Plans for more Senedd members and changes to electoral system

Published

10 months ago

February 13, 2024

PLANS to increase the number of Senedd members and change the electoral system have passed their first hurdle.

MSs agreed the general principles of the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) bill, which would expand the Welsh Parliament from 60 to 96 members.

Under the bill, the 32 constituencies that will be used in the next general election would be paired to create 16 for the 2026 Senedd vote – with each returning six members.

Senedd elections would be held every four years under a “closed list” form of proportional representation, which would see people voting for parties rather than specific candidates.

Mick Antoniw, the Welsh Government’s counsel general and constitution minister, stressed compromise is necessary because the bill requires a two-thirds majority to become law.

He argued the proposed closed lists would be simpler than, and superior to, the current additional member system – a mix of proportional representation and first past the post.

“It will improve democracy and ensure every vote counts, it will lead to a Senedd that is far more representative of the people of Wales,” he said.

If passed, the bill would also increase the size of the Welsh Government from 14 to 19, including the first minister, ministers, deputies and the counsel general.

Mr Antoniw rejected two Senedd committees’ calls for the removal of powers in the bill for ministers to further increase this limit to 21 without full legislative scrutiny.

He also rejected calls to reduce a proposed 10% variance in the number of voters in each constituency, which is twice that allowed in Westminster elections.

The member in charge of the bill pointed to the need for “future proofing” and flexibility.

Darren Millar, the Conservatives’ shadow constitution minister, said Wales needs more doctors, nurses, dentists and teachers – not 60% more politicians in the Senedd.

He claimed there is no public mandate as he criticised “woolly” references to Senedd reform in Labour and Plaid Cymru manifestos for the 2021 election.

“No-one mentioned this closed-list voting system that has been proposed,” he said.

“This is a system that amounts to a power grab by political parties, taking power away from the voters and preventing them from being able to vote for a candidate of their choice.”

Mr Millar warned that losing direct accountability between elected representatives and the public they serve would be devastating for Welsh democracy.

Calling for a referendum, he said: “Give the people of Wales the choice on whether to endorse this atrocious system … and I can tell you which fingers they will use to salute you.”

David Rees, who chaired the Senedd reform committee, which produced a stage-one report on the bill, raised concerns about the rejected recommendations

The Aberavon MS stressed the importance of public confidence in the proposed reforms.

Alun Davies, a fellow Labour backbencher, who represents Blaenau Gwent, criticised the Conservatives for failing to oppose more “cronies, donors and hangers on” at Westminster.

Heledd Fychan, for Plaid Cymru, described the bill as a major step forward for Wales, making the Welsh Parliament more effective and representative.

The South Wales Central MS said: “These are ambitious plans … Wales will be the first national legislature in the UK to move away in full from the first-past-the-post system.”

She told MSs that Plaid Cymru also favours STV or a flexible/open-list system but her party’s priority is to ensure a bold package of reforms is in place by 2026.

Adam Price urged MSs to grasp the opportunity – pointing out that progress can be painfully slow in Wales, with various commissions and panels since the Kilbrandon report in 1973.

The former Plaid Cymru leader argued that the Senedd is underpowered, raising the example of only one private member’s bill being passed in the past eight years.

Mike Hedges, a Labour backbencher who represents Swansea East, called for further consultation on the electoral system as the bill moves forward.

Raising concerns about the size of constituencies, particularly any that’s paired with the new Brecon seat, he argued the Senedd and UK Parliament should use the same boundaries.

Tom Giffard, a Conservative, warned the reforms risk eroding the link between the public and their representatives, making Wales less democratic.

The South Wales West MS said: “If we vote for more politicians without asking the people’s permission, all we’ll do is create the impression that this isn’t a parliament for them.”

The Conservatives’ Natasha Asghar described Senedd reforms as a vanity project, suggesting the money would be better spent on 150 consultants to ease waiting times.

Challenged about where the extra doctors would come from, the South Wales East MS said: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way – if you’ve got the money, anything’s possible.”

Jane Dodds, the Lib Dems’ leader in Wales, described the bill as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise democracy but said the current proposals “fall far, far short”.

Ms Dodds argued the proposed closed list system would be a profound and lasting mistake, saying: “I have not heard a single reason why this represents a necessary compromise.”

With no plans for by-elections in future, James Evans, the Conservative MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, raised the risk of vacant seats leading to political paralysis in the Senedd.

Closing the debate, Mr Antoniw said the bill is an investment in democracy and 0.07% of the budget is a price worth paying.

MSs backed the proposals 39-14 in the vote on January 30. The bill now moves to stage two, which will see a committee of the whole Senedd consider amendments.

Keeping it local at Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre

Published

12 mins ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WITH the Torch Theatre’s festive panto Jack and the Beanstalk in full swing, its community spirit is more prevalent this year than ever before. With local actors, local stage crew and local support from nearby companies, including Valero and Elder Meadows Nursery, the annual family production is a must for all this Christmas.

Lloyd Grayshon – the memorable Mrs Trott, Freya Dare who plays the cool Agatha Fleshcreep and Samuel Freeman as Terrence Fleshcreep – are all from west Wales, with Samuel from Milford Haven town itself. Gareth Elis, who plays the main character, Jack Trott, has Whitland connections with Carri Munn (Pat the Cow) part of the Torch family having performed on the Torch stage this year in Tachwedd / The Slaughter (Theatre 503) and Elena Carys-Thomas as Fairy Gabby Greenfingers returns following a stint with the Torch Youth Theatre.

Chelsey Gillard, Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director said: “I feel it’s important that many of our actors and creative team have a local connection especially as they include local references in the panto – Jack is from Hakin after all! It’s also important for our audiences, particularly young people, to see people like them on the stage.

“At the Torch we help people of all ages develop their creativity and we want our audiences to know that anything is possible, whether you want to become a doctor, a hairdresser, an engineer or even an actor.”

Samuel Freeman started his acting career at the Torch having been an active member of Torch Youth.

“It always feels like a huge honour to be working at the Torch. We are very lucky to have a theatre in Milford Haven that produces original work, as well as receiving high calibre touring productions, cinema and live broadcasts. Growing up with this right on my doorstep was integral to my love of theatre. I had access to the Torch’s fantastic youth theatre program, giving me the chance to experience performing in a professional setting from an early age.

“In a way, things feel they have gone full circle. It is hard to put into succinct words how much joy and pride it gives me to be on the very stage I watched, wishing to be a part of Pembrokeshire brims with talent and culture, and it means the world to me to continue that legacy of great art in our wonderful part of the world.”

Freya Dare, who was the ultimate understudy in the Torch Theatre’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast, covering for Belle, Belle’s Mother and Fairy Shadowmist, is delighted to be supporting her local theatre.

Freya said: “It is so special to perform at this special theatre that means so much to me. I love that I know and work with some of the audience members and get excited to bring joy and fun to a community I care so much about. “

Jack and the Beanstalk can be seen at the Torch Theatre from now until Sun 29 Dec 2024 with both matinee and evening performances. Ticket prices: £23.50 | £19.50 Cons | £75.00 Family. BSL Performance – Tuesday 17 December at 6pm.

To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

News

Bird keepers in Wales urged to stay vigilant as avian flu cases rise

Published

5 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BIRD KEEPERS across Wales are being warned to remain alert and implement biosecurity measures after a surge in avian influenza cases in poultry and kept birds across Great Britain.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has declared a regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) covering East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Within the AIPZ, mandatory enhanced biosecurity measures are in place to prevent the disease from spreading further and to protect flocks.

The UK is now in a period of heightened risk from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), prompting calls for increased vigilance from Welsh bird keepers.

Biosecurity is Key

Dr Richard Irvine, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, highlighted the importance of biosecurity:
“The winter migration period significantly increases the risk to poultry and kept birds. Recent rises in confirmed cases of avian influenza in both wild and kept birds across the UK are deeply concerning.

“Maintaining scrupulous hygiene and biosecurity measures daily is the best defence against this highly infectious disease. I urge all bird keepers in Wales to act now to protect their flocks and prevent the spread of bird flu.

“Vigilance is essential. Any signs or suspicions of avian influenza in flocks must be reported immediately.”

Legal Requirements and Further Guidance

Bird keepers in Wales and England are now legally required to register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This registration allows APHA to provide timely updates and guidance during disease outbreaks, helping keepers make informed decisions to safeguard their birds.

Further advice, including a biosecurity self-assessment checklist, is available on the Welsh Government website.

The current AIPZ in England may expand, with housing measures and other mandatory protective actions under constant review as the disease situation develops.

Reporting and Resources

Dead wild birds should be reported to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77, and any suspicions of avian influenza in kept birds must be promptly reported to APHA on 0300 303 8268.

Details about current national risk levels for avian influenza, along with the evidence supporting these levels, can be found at gov.uk/birdflu. Additional information on disease control measures in England is available in Defra’s guidance, Bird flu: rules in disease control zones in England.

Zone declarations are accessible through the notifiable disease case finder.

By adopting rigorous biosecurity practices and reporting any concerns, bird keepers in Wales can help protect their flocks and reduce the spread of avian influenza.

Community

Ben Lake MP visits postal workers during Christmas rush

Published

8 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BEN LAKE MP visited postal workers at the Llandysul Delivery Office last Friday (Dec 13) to show his support and gain insight into their operations during the festive season—the busiest time of the year for Royal Mail.

The holiday period sees Royal Mail handle around double its usual volume of letters and parcels, as people send Christmas cards and shop for gifts online. To meet this seasonal surge, the Llandysul Delivery Office has hired four extra vehicles, while Royal Mail nationally has recruited 16,000 temporary workers and introduced nearly 4,000 additional vans, trucks, and trailers.

During the visit, Ben Lake spoke with Ryan Goellnitz, Customer Operations Manager, about Royal Mail’s efforts to enhance convenience for customers. These include services like Parcel Collect—where posties collect parcels directly from customers’ doorsteps—and the introduction of over 5,000 new parcel drop-off points this year, including at Collect+ stores and parcel lockers.

Ryan Goellnitz said:
“It was great to have Ben visit our Delivery Office and show him how we are gearing up for our peak period. We are pulling out all the stops to deliver Christmas for our customers.”

Ben Lake, MP for Ceredigion Preseli, praised the dedication of the postal workers:
“It was a pleasure to visit the Llandysul Delivery Office and witness the incredible volume of post managed by Royal Mail, not only here but across the country. This is an essential service year-round, but the effort and planning to ensure smooth operations during Christmas are extraordinary.

“I am immensely grateful for their tireless efforts and dedication, which deserve to be fully recognised. The visit gave me real appreciation for the hard work and commitment of everyone involved.”

Royal Mail’s preparations for Christmas are a year-long effort, ensuring the postal service continues to meet the festive demand.