News

Wales’ Future Generations Act inspires new legislation proposal in India

Published

5 days ago

September 13, 2024

WALES’ pioneering sustainability law has inspired newly proposed legislation in an Indian state of around 114m people.

A new private members’ bill – called the Maharashtra Future Generations Welfare Bill – has been introduced to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

Based on Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, the new bill proposes a Commissionerate of Future Generations to ensure government departments follow sustainable goals. In terms of population, the Maharashtra state is almost 40 times bigger than Wales.

In January, delegates from India visited Wales on a fact-finding mission, following on from a previous visit in 2023 with the Maharashtra Legislator’s Learning Exchange Programme on Good Governance and Public Policy at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Delegates spoke to Derek Walker, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip Jane Hutt MS about the Act and how it works in Wales.

Then in March, as part of the launch of Wales in India, a 12-month series of events celebrating the links between the two countries, delegates from Wales visited Mumbai and, among other talks, held discussions around the future generations legislation.

Led by the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS, during her time as Minister for Health and Social Services, and Derek Walker, Welsh delegates engaged with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Maharashtra.

These talks focused on the Well-being of Future Generations Act with the possibility of the Maharashtra state adopting a similar legislative framework.

First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said:“In February, we were delighted to welcome the government of the Maharashtra state in India, which is home to some 114m people – to share our experience in becoming the first country in the world to pass into law a Well-being of Future Generations Act. The Act puts an end to short-term decision making, ensuring Ministers and public bodies consider the long-term impacts of our choices.

“I welcome the news that Maharashtra is just a step away from implementing its own version of the Act. We look forward to collaborating with our friends in the state to share learnings and help leave a positive legacy for our children, grandchildren and generations to come.”

After hearing the news that the private members’ bill had been introduced in Maharashtra, Derek Walker said: “It’s great news that Maharashtra is taking forward its plans for a Well-being of Future Generations Act.

“The world needs both Wales and Maharashtra to act for the sake of the people not yet born who will inherit the consequences of our actions today – Wales as a small nation is showing the large part it is playing in that global mission.

“I’m proud that Wales continues to be an example in future generations thinking. Both countries will have much to share and learn from as we work together to implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and support current and future leaders to act now for a better tomorrow.”

Ameet Satam, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Andheri (West) who introduced the bill, said: “The aim is to make the government’s decision-making and functioning aligned with the United Nations Development Programme’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This will ensure that irrespective of the government led by any party, each department will have to follow a path that leads towards the already set goals and parameters and in line with sustainable development.”

Back in 2015, Wales became the first country in the world to legislate for the interests of future generations – inspiring the UN’s vision for a Special Envoy for Future Generations and other countries, from Canada and Ireland, to Scotland and Gibraltar.

The Act made it a requirement for public bodies in Wales to make decisions that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Wales in India was launched on St David’s Day (1 March) by the Welsh Government in a bid to strengthen ties and opportunities between the two countries. For more information on Wales In India, visit https://www.wales.com/news/india/wales-india-2024

Crime

Swansea Crown Court to deal with Narberth rape case

Published

6 hours ago

September 17, 2024

Court Reporter

A 46-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before a District Judge charged with raping a woman at an undisclosed location in Narberth.

Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest is accused of raping the woman on August 25, 2022. He is further charged with sexually assaulting a woman and of causing a female to engage in sexual activity without her consent. Both offences are alleged to have been committed on the same date, August 25.

Murray denied all three charges when he appeared before District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, September 17.

Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in the matter and the case will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court.

Murray was released on conditional bail, the condition being not to have any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim.

The matter will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on October 14.

Crime

Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog

Published

6 hours ago

September 17, 2024

Court Reporter

A DOG that was seen running loose on a main road in Milford Haven was found to be an unregistered fighting XL Bully which, according to police experts, had the strength to cause someone ‘substantial injury’.

Officers were called to a property in Milford Haven on March 24 following numerous reports from members of the public that a dog was running loose on the road, causing what the Crown Prosecution described as ‘a hazard’ to drivers. There they found the dog enclosed in a front garden.

This week it’s owner, Megan Pouparrd, 20, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, pleaded guilty to possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.

“It was a typical XL Bully dog in relation to its appearance and size,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.

The dog, which had wandered approximately one mile from its owner’s home, was caught and taken away by officers for further examinations to be carried out to confirm its breed.

A police statement read out to Judge Layton stated that the dog was ‘very restless and curious’.

“He made no attempt to jump on us and was more interested in finding out about his new surroundings,” said the report.

“He was a very relaxed dog, but was also extremely strong, and could easily have knocked someone off their feet.”

A destruction order for the dog was submitted to the court by the police, however following a request by District Judge Mark Layton, this was delayed pending a behaviourist report to be carried out on the animal.

Sentencing was adjourned to October 8.

(Image: File)

Crime

Letterston man in court over ‘silly neighbours’ dispute’

Published

6 hours ago

September 17, 2024

Sarah Jane Absalom

A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute reached the courts this week when Letterston resident Stuart Wing pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his neighbour’s car.

“It was a silly dispute,” the 59-year-old told a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.

“We used to be good neighbours, but it was the stupidest of things. I’d put his bin bags back but then he fell out with me, giving me hand signals and calling me a scumbag.”

The incident took place on June 21, 2023 at Spring Gardens, Letterston.

“The victim [Clark Gretton], had left his property and entered his vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Mark Layton.

“[The victim] said, ‘I’ll be glad to get away from these scumbags’, but the defendant was near and must have heard him, because he picked some gravel up and threw it at the car, causing chip marks.”

Ms Jackson said that the cost of the criminal damage to Mr Gretton’s Nissan Qashqai totaled £660.

After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Stuart Wing was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation to Mr Gretton.