News

Badger sings the blues

Published

9 years ago

February 26, 2015

AS BADGER writes this week’s column, readers, he is able to say – like countless blues singers before him – ‘I woke up this morning…’ Unlike the poor troubadours of the Mississippi Delta, and up to the point he has written these words, nobody done left him and he has not had to pay a visit to the crossroads to sell his soul in the style of Robert Johnson – or Noelle Gordon, for that matter. In light of these facts readers, you might well wonder why it is that Badger feels the urge to sing the blues. Well, readers it’s sort of like this: Badger has become depressed by what appears to him to be the inexorable march towards a general election in May next year in which the two main parties vying for government are engaged in a headlong race to the bottom of the political sewer in the search for votes.

It seems to Badger that Labour and the Conservatives politicians have realised that the public have become wise to the way in which politicians play with semantics to make every pledge conditional and all promises nebulous non-binding ‘aspirations’. Now they are eager to tap into the ‘anti-politics’ that treats every issue individually with no ideological core and try to convert fear and bigotry into parliamentary seats. There is a dispiriting phrase for the approach the parties have adopted: it is called ‘dog-whistle’ politics. The idea is that the message one releases has a resonance to very specifi c groups of voters within the general population. It is most commonly used to appeal to racist and reactionary views by making the unacceptable (e.g. racism, discrimination) acceptable (‘strong border controls’, ‘traditional British values’).

Those tuned into the wavelength of those employing the dog whistle – for example, racists and bigots – understand the subtext of the message, while other voters might take the words at something like face value; or, as Badger suspects, choose to turn a blind eye to the obvious. The use of loaded language to convey an underlying negative message is not new: John Ehrlichman, who went to prison for his part in the Watergate cover-up, made no bones about the underlying racist message of successive American presidents – including the one for whom he campaigned in 1968, Richard Nixon.

The Republican Party in the USA went so far as to formulate a “Post- Southern Strategy”, that sought to polarize the white-black voters in the American south and drive white voters (the majority) towards them, whilst leaving the Democrats with the uphill task of winning with a minority of the electorate in those key electoral battlegrounds. In the last United States election, the Republicans’ own strategy was turned against them with great effect. Overwhelming numbers of ethnic minority voters, the majority in key states, backed the Democrat incumbent Barack Obama against his Republican challenger. Now, readers, all this may seem a long way from Pembrokeshire, but local politics is no less a crucible for the type of coded comments that are used like a dog whistle to help to divide the herd.

Cllr Adams repeatedly and remarkably echoes the rallying cries of the Conservative Party. In the world according to Adams it’s all the fault of ‘Welsh Labour in Cardiff’, never let it be said that a large part of Pembrokeshire’s problems are home-made. Jamie embraces outsourcing public services by backdoor privatisation. Jamie, let’s face it readers, is a Tory following Tory policies. He is just too cowardly to wear the blue rosette at election time. Readers: Let us go back a bit to September, when Jamie Adams faced a vote of no-confi dence. After delighting (sic) an agog Chamber (sick) with his dazzling wit and turn of phrase, on what basis did Huw George commend Jamie Adams’ leadership? “He’s a Keeston boy: He went to school in Ysgol Dewi Sant, played football for Solva, Keeston Young Farmers, and Pembrokeshire Young Farmers.

He’s Pembrokeshire through and through.” To Cllr George, of course, the twin attractions of offi ce are simple: He has it and he would lose it if Jamie went. Those twin attractions are quite enough for Reverend Huw on their own. He is able to excuse almost anything to retain them. But reading Cllr George’s comments in the knowledge that Cllr Adams sternest critic, Mike Stoddart, and his most likely replacement, David Simpson, are not from Pembrokeshire (no matter how long they have lived here) puts a rather different and divisive gloss on the reverend’s glowing encomium to his Leader. It’s a long journey from the Parliament’s sewer to County Hall, readers, but the resulting verbal output of some members is identifiably the same and smells like it, too.

Now, readers, in light of the above, think of the way the Conservative Party and its henchmen in the national press portray Ed Milliband. Ed is ‘odd’. In a pretty disgraceful way of alluding to his Jewish heritage, it is suggested Ed is not ‘one of us’. Now readers, Ed Milliband has a lot of problems with communicating policies (if we suppose he has some – or any), but what the Conservative press is doing is exactly of a species with the type of propaganda about the Jews that has a long and reprehensible history in this country and others.

The other side of the same coin is the relentless portrayal of the government front bench as the preserve of entitled, arrogant , public school oafs without a shred of compassion or decency between them. In that regard, the Conservatives get it in the neck from both the left (the Labour Party, who rather shamelessly forget where most of their front bench come from) and the right (the ‘Essex man’ membership, who have a rather more authoritarian and intolerant view of the world than the metropolitan front bench). One might almost feel sorry for those poor politicians, readers! Having fi shed for votes in the sewer, they fi nd themselves now caught between two stools.

News

Vaughan Gething ‘lied’ to UK Covid inquiry

Published

18 mins ago

May 7, 2024

Jon Coles

VAUGHAN GETHING came under fresh pressure on Tuesday, May 7.

Wales’s First Minister, whose reputation hangs on a thread following a donations scandal, allegedly misled the UK Covid inquiry when he gave evidence in March.

SHIPTON TORPEDOES GETHING’S CREDIBILITY

Veteran reporter Martin Shipton revealed Mr Gething’s casual approach to truth in an article for Nation Cymru.

The First Minister gave evidence under oath, saying WhatsApp messages on his phone were accidentally deleted by Senedd IT staff.

However, a message leaked to Martin Shipton contradicts his account.

In a text message posted to the ministerial group chat on Monday, August 17 2020, when he was Health Minister, Mr Gething wrote: “I’m deleting the messages in this group. They can be captured in an FOI [Freedom of Information request] and I think we are all in the right place on the choice being made.”

Vaughan Gething is a solicitor. Giving apparently perjured evidence under oath to a statutory inquiry could have grave professional consequences.

The political consequences could be apocalyptic.

GETHING PUTS THE WHOLE WG IN THE CART

The interlocking issues for Mr Gething could not be more damaging.

If he lied to the Covid Inquiry under oath, his fellow MSs can have little faith that he is telling them the truth when he answers questions in the Senedd.

Secondly, it opens the door to questions about what else Welsh Government ministers and civil servants deleted for fear its content could embarrass them or be subject to disclosure later. For the avoidance of doubt, any other current or former ministers in the group chat who heard Mr Gething plead innocence and ignorance and stayed silent are also in the soup.

Moreover, the message’s leak from a ministerial WhatsApp group suggests its source is within Labour ranks in the Senedd and was either a group member or a person connected to a group member.

Finally, the content of the message makes it clear that messages were deliberately deleted to avoid being captured by a potential Freedom of Information Act request at a future date.

And it was Mr Gething who made the deletions on that basis.

COVER-UP AND DENIAL THREW PRESIDING OFFICER UNDER THE BUS

The First Minister cannot plead ignorance.

On March 11, the lead Counsel for the Covid Inquiry questioned him about the missing messages.

Tom Poole KC said: “You would accept, would you, that it’s not just important to retain records for an Inquiry of this nature but it is important for public accountability?”

Mr Gething responded: “Indeed, it’s important the public can see not just the choices we made but why we have made those choices.”

The Senedd’s Presiding Officer was inadvertently caught up in Mr Gething’s cover-up.
The day after Mr Gething gave evidence to the UK Covid Inquiry, the Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies, raised the messages’ loss.

Elin Jones MS intervened to say that she hoped Mr Davies was not criticising Senedd IT staff.

Neither Mr Davies nor Ms Jones could have known that Mr Gething had gone out of his way to delete messages because he did not want them revealed to the public.

Mr Gething never corrected the record or his evidence.

His discomfiture follows that of former First Minister Mark Drakeford, who denied using WhatsApp messages and only corrected the record when it was found he had.

OTHER MINISTERS ARE ‘COMPLICIT’

Covid Families for Justice Cymru said they wanted Mr Gething recalled to give evidence to Baroness Hallett’s Inquiry, adding: “We look forward to hearing the response from the UK Covid Inquiry to the news Vaughan Gethin deleted his ministerial messages.

“He said under oath that he had not.

“He might not have known there was a disappearing message function, but he definitely knew how to delete texts manually. They were a public record that could be published under a Freedom of Information (FOI) request!

“Which is exactly why he deleted them. The other ministers in the chat are complicit, too.”

CLOAK AND DAGGER DECISION MAKING

Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, also called for Mr Gething’s recall by Baroness Hallett.

He said: “The cloak and dagger decision-making in the Labour Welsh Government is clear.

“Decisions made in these WhatsApp groups have led to lives lost and businesses shut.

“Evidence suggesting that the First Minister deliberately deleted important exchanges makes it obvious why Labour has blocked an independent Wales-specific COVID inquiry.

“In light of this, there is an even more compelling case for a COVID inquiry for Wales.”

A BLATANT DISREGARD FOR HONESTY

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “The revelation that Vaughan Gething, as the former Health Minister of Wales, deliberately deleted messages at the height of the pandemic strikes a devastating blow to those who lost loved ones and who, like us in Plaid Cymru, have long called for a Welsh inquiry to investigate Government decisions.

“We all sought transparency but were told everything was available for the UK Inquiry to see; this undermines any belief that that is the case.

“It shows blatant disregard for honesty and transparency, further undermining trust in the Labour First Minister following his donations scandal.

“The leaked message shows that the Welsh Labour Cabinet was complicit in allowing this deception.

“As chair of the Inquiry, Baroness Hallett should immediately recall Vaughan Gething to clarify what he said under oath.

“Vaughan Gething is running away from an independent investigation into a donation to his Labour leadership campaign but must not be allowed to dodge an investigation into this extremely serious matter.”

News

Milford Haven RFC celebrates Mini’s Section Presentation

Published

20 hours ago

May 6, 2024

Herald Sport

MILFORD HAVEN RFC once again showcased its commitment to nurturing young talent as it celebrated its Mini’s Section Presentation on Sunday (May 5). The event, held with much enthusiasm, marked a significant moment for the club, reinforcing its dedication to the development of rugby at all levels.

The Mini’s section, a cornerstone of the club’s community engagement, witnessed a remarkable turnout, a testament to its growing popularity year by year. The event not only recognised the efforts of the young players but also extended gratitude to the invaluable contributions of coaches, parents, and supporters, whose unwavering support is instrumental in shaping the future of rugby in Milford Haven.

A special acknowledgment was reserved for Abbo, Paula, and Leanne, whose steadfast support has been pivotal in nurturing the Mini’s section, ensuring its success and growth. Their dedication and tireless efforts have played a significant role in fostering a nurturing environment for the young athletes to thrive.

The presence of the 1st Team Club Captain, Zac, and Vice Captain, Jimmy, added a touch of prestige to the occasion. Their attendance and active participation in presenting trophies to the Mini Mariners underscored the club’s ethos of unity and inclusivity across all age groups. Such gestures not only inspire the budding players but also instil a sense of belonging and pride in the larger Milford Haven RFC community.

In his remarks, Zac emphasised the importance of fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity within the club, where every member, regardless of age or experience, feels valued and supported. Such values lie at the heart of Milford Haven RFC, reinforcing its status as not just a rugby club but a tight-knit community.

As the event concluded, echoes of “Up the Mighty Mariners” reverberated through the grounds, encapsulating the spirit of determination and unity that defines Milford Haven RFC. With the Mini’s section flourishing and the club’s unwavering commitment to its development, the future of rugby in Milford Haven looks brighter than ever.

With each passing year, Milford Haven RFC continues to uphold its legacy as a nurturing ground for young talent, a beacon of sporting excellence, and a source of pride for the entire community.

As the red and white colours of the Mighty Mariners continue to soar high, so too does the spirit of camaraderie and passion that binds the club together, ensuring its continued success on and off the field.

News

Milford Haven clinches thrilling victory in KO Cup Plate Final

Published

21 hours ago

May 6, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a gripping showdown at Heywood Lane, Tenby on Wednesday (May 1), Milford Haven emerged victorious in the 2024 KO Cup Plate Final, edging past a resilient Whitland side by a narrow margin of 24-21.

The clash, witnessed by a fervent crowd, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, culminating in a nail-biting finish that saw Milford Haven secure their first-ever Plate trophy in the club’s history.

The Mariners took an early lead through a penalty courtesy of winger James Trueman, swiftly countered by Whitland’s full back Geraint Jones. However, Milford surged ahead with the first try of the match, as No 8 Dewi Williams powered over the line from close range, with Trueman adding the extras.

Despite Whitland’s efforts to claw back into contention with two penalties, reducing the halftime deficit to a single point, Milford Haven remained composed. The second half witnessed a relentless display from the Mariners, capitalizing on their dominant pack to create scoring opportunities.

James Trueman showcased his prowess with a spectacular try, expertly set up by swift passing from James Williams and Dan Jenkins. Trueman’s accurate kicking extended Milford’s lead further, before Scott Buirds crashed over for their third try, sealing a commanding advantage.

Yet, Whitland refused to concede defeat, launching a spirited comeback with tries from Owyn Griffiths and Dom Davies. Despite their valiant efforts, Whitland fell short in their pursuit of victory, with a crucial penalty attempt rebounding off the post in the dying moments.

Milford Haven’s Ollie Rothero was rightfully awarded the ‘man of the match’ accolade for his composed performance, epitomizing the team’s resilience throughout the contest. Rothero’s versatility and steadiness in the No 15 shirt proved instrumental in Milford’s triumph, despite stiff competition from Trueman’s impressive place-kicking and memorable try.

In the end, Milford Haven emerged as worthy victors, their victory a testament to their tenacity and unity on the field. As the final whistle blew, the Mariners celebrated a hard-fought triumph, etching their names in the annals of KO Cup Plate history.

The club said after the match on their Facebook page: “All the players, coaching team and committee would like to thank everyone that came over to Tenby to support the boys tonight. It really meant a lot to us as a club and no doubt the town!”

Line-ups:

Milford Haven: Ollie Rothero, Robbie Jones, James Williams, Dan Jenkins, Jamie Trueman, Efan Morgan, Dan McClelland, Aaron Mayne, Luke Ryan, Jimmy Buirds, Jay Goodall, Zac Davies (Capt), Ryan Mansell, Ieuan Davies, Dewi Williams. Replacements: Dai. Sweeny, Ben Jenkins, Ben Groves, Scott Buirds, Ethan Aldred, Lee Riley, Dean McSparron.

Whitland: Geraint Jones, Morgan Lewis, Jamie Goldsworthy, Dom Davies, Owyn Griffiths, Jonathan Thomas, Trystan Rees, Dafydd Walters, Marc Jones, Trystan Bowen, Benjamin Kirk, Dan Bennett, Lewis Tingay, Cian Evans, Zac France-Miller. Replacements: Ceiron Evans, Charlie Watson, Jack Worthing, Thomas Iraia, Geraint McCoan.