NEWS WELSH GOVERNMENT REFUSES TO DISTRIBUTE QUEEN’S BOOK We have all just enjoyed the Platinum jubilee of the Queen. A special book commemorating her reign was commissioned by the UK Government to give to every schoolchild in the land. So I was shocked to hear that the Welsh Labour Government is refusing to distribute it to Welsh schools which now have to apply for it. In England, the Department of Education is sending it out automatically. Initially, Welsh Government asked that this book be published bilingually and this was agreed with 211,000 bi-lingual copies being printed. Can you imagine what an outcry there would have been if this request had been refused? So now another stumbling block has been put in the way of children reading this book. Has Labour now officially become a Republican and Nationalist party following its agreement with Plaid Cymru? Whether or not a child gets this book will depend on the inclination of the head and if the school has enough time to apply. I urge parents to ask their child’s school to apply for the book. A platinum jubilee is not like a number 11 bus – there will probably never be another one so this event is truly unique.
HELP WITH COST OF LIVING CRISIS The Cost of Living crisis is top of the political agenda, especially rising energy costs, and I am pleased that Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced further measures to help people. Readers may have missed details of the package, which includes: *£400 off the energy bills of every household *A £650 cash grant for people on Universal Credit and some other benefits which will be paid in two instalments *An additional £300 payment for pensioners who get the winter fuel allowance *A £450 additional payment for those receiving disability benefits. Householders are also getting £150 off their council tax. This package, which has a £15 billion price tag, far exceeds what Labour was proposing or what many organisations were calling for. It shows that this is a government which is doing its best to offset some of the worst effects of the cost of living crisis but no government of any persuasion can totally offset the staggering worldwide rise in fuel and energy prices. The truth is that Rishi has shot Labour’s fox by doing far more than they were demanding to help struggling families - leaving them with nothing new to say. JAMIE WALLIS MP for Bridgend
DR ALTAF HUSSAIN Regional Senedd Member
COETY PRIMARY VISIT THE SENEDD It was wonderful to welcome Coety Primary School’s Student Council visit to the Senedd recently. Pupils and teachers were able to have a tour of the Senedd, view the Chamber where debates and questions to Ministers happen, and have a mock debate on a topic of their choice. The pupils spoke to me about issues they cared about, including making parks better for all children and keeping our community clean from litter. Having schools visit the Senedd is vital in demonstrating to pupils how the decisions that impact them and others across Wales are made. It is also incredibly important to show children of all ages that they can make a difference in our community and that their voices matter. I am pleased that the Senedd is once again able to offer school visits now pandemic restrictions have been lifted. I am keen to ensure that other schools and pupils are given this opportunity – it really is one of the best parts of my role. If you are a pupil, parent or school that wishes to attend the Senedd, please do not hesitate to contact my office. You can email me at: Sarah.murphy@senedd.Wales SARAH MURPHY MS Member of the Senedd for Bridgend
PUT SENEDD REFORM TO PUBLIC VOTE 1-in-5 on waiting lists in Wales, more than 10,000 people waiting more than 12 hours in A&E. Our education system failing children in Wales with PISA ranking Wales at the bottom of their league table out of the UK nations. A Tourism Tax on the horizon, penalising businesses after they have suffered tremendous losses over the last few years. The latest ONS statistics have shown Wales is the only UK nation that has seen its economy shrink. Failing to support the next generation of homeowners. But yet, here are Labour and Plaid Cymru discussing another constitutional concoction where they would rather spend up to £100m to increase the size of the Senedd, rather than on the priorities of the people of Wales. Why are we not surprised? If this Senedd, believes in devolution, it needs the consent of the people it serves to strengthen the case when changes of this significance are made. It must never be our place to tell the people of Wales what’s best for them. You should tell us that. You give us our mandate and we’d be fools to forget it. TOM GIFFARD Welsh Conservative regional Senedd member for South Wales West
Deadline date for the August issue is: FRIDAY 15TH JULY 22 | seaside news
