"I am hopeful that these changes will help to deliver a fairer and more coherent system of NHS IVF treatments across Scotland."
- Cymraeg
- English
- May 18, 2013:
- Letter from the Leader: Notes from an island
I'm writing this week's Letter to you from Kirkwall in Orkney. Alistair Carmichael and Jim Wallace have been trying to persuade me to make the trip for a while and I've finally made it in order to join the celebrations of the centenary of Jo Grimond's birth.The big debate this week in British politics, which featured strongly in PMQs - where I was standing in for the PM (you can watch it here) - has obviously been about our future role in Europe. An issue on which Jo Grimond was a pioneer and leader.What's emerging in this debate is that there are three basic positions. The first is UKIP's and an increasingly large number of Conservatives' - they want to leave now. I am clear that would be a calamitous mistake for the country - it would make us poorer, make us less safe and jeopardise millions of jobs and billions of pounds of investment.The second position is the Conservatives' official position (at least for now) which amounts to saying to the rest of the EU that they should keep all the EU rules for themselves, but we'll only abide by the bits we like. It's a have-your-cake-and-eat it strategy. It might sound seductive, but it's unlikely to work. Instead it will end up with either largely symbolic concessions from the other 26 member states "inconsequential" in Lord Lawson's words - or demanding so much that the other EU countries will simply refuse.The third position is the Liberal Democrats' position. Of course the EU has to change. It is going to change because it's in a state of challenge and flux and so needs reform. It must be more competitive, more open, leaner and less bureaucratic. All things Britain should lead from the front on and work constructively with our European partners to achieve.That is a vision of Europe and Britain's role in it that our party has long subscribed to. And importantly, it is actually achievable.And in line with our previous manifesto, and the legislation we passed in 2011, when the EU rules change and new things are asked of the UK within the EU, the British people will have a say in a referendum. We are the first Government ever to give the British people such a guarantee in law.So there are three positions: we can leave now; we can try and (almost certainly fail) to have our cake and eat it; or we can play our part at the heart of Europe promoting reform and guaranteeing a referendum when the EU rules change affecting Britain.But as I argued in PMQs to the Tory backbenchers (who by the way seem to have developed an almost unhealthy interest in our Focus leaflets!), people are facing more pressing issues. And it is exactly those issues Liberal Democrats in this Coalition Government are currently taking a lead in tackling.We won't always get the attention or coverage we deserve for things we are doing, such as introducing Steve Webb's single tier pension or the important work Norman Lamb has been talking about this week on Social Care. But we will keep delivering these things that make a real difference to people's lives.That is what we are in Government for: anchoring it in the centre ground and building a stronger economy and a fairer society. I'm sure Jo wouldn't have wanted it any other way.Best,Nick
- Letter from the Leader: Notes from an island
- May 16, 2013:
- High Speed Rail 2 will build a stronger economy and a fairer society
"HS2 is a huge leap forward for our rail network and will improve connectivity for generations to come.
"Liberal Democrats support HS2 because it will build a stronger economy and a fairer society, creating 40,000 direct and thousands more indirect jobs, as well as bridge the gap between the north and south. And that's before you consider the economic benefits to the wider areas serviced by HS2.
"In assessing the value of HS2 we must look at all the overall benefits, including for passengers by increasing capacity on existing lines and significantly cutting the travel time, and to the environment by reducing our reliance on domestic flights and transferring millions of journeys from road to rail."
- High Speed Rail 2 will build a stronger economy and a fairer society
- May 15, 2013:
- NHS IVF changes will help to deliver fairer and more coherent system
- Building a stronger economy
"While it is disappointing that overall unemployment is up, it is good news that youth unemployment has fallen as that will be encouraging for young people who are looking for work.
"To build a stronger economy in a fairer society, Liberal Democrats have been focusing on giving young people the skills and experience necessary for a successful career.
"That is why Nick Clegg has introduced the £1bn Youth Contract that will ensure young people have the opportunity to earn or learn and Business Secretary Vince Cable has overseen the creation of more than 1m apprenticeships.
"We will continue to work hard to get more people in employment and build a stronger economy."
- Investigation into potential petrol price rigging must take place swiftly and efficiently
"Allegations that firms have profiteered at the expense of motorists are deeply concerning."
- First Minister is complacent to claim credit for almost 200,000 people without a job
"If SNP Ministers would work hand in hand with the UK government it could only ripen further opportunities. With 199,000 still out of work it is clear we must maximise the full potential of devolution."
- Centrica price promise ''too vague to be trusted' says Peter Black AM
The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has accused Centrica of making vague promises over their huge British Gas profits in the first months of this year. Mr. Black was reacting to the news that Centrica has said that it will use the profits it has made from the 18% increase in gas usage as a consequence of this year's unrelenting cold weather to hold energy prices 'for as long as possible.' Mr. Black said: "Centrica's promise is too vague to be trusted. This is the same company that was happy to hike its prices by 6% just before the winter; won't tell us when it pays for its wholesale gas and at what price; and won't use the eye-watering profits from its generating business to cushion the impact upon people struggling with their bills. "Centrica are on course to make just over half a billion pounds in profit this year. At the same time, Age Concern Cymru estimates that around 30% of Welsh households face fuel poverty. "Worry about fuel price increases outranks both those about the price of food, and the level of debt in a recent UK-wide survey carried out by global information and market research company Nielsen. "Centrica needs to make a clear commitment not to raise prices for a specified length of time. That way they can avoid the impression of simply delivering warm words to keep us quiet while they line up their next pre-winter price hike." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Post-16 funding proposals need clarity - Aled Roberts AM
Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Spokesperson Aled Roberts has called for clarity in proposed changes to Post-16 funding in Wales. The proposals are contained in the Welsh Government's Post-16 Planning and Funding Review: Final report which was published this week. Commenting, Aled Roberts said: "Any funding programme has to ensure that students are given the best opportunities whilst ensuring that public money is spent efficiently and effectively. "It is clear from my experiences as a member of the Children and Young People Committee that deficiencies currently exist in ensuring that the funding system takes account of both the needs of employers and the subsequent destinations of students. "Given the scale of change and the tight timescale over the timetable - particularly with regard to the work to be undertaken by Careers Wales during 2013 in respect of the Common Area Prospectus and Electronic Application Process - it will be crucial that the organisations involved are clear about their responsibilities. "There is clearly a need for more commonality between the 14-19 networks as well as a need to ensure individual institutions, local authorities and teaching unions are fully engaged in the process given the potential financial impacts on individual institutions and on staff. "It is unclear from today's statement which employer organisations will be participating in further consultation prior to new guidance being produced in September and I look forward to more details being made available as the project progresses." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Jobs Growth Wales must provide more proof over value for money
Responding to the Government statement on Jobs Growth Wales and the news that 66.5% of the 6000 jobs created for young people have been filled, Eluned Parrott AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Economy Minister said: "I congratulate the government on creating over 6,000 job opportunities and filling two thirds of them; that alone is a substantial task and deserves credit. "However the success of a job creation scheme should be judged not just on the opportunities created, but more importantly on how many people take part and then go on to find meaningful employment as a result. "Figures that I have obtained show that only two thirds of the placements created have actually been filled, and only two thirds of those are then completed. On that basis, the success rate is just 44% for the whole process, rather than the 79% success rate claimed by the Deputy Minister today. "We also need clarification of the costs of this scheme. There are no figures outlining how much it cost to create each sustainable job, and that must be cause for concern. While every job created is transformative for the individual involved, we need to know that Jobs Growth Wales is a cost-effective way of creating employment opportunities. Without substantially more information from the Welsh Government, there will be a question mark over the success of this scheme. "I'm also concerned about the regional variances in the number of jobs created and the number of jobs filled. The percentage of jobs filled ranges from 50% in Swansea to 80% in Merthyr - clearly we need to make sure that young people across Wales have an equal chance of getting a job, regardless of where they live." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- NHS IVF changes will help to deliver fairer and more coherent system
- May 14, 2013:
- Blanket ban on prisoner voting not a coherent position
"Excluding prisoners from the most high-profile, significant decision of our lifetimes is contrary to the primary aims of prison - re-integrating offenders into society, and helping them to better understand their civic responsibilities."
- Welsh Government needs to deliver on Low Carbon ambitions - William Powell AM
William Powell AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy, has called on the Welsh Government to deliver on their Low Carbon ambitions in the wake of the First Minister's Energy Wales update today. William Powell AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat for Mid and West Wales, said: "Despite Welsh Government policy being big on rhetoric regarding green energy and a low carbon transition, we continue to be confronted with relatively little quantifiable progress as a direct result of specific Welsh Government action. "While the sector enjoys significant support across Wales, there continues to be a sense that we are a difficult country in which to do business, and that we lack strong leadership at the top of government. "In order for Wales to build a long term sustainable economic future we must all ensure that supply chains, community projects and benefits are placed at the very centre of energy policy development. "When the First Minister formed his Government in 2011 he stated that this term was meant to be about delivery. The Welsh economy cannot afford a further thirteen years of stagnation." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- 'Wales must send a clear message that it supports votes at 16' - Kirsty Williams
In the debate this afternoon on 'Strengthening Local Government Democracy', the Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for 16 and 17 years olds to be given the right to vote in elections to local councils. The Welsh Liberal Democrats amendment is part of the party's ongoing campaign to ensure that 16 and 17 years olds are allowed to vote. The party is hoping their calls for this change in the law will be supported by other political parties in the Assembly, therefore sending a clear message that Wales supports votes at 16. Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, commented: "The Welsh Liberal Democrats believe it is wrong that around 77,000 16 and 17 year olds in Wales are currently being denied the vote. The Assembly Commission is currently, quite rightly, trying to improve youth engagement, yet surely the best way to improve engagement is to open up the political system by giving young people the right to vote? "Welsh Liberal Democrats want to build a fairer society, which is why we believe the time has come for this vital step in the renewal of Wales' democracy. Votes at 16 will strengthen democratic accountability by making sure a wider section of the community is represented on local councils. Community empowerment comes, in part, by making sure that as wide a range of people in the community areas possible are engaged in the process. "The Scottish referendum is hugely important for a number of reasons, but allowing 16 year olds to vote is a seminal moment for Scottish, and possibly British, democracy. The Welsh Liberal Democrats want to keep this momentum moving forward. It is my hope that, following the referendum, people will see that 16 and 17 year olds can be mature enough to have a stake in our democracy. "Sadly, turnout in local elections is disappointingly low. Evidence shows that voting becomes a habit, therefore is it really that surprising that so many people are disillusioned with our democracy when they are excluded from the system when they are 16? 16 year olds are considered old enough to leave school and pay taxes, therefore it is only right they are considered old enough to have a say in how we are governed." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- NHS must learn from mistakes to avoid serious incidents happening - Kirsty Williams
Research by the Welsh Liberal Democrats has revealed that over the past four years, 24 serious medical errors classed as 'never events' have been reported to the Welsh Government by Local Health Boards. Never events are serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if the available preventative measures had been implemented. These are incidents that are so serious they should never happen. A Freedom of Information request to the Welsh Labour Government reveals that the mistakes fell into three categories. There were 10 cases of foreign objects left inside the body; 8 cases of surgery on the wrong part of the body and 5 cases of tubes, which are used for feeding patients or for medication, being inserted into patients' lungs. Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said: "While I understand that mistakes are made in our health service, it is particularly important that the NHS learns from its mistakes that are on this scale. "'Never events' are very serious incidents in the NHS that are preventable because guidance has already been issued to explain how risks and harm could be prevented. "It is quite disconcerting that we still see incidents where plastic tubes and hypodermic needles are left in the patient after an operation or a procedure has been carried out on the wrong part of the body. It is also of great concern that half of these serious incidents happened in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Clearly, this Local Health Board needs to constantly review its procedures to avoid incidents like this happening in the future. "I can appreciate that over four years, 24 incidents doesn't seem that serious but when NHS labels them as 'never events', we shouldn't be seeing any cases of this severity at all. "It is important that the Welsh NHS learns from its mistakes so that cases like these can be avoided in the future." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Blanket ban on prisoner voting not a coherent position
- May 13, 2013:
- Jenny Willott welcomes positive CBI forecast for Wales
The main business organisation representing employers, the CBI, has predicted that the Welsh economy should pick up later this year and that growth will continue into 2014. CBI Wales said the Welsh economy was slowly growing, while manufacturers have said they were getting more orders. The organisation also pointed out that the Welsh government could do more to help the construction sector by cutting red tape and "spending wisely" the available Treasury money. Jenny Willott, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central, has welcomed the predictions, saying: "Obviously this is good news for Wales and is an encouraging marker for our economy. But that is not to say that we can be in any way complacent; lots of people and businesses are still really struggling. We need real, sustained growth to provide the jobs and progress we all want to see in Wales. "The CBI rightly notes that the Welsh Government could be doing much more to support businesses and the Welsh economy. I hope this serves as a wake-up call and that the Assembly Government focuses on using public money more wisely to advance the long-term future of Wales." Ends/ diwedd Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Trade Missions must get real results fast - Eluned Parrott
Commenting on today's published list of Welsh Government Trade Missions and Exhibitions over the next twelve months, Shadow Liberal Democrat Business Minister Eluned Parrott AM said: "I welcome the news that the Welsh Government are attending lots of events with the aim of boosting the Welsh Economy however the Welsh Government must ensure that they get useful outcomes from these trips as our export economy is continuing to struggle. "Just last month we learnt that Welsh exports to non EU countries fell by 7.5% while the UK wide figure rose by 5.1%. Clearly a better focus is needed to deliver the results Wales and Welsh taxpayers deserve. "More than a year ago the Economy Minister Edwina Hart conceded that her department hadn't got the branding for Wales right. That is now the critical issue - what market proposition are we using to sell ourselves overseas and is it clear enough? For many years we have attempted to say that we were both a cheap location for inward investment but also a confident export economy in our own right. We can't appeal to both the lowest and the highest common denominator at the same time and expect to be seen as credible. "The Welsh Government must finalise its branding strategy for Wales and start delivering a confident, consistent message to our trading partners and investors. Attending one trade mission and getting it right will be more valuable than sending out mixed messages at twenty." Published and promoted by Welsh Liberal Democrats, Freedom Central, Blake Court, Schooner Way, Cardiff, CF10 4DWPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Jenny Willott welcomes positive CBI forecast for Wales