Change of course over Wales’ 20mph speed limit

Published

7 months ago

April 24, 2024

WALES’ new transport secretary confirmed a change of course on the controversial 20mph policy but continued to face calls to scrap the default speed limit completely.

Ken Skates told the Senedd the 20mph policy will be targeted at schools, hospitals, nurseries, community centres, play areas and built-up residential areas.

Mr Skates said the Welsh Government will revise guidance on exceptions by the summer, with work to adjust speed limits expected to begin from September.

In response to councils’ concerns about costs, such as for swapping signs, he confirmed the Welsh Government will foot the bill for reverting roads back to 30mph.

Mr Skates said: “What I am doing now is listening to what people want for the roads in their communities and pressing ahead with refining the policy.”

Giving a statement on his priorities, the newly appointed cabinet secretary for north Wales and transport committed to listening to people to get the “right speed on the right roads”.

He said: “Ultimately, the degree of change in each of our 22 local authority areas will not be determined by me and the Welsh Government but by the public and councils.”

Mr Skates encouraged people to contact their local council via the Welsh Government’s website to have their say about where 20mph should be targeted.

The transport secretary, who returned to the frontbench in Vaughan Gething’s reshuffle in March, said an external review of the 20mph policy will be published in the next few weeks.

Mr Skates, who replaced Lee Waters, told the chamber new roads will be built and existing ones improved, with the network better designed to accommodate bus priority lanes.

Nearly half a million people signed a record-breaking Senedd petition, calling for the “disastrous” 20mph policy, which came into force in September, to be scrapped.

Pointing out that 20mph will remain the default, Natasha Asghar, the Conservatives’ shadow transport secretary, also called for the “daft, divisive and destructive” law to be abandoned.

She said: “It is clear from the rhetoric that the Welsh Government has finally cottoned on to the fact that the 20mph policy has been a complete shambles.”

The South Wales East MS urged the Welsh Government to go further by making 30mph the default speed limit with exceptions made for 20mph, rather than the other way around.

Ms Asghar warned that anything less than rescinding the law is just paying lip service.

However, Mr Skates argued the Conservatives’ suggested approach, which would require traffic regulation orders, would bankrupt Wales and increase red tape.

Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymru’s shadow transport secretary, criticised the Welsh Government’s decision not to pursue legal action against UK ministers over HS2 funding.

Ms Jewell, who also represents South Wales East, told the chamber billions of pounds are at stake which would have a material effect on improving Wales’ transport services.

She said: “HS2 tracks don’t travel into Wales at all but we are paying for it all the same,” with Mr Skates responding that legal advice suggesting a challenge would likely fail.

The Plaid Cymru deputy leader raised concerns about drastic cuts to vital bus services, arguing investment in rail should not come at the expense of buses.

Turning to 20mph, Ms Jewell said it is important not to lose sight of the radical policy’s aim as she highlighted that a four-year-old girl was killed in a crash in Birmingham last week.

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan raised concerns about cuts to learner travel, saying no child should miss a day of school because they cannot afford the bus.

Vowing to work with Lynne Neagle, Wales’ new education secretary, on home-to-school transport, Mr Skates said the future of buses is one of his very top priorities.

Swansea East MS Mike Hedges called for a rebalancing of support between buses and rail.

Mr Skates told the Labour backbencher a forthcoming bill on bus services will correct the “great mistake” of privatisation in the mid-1980s.

Pressed by Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth about calls for a third Menai crossing, Mr Skates did not rule it out but warned that public finances are incredibly tight.

Hefin David, the Labour MS for Caerphilly, welcomed plans to review the 20mph guidance, calling for councillors, who know their communities best, to be involved in discussions.

Eluned Morgan on NHS: ‘I’ve listened, I’ve heard, I’m making it happen’

Published

5 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FIRST Minister Eluned Morgan is set to announce an additional £22 million to tackle NHS waiting lists, bringing the total funding commitment to £50 million in a bid to address the longest delays in NHS Wales.

The announcement will form a key part of her speech at the Welsh Labour Conference on Saturday in Llandudno, marking her first as Welsh Labour Leader. Morgan will emphasise the strength of partnership between the Welsh and UK Labour Governments, showcasing their shared commitment to delivering for the people of Wales.

The funding pledge comes two weeks after Rachel Reeves unveiled a historic £21 billion funding settlement for the Welsh Government—the largest since devolution. Drawing on her summer listening tour, where she engaged with thousands across Wales, Morgan will declare: “I’ve listened, I’ve heard, I’m making it happen.”

Focus on NHS and Green Growth

During her tour, the First Minister heard the pride people feel for the Welsh NHS and its workforce, as well as the importance of safeguarding its future. Today’s funding boost underscores Welsh Labour’s commitment to addressing key issues, distinguishing it as the only party serious about governance and delivery.

In addition to NHS investment, Morgan will highlight her administration’s ambitions for green jobs and growth. Five new renewable energy projects are set to be unveiled, alongside plans to streamline infrastructure planning by 12 weeks—a move aimed at accelerating progress in Wales. These initiatives are expected to create hundreds of skilled jobs, reinforcing Labour’s commitment to a greener, more prosperous future.

Conservative Perspective on NHS Wales

The Welsh Conservatives have expressed concerns regarding the current state of NHS Wales. They have highlighted issues such as prolonged waiting lists and underfunding, attributing these challenges to longstanding Labour governance. In a recent statement, the Welsh Conservatives emphasized the need for increased investment and support for NHS staff, proposing the establishment of an NHS Covenant to guarantee such commitments.

Additionally, the Welsh Conservatives have criticized the Labour Government for not allocating the full Barnett consequential funding to the Welsh NHS, arguing that this shortfall has exacerbated existing challenges within the health service.

Delivering for Wales

The Conference will celebrate the achievements of the Welsh Labour Government while setting out its future priorities. From tackling NHS challenges to driving renewable energy development, the event will demonstrate Morgan’s focus on the issues that matter most to the people of Wales.

Eluned Morgan’s speech is expected to reaffirm Welsh Labour’s ambition to lead with purpose, listening to the public and working closely with the UK Labour Government to deliver tangible results.

News

Young Changemakers Drive Wales Toward a Net Zero Future

Published

6 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AS world leaders gathered at COP29 to address global climate challenges, young people in Wales were making their own mark on the path to a greener future. The Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon, held last Friday, showcased the ingenuity, passion, and practical solutions of 26 young finalists from across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

This flagship event, hosted by Pembrokeshire-based education enterprise Cymbrogi Futures, is part of a year-long programme empowering young learners with the skills and confidence to tackle climate challenges head-on.

THE WINNING IDEA: FAIR FASHION

The team from Queen Elizabeth High School, Carmarthenshire, stole the show with their innovative project addressing fast fashion waste. Their idea? Personalised soft toys crafted from discarded fabric destined for landfill. By engaging with local businesses and charity shops, the team not only demonstrated creativity but also gained practical insights into the environmental impact of textile waste.

Nia John, lead teacher for the team, shared: “This project allowed us to incorporate real-world learning into the classroom. Pupils were thrilled to interact with industry experts, growing their ideas through meaningful collaboration.”

Ariana, the team leader, reflected: “I enjoyed learning skills like collaboration and creativity, which will help me in the future. This experience has inspired me to start our school’s Climate Action group.”

OTHER FINALISTS: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Equally impressive was Milford Haven School’s ‘Cafe Cleddau’, a visionary concept featuring a solar-powered boat to connect communities along the Haven waterway. With sustainable snacks, a soft-play area, and hydro-powered backup systems, the idea aimed to revolutionise tourism and nightlife in the region.

All finalist teams received vouchers for the ethical online store Social Supermarket, while the winning team took home a £300 cash prize to fund biodiversity projects at their school.

BUILDING A NET ZERO FUTURE

Cymbrogi’s founder, Liza Lort-Phillips, underlined the importance of initiatives like Tomorrow’s Changemakers:
“Today’s learners will face far greater challenges in a climate-changed world than any of us. By sparking their imaginations now, we can equip them to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”

The programme was supported by major partners, including the Port of Milford Haven and Cwm Environmental, who provided real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities in Wales’ green economy.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, remarked: “This initiative is vital. Empowering the next generation with green skills and confidence ensures they are ready to lead the charge toward a net-zero future.”

A COMMUNITY-ROOTED CHALLENGE

The hackathon is the culmination of a three-stage learning journey inspired by the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the UN Global Goals. The programme began with an online course introducing topics such as the circular economy and systems thinking, followed by mini-challenges rooted in real-world scenarios in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Learners explored diverse challenges, including:

Sustainable Tourism: Imagining a car-free holiday in Milford Haven.
Energy: Exploring renewable solutions for rural Wales.
Fashion: Tackling fast fashion waste.

The finalists worked with industry experts, visiting sites such as the Port of Milford Haven and Cwm Environmental to gain hands-on experience.

A CALL TO ACTION

Samuel Kurtz, MS for South Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, praised the event:
“The curiosity and ingenuity of these students are truly inspiring. Their ambition shows they are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. Initiatives like this are essential for building a resilient and sustainable future.”

Cymbrogi Futures hopes to expand the programme to schools across Wales, with plans to reach Wrexham and Neath Port Talbot in 2025.

As Wales leads the charge toward a net-zero future, the Tomorrow’s Changemakers programme reminds us that the solutions of tomorrow lie in the hands of today’s young minds.

Pictured above: Young innovators: Queen Elizabeth High students celebrate their Fair Fashion project victory (Pic: MHPA).

Community

Port supports Cruising Free’s Atlantic Dash with donation of safety equipment

Published

6 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced a donation of vital safety equipment to support local group Cruising Free, who will be embarking on a challenging 3,200-mile rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The crew of Cruising Free will row from Lanzarote to Antigua to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Port of Milford Haven’s donation includes a comprehensive range of safety gear designed to support the crew’s journey and ensure their safety during this extraordinary expedition. Items provided include:

Flare Kit
Satellite Phone
VHF Radios
First Aid Kits
GPS Equipment
Lights
Safety Lines
And more

The Port of Milford Haven, the UK’s leading energy Port, is committed to supporting local maritime initiatives. This donation is a key part of the Port’s ongoing efforts to promote safety in all aspects of maritime activity, particularly for adventurous projects like Atlantic Dash.

“We are proud to support the amazing crew of Cruising Free as they undertake this monumental challenge,” said Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven. “Safety is paramount for anyone taking to the sea, and we hope that the equipment we’ve provided will support them as they navigate the Atlantic. Their journey will not only raise vital funds for two incredibly worthwhile causes but also inspire people across the UK and beyond. We are excited to be part of their journey and wish them the very best of luck.”

The Atlantic Dash will see the team of experienced rowers tackle the gruelling transatlantic journey, which is expected to take several weeks. The funds raised by Cruising Free will directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which supports research and care for people living with cystic fibrosis, and the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which provides specialist palliative care services to individuals in West Wales.

“We are truly and eternally grateful to Port of Milford Haven who have provided us with the essential safety equipment needed to embark on our 3,200 mile journey from Lanzarote to Antigua. We are hoping not to need to use the flares or safety lines, but the satellite phone and VHF radio will keep us connected with land and loved-ones through the entire 2-month journey. Thank you!” said Polly Zipperlen, team member of Cruising Free.

Cruising Free’s row across the Atlantic will begin in January 2025, and the crew’s journey will be tracked in real time to allow supporters to follow their progress. The team is already actively fundraising and plans to hold several community events in the lead-up to their departure.

To learn more about Cruising Free’s Atlantic Row and how you can support their cause, visit their Linktree here.