(Title Image: James Williams via Twitter)
New independent group formed as Brexit Party wafts away
The Senedd’s Brexit Party group has ceased to exist after members went their separate ways. After long dropping hints, Mark Reckless MS joined the Abolish the Assembly group, while David Rowlands MS and Mandy Jones MS formed a three-person Independent Alliance for Reform Group with fellow former Brexit Party and UKIP member, Caroline Jones MS.
The new group doesn’t propose reintroducing direct rule from London, but instead will ofter a platform for reforming the Senedd. Caroline Jones said: “This won’t be a group offering more of the same, nor will we be obsessed with just scrapping everything. This will be a group focused on the thing our politics needs most, reform.”
Future Generations Commissioner presents “manifesto for the future”
Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe, has presented her own long-term vision ahead of next year’s Senedd election.
Proposals include prioritising a green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring people have access to green space within 300 metres of their homes, exploring a reduction in the working week and trialling a universal basic income.
The Commissioner said: “This is a critical Senedd election and politicians in Wales need to be progressive. Policies have to show young people they’ll be supported to live fulfilling lives after COVID, and that society will learn from mistakes, plan better and do better.”
Wales Governance Centre slams controversial Internal Market Bill
A Cardiff University report on the UK Government’s highly controversial Internal Market Bill has said it risks creating distrust within the Union (pdf).
The report concludes that the Bill, as it currently stands, will blunt policy tools for the devolved governments, prioritises trade barriers over policy and would likely fuel an argument from Wales and Scotland that the UK Government will be able to override devolved spending priorities.
As the Bill is likely to be rejected by Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, any attempt to force it through at Westminister will likely put further strain on the Union, with support for Scottish independence currently at record levels and support for Welsh independence also increasing.
£11million for northern transport schemes
The Welsh Government has made a combined £11million available for local authority transport projects and a proposed North Wales Metro.
The money will be used to purchase an electric bus fleet to provide regional Traws Cymru services, a £2million junction improvement at Llanberis and a review of bus services ahead of the Metro scheme.
Economy & Transport Minister, Ken Skates (Lab, Clwyd South) said: “These investments are now more important than ever. As we face this challenging time we must plan for the future we would like to see, which is greener and more sustainable for all of us.”
£220million refurbishment for Merthyr’s Prince Charles Hospital
The Welsh Government will fund a £220million refurbishment of Prince Charles Hospital, which will start in November and is not expected to be fully completed until 2026.
The money will be used to update various inpatient and outpatient services, including radiology, endoscopy, operating theatres, diabetes services and critical care. At least 60% of the contract value will be spent within Wales and up to 80 apprenticeships will be created as a result.
The Chair of Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board, Marcus Longley, said: “This is excellent news. There are still several years of major work to take place in Prince Charles Hospital, and this investment gives that work new impetus. When it’s finished, we will have a hospital truly fit for generations to come.”
