Latest news with #MSs
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Two of Wales' most senior councillors bite back against MSs who want to change the system
Two of Wales' most senior councillors bite back against MSs who want to change the system Councils are already collaborating and Senedd members with a 'cushy' job should keep out, according to local authority leaders Andrew Morgan is leader of the Welsh Local Government Association (Image: WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh ) Cutting the number of councils in Wales would likely not save money as authorities are already collaborating to save money, a senior Welsh council leader has said – while taking a pop at any Senedd members who suggest otherwise. The Welsh Local Government Association – the body which represents Wales' 22 councils – is currently meeting for its annual conference in Llandudno. Ahead of that some of its most senior members spoke to journalists about the challenges facing councils and were asked if the long-discussed topic of local government reorganisation remained on the table. The answer was an emphatic and defiant 'no'. The current local government structure in Wales was established in 1996 and the debate about whether the number of councils in Wales needs to change has been ongoing for years since. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. After the 2016 Assembly election current finance minister Mark Drakeford was given responsibility for councils and said while 22 authorities could remain as the "front door" to which people would access key services there would be an "enhanced level of mandatory and systematic regional working" with the aim of ensuring greater resilience and better planning and delivery of services regionally Article continues below A year later, following a cabinet reshuffle, Alun Davies was appointed to the local government role and indicated he wanted to see 10 local authority areas. However he then rowed back and said he was no longer pursuing compulsory mergers, making him the third Welsh Government minister to abandon reorganisation plans. You can recap all that here. When, this week, a question about whether the number of councils should be cut from 22 was put to the head of the WLGA and leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council Andrew Morgan, because the topic continued to be discussed by some Senedd members, he bit back. "Some of the people, sometimes, who say about local government organisation, perhaps maybe they should just try spend some time as a councillor. Maybe if they understood what day to day goes on in a all very well a backbencher in the Senedd [saying that] but I think they've got a cushy life compared to most council leaders and the work and effort has to be put in. "I also would say maybe sometimes they don't speak from a point of evidence." Cllr Morgan said slashing staff and setting up large super-councils could make initial savings and he accepted there was an element of "spend to save" but said there is a £1bn-plus shortfall predicted over the next three years for local government. "If you could make £200m saving over the long term, that doesn't cover the shortfall in funding for one year," he said. Cllr Morgan said there were now plenty of examples of different councils working together. For example Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Bridgend share regulatory services while RCT and Merthyr have shared youth services and community safety resources. "Every local authority can identify lots of savings where we reduced officers and we are now covered in a bigger geographical area in terms of our services," he said. "We're constantly trying to reduce down those savings. If you go back a decade and say a decade ago that £200m could be saved – although we questioned at the time it was feasible – I would argue an awful lot of those savings have already been made through the changes and the collaborations we've done. "I would say to anybody who thinks that local government reorganisation is a silver bullet – I would suggest it's like putting a plaster on someone who has just lost their arm. It really isn't going to save us long-term. I would really question those people who think that this is the way forward." Mark Pritchard, the leader of Wrexham council, said he believed reorganisation was "a vanity project – one of many from the Welsh Government". He said: "Whether you have 11 local authorities in Wales, or 15 or 18 or 22, you still have to fund them accordingly. "Is there a possibility of savings? Maybe. I don't do knee-jerk reactions, I never have, but there has to be a strong business case." He said there was little evidence of how money would be saved. "If you're going to change something you have to change it for the betterment of the services and if you can save money at the same time why wouldn't you want to do it? Absolutely," he said. But he added: "Wales is a very diverse place, different cultures – different languages, different understandings. It's not a Manchester, it's not a Birmingham or London. Article continues below "Look at the health board [here] – big is not always better. The reason why the health board is in a mess, in my opinion, is because they've created a monster. It's too big and the sooner we reduce it the better". Of Senedd members advocating reorganisation he said he was "against throwaway remarks", adding: "It's a little bit rich when they're increasing the MSs to 96 when we don't need them."
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
MPs debate how much say Senedd should have on assisted dying
Proposed changes to a law on assisted dying would deprive the Senedd of the power to decide when to bring the bill into force, the House of Commons has have spent a second day debating amendments to Kim Leadbeater's private members bill.A power for the Senedd to decide when most of the bill comes into law was added at an earlier stage, but Kim Leadbeater is now trying to have that supporters say this will better reflect the fact that criminal law is not the Senedd's responsibility, but Liberal Democrat Sarah Olney said the bill gives the UK Parliament the power to impose the law on the Senedd. A Labour politician said that some parliamentarians were "confused" about what is and is not said the Welsh Parliament had already rejected the idea last of the Senedd (MSs) voted against the principle of an assisted dying law last October - with 19 in support and 26 against the motion that was tabled by Labour MS Julie those opposed at the time were the First Minister Eluned Morgan and the Health Minister Jeremy Miles - senior figures in the government that would be tasked with implementing the bill in Senedd is likely to have to vote again on the bill at least once, and despite the last result, what might happen is people abstained in October - enough to allow the motion to pass if they changed their motion itself also did not ask Senedd members if they supported Leadbeater's private members bill, which is narrower in scope than what Labour MS Julie Morgan had tabled the Miles told S4C's Y Byd yn ei Le in April that his view had not changed on the "principle of it"."I think the question in terms of the pressure on people at the end of their life is very complex, and there are important responsibilities related to that," he Miles said "we have the principle of the Sewell convention, which requires that every devolved parliament has a voice on this, and the voice of the Senedd here in Wales has been clear on this so far".The Cardiff parliament will need to debate whether it gives legislative consent over the bill - a move that would not be legally binding but would say whether or not the Senedd is in on Friday debated how much legal power MSs should have. If the changes pass, the Welsh government will still be able to table regulations in the Senedd, but only on devolved UK government will also have powers to make its own the bill's committee stage, Olney amended the bill to add powers for the Senedd to vote on regulations that would bring the bill into force - effectively giving MSs a say on when it becomes proposal was opposed by UK Labour ministers Stephen Kinnock and Sarah Sackman, as well as Leadbeater MP Kinnock said the clause could potentially "create a disparity, particularly in relation to the introduction of the criminal offences, and a lack of certainty".In the Commons on Friday Leadbeater said she had recognised "from the outset that the legislation must respect devolution".She said her changes "ensure that the devolution settlement is respected and adhered to". 'Loophole' Two Welsh Labour MPs spoke in favour of removing the Senedd's ability to decide when to bring the bill into Barros-Curtis, MP for Cardiff West, said they "fully respect the devolution settlement by ensuring that Welsh ministers have all necessary powers on devolved aspects of the bill - health - while retaining the powers of UK ministers over aspects that are not devolved".Catherine Fookes, Labour MP for Monmouth, argued that some MPs "seem confused about what is and is not devolved".She said UK ministers would retain powers over aspects that are not devolved "such as criminal justice provisions and, crucially, changes to the Suicide Act 1961".Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney told the Commons the bill "gives the UK Parliament the power to impose on the Senedd in Wales a measure that it has expressly said it does not want", and said Leadbeater's amendment would "deprive the Senedd of the right to exercise its legitimate powers"."It is not just that the amendment would restore the constitutional loophole that the committee had closed; it threatens to create real problems and risks for Welsh citizens if the Senedd is forced to implement the Bill before its devolved healthcare system is ready," she said. Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts, who is in support of the bill more broadly, also spoke against the removal of the commencement said there was a "question of respect for decisions already made in the Senedd".After the debate, she said the bill could create a situation where "assisted dying would be legalised in Wales, but available only outside the NHS, in private settings"."That outcome would be unacceptable to those of us who believe in the importance of the NHS as a universal public service," she amendments did not come to a vote on Friday - they are expected to be voted on at a later stage. Meanwhile provisions for Welsh speakers were said if "a patient in Wales has Welsh as their first or preferred language, all efforts should be made to ensure they can communicate with voluntary assisted dying services in Welsh".
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
All the Welsh acts who have performed at the Eurovision Song Contest
All the Welsh acts who have performed at the Eurovision Song Contest Several Welsh performers have taken to the Eurovision stage - but who were they, what did they sing and where did they place, if at all? Welsh legend Bonnie Tyler even took the stage for the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. (Image: Richard Swingler ) Across the nation, folks are eagerly preparing for the Eurovision Song Contest as the grand final is looming. Although, there are people across Wales wondering, why can't we compete separately to the UK? Well, in January of this year, MSs discussed a petition that was created by calling for Wales to compete in the competition. Bakel Walden, from the EBU, wrote: "As the BBC continues to participate, and remains the rights holder in the United Kingdom, this means an entry from the individual nations of the UK is therefore not possible at the Eurovision Song Contest." This is because only one broadcaster in the UK is allowed broadcasting rights and as it stands that is the BBC. In the case of Junior Eurovision in 2018 and 2019, the BBC didn't want the rights and instead S4C took the job, meaning Wales was able to complete singlehandedly with Welsh language songs. That being said, despite not competing as Wales, plenty of Welsh people have competed in the competition. Let's take a look? For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Mary Hopkin (1970) Place: 7th. Article continues below The first Welsh performer at Eurovision was Mary, who represented the UK in 1970 with her song Knock, Knock Who's There. Born in Pontardawe, Mary is now 75 years old. She continues to create music and released her latest album, Two Hearts with her daughter in May 2023. Nicky Stevens (1976) Place: 1st. In 1976, Nicky brought the Eurovision title home as part of the group Brotherhood of Man. The band scored their first hit in 1974 and entered Eurovision two years later with the song Save Your Kisses For Me. In 2022, Brotherhood of Man - which also includes Martin Lee, Lee Sheriden and Sandra Stevens - announced their retirement from touring. Emma Louise Booth (1990) Place: 6th. Bridgend's own Emma Louise Booth holds the record as the youngest person to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1990, when she was just 15. Now 50 and residing in Seattle with her family, Emma secured a respectable sixth place with her song Give a Little Love Back to the World. Jessica Garlick(2002) Place: 3rd In 2002, Jessica Garlick brought the UK its highest score of the noughties with her song Come Back, finishing third. Born in Derbyshire and educated at Glan-y-Mor Comprehensive School in Burry Port, Jessica had previously showcased her talent on ITV's Pop Idol. James Fox (2004) Place:16th Cardiff's James Fox didn't fare as well when he represented the UK at the 2004 Eurovision contest. His song Hold Onto Our Love landed him in 16th place. Now 49, James has since moved into musical theatre and penned the Cardiff City's FA Cup Final song Bluebirds Flying High in 2008. Bonnie Tyler (2013) Place: 19th Neath's Bonnie Tyler was the UK's hopeful in 2013, but despite her fame, she finished in 19th place with her song Believe in Me. Most people will recall Bonnie, now aged 73, for her hit songs Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out For A Hero. Her work has garnered her three Grammy Award nominations and three Brit Award nominations, among other honours. Joe and Jake (2016) Place: 24th Joe and Jake are a British duo which includes Joe Woolford and Jake Shakeshaft. They performed in Stockholm's Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song You're Not Alone, and unfortunately finished in 24th place. Although Jake was born in Stoke on Trent, Joe is very much a Welsh boy who was born and raised in Ruthin in North Wales. The pair met whilst competing in the Voice UK in 2015. Lucie Jones (2017) Position: 15th The most recent Welsh Eurovision star is West End sensation Lucie Jones, who represented the UK at the contest in 2017. She ultimately secured 15th place with her song Never Give Up on You. Lucie gained fame while participating in the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009 where she finished in eighth place. She has also performed as Fantine in the West End production of Les Miserables and has more recently announced she will be performing at this year's Glastonbury. Article continues below This year's Eurovision Song Contest will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm on Saturday, May 17.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What's your Senedd constituency?
On 7 May 2026, voters in Wales will head to the polls for the next Senedd election. It is likely to be one of the most consequential elections to Cardiff Bay since the National Assembly for Wales was established in 1999. A brand new set of constituencies has been created for this election as part of wider changes to the way the Senedd is elected. Here's a brief guide to the new electoral map. What's changing? Currently the Senedd has 60 members. Forty of them are elected to represent individual constituencies. The remaining 20 are regional Members of the Senedd (MS), with four politicians elected from each of the five electoral regions across Wales. But next year the total number of MSs in Cardiff Bay is increasing to 96, and the electoral map is being completely redrawn. The existing constituencies and regions will all go. They'll be replaced with 16 new, larger constituencies and each one will be represented by six MSs. What are the new constituencies? [BBC] Some of the new constituencies are vast, with Gwynedd Maldwyn stretching from the westernmost tip of the Llyn Peninsula all the way to the border with England. Here's the full list of the new constituencies: Bangor Conwy Môn Clwyd Fflint Wrecsam Gwynedd Maldwyn Ceredigion Penfro Sir Gaerfyrddin Gŵyr Abertawe Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd Afan Ogwr Rhondda Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni Sir Fynwy Torfaen Casnewydd Islwyn Caerdydd Penarth Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg How were the new seats decided? The new map has been drawn up by Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru. Because of a lack of time ahead of the next Senedd election, the commission was told to take the 32 Welsh constituencies used at the last Westminster election and pair them up to create 16 new super-constituencies. The commission was told the paired-up seats had to be "contiguous", and it interpreted this to mean that there had to be a direct road link between them. The commission will be able to review the map following the election and consider changes ahead of the next vote in 2030. Under the new system there will be 16 constituencies, each represented by six MSs [Getty Images] Why do constituencies only have Welsh language names? The commission was asked to try to come up with a single name for each of the new constituencies. It believes the names chosen "are acceptable and recognisable for people across Wales". However, while language campaigners have welcomed the decision to use Welsh-only names, others have criticised it. Welsh Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies said that because Wales is a bilingual country, the constituency names "should be in both languages".
BBC News
29-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
First Minister's Questions from the Senedd
Croeso Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Eluned Morgan's twenty-fifth session of First Minister's Questions. The Siambr (Senedd chamber) has now closed for renovations until March 2026, as work starts on altering the chamber to accommodate the 96 Members who will be chosen in the next Senedd election in May 2026. From today the MSs are meeting in Siambr Hywel, the original debating chamber that housed the then National Assembly for Wales from 1999 to 2006. The meeting is held in a hybrid format, with some members in Siambr Hywel and others joining by video-conference. You can click on the play button above to watch the proceedings from 1.30pm.
