IN response to the latest Public Health Risk Assessment on the Withyhedge landfill site, local representatives Henry Tufnell MP and Eluned Morgan MS have issued a joint statement addressing both the improvements and ongoing concerns related to air quality in the region.

Henry Tufnell MP acknowledged the recent positive developments in air quality data, but expressed frustration over the situation. “It is crucial to remember that this situation should never have arisen in the first place,” said Tufnell. “The impact on our community has been profound, and people have endured far too much suffering. While emissions may be within regulatory limits, this does not mean that residents are unable to detect the odour.” He emphasised the need for stronger regulations around landfill management, pledging to work closely with the Welsh Government to ensure such disruptions are prevented in the future.

Eluned Morgan MS echoed this sentiment, welcoming the reduction in odour levels but stressing the importance of maintaining these improvements. “It is welcome news that the smell coming from the Withyhedge landfill site has reduced considerably, offering much-needed relief to the local community,” Morgan said. However, she also cautioned that “it is crucial that these improvements are not temporary,” adding that continued monitoring and proactive action are essential to avoid a recurrence of the problem.

The public health risk assessment, conducted by Public Health Wales, confirmed that hydrogen sulphide levels from the landfill had periodically exceeded the World Health Organization’s odour annoyance guidelines, though the long-term health risks are considered low. Residents had reported significant discomfort, including headaches, nausea, and dizziness, linked to the odour. Both Tufnell and Morgan stressed the need for long-term solutions to safeguard the health and well-being of their constituents.

As the situation evolves, further updates and assessments are expected to ensure the landfill site remains compliant with health and environmental regulations.

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

WALES’ new First Minister Eluned Morgan has named her cabinet, with top jobs for two ministers whose resignations forced her predecessor to stand down.

Baroness Morgan, who became first minister last month after Vaughan Gething resigned, has appointed Jeremy Miles as Wales’ health and social care secretary.

Mr Miles, who represents Neath, led the revolt that toppled Mr Gething after narrowly missing out on the top job in the race to succeed Mark Drakeford.

Meanwhile, Prof Drakeford, who was appointed interim health secretary in August, will now take charge of the purse strings, returning to a previous role as finance secretary.

Rebecca Evans, the previous finance minister who represents Gower and has been in government for a decade, will become economy, energy and planning secretary.

Swansea West MS Julie James, who resigned alongside Mr Miles in July, returns as counsel general-designate and minister for delivery.

A former solicitor, Ms James’ nomination as counsel general will need to be voted on in the Senedd before her appointment is recommended to the King.

Lynne Neagle, who represents Torfaen, keeps her role as education secretary while Clwyd South MS Ken Skates remains responsible for transport and north Wales.

Huw Irranca-Davies, the deputy first minister who stood on a joint unity ticket with Baroness Morgan, retains responsibility for climate change and rural affairs.

And Newport West MS Jayne Bryant, who was promoted to the cabinet in the wake of the resignations, has been named housing and local government secretary.

Dawn Bowden, the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MS, keeps her job as social care minister, with added responsibility for children.

Bridgend MS Sarah Murphy remains mental health minister, while Cynon Valley MS Vikki Howells will be a new face around the table as further and higher education minister.

Alyn and Deeside MS Jack Sargeant, who stepped in to fill a gap in the government left by the resignations, will be culture, skills and social partnerships minister.

But there’s no post for Lesley Griffiths, one of the rebels and a mainstay in the cabinet.

Ms Griffiths, who represents Wrexham, has held ministerial posts including health, culture, social justice and rural affairs over the course of 13 years on the frontbench. 

Eluned Morgan, who was health secretary for three years, was elected unopposed as Welsh Labour leader after Mr Miles decided not to stand.

The first minister described her new-look ministerial team as representative of all of Wales and dedicated to delivering positive change on the issues that matter most.

She said: “The changes I am announcing today offer stability, draw on experience, and bring our collective talents together.

“The new portfolios reflect modern Wales and are designed to address the key challenges that face us all. 

“I have spent the summer listening to the people of Wales, and my new cabinet appointments will now focus relentlessly on the priorities I heard from them.”?

The ever-present Jane Hutt remains social justice secretary, chief whip and Trefnydd, the government’s business manager – a role akin to the leader of the house in Westminster.

Ms Hutt has served in every administration since the Senedd was established 25 years ago.

But Pontypridd MS Mick Antoniw, the former counsel general and constitution minister, will not be returning following his resignation.

Last week, former first minister Vaughan Gething announced he will not stand for re-election following his four-month stint in the top job.

The Cardiff South and Penarth MS told his successor he would not seek a role in her cabinet, saying he would support her government from the backbenches.

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Conservatives in the Senedd, said there may be a new first minister but it’s still the same old Labour.

He warned: “We know that this Labour government will continue to fail in the key areas that matter to Wales while they focus time and energy on pointless pet projects.

“The Conservatives are the true alternative to Labour’s politics of distractions, and only with a Conservative Welsh Government will things finally change for the better.”

His Conservative colleague Samuel Kurtz pointed out that Wales’ third first minister of the year has appointed her second cabinet.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said Wales deserved better than a “tired and divided” Labour government incapable of delivering solutions to the challenges facing Wales.

His colleague Heledd Fychan decried “more delay and chaos” under Baroness Morgan, pointing out that government business in the Senedd for next week has been shelved.

Eluned Morgan faces the unenviable task of uniting a Labour group fractured by months of infighting over the controversy surrounding donations to Vaughan Gething’s leadership bid.

One camp felt the row was distracting from the Welsh Government’s core mission of serving the people of Wales, prompting mass resignations to force Mr Gething’s hand.

The other thought the former first minister was treated unfairly, having broken no rules.

Mr Gething’s decision not to seek a role in government will have saved his successor at least one headache and has perhaps opened the door for some of the rebels to return.

With her first electoral test as first minister looming in less than two years – the Senedd election in May 2026 – it’s imperative that Eluned Morgan gets Labour’s house in order.

The Welsh Government and the Senedd are crying out for continuity after much chopping and changing of portfolios, and a revolving door of ministers, over the past year.