Wales' rail infrastructure in ‘severe need of investment', Ceredigion Preseli MP says
Plaid Cymru is calling for the reclassification of HS2 and the East West Project (Oxford-Cambridge) as England-only infrastructure projects and a minimum of £4 billion in Barnett consequentials to be paid to the Welsh Government as well as a 'recognition that transport should be a matter for the Welsh Government, ensuring decisions are made in Wales and reflect Welsh priorities, not a continuation of a top-down approach from Westminster.'
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North Wales Chronicle
19 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
MS says education system in Wales is in a 'fragile state'
MS for North Wales To put it mildly, education system across Wales is in a fragile state. One-fifth of pupils are leaving Welsh primary schools unable to read, and results from the global PISA education rankings see us lagging well behind at the bottom of the UK nations. Those PISA tests showed that the performance of disadvantaged children in England is either above or similar to the average for all children in Wales. The Labour Welsh Government have run education here since 1999, and it's fair to say the outcomes are disastrous as a result of deliberate policy decisions. Labour's most recent big idea is to reduce the number of academic qualifications, so your child will no longer be able to do separate chemistry, physics, and biology GCSEs, for example. Not only that, but there is a clear funding crisis. That is particularly acute here in North Wales, and the numbers make for sobering reading. Sixteen schools across Wrexham county are projected to end the 2024/25 financial year in deficit, which is two more than last year. Forty staff have left schools this academic year, with sixty redundancies expected in September. Those redundancy payouts for the last year came at a cost of £403,976 – the Council had originally budgeted for £200,000. This simply isn't sustainable. Education has been woefully mismanaged by Cardiff Labour for a quarter-century and they don't seem to have a coherent strategy to improve the situation. Getting education right is vitally important. It unlocks life opportunities for children and young people. It's genuinely transformative when done right, particularly for those who come from poorer backgrounds. When schooling goes wrong, it can plague that child or young person for the rest of their lives. Just think of those one-fifth who leave primary school functionally illiterate – that is a huge block in terms of accessing jobs and being a fully capable person in the modern world. A fair funding model would be a step back on the path to a great Welsh education system, but we also need to see a rigorous focus on academic achievement and proper discipline in schools. That way, schools in Wrexham, Flintshire and the rest of Wales can ensure children are ready to play their full part in society for years to come. As ever, if you'd like to get in touch then you can email me at
Telegraph
22 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Police dogs ‘should get pensions'
Police dogs should be given pensions in recognition of their service to the country, ministers have been told. The Thin Blue Paw Foundation (TBPF), a charity for retired police dogs, said ministers had an 'ethical and moral obligation' to the animals which often cost more to care for in retirement because of injuries and health problems derived from their years in police service. The charity said it has provided grants of £380,000 to owners since it was set up in August 2020, to cover vet bills and care for them after they retire. It is estimated it costs as much as £250 more a month to look after former police dogs than other dogs. Kieran Stanbridge, chairman of TBPF said: ' Police dogs give the best years of their lives to the job. 'They throw themselves into dangerous situations without a second thought, they show unwavering loyalty to their handler and their job, and they give so much to help fight crime and keep the public safe. 'During their careers they receive the very best care and support from the force they serve with but, as soon as they hang up their harness, they're on their own, and the responsibility for their often-expensive care falls to their ex-handler or new owner. 'We believe that the Home Office, who allocate funding to police forces nationally, have an ethical and moral obligation to these dogs and shouldn't turn their backs on them when it's time to pay them back for everything they've done.' Bills can reach £2,400 a year There are around 1,700 serving police dogs in the UK, according to the foundation, and roughly 100 retire each year. The charity has launched a petition to push the Government for a ring-fenced budget to provide support for the owners of retired police dogs. Conditions such as arthritis can mean bills of up to £2,400 per year for pain medication, the charity said, and because these are pre-existing medical complaints they would not be covered by pet insurance. Mr Stanbridge said: 'Police dogs lead physically demanding lives and, when they retire – whether due to injury or age – they often have health problems as a result of their career, which can require expensive medication, therapy and management throughout their retirement. 'Taking on any dog is a responsibility, but taking on an older retired police dog with health problems is a huge commitment, particularly during the current cost-of-living crisis. 'We need to ensure that there is support in place for these heroic police dogs so that people aren't put off the idea of rehoming them when they retire and so that owners are never faced with the heartbreaking decision of having them put to sleep because they can't afford their treatment.' 'These dogs deserve our ongoing support' Julie Roy, a Police Scotland dog handler, was faced with large vet bills caring for retired German shepherd Keach, who worked for West Midlands Police before moving north of the border. Keach has arthritis in her spin and knee, and the Thin Blue Paw Foundation pays for her pain medication. Ms Roy said: 'Vet bills are expensive and our dogs have worked hard in their working life, putting extra strain on the joints and the body. 'These dogs deserve to have ongoing support when they retire, so they can access the medication and treatment they need having served their communities for so long.' Claire Bird, a fellow dog handler from West Sussex, adopted Fiji, a Belgian Malinois who worked for Surrey Police. She has required two operations, one for an infection of the uterus and a gastric procedure, and needs regular medication for allergies. So far the foundation has paid £10,000 for her care. Ms Bird said: 'I've kept all of my working dogs when they retire and, as any dog owner knows, taking care of them is expensive. But I couldn't turn my back on them after everything they've given. 'I believe that there should be more support in place for these incredible heroes when they retire. 'They do so much for us while they're serving and yet when they retire, the Government and the police turn their backs on them.'
Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Next's best new-in home finds that look way more expensive than they are - with prices from £8
Next has been one to watch when it comes to designer looking homeware on a budget. And with prices from just £8, there's something for all tastes. Turning heads among interior design lovers with its blend of contemporary style, quality craftsmanship, and affordability, Next Home is one to have on your radar. From chic earthy tones upholstery to statement-making décor, the brand delivers trend-led designs that effortlessly elevate any space. With a keen eye on both seasonal trends and timeless elegance, Next continues to impress shoppers looking to refresh their homes without breaking the bank. And we're adding the new-in collection straight to our cart with key pieces, including picture frames from just £8. Next new-in homeware Set of 2 Relaxed Chenille Olive Green Aire Light Wood Leg Dining Chairs Scoring points for shape, texture and colour, these undeniably chic chenille olive green upholstered dining chairs are a great way to elevate your dining experience - the perfect blend of comfort and style. £360 Shop Cream Laurent Grid Rug Adding texture to your home, this rug has been crafted from a fine, dense pile to create a soft, cushioned feel underfoot. Better still, it looks far more expensive than its humble price tag, so it's ideal for those looking for a touch of sophistication and style on a budget. £139 Shop White Aegean Large Table Lamp Part sculpture, part table lamp, this is a showstopper for under £100. Adding texture and charm, this is a gorgeous way to add extra interest in a space without breaking the bank. £99 Shop Cream and Gold Linen Mount Photo Frame Perfect as a gift or to frame your favourite photo, this beautiful frame features an elegant gold-brass blend metal frame with a more unusual linen look fabric - a striking way to mount your photos around the house. £12 Shop Yard Forest Hebden Striped Towel These towels could easily pass for designer and are a great way of elevating your bathroom on a budget. Available in four colours and made from 100 per cent cotton terry, these are perfect for bringing out for guests. £8 Shop Orange Geometric Pouffe This pouffe wouldn't look out of place is a chic boutique hotel and at under £80 this is a seriously great find. The new Wilderness Pouffe is designed geometric pattern woven into the base and is a clever hack for extra seating when guests come over or to rest your feet. £80 Shop Natural Adelaide 4 Seater Dining Table and Bench Set Get ready to host this summer with the stunning Natural Adelaide 4 Seater Dining Table and Bench Set. Perfect for all your outdoor dinners and drinks, the minimalist bench set is classic enough to go with any outdoor set up and includes 1 x table and 2 x benches. £475 Shop Natural Clifton Tripod Floor Lamp Smart and stylish, this wood floor lamp is a charming addition to create atmospheric lighting in your home. With its natural, light washed wood finish it is paired with brushed brass accents to give this lamp a relaxed, country vibe. £150 Shop Pink Wavy Wooden Photo Frame You don't need to spend a fortune to add expensive looking accents in your home, as this pink wavy frame proves. A fun twist on a classic photo frame, and for under £10, it adds a pop of colour to any room in your home and is available in a selection of sizes with a kickstand to allow you to hang or display. £8 Shop
