News

‘I am sympathetic to Lib Dems’ says Simon Hart

Published

9 years ago

February 5, 2015

Simon Hart MP

CONTINUING our interview with Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire MP, this week we look forward to May’s General Election and Simon Hart’s ambitions for the next Parliament.

We asked Mr Hart whether the fixed term of this Parliament had led to its last year being wasted on campaigning for a General Election that everyone knows is coming at a fixed point in time.

He disagreed: “I wouldn’t go that far. Every Parliament comes to an end and those are, more or less, predictable, whether a government goes to the country after three or four years. In the final period before an election, very little legislation can get on the statute books because it falls when the election comes along. That period might seem pretty dreary, but that has always been the case. Our country needed certainty in May 2010 and the fixed term of this Parliament helped to provide that.”

The plight of Liberal Democrats, who are widely anticipated to face heavy losses in May, was something with which Simon Hart empathised: “I am probably more sympathetic than some of my colleagues would be. I have a good working relationship in the House with my LibDem colleagues, LibDems in Wales, and with – I think – LibDem voters in my constituency.

“We should remember that it would have been simple for the LibDems to sit back in 2010 and watch the Conservatives try to deal with the economic mess we were in. They could have watched a minority government wallow and be unable to achieve anything or tackle the economic problems it faced. They could have sat back and done nothing, but they did not. The Liberal Democrats made a big, unpopular decision to go into a coalition when they could have acted expediently in the own self-interest. But they did not. That decision has come at a price; I think, however, that history will judge the LibDems’ decision to go into a coalition far more kindly than current commentators.”

Apart from being a member of it, we then asked Mr Hart what his ambitions were for the next Parliament:

“I want to continue as an MP, of course. I love what I do. There are times when you have to fight many frustrations, days when you wonder ‘what’s the point?’, but what I do as an MP is deeply satisfying. That satisfaction comes in a number of ways: I like sticking up for the little guy against a big bureaucracy or the sort of big organisation that can dominate people’s lives; I enjoy the satisfaction of helping a constituent – even if it is in a small way – to sort out a problem.

“I look at my constituency: I enjoy visiting new business and I am delighted to see the children of friends find jobs that could last a lifetime. Everything I care about in life is within thirty minutes or so of where we are now sitting. In terms of a specific fight: I want to continue to fight the battle for local health care.”

He continued: “I am a small cog in the big wheel of an administration that has fought hard to make the UK a growing economy and I want the next Parliament to see the job through that the current government has started.”

About the General Election, Simon finally added: “Party apart, people in this day and age – when it comes to casting a vote – will, I think, look at the individuals who are their candidates as well as their party badges.”

The interview ended and Simon left the office, hurrying off to his next engagement. The purpose of the interview had been to look at his experiences as an MP representing his constituency. The extent and scope of his ambition seemed reassuringly modest and constituency-focused.

There are a few who would have liked him to be probed more fiercely about his links with the Countryside Alliance, about his voting record in this Parliament, about the UK government’s record on welfare. But that was not this interview’s goal. Mr Hart’s is the first of a number of interviews we want to have with General Election candidates before the starting whistle is blown and so-called ‘election-purdah’ begins.

Closer to the election, the questions will change to focus on the specific, as opposed to the general. It is at that time – when we put the same questions to all candidates on health, welfare and their ambitions for the next Parliament – that people can judge the candidates both on their policies and their personalities.

News

Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE family of a woman has paid tribute to a “beautiful, funny, lovely person.”

Sian Batchelor, aged 32, was found on a beach near Pennar, Pembroke Dock on Tuesday evening, April 30^th, 2024.

Her family has issued a statement to say: ‘We are devastated by our loss. Sian was a beautiful, funny, loving person. We will treasure the good times we had with her.

“We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”

The circumstances surrounding Sian’s death are being investigated and police would like to hear from anyone with information, sightings of Sian or contact from Sian, between Thursday April 25 to Tuesday April 30.

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: DP-20240430-284

Entertainment

Carew Castle Car Show: A timeless journey on wheels

Published

2 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The Carew Castle Car Show is gearing up to offer an enchanting day for automotive enthusiasts and families alike. Scheduled for Monday, 6 May, from 10 am to 3 pm, the event promises to showcase a splendid array of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles, all set against the historic backdrop of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill.

This year, the event is drawing participants and spectators from across South Wales, each eager to feast their eyes on the mechanical beauties that symbolize different eras of motoring history. The show, which has become a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for automotive culture, is also a celebration of community and craftsmanship.

Adding to the vehicular allure, the event will feature live performances by the popular Pembrokeshire folk band ‘Razor Bill’, known for their vibrant and engaging musical style. Attendees can also enjoy the thrills of funfair rides brought by Pembrokeshire Attractions, ensuring that there’s something enjoyable for every age group.

For families, the Brilliant Birds Treasure Trail offers a delightful educational experience, allowing children and parents alike to explore the natural and historical richness of the area. Culinary treats will be available as well, with fresh Welshcakes and bacon rolls being served from the opening hour, perfect for those looking to indulge in local flavors.

Despite the excitement, the organizers remind attendees that the show’s occurrence is weather-dependent. However, with hopes high for a sunny day, the community is buzzing with anticipation.

Visitors should note that normal castle admission fees apply, but the ticket includes access to the car show, making it a value-packed day out. While the show is fully booked for exhibiting vehicles, showcasing the high demand and popularity of the event, there are plenty of reasons for spectators to attend and enjoy the varied offerings.

For those planning to attend, it’s an opportunity not just to admire the craftsmanship of vintage and classic vehicles, but also to immerse in the cultural and festive atmosphere that only Carew Castle can offer. With its combination of history, entertainment, and community spirit, the Carew Castle Car Show is set to be a highlight of this spring season in South Wales.

Health

Junior doctors secure strike extension in pay negotiations with WG

Published

3 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BMA Cymru Wales has confirmed a positive development in its pay negotiations announcing that Junior doctors have secured a three-month extension to their overwhelming strike mandate.

This means that junior doctors in Wales now have the right to enact industrial action over their pay until 17 September 2024 instead of 17 June when the mandate was due to run out.

Recognising the strength of feeling amongst junior doctors and the overwhelming 98% vote by members in favour of industrial action back in December 2023, employers have agreed to honour this extension to allow talks with the Welsh Government to continue.

Co-chairs of the Welsh Junior Doctor Committee Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey said of this development:

“We are pleased to be able to secure an extension to our overwhelming strike mandate. Whilst we hope to put an end to our pay dispute through pay negotiations by reaching a credible deal and restoring our pay, it was important to secure more time for our mandate.

“The extension allows us to focus on talks but also provides us with the scope to get organised and enact our legal right to strike should we need to. This is about honouring the emphatic mandate of our members.

“Doctors have experienced real terms pay cut of almost a third since 2008. They voted overwhelmingly to put an end to the devaluing of their service, they know they are not worth a third less than their predecessors and they know the time is now to stick up for the profession and turn the tide of the continued erosion of their pay once and for all”.

The Welsh Government and NHS employers have agreed to the extension as part of ongoing pay negotiations where all parties hope to reach an end to the pay dispute with junior doctors, SAS doctors and Consultants in Wales.

Last month, BMA Cymru Wales announced it was suspending forthcoming industrial action for Consultants and SAS doctors and putting plans on hold to announce more strike dates for junior doctors to allow pay negotiations to take place*.

The decision to enter pay negotiations was based on a significant proposal from the Welsh Government to form the basis of talks to end the pay disputes with all secondary care doctors including Consultants, SAS, and Junior doctors, with the aim of reaching deals which can be taken separately to their respective members.

In August last year, the BMA’s committees representing secondary care doctors in Wales voted to enter separate trade disputes with the Welsh Government after being offered another below inflation pay uplift of just 5% for the 23/24 financial year. SAS doctors on some contracts were offered as little as 1.5%. This was the lowest pay offer any government in the UK offered and less than the DDRB, the pay review body for doctors and dentists, recommended last year.

As part of their disputes, SAS doctors, consultants and junior doctors carried out successful ballots for industrial action. Since then, junior doctors have taken part in 10 days of industrial action since January this year.