News
MP Crabb continues to support local ex sub postmaster
NEW legislation to overturn convictions linked to the Post Office scandal cleared its final House of Commons stages last night, with local MP Stephen Crabb saying that it is still taking too long to get compensation out to those affected.
Stephen has followed this issue closely since meeting with Tim Brentnall from Roch in 2012. Mr Brentnall was one of 736 sub-postmasters caught up in the Horizon IT scandal and wrongfully convicted as a result of faults in accounting software developed by Fujitsu for Horizon. Mr Brentnall was prosecuted in 2010 after a £22,000 shortfall was discovered at his branch.
The Post Office Horizon scandal has been described as one of the UK’s most widespread miscarriages of justice, and was the subject of the recent ITV drama series ‘Mr Bates vs The Post Office’.
Last week, Mr Crabb organised a meeting between the Post Office Minister, Kevin Hollinrake MP, and UK Government officials to discuss the compensation process and ensure that Mr Brentnall receives the necessary support. Since 2012, Stephen Crabb has pressed Government ministers to move faster to ensure that sub-postmasters finally get justice. He ensured that Mr Brentnall’s experience formed part of the catalogue of cases that former MP James Arbuthnot used to shine a light on the scandal.
The Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill, introduced to Parliament on 13 March 2024, will automatically overturn convictions for certain offences linked to the Post Office Horizon scandal. Mr Brentnall’s own conviction was quashed in the Court of Appeal on 19 July 2021.
Following the meeting, MP Crabb commented:
“I’m pleased to have been able to arrange the meeting for Tim and myself to talk through the compensation process with the Minister so that finally a line can be drawn under this awful experience for Tim and for all those affected”
“I have long been calling on the Government to take action. I am encouraged by the steps that have already been taken by Government on this with the introduction of the bill announced by the Prime Minister earlier this year. It has been an arduous and painful process to get to a point where justice is finally being served.”
“However, the speed at which compensation packages are being paid is currently too slow. It is so important that all those affected are compensated as fast as possible and I will be seeking further clarity from the Minister on this in due course.”
Crime
Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest
DETECTIVES in Haverfordwest are appealing for witnesses following a report of a sexual assault which occurred at approximately 10:00pm-11:30pm on Thursday (May 16) in the vicinity of Dew St, Haverfordwest.
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
The police have asked that anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time and may have information that could help officers with enquiries, is asked to contact police.
Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference:427 of 16th
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Lib Dems blast Welsh Gov for ‘failing women suffering from cancer’
THIS week in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have accused the Welsh Government of failing women suffering from cancer.
Speaking in the Siambr on Wednesday, party Leader Jane Dodds MS lamented the challenging experiences faced by many women suffering from Gynaecological cancer.
The Welsh Lib Dem leader highlighted how many women felt that their cancer symptoms had been either ignored or dismissed by medical professionals, with others reporting lengthy delays in receiving treatment.
According to a recent report from BBC Wales, the number of Gynaecological cancer patients starting treatment within the recommended 62-day time frame has worsened since it was prioritised by the Welsh Government last year.
A recent Senedd Committee Inquiry also found that women’s cancer concerns were often “dismissed, downplayed and unheard” as part of a “dangerous bias” against women when it comes to healthcare.
The Welsh Lib Dems have heavily criticised the Welsh Government for failing to tackle gender healthcare inequalities, stating that they have “failed countless women”.
Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:
“I was ashamed and appalled to hear how so many women suffering from Gynaecological Cancer have had to deal with grave failings in our healthcare service.
Many of these cancer victims have reportedly had their worries and concerns sidelined by medical professionals who had dismissed serious symptoms that, if spotted earlier, could have resulted in a more positive outcome.
These biases present a serious threat to the health of thousands of women, we cannot allow these inequalities to take any more lives.
The Welsh Government has failed countless women by their lack of action in dealing with these biases.
These brave women and their families should not have to suffer from the indecisiveness of Welsh Labour Ministers.
It is now up to the Welsh Government to ensure that we will have a future where no woman will have to face the agonising experience of Gynaecological cancer alone.”
News
New Minister Appointed to Welsh Government Cabinet
THE WELSH Government has announced a new addition to its Cabinet team. Sarah Murphy has been appointed as the Minister for Social Partnership, bringing her expertise and leadership to a critical role within the government.
First Minister Vaughan Gething made the announcement earlier today, expressing his enthusiasm for Sarah Murphy’s appointment. In his statement, Gething highlighted Murphy’s responsibility to advance the government’s collaborative efforts with its valued social partners. Her role will also encompass providing leadership across the creative, hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors—areas vital to Wales’ economic and cultural vitality.
“I warmly welcome Sarah to my talented and ambitious Cabinet team,” said Gething. “Her experience and dedication will be invaluable as we continue our work in these key sectors.”
Sarah Murphy’s appointment is expected to bolster the Welsh Government’s initiatives and strengthen partnerships across various industries, ensuring continued growth and innovation within Wales.
Photo: Matthew Horwood
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