News

Vaughan Gething could lose no confidence vote due to sick colleagues

Published

8 months ago

June 5, 2024

First Minister Vaughan Gething is poised to face a critical vote of no confidence today, amid mounting controversy over his leadership and campaign funding. The Senedd vote, initiated by the Conservatives, comes after sustained criticism of Gething’s acceptance of donations from a company owned by an individual previously convicted of environmental offences. With significant internal party strife and key members absent, Gething is expected to lose the vote, which could significantly undermine his authority.

In a revealing interview with BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Vikki Howells, chair of the Labour group of Members of the Senedd (MSs), disclosed that two Labour MSs are currently unwell and unable to attend the vote. This development places Gething’s leadership in jeopardy, as Labour’s narrow majority in the Senedd requires full attendance for a definitive win. The absent MSs are Hannah Blythyn and Lee Waters, both significant figures in Welsh Labour’s internal dynamics. Blythyn, recently sacked by Gething, and Waters, a former transport minister who has previously called for the contentious donations to be returned, are pivotal in this unfolding drama.

Their absences, compounded by the lack of proxy voting or remote participation options, have thrown Labour’s plans into disarray. Labour holds exactly half of the 60 seats in the Welsh Parliament, meaning every vote is crucial for maintaining Gething’s position. Without Blythyn and Waters, Labour is left vulnerable, especially as the Conservatives, along with Plaid Cymru and Welsh Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds, have refused to agree to a pairing arrangement to offset the absences.

The Conservatives’ motion could succeed if even one Labour MS rebels, abstains, or does not participate in the vote. This potential outcome has turned the vote into a high-stakes affair, with significant implications for Gething’s leadership. Vikki Howells criticised the vote as a “gimmick” by the Conservatives, aiming to distract from their own performance over the past 14 years in government. She emphasised that such votes should be decided by the public in a general election, not by parliamentary manoeuvres.

Plaid Cymru has accused Gething of showing contempt towards the Senedd. Their leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, highlighted the internal conflict within Labour over this issue. “Are there Labour members who are wrestling with their conscience? Absolutely, we know there are,” he said, pointing to a fracturing within the party ranks.

Gething, who ascended to the position of First Minister just 77 days ago, has been under intense scrutiny following revelations that he received a £200,000 donation from Dauson Environmental Group during his leadership campaign. The company’s owner, David John Neal, has a history of environmental violations, further fuelling the controversy.

Throughout the leadership contest, Gething faced calls from within Labour to return any remaining funds from Dauson, a plea he has largely ignored. Additionally, Gething’s credibility has been questioned over his handling of a leaked message during the pandemic and the subsequent sacking of Blythyn, who has not spoken in the Senedd since.

The Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies, laid out the rationale behind the no-confidence motion, citing concerns about Gething’s judgement, transparency, and honesty. “One there’s a question of judgement, two there’s a question around transparency and three there’s an issue around honesty,” he stated on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

While today’s vote is technically non-binding and does not necessitate Gething’s immediate resignation, the political ramifications are significant. A loss would underscore a weakening grip on his party and diminish his authority, casting a shadow over his nascent leadership. This vote underscores the turbulent nature of Welsh politics, where internal party strife and external criticisms can converge to threaten even the most newly established leadership.

The origins of this controversy trace back to Gething’s Welsh Labour leadership election victory in March. His campaign was notably dominated by the £200,000 donation from Dauson Environmental Group. Public reaction from Labour politicians was largely muted during the campaign itself, but Gething has failed to prevent private anger from rising to the surface. There were calls from within Labour for the party not to take any remaining money from Dauson, as it normally would with leftover funds from campaign contests.

Adding to Gething’s woes, he found himself defending a controversial message he sent during the pandemic. As then-health minister, Gething informed colleagues he was deleting texts from a ministerial group chat, an action that has drawn criticism and raised questions about transparency and accountability. His subsequent sacking of Hannah Blythyn, which he attributed to her being the source of a leak, has not been backed by evidence, leading to further discontent and demands for clarity.

In a political environment where every move is scrutinised, Gething’s ability to unify his party and command respect in the Senedd has been called into question. The no-confidence vote, while non-binding, is seen as a litmus test for his leadership. Should Gething fail to rally his party members, the implications could be profound, potentially triggering a leadership crisis within Welsh Labour.

As the Senedd convenes to cast their votes, the political stakes could not be higher. The outcome of this vote will not only determine Vaughan Gething’s immediate political future but also shape the broader narrative of Welsh politics in the months to come.

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

13 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

14 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Crime

Only 3% of sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police result in a charge

Published

17 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MORE than 1,600 rape and sexual offences have been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police in the last year, but just three per cent resulted in a charge or summons.

New data obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) has revealed that between September 2023 and 2024, a total of 1,686 offences were reported to the force but just 47 resulted in a charge or summons.

Sexual Abuse Claims Specialist, Ellie Lamey says it is “staggeringly low” and “it is important victims know that support is available.”

In the last year, there were 1,141 sexual offences reported to Dyfed-Powys Police as well as further 545 rapes.

Of those, just 47 resulted in a charge with 552 offences still under investigation.

According to the force, the majority of rape and sexual offence victims and alleged perpetrators were between the ages of 0-17.

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained new data from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – which is a government-backed organisation that can offer compensation to victims of sexual abuse.

In the last year, the CICA received 13,313 applications from alleged victims of sexual assault or abuse.

Of those, 1,763 received compensation – that’s just 13 per cent.

CICA Specialist at SACA, Ellie Lamey said: “The number of sexual assault/abuse victims who have applied for CIC is staggeringly low compared to the number of offences being reported to police forces across the UK.”

This, along with mammoth delays in the court system and the early release of prisoners is, of course, hugely concerning for victims.

SACA’s investigation revealed the main reasons why victims are rejected by the CICA. They include: the incident was not a ‘crime of violence’, the application was made outside the relevant time limit, failure to co-operate with bringing the assailant to justice and failure to co-operate with the CICA.

In the last year, the organisation paid out compensation totalling £18,463,509.85 to victims of sexual abuse.

Specialist Ellie Lamey added: “It is so important that victims know there is support available for them and not to be deterred or fearful of rejection.

“Victims should be aware that they can report historical periods of abuse/assaults to the police, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.

“Victims can avoid rejections by ensuring they fully cooperate with the police in bringing the assailant to justice as well as seeking appropriate medical attention regarding any physical or psychological injuries sustained from the assault they are a victim of.

“CICA data from 2020-2022 shows that 18 per cent of applications are submitted outside of the two-year time limit, and of these 61 per cent went on to receive an award.

“With relevant evidence, we can provide exceptional circumstances that have contributed to the delay in a victim submitting an application.”

Dyfed-Powys Police responded to the data saying that it had the second highest conviction rate for rape offences in England and Wales at 72.7% in the year to date.

However, the force said it recognises that there is still a lot more to do to ensure that all victims-survivors get the justice they deserve.

One of the force’s priorities is to provide a compassionate response to victims of rape and serious sexual assault and the relentless pursuit of offenders

The force joined Operation Sorteria Bluestone in 2022, the aim of which was to transform the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).

A spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting victims-survivors of rape and sexual assault and all detectives are fully trained in the College of Policing Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Investigative Skills Development Programme (RISDP).

“We’ve revolutionised our response to rape victims-survivors by providing an option of speaking to an officer via video call utilising specialist software. This has enabled victims-survivors to have access to specialist support in an environment which is comfortable for them.

“Rape and sexual offences investigations can be complex and due to their very nature can take longer than 12 months to investigate thoroughly.

“The Government’s review also acknowledged that not all victims-survivors who report incidents to the police want to proceed with a criminal justice outcome.

“As such, measuring charge rates within a 12-month period against the volume of crime reported can be sometimes misleading.”

The police spokesperson added: “We would urge anyone who has been a victim-survivor of a sexual offence to please come forward and get the support they rightly deserve.

“Whether a victim-survivor chooses to involve the police or not, support is available to everyone. New Pathways is the largest sexual violence support provider in Wales, with extensive experience of delivering specialist support to adults and children affected by the trauma of rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse.

“We would also encourage victims-survivors of sexual assault to seek help through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). SARCs provide a safe space and dedicated care for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, and are here for everyone.”

Visit New Pathways on www.newpathways.org.uk, or to find a SARC go to collaborative.nhs.wales/SARCs
For details of support services and how to report a sexual offence, including non-recent incidents, visit https://bit.ly/reportsexualoffences
If you have been a victim of a crime, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, 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.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) also offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by rape or sexual assault.

They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.