Latest news with #DarrenMillar
ITV News
15-07-2025
- Business
- ITV News
First Minister accused of ‘not giving a hoot' about food security
The First Minister has been accused of 'not giving a hoot' about food security as the Welsh Government announces its new Sustainable Farming Scheme. Plans for the scheme, which is designed to replace the funding for Welsh farmers previously given by the European Union, first began after Brexit. Eluned Morgan was tackled about changes to the controversial scheme following 18 months of consultation with the farming sector. During First Minister's Questions in the Senedd, Opposition leader, Darren Millar, criticised what he said was a lack of an economic impact assessment. He asked Eluned Morgan: 'So can you tell us how many job losses this new scheme will cause? What will be the financial hit to the rural economy, and why are you waiting until September to publish a full economic impact assessment of the scheme?' The First Minister said, 'We have listened to the agricultural community, we recognise the valuable contribution they make to our nation, not just in terms of the economy, but in terms of those wider issues like the environment, like the contribution to our tourism economy. 'When it comes to the impact assessment, there will be a ready reckoner tool available so that prior to the Royal Welsh, people will be able to punch in their particular circumstances, and they will be able to assess how it affects them.' The Conservative leader said that, 'The problem is that in my constituency and the constituencies represented in this chamber don't want a ready reckoner. They want to know if their jobs are on the line and whether they have still got the opportunity to make a decent living.' He went on to criticise the Sustainable Farming Scheme for prioritising environmental measures over food security and added that, 'it doesn't even mention the term 'food security' throughout the whole document. It's not mentioned one single time, because you do not give a hoot about food security. First Minister. In contrast, the word 'environment' is mentioned almost 80 times. 'Can you tell us why is there no mention of the term food security in your new schemes document? Why are you still prepared to sacrifice an area of 17,000 acres, half the size of the Vale of Glamorgan' for planting trees?' In response, the First Minister said 'We know that farmers are very serious about the environment. We know that they are hyper-aware of the very dry patch that we've been through recently, and how that's affecting them, how they need to make these long term investments, and they know more than anyone the impact of climate change. 'We're asking them to help us to make a contribution to addressing the issue of climate change. And I think planting trees has an important contribution. Farmers will choose the right tree in the right place, and we'll be providing incentives for early planting, the budget and the advice and give guidance to farming with that. 'We're not going to apologise for the fact that we do want to see some tree planting, but it will be more flexible than what was initially suggested.'
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Welsh Government ‘disobeying Supreme Court trans ruling'
The Welsh Government has been accused of disobeying the Supreme Court gender judgment. A human resources document for the devolved administration on 'trans inclusion' continues to claim 'trans women are women'. That is despite the country's highest court ruling in April that transgender women are not legally women. The Supreme Court ruled that the word 'sex' in the Equality Act refers only to biological sex, not to a person's gender identity. But in the document, the Welsh Government said: 'The Welsh government's policy position is that trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary identities are valid. 'As an employer, the Welsh government civil service aims to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels able to be their true selves.' The document, which was published before the judgment but remains in use, was branded 'clearly unlawful' by gender-critical campaigners. Cathy Larkman, lead for the Women's Rights Network in Wales, told The Telegraph: 'We are aware of this clearly unlawful policy, which reflects the long-held and deeply entrenched position of Welsh Government. 'We have long pointed out to them that their ideological approach has harmful impacts on the rights of women and girls in Wales.' Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: 'Biological sex is a clear and important legal concept that must be respected. That the Welsh Labour Government appears to be ignoring the Supreme Court's ruling is totally unacceptable. 'A government that cannot properly distinguish between men and women, and fails to uphold the law, has no place running our public services. 'It is clearer than ever that Wales needs a new government that will protect women's rights, take action on single-sex spaces, women-only sports and fairness in employment policies and practices.' The Welsh Government has maintained that it was still 'considering' the Supreme Court judgment despite almost three months having passed since it was given. Elsewhere in the document, the government commits to editing 'all' transgender staff records to match their transgender identity – even when they do not have a gender recognition certificate (GRC) and therefore have not formally changed gender. 'A person does not require a GRC to live in their affirmed gender – the GRA [Gender Recognition Act] only confers legal recognition of that gender in certain areas,' it reads. The document later adds: 'The Welsh Government will amend all records to match an employee's affirmed gender although HMRC and Pension provisions may only be changed following the receipt of a GRC.' The document also says that non-binary staff who are required to wear workwear will be given male and female versions. 'Where gendered items are part of the uniform, staff can mix and match as they wish,' the document reads. 'Where non-binary staff require both a 'uniform A' and 'uniform B', this will be provided.' Maya Forstater, chief executive of Sex Matters, said: 'This is a ticking time bomb for the Welsh Government. It's as if the For Women Scotland judgment hasn't happened. It ignores the established legal position that 'woman' and 'man' are defined by biological sex. 'Non-binary identities are certainly not recognised in law. This nonsensical policy would not withstand a legal challenge.' A spokesman for the Welsh Government said: 'The document referred to predates the Supreme Court ruling. 'As an employer, we are working to understand the implications of the ruling on our policies and practices and will be guided by the revised statutory EHRC Code of Practice once it is published.'
North Wales Live
11-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Fury over bid to extend life of 'dormant' quarry in area of outstanding natural beauty
A planning committee will next week debate extending the life of a dormant quarry in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The debate will take place on Wednesday (July 16) when Denbighshire County Council councillors will discuss Tarmac Trading Ltd's Section 73 application, which if granted could allow the company to continue working at Burley Hill Quarry for 15 years. The quarry on Pant Du Road, Eryrys, near Mold, was originally granted planning permission in 1950 until December 13, 2021, and now the company wants permission to continue extracting 3.8m tonnes of limestone. But those against the development cite noise, heavy traffic, damage to the environment, and disturbance as reasons to reject the plans. Others have raised concerns about the damage to tourism. The debate has twice been delayed by the planning committee in March and April, following councillors voting to defer t he application to allow further public consultation. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. But planning officers are recommending the committee grants permission, despite widespread objections from residents and community councils. Llanferres Community Council, Llanarmon-yn-Iâl Community Council, Nercwys Community Council, and Mold Town Council all object to the proposals. So too does the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) joint advisory committee, as well as Madra and Ramblers Cymru. Senedd members Sam Rowland, Carolyn Thomas, Darren Millar, Lyr Gruffydd, Hannah Blythyn, and Mark Isherwood have all raised major concerns. Speaking today (Friday), Darren Millar MS said: 'The reasons for refusing this application are plentiful, and I am not surprised that so many residents are up in arms against the application. Llanferres Community Council have set up a petition against the proposals which has been signed by almost 400 people. The quarry closed 20 years ago, and there has been a lot of change in the area since then with many new businesses, many of which rely on tourism to thrive. 'We need to protect local residents and businesses, from noise and pollution, and safeguard road safety along the route from Pant Du, through Nercwys and into Mold.' He added: 'Opposing reopening the quarry will also protect important wildlife habitats and help to maintain the environment in the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. An extension to this quarry would be severely detrimental to the local area.' A letter sent to Denbighshire from Llanarmon yn iâl Community Council reads: 'As the site is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with narrow roads, a further 15 years of extraction would cause unacceptable disruption. 'The woods were divided into plots, and the offices are now used as holiday accommodation; this holiday accommodation is now too close to the quarry. Since Hendre Quarry (in Flintshire) has gained planning permission for a large extension, it would now enable a good supply of better-quality stone.' The AONB Joint Advisory Committee also wrote to the council. The letter said: 'Reopening the quarry and extending its life for a further 15 years will have a significant adverse impact on local tranquillity through an increase in noise, heavy traffic, and a general increase in activity and disturbance associated with quarrying operations.' But planning officers say that if the quarry is refused permission, 'reserves would remain unworked, and the minerals would be required to be acquired elsewhere', and this would have 'implications for the continuity of aggregate supplies in Denbighshire, northeast Wales, and beyond into the North West Region of England'. A planning statement added: 'It is therefore considered that there is a demonstrable need for the mineral which would outweigh any temporary harm to the tranquillity of the AONB, which can be mitigated. Whilst it is considered that there would be an impact on tranquillity, it would not undermine the natural beauty of the AONB, given the limited time and frequency of the proposed campaign events. 'Furthermore, the proposed operations would be at a lesser intensity with a reduced output level compared to that of when the site was operational pre-2005 when the AONB designation was in place. Therefore, the impact on tranquillity alone would not justify a reason for refusal of this extension-of-time application and as such, on balance, planning permission should be granted.' The planning meeting takes place on Wednesday 16 July at Ruthin County Hall HQ.
Telegraph
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Why has a former Tory cabinet minister just defected to Reform?
The Welsh Tories are in a sorry old state. After being obliterated at Westminster last July, they face devastation in Cardiff Bay next May. Down to just 10 per cent in the polls, the Conservatives face being reduced to a rump of six seats in the expanded 96-strong Senedd. Party membership is now less than 3,500. Darren Millar, its leader in the Welsh parliament, has proved unable to stop the rot since taking over in December. 'It's the brand, not the leader', argues one Tory. The decision of David Jones to defect is the latest symptom of that malaise. After 50 years as a card-carrying Conservative, the former Welsh Secretary now says that 'Reform UK is the party that best represents my views'. The ex-MP cites the cost of living, illegal immigration and the 'erosion of our national sovereignty'. Pointedly, he notes 'I wrote to the party chairman in October to inform him of my intention not to renew my membership. I did not receive a reply'. That will resonate with many disgruntled activists. Critics will jibe that Jones is not the most high-profile of names. This was, as he himself admits, a defection long in the making. Yet it would be foolish to dismiss his decision to switch parties. Jones says he has no plans to stand for election. Instead, he will offer a useful source of advice as Reform tries to find 40 high-calibre Senedd candidates. His years of experience will aid the new party's development of a credible policy platform too. 'He will play a key role in the background', says an aide. 'Frankly, that was needed.' Jones' decision helps Reform in other ways too. The criticism of Nigel Farage has always been that he is unable to build an effective team around him. With 16,000 members now, those within the Welsh party argue that this is clearly no longer the case. Jones' decision will be taken as a green light by other Tory waverers, with future defections already in the works. He will likely play a role in future broadcast commitments, helping to share the burdens of leadership and prove that Reform is not a one-man band. Farage is expected to make more barnstorming visits to Wales over the coming months. But members of his team are now looking to 'spread the magic' of the limelight to others over the next 12 months. In England, that will probably be Zia Yusuf and potentially, Lee Anderson, to highlight his journey from the pit to parliament. But in Wales, Jones, as Reform's most senior defector to date, is likely to fill that gap. The key for Reform will be learning from the mistakes of the Welsh Conservatives. Thus far, the party has stressed its broad base, peeling off Plaid supporters in the West and Labour voters in the south valleys. If they can avoid the splits on devolution that have riven the Tories, Reform UK will be well placed to win 30 seats come next May.
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Mark Drakeford's tourism tax will be a 'disaster' for Wales
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Darren Millar MS, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, and Sam Rowlands MS, the Welsh Conservative finance spokesman, have written this joint piece against Wales' tourism tax which is going to its final vote in the Senedd on Tuesday, July 8. This week, in the Senedd, members of the Cardiff Bay political establishment will vote together to create a new tax. Only the Welsh Conservatives voted against the dreaded tourism tax, because we know that on every measure it will harm Welsh tourism. We have the ideal case study in the form of Rachel Reeves' tax policy. We know that her jobs tax, coupled with her family farms tax and general hostility to business has shrunk the economy, harmed investor confidence, and increased unemployment (which is up by 50% in Wales since July of last year). Welsh Labour's toxic tourism tax will do the same to Wales. The tourism industry is already having to deal with the harshest business rates in Britain as well as Labour's decision to cut relief for the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. The Welsh Conservatives will scrap business rates altogether for small businesses, unlocking our high streets in tourism hotspots and across Wales and don't forget, as with many of Labour's wrongheaded decisions, their so-called 'Visitor Accommodation Levy' Bill could not have progressed without the support of Plaid Cymru, who provided full support throughout for this punitive policy. Who would want to take on the risk of setting up a tourism business here in Wales, with an extra tax on accommodation on its way? £1.30 per person, per night, may not be much for well-paid politicians in Cardiff Bay, but is a considerable cost for price-sensitive visitors looking for an affordable family holiday in Wales. In fact, a family on holiday in a self-catering unit for a week at £300 could be charged nearly £60 in tourism tax, a 20% increase in the cost of their holiday! Be in no doubt, the tourism tax will hit the poorest the hardest. Crucially, unlike what Labour and Plaid like to tell us, this isn't just a 'small' £1.30 charge. That is the minimum levy that will be imposed, because the Bill actually paves the way for councils to add an unlimited uncapped premium per night on top. The Visitor Levy Bill's explanatory memorandum is clear. It states that Labour Ministers have the ability 'to make regulations specifying the maximum amount of the premium which may be added by a principal council.' You can be sure that nationalist-run councils will be itching to pull that lever again and again to deter even more visitors, with no thought for their local economies. On top of all of this, VAT is applied only after this tax is applied, inflating those costs for tourists further still. The sheer size of the hit to the Welsh economy will be enormous. Labour's own figures, cited in their explanatory memorandum, point to an up to £576 million cost over the next decade. Even the most optimistic scenario is a net economic loss of tens of millions of pounds, far from the growth delivery agenda promised by Keir Starmer. The tourism tax will also be a disaster for jobs. The same economic analysis from Cardiff University warns of up to 730 job losses per year. This kind of annual hit to a sector of the economy supporting 1-in-7 jobs would be absolutely devastating for Wales. The Wales Tourism Alliance, The Professional Association of Self Caterers and UK Hospitality, key representatives of the tourism sector, have all voiced their opposition to Labour's Tourism Tax. Their concerns are numerous, but include a lack of obligation being placed on local authorities to allocate the funding to tourism-related initiatives, something that was promised by Labour. Regardless, councils will inevitably use any new cash, even if it is earmarked to improve the local offer, as a replacement for the funding already being used for that purpose. This will mean that the money will simply be siphoned off, rendering the Tourism Tax just another revenue raiser for day-to-day council spending, rather than the extra investment in facilities to attract visitors. For all of these reasons, the Welsh Conservatives are reaffirming our commitment to axing the toxic tourism tax. If a Welsh Conservative Government is elected next year, we will even be able to do so before the tax comes into force and prevent much of the damage that this policy will inflict. And we will go even further, because on top of this new tax, self-catering accommodation businesses are also been forced to pay council tax premiums of up to 200% if they don't meet the Welsh Labour Government's arbitrary 182-day minimum occupancy threshold, regardless of those businesses' legitimate attempts to meet it. That is why the Welsh Conservatives are also committed to reducing that threshold to 105 days, the HMRC definition of a self-catering accommodation business, to save small businesses from having to face that unfair cliff edge. Ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, the Welsh Conservatives will be offering a positive vision to fix Wales, one that supports the tourism sector and helps it to thrive, not one that hinders it. Our party is clear, with a clapped out Labour government, on its way out of office, we have a unique opportunity to change Wales for the better. Creating new taxes and regulations is the Labour way, the Plaid Cymru way and the Lib Dem way. But we Welsh Conservatives are a low tax party that is unashamedly pro-business, pro-jobs and pro-tourism. Eliminating barriers and unlocking growth in the economy is our Welsh Conservative way. It's time to axe the Tourism Tax and it's time to fix Wales.
