said: “It was clear from the result that a substantial minority of the group do not support our approach.”

Davies has served as leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd for most of the past 13 years. His departure marks the end of a tenure defined by both challenges and significant contributions to the party in Wales.

Commenting on the resignation, Reform UK Wales Spokesman, Oliver Lewis said: “True to form, the Tories have turfed out another leader thinking that will resurrect their failing party. They care more about jousting for position than they do about serving Welsh people.

“It does not matter who they have as leader, the simple fact is they have failed in opposition just as they failed Wales in Government in Westminster for 14 years.

“The people of Wales want real change in 2026 and that is just what we plan to offer them. Wales needs Reform.”

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Health

Hywel Dda appoints new Deputy Chief Executive Officer

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HYWEL DDA University Health Board has today announced the appointment of Lisa Gostling as its Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Lisa has held the role of Deputy Chief Executive at the health board on an interim basis since February this year, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer, which was announced in October.

Professor Phil Kloer, Chief Executive Officer, at Hywel Dda said: “I am delighted that, following a competitive process, Lisa is appointed to the post of Deputy Chief Executive Officer, a responsibility that she will hold in addition to her post of Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.”

Lisa relocated from the West Midlands to Pembrokeshire and developed her career within the workforce and organisational development teams at the Health Board. She has worked for Hywel Dda and its predecessor organisations since 1993.

Since 2015, she has been a member of the Executive team and Board as Director of Workforce and Organisational Development. Since February this year, she also held the role of interim Deputy Chief Executive Officer. She holds a CIPD qualification from Sandwell College and is a keen Welsh learner.

Phil continues: “Lisa’s innovative approach to recruitment and to staff development has been of great benefit to our health board – including the development of our culture and values that shapes our work every day, and the establishment of the Apprenticeship Program that has seen us enable several local people to join our Hywel Dda teams and develop their career with us.

“Lisa has also been instrumental in supporting our work to reduce our dependency upon agency staffing and building our substantive workforce – ensuring greater sustainability and quality in our teams.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Lisa in her new role and wish her every success for the future.”

Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, added: “It is an honour to be appointed to this position and support Phil, our Board, and our teams across the health board in delivering health care for our communities.

“I look forward to building on the foundations of the past six months and working with our team of staff who are all dedicated to improving the health and well-being of current and future generations.”

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Community

Henry Tufnell MP advocates for Pembroke’s bell restoration project

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LAST weekend, Henry Tufnell MP visited St David’s Cathedral, where he had the opportunity to witness the tradition of bell ringing and meet with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project. The meeting underscored the vital importance of preserving Pembroke’s unique heritage while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the restoration team.

St Mary’s Church, located in the heart of Pembroke, is home to a set of historic bells that have been a cherished part of the town’s life for over 260 years. However, due to structural and safety concerns, these bells have been silent, putting a pause on their role in significant civic and cultural events, including Remembrance Sunday and local celebrations.

A significant £150,000 from the £10.5 million UK Government funding pot has been allocated to this restoration project, but delays in finalising the grant have hindered progress. Henry pledged his commitment to ensuring that the project receives the attention it deserves to move forward without further obstacles.

Following his visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Speaking with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project at St David’s Cathedral highlighted how much this initiative means to the people of Pembroke. Restoring these historic bells is about more than just tradition; it’s about community pride and keeping our heritage alive for future generations. I’m determined to help ensure this project gets the green light it needs and I will be doing everything in my power to ensure it happens.”

The St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project has garnered widespread support from local residents and businesses, whose donations have helped secure the match funding required for the Fund. Completing the project would be a significant milestone, securing a vital piece of Pembroke’s history for years to come.

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