News

Unpaid carers could swing election in Mid & South Pembs, says charity

Published

2 days ago

July 2, 2024

UNPAID carers have the power to swing 185 constituencies at the General Election, charity Carers Trust warns

Analysis from UK charity Carers Trust shows there are enough unpaid carers in 185 constituencies to potentially swing each of those seats at this week’s General Election, including in Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

There are 185 seats in England and Wales where the number of carers is higher than the current MP’s majority. They include many seats held by key figures in all parties. Amon them are the Conservatives’ former leader Iain Duncan Smith and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, and Lib Dems Daisy Cooper and Tim Farron.

In the new Mid & South Pembrokeshire constituency there are 10,222 carers and Stephen Crabb’s majority at the last election in 2019 was 8621, although remember at the last election we had the differently configured seat of Preseli Pembrokeshire.

A total of 96 constituencies currently held by the Conservatives could be swung by carer votes. This includes Chingford and Woodford Green where Iain Duncan Smith has a 1,604 majority in a seat with 8,225 carers. Alex Chalk’s 1,421 majority in Cheltenham could also face a threat from 6,871 carers.

In all, 83 Labour-held constituencies could see their majority overturned by carer votes. Angela Rayner has a 4,689 vote majority in Ashton-under-Lyne, a constituency of 8,517 carers. Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves is contesting the new seat of Leeds West and Pudsey which has 7,783 carers and an estimated 2019 majority of 2,963.

Carers Trust has warned that, although there are an estimated seven million unpaid carers in the UK, they have been largely ignored by most political parties during the election campaign. Many carers are looking after ill or disabled family and friends because of the crisis facing social care. Yet the social care system has also been largely absent from election debates so far. If parties are serious about tackling the social care crisis, they will need support from unpaid carers. In return, those carers need more support themselves.

Dominic Carter, Carers Trust’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “Many carers have been plunged into pverty because of their caring role and are picking up the pieces left by a social care system that’s been starved of investment. These figures show that, although carers have been largely ignored this election, they have the power to swing huge numbers of seats across the country on July 4.

“At Carers Trust we are calling on all parties to make sure carers are no longer pushed to breaking point and are properly supported, including overhauling Carer’s Allowance – the lowest benefit of its kind. It’s not too late for parliamentary candidates to start listening to those calls. If they don’t, they could be punished at the ballot box.”

The largest majority under threat from carer power is Blackpool North and Fleetwood, where the Conservatives’ 10,119 majority for Paul Maynard could be wiped out by 10,233 carers. Seats with majorities of over 8,500 like Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, Harrow East, Enfield North and Pontypridd are also at risk if carers vote against the incumbent.

Elsewhere, carer votes could also make the difference in marginals like Burnley, Leigh & Atherton and Wimbledon.

More than 1.5 million people in England and Wales provide at least 50 hours of care a week, with huge implications for their finances, health and future prospects. A survey by Carers Trust last year found just 55% of carers say they get the support they need, while 41% said the time they spent caring has increased. Despite this, there has not been a UK Government plan for carers since 2020 and the last cross-government Carers Strategy expired six years ago.

Carer power: The 10 biggest majorities at risk from carer votes

Seat

2019 majority

Number of carers

Incumbent MP

Party

Blackpool North and Fleetwood

10119

10233

Paul Maynard

Conservative

Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe

9091

9677

Fay Jones (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Conservative

Harrow East

8987

9219

Bob Blackman

Conservative

Enfield North

8853

9258

Feryal Clark

Labour

Pontypridd

8798

9944

Alex Davies-Jones

Labour

Corby and East Northamptonshire

8676

8895

Tom Pursglove (Corby)

Conservative

Mid and South Pembrokeshire

8621

10222

Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire

Conservative

Taunton and Wellington

8536

8763

Rebecca Pow (Taunton Deane)

Conservative

South Ribble

8515

8664

Katherine Fletcher

Conservative

Neath and Swansea East

8451

10961

Christina Rees (Neath)

Labour

Charity

NSPCC launches Voice of Online Youth to give young people in Wales

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A TEENAGER from Wales is among a group of 15 young people from across the UK who will make up a new forum of young people to advise the NSPCC, politicians, regulators, parents and professionals about the best way to protect children online.

The ‘Voice of Online Youth’ is a group aged 13-16 from across the UK who are passionate about helping children to have safe and happy experiences online.

They aim to get young people’s voices heard and ensure decisions about online safety are informed by their unique experiences. They will do this by meeting with decision makers across all nations of the UK, attending events, and engaging in workshops.

The Voice of Online Youth is formed of ten people from England, two from Scotland, two from Northern Ireland, and one from Wales, Maelon, 13 from South Wales, leading to a diversity of perspectives and life experiences within the group.

The group, which officially launched today (June 28th), forms as Ofcom consults on its initial plans to regulate social media under the Online Safety Act.

Maelon, 13, from Maesteg says, “I joined the Voice of Online Youth because I wanted to help more people who have been negatively affected online and I thought the role would suit me well.”

Shalom, 14, from Bolton, says, “I wanted to join the group because I think the online world is such a wonderful place and I want to contribute to making it so young people can navigate the online world and discover new opportunities while also being a safe space for us to be in.”

Rayhaan, 17, from Leicester, says,’ “I want to spread awareness about the many issues facing young people on the internet today. Together, I hope we can work towards a future where everyone is safe online.”

Young people’s voices were central in the NSPCC’s Wild West Web campaign which called for the Online Safety Act. The charity made sure key decision makers heard about young people’s experiences and what they thought needed to change. The Voice of Online Youth will build on this through giving children a vital voice in the implementation of the act.

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive: “The Voice of Online Youth will offer valuable insight and a unique perspective to the NSPCC, bolstering our efforts to ensure children’s online safety is prioritised.

“This group can also help shape the thinking of policymakers and regulators, who desperately need to be considering the views of those impacted by online challenges to truly understand the issues they face.

“It’s crucial Ofcom engage with young people when implementing the new online safety regulation to ensure it is effective and results in a truly safer online world which children can enjoy.”

The NSPCC also want the next Government to ensure children and young people’s voices and experiences are meaningfully considered in the development and implementation of online safety regulation through introducing statutory mechanisms to ensure their voices are consistently heard.

News

Call to help windsurfer was false alarm with good intent

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2024

Tom Sinclair

TENBY lifeboat was launched yesterday evening, July 3, following reports of a windsurfer in difficulty.

A member of the public contacted HM Coastguard to say that a windsurfer off the coast of Pendine appeared to be in trouble.

However, shortly before the volunteer crew arrived just before 7pm, a further report confirmed that the windsurfer was not in difficulty and didn’t require assistance.

The call was treated as a false alarm with good intent and the lifeboat stood down to return to station.

News

Polls open across in Pembrokeshire for General Election 2024

Published

4 hours ago

July 4, 2024

Tom Sinclair

TODAY, the UK General Election is underway, with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm. Voters across the nation, including those in Pembrokeshire, are heading to the polls to elect their representatives.

Candidates for Mid and South Pembrokeshire

In the Mid and South Pembrokeshire constituency, the candidates are:

Conservative Party: Stephen Crabb
Labour Party: Henry Tufnell
Liberal Democrats: Alistair Cameron
Plaid Cymru: Cris Tomos
Green Party: James Purchase
Women’s Equality Party: Hanna Andersen
Reform UK: Stuart Marchant
Independent: Vusi Siphika

Candidates for Ceredigion Preseli

For the Ceredigion Preseli seat, the candidates are:

Conservative Party: Aled Thomas
Labour Party: Jackie Jones
Liberal Democrats: Mark Williams
Plaid Cymru: Ben Lake

To cast your vote, you must present a valid form of identification. Accepted IDs include a passport, driving licence, or a voter ID card. Ensure you vote at your designated polling station, which is usually indicated on your polling card or can be verified through your local council.

Make Your Voice Heard

This election is a pivotal moment for the UK, and every vote counts. Whether you’re supporting a local candidate or addressing national issues, your participation is crucial. Head to your polling station before 7pm today to make your voice heard.

For more information on the election process, candidate profiles, and real-time updates, stay tuned to The Pembrokeshire Herald.

The Pembrokeshire Herald encourages all eligible voters to participate in the democratic process. Remember, your vote is your voice—use it wisely.