Latest news with #Jewell
South Wales Argus
18 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Senedd members warn Wales is 'too late' on environment
Delyth Jewell expressed concerns about delays in introducing the environment bill, which aims to reverse nature loss, with one in six species now at risk of extinction in Wales. Plaid Cymru's shadow climate secretary said: "For years, Wales has been behind the curve and we've been an unfortunate exception in terms of environmental governance." Gaps arising from Brexit left Wales with the weakest environmental governance structures in western Europe, according to the Wales Environment Link charity. The bill would establish the "long-awaited" Office of Environmental Governance Wales (OEGW) to check public bodies' environmental performance and hold them to account. Similar bodies were set up in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England in 2021. In 2018, then-climate secretary Julie James committed to legislation to address the governance gap at the "first opportunity." Ministers declared a climate emergency in 2019 before appointing an interim environmental protection assessor in 2021. Ms Jewell, who represents South Wales East, told the Senedd: "At last, I welcome the fact that we're now bridging that gap… the need for targets for nature is clear." If passed by the Senedd, the bill would establish a framework for targets on biodiversity and enable the public to challenge public authorities on environmental issues. Ms Jewell supported calls for headline targets and timeframes, with much of the detail – which is not included in the bill itself – set to follow in regulations. Janet Finch-Saunders, the Conservatives' shadow climate secretary, warned Wales has been lagging on setting biodiversity targets. "This is, I feel… too little, too late," she said. Labour's Huw Irranca-Davies explained the bill goes further in some areas than in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, citing the example of a power to enforce urgent compliance. 'We may be behind other UK nations but actually we've been able to learn the lessons from them," he said. He accepted: "We do now need to proceed with urgency… to refine and craft this."
South Wales Guardian
19 hours ago
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Senedd members warn Wales is 'too late' on environment
Delyth Jewell expressed concerns about delays in introducing the environment bill, which aims to reverse nature loss, with one in six species now at risk of extinction in Wales. Plaid Cymru's shadow climate secretary said: "For years, Wales has been behind the curve and we've been an unfortunate exception in terms of environmental governance." Gaps arising from Brexit left Wales with the weakest environmental governance structures in western Europe, according to the Wales Environment Link charity. The bill would establish the "long-awaited" Office of Environmental Governance Wales (OEGW) to check public bodies' environmental performance and hold them to account. Similar bodies were set up in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England in 2021. In 2018, then-climate secretary Julie James committed to legislation to address the governance gap at the "first opportunity." Ministers declared a climate emergency in 2019 before appointing an interim environmental protection assessor in 2021. Ms Jewell, who represents South Wales East, told the Senedd: "At last, I welcome the fact that we're now bridging that gap… the need for targets for nature is clear." If passed by the Senedd, the bill would establish a framework for targets on biodiversity and enable the public to challenge public authorities on environmental issues. Ms Jewell supported calls for headline targets and timeframes, with much of the detail – which is not included in the bill itself – set to follow in regulations. Janet Finch-Saunders, the Conservatives' shadow climate secretary, warned Wales has been lagging on setting biodiversity targets. "This is, I feel… too little, too late," she said. Labour's Huw Irranca-Davies explained the bill goes further in some areas than in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, citing the example of a power to enforce urgent compliance. 'We may be behind other UK nations but actually we've been able to learn the lessons from them," he said. He accepted: "We do now need to proceed with urgency… to refine and craft this."
Western Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Senedd members warn Wales is 'too late' on environment
Delyth Jewell expressed concerns about delays in introducing the environment bill, which aims to reverse nature loss, with one in six species now at risk of extinction in Wales. Plaid Cymru's shadow climate secretary said: "For years, Wales has been behind the curve and we've been an unfortunate exception in terms of environmental governance." Gaps arising from Brexit left Wales with the weakest environmental governance structures in western Europe, according to the Wales Environment Link charity. The bill would establish the "long-awaited" Office of Environmental Governance Wales (OEGW) to check public bodies' environmental performance and hold them to account. Similar bodies were set up in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England in 2021. In 2018, then-climate secretary Julie James committed to legislation to address the governance gap at the "first opportunity." Ministers declared a climate emergency in 2019 before appointing an interim environmental protection assessor in 2021. Ms Jewell, who represents South Wales East, told the Senedd: "At last, I welcome the fact that we're now bridging that gap… the need for targets for nature is clear." If passed by the Senedd, the bill would establish a framework for targets on biodiversity and enable the public to challenge public authorities on environmental issues. Ms Jewell supported calls for headline targets and timeframes, with much of the detail – which is not included in the bill itself – set to follow in regulations. Janet Finch-Saunders, the Conservatives' shadow climate secretary, warned Wales has been lagging on setting biodiversity targets. "This is, I feel… too little, too late," she said. Labour's Huw Irranca-Davies explained the bill goes further in some areas than in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, citing the example of a power to enforce urgent compliance. 'We may be behind other UK nations but actually we've been able to learn the lessons from them," he said. He accepted: "We do now need to proceed with urgency… to refine and craft this."
Pembrokeshire Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
‘No-show' First Minister ‘undermined' Senedd scrutiny
WALES' First Minister Eluned Morgan undermined a Senedd inquiry on international relations by declining to give evidence in person, a committee warned. Delyth Jewell, who chairs the culture and international relations committee, expressed concern about a continued lack of detailed evidence from the Welsh Government. She said: 'It is regrettable that the First Minister's decision not to attend our committee in person to give oral evidence, coupled with this lack of essential detail in written evidence, has undermined our ability to carry out meaningful scrutiny. 'That is something I hope very much will change in the future.' Baroness Morgan, whose responsibilities include international relations, instead provided the inquiry with written evidence 'which fell below the standard we expect'. Leading a debate on an annual report about international relations, Ms Jewell said the First Minister reneged on commitments made to the committee by her predecessors. Baroness Morgan signalled a shift last year, publishing a 'delivery plan' with 15 aims rather than following through on a refresh of the international strategy, which contains 270 actions. 'Important commitments made to our committee in terms of involvement have been rolled back,' said Ms Jewell, who criticised a mismatch between the delivery plan and strategy. South Wales East MS Delyth Jewell Warning of a lack of openness, the Plaid Cymru politician said: 'This lack of coherence undermines, again, accountability and makes effective scrutiny all the more difficult.' The Welsh Government accepted six of the committee's eight recommendations. Ms Jewell pointed out that while ministers accepted the first recommendation – which called for regular progress updates – 'the accompanying narrative contradicts that'. Gareth Davies argued that international relations are reserved to Westminster. The Conservative questioned the return Welsh taxpayers receive for the Welsh Government's 20 overseas offices which cost £4.6m in 2024. Conservative MS Gareth Davies Mr Davies told the Senedd: 'I fear that that answer would be, 'very little'. And that is why the Welsh Conservatives support shutting down overseas offices and redirecting the money back to frontline services, where it is needed most. 'This network is expensive and, in far too many cases, it appears to be duplicating work already being done by UK embassies and trade commissioners.' But he backed the committee's calls for St David's Day to become a bank holiday – with discussions between Welsh and UK Labour ministers said to be ongoing. Heledd Fychan was disappointed that Baroness Morgan was not in the chamber to respond to the debate on May 21: 'Not having the First Minister here today, given that we knew that this debate was happening, is very frustrating.' Labour's Alun Davies accused the Conservatives of a lack of understanding about the importance of the Welsh Government's 'essential' overseas office network. Labour MS Alun Davies He said: 'They're seeking out new opportunities to bring work and jobs to this country, to increase the profile of Wales in these places. It's the work that we need done if Wales is to be taken seriously as a global nation.' His colleague Mick Antoniw, the Welsh Government's former chief legal adviser, similarly criticised 'contradictions and confusion' from the Conservative benches. 'International relations are not reserved,' he said. 'International relations are about supporting Welsh interests in devolved areas.' 'Crucial' Jane Hutt, secretary for social justice, trefnydd and chief whip Responding for the Welsh Government, Jane Hutt told the chamber that the First Minister will meet the committee in June as part of a new inquiry into international relations. The minister said: 'Scrutiny is crucially important, and it will happen not just at that committee meeting but here today as we receive your report. 'But it will be an opportunity for the First Minister to discuss the work we are doing to enhance our global relationships and how we seek to achieve our goals.' Ms Hutt described the international strategy, which was first published five years ago, as a bold statement of intent to raise Wales' profile and grow the economy. She agreed with Mr Antoniw: 'We need a wider international debate and I am sure the First Minister will be reflecting on that.'
New York Post
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Facts of Life' star Geri Jewell reveals her closest co-star — and what remark shocked Norman Lear
Forty-five years later, Geri Jewell knows for a fact which episode was her favorite. The actress, 68, starred as Blair Warner's cousin, Geri Tyler, on the iconic 80s sitcom 'Facts of Life,' and she still looks back at her time on the show with the fondest of memories. 'Out of all the episodes I did, my favorite one was the first one,' Jewell exclusively told The Post during the Jonathan Foundation Fundraiser last Saturday. Advertisement 12 Geri Jewell attends the Jonathan Foundation's 11th annual Spring Fundraiser at Sheraton Universal Hotel on May 17, 2025 in Universal City, California. Getty Images 'The very first one that I did,' expressed the comedian, whose first episode was Season 2 Episode 5, titled 'Cousin Geri.' 'It was written for me. It was tailored for me.' Advertisement Jewell, who has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and posture, brought awareness to those with disabilities by being the first disabled actress to have a recurring role on a primetime television show. The actress, who starred in the hit TV series alongside Lisa Whelchel, Mindy Cohn, Kim Fields, Nancy McKeon and Charlotte Rae, landed the role thanks to one of the show's executive producer's, Norman Lear. 12 Geri Jewell talks with Alexandra Bellusci of the New York Post at the Jonathan Foundation's 11th annual Spring Fundraiser. 12 Geri Jewell during The Jonathan Foundation's 11th Annual Spring Fundraiser. Getty Images Advertisement 'Norman Lear had seen me perform, and he came up to me after the show to introduce himself. In fact, Charlotte Rae was in the audience that night,' she recounted to The Post. 'And he introduced himself and said, 'You know, you're really funny, kid, but you're way before your time.' And I said, 'So? So wait a couple months!' He couldn't believe my response, and two months later, he asked me on 'Facts.'' She appeared on 'Facts of Life' for twelve episodes from 1980 until 1984. 'I have been blessed with so many people who have been there for me and guided me,' Jewell gushed. 'Norman Lear, David Milch. How lucky can you get?' 12 Geri Jewell during Season 3 of 'The Facts of Life.' ©Embassy Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Advertisement 12 Geri Jewell on 'The Facts of Life' in 1982. NBCUniversal via Getty Images While her 'Facts of Life' days are behind her, she's still tight with one cast member. The stand-up comic revealed she's still in touch with Whelchel, 61, who played Blair Warner in the series, adding that they are 'very close.' 'I meet people all the time, and they say, 'I saw you on 'Facts of Life,' and you really changed my life,' Jewell recalled. 'I think I created a sensitivity about people with disabilities that wasn't quite there before — and humor. That was very rare back then. And now there are so many comedians with cerebral palsy!' Jewell has had to adjust how she takes care of her body, explaining she smoothes herself through 'pain management.' 12 Geri Jewell on 'The Facts of Life.' ©Embassy Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection 12 'The Sounds of Silence' – Season 4 of 'The Facts of Life.' ©Embassy Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection 'And I get two vials of Botox injected in my neck, shoulders and back every three months for chronic pain,' Jewell added. 'I've been on Botox since '99. I have the neck of a 12-year-old!' Advertisement Jewell has gotten candid in the past about her titanium neck, sharing on Steve Kmetko's 'Still Here Hollywood' podcast that she deals with the challenges by having 'a sense of humor.' 'It's challenging because now I have other issues with aging. Walking isn't as easy as it used to be,' Jewell detailed in March. 'I've had a certain gait, but my balance is not near as good. My hearing is impaired even more, and I get very, very frustrated.' 12 Norman Lear introduces Geri Jewell and 'The Mitch O'Farrell Leadership Award.' Getty Images 12 Donelle Dadigan, Norman Lear, Geri Jewell and Mitch O'Farrell. Getty Images Advertisement She broke her neck in 1999, which required emergency surgery. 'My neck is now 45% titanium, and it's pretty strong. But this cerebral palsy still wants to move my head all over the place,' the trailblazer confessed, 'and my neck is going, 'No. I can't do that.'' 'I have dystonia, which I always had, but I never realized it,' Jewell said about the muscle disorder — which creates involuntary contractions. It also causes her 'neck [to be] pulled to one side.' Advertisement 'I have a titanium neck. I know when the Botox is wearing off because it's pulling even farther,' said Jewell. 'So I have a lot of issues, but so does everybody else when they age.' 12 Steven Williams, Geri Jewell in '21 Jump Street.' Stephen J. Cannell Productions / Courtesy: Everett Collection Despite the hurdles, the Hollywood vet noted: 'I'm very blessed.' 'All the challenges that I've had — that everybody has in life — it's a sense of humor that's gonna get us through it,' she continued. 'Because if I couldn't laugh once a while I'd be in a loony bin. I have to laugh. You have to.' Advertisement 'Facts of Life' followed a group of girls at the prestigious Eastland School for Young Women and was one of NBC's highest-rated shows in the 1980s. Despite rumors of a reboot swirling in the decades since, Cohn, 59, alleged last year that any plans they had fell through due to a 'greedy bitch.' 'We were all very, very disappointed that it didn't work,' Whelchel confessed to Closer Weekly in April. 12 Geri Jewell, Robby Benson in 'Two of a kind' in 1982. ©Lorimar Film Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection Although the person in question has remained unnamed, the 'Collector's Call' alum added, 'We'd been trying to find a way to work together in some capacity for probably the last 10 years.' 'So, when it looked like this was going to happen, we were all really excited. The contracts were signed and then the writers' strike happened, the actors' strike happened, and then, unfortunately, Pa [Charlotte Rae] and Norman Lear passed. After that, it just kind of dissolved.' Whelchel pressed, 'We were all quite disappointed.' Rae, who starred as housemother Mrs. Garrett, died at age 92 in 2018, five years before Lear passed away in 2023 at 101. In 2001, the actresses came together in 'The Facts of Life Reunion,' which saw their characters reunite in Peekskill, New York for Thanksgiving with Mrs. Garrett. 12 'The Facts of Life.' NBCUniversal via Getty Images Even though a reboot might never come to fruition, the actors still manage to stay close in real life. Last summer, Jewell and Whelchel posed together for a sweet shot on social media. 'We aren't technically family but since we played one on TV (Cousin Geri) and we've known each other for almost a half a century, it sure feels like it!' Whelchel captioned the Instagram photo. 'So good to catch up with the funny and wise and deep and talented, Geri Jewell!'
