Latest news with #MarkPritchard
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Séamas O'Reilly: Once proud defenders of Israel are beginning to backtrack — why now?
You may have noticed it recently. Once proud defenders of Israel's war on Gaza beginning to backtrack a little. A column here, a radio segment there. A sense that sensible, moderate opinion has shifted slightly in every direction you care to look. A dozen or more articles in Britain's broadsheet press, statements from its foreign secretary David Lammy, and Tory MP Mark Pritchard, all expressing their strongest criticism yet of Israel's attacks on the Palestinian people. These, alongside increasingly assertive mentions from both French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz, the latter the most public break from Israel by a German leader in many years. In most of the above cases, their change in tone is not entirely full-throated, couched in enough waffle and caveats that we must deduce the overall effect is intended as 'it's been fine up until now, but this is suddenly too much'. In the case of those political leaders finding their voice anew, their statements uniformly lack the legislative penalties or sanctions that are in their power to bring to bear, nor even strong proposals that such actions are in the post. Given all that has happened for the past 19 months, it's natural to feel a sense of underwhelm, or even anger, when reading these oddly abrupt tip-toeings toward common sense; there is a temptation to dismiss these statements as extremely cynical people arriving much, much too late at one of the easiest moral conclusions any of us could face in our entire lives. For now, I will resist that urge, since anyone invested in justice for the Palestinian people should welcome any institutional shift which makes that justice more likely, no matter how venal or steeped in self-interest it might seem. But, if we are witnessing some small sea change, we are within our rights to ponder how it has come about. And to ask a question I haven't seen examined too closely anywhere else: why now? Certainly, the situation in Palestine is dire. At least 54,000 Palestinians are confirmed dead, with another 120,000 wounded. These are, we must remind ourselves, conservative estimates, the exact numbers likely unknowable. More than 70% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure has been destroyed, including not just homes, places of worship, hospitals, schools, universities, essential services, and engineering projects, but the offices of the very civic bodies that might catalogue and record the genocide unfolding around them. A situation only worsened by the unparalleled killing of journalists, media workers, doctors, and medics, who could report on, or ameliorate the death and destruction being meted out to an entire population. In January, The Lancet estimated that, given these handicaps, the Gaza Health Ministry has likely underestimated traumatic death injuries by over 40% and the correct figure is likely to be closer to 80,000. This does not account for killings in the five months since that report was published, nor do any of the above figures include death by malnutrition and disease. On that latter front, things are especially bleak. Israel has bottlenecked aid going into Gaza throughout their offensive, and blocked it entirely since March, effectively instating famine in the territory. Last week, Palestinian Authority Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan said that 29 children and elderly people had died of 'starvation-related deaths' in just the past few days. A report by the IPC earlier this month said that '71,000 children under the age of five in Gaza are expected to experience acute malnourishment from April 2025 to March 2026'. Gazans have sought refuge in cramped and unsanitary tent camps. There, too, they are not safe from violent death, with the UN reporting last Thursday that, of the 629 Palestinians killed in the previous week, 'at least 358 were killed because of attacks targeting houses and tents for displaced people, with children and women comprising at least 148 of the victims'. Everything mentioned above — the bombing of schools, hospitals and civic infrastructure, the murder of journalists and medics, the blocking of aid and direct targeting of refugee camps — is a war crime. And all of it has been going on for almost the entirety of this conflict, in full view of the global community, with near-total impunity from the US, UK and EU authorities, and a sizeable section of those nations' media classes. So, it is fair to ask, what has changed in the past few weeks? Most of these latecomers to criticism of Israel have centred on its government's recent vow to permanently occupy and resettle Gaza, as part of Operation Gideon's Chariot. Certainly, these plans are horrifying, and the glee with which they have been pronounced provides little room for nuance. 'We are conquering, cleansing, and remaining in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed,' said Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich last week. 'We are disassembling Gaza, and leaving it in ruins with unprecedented destruction, and the world still hasn't stopped us.' One might ask how such statements now merit such close attention when they have been consistent and ubiquitous from senior Israeli ministers since 2024 and, in fact, many decades before. Or how this, the permanent forced displacement of Gaza's two million inhabitants, differs so drastically from the wanton murder and starvation that's been meted out to them up to this point, or the fact that almost the entire population of the region has been displaced for the past year or more. But I'll stop asking 'why now?', since it's unlikely we'll find any answer that makes sense, and there is a more pressing ask on the horizon. If this is a sea change in moral clarity among those who've lacked it for so long, and a recognition of the horror that has been done with their full complicity for the past year and a half, we should welcome it with just one further question: 'what are you willing to do about it?'. Read More Séamas O'Reilly: We have elevated AI that almost never works as well as what it replaces
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham: More than £7m handed out in latest round of grants
The money was handed out this month in the latest round of Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Stakeholder Group grants. The grants, ranging from £50,000 to £700,000, were open to businesses, organisations and communities to help them grow and become more successful. Those wishing to apply had to fit into one of three investment priorities: community and place, supporting local businesses, or people and skills. Each of these priorities had specific themes that applicants had to show how they would address with their project. As well as the grants for the 24 projects, five key funds were also given money to help smaller projects access funding. These smaller grants, of less than £50,000, can be applied for through a simpler application process. Councillor Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, said: "We are really pleased to announce that the companies below have been awarded SPF Grants. "There are a number of criteria to meet to be successful and we look forward to seeing their projects come to fruition. "The smaller grants, applied for through the five key funds listed below, will mean local businesses, organisations and communities seeking smaller amounts of support will be able to take advantage of this scheme too, and I urge them to apply." READ MORE: Fundraiser launched after popular cafe had charity boxes stolen during break-in The funds and projects that received funding are: WCBC Business Team Key Fund £350,000 This Is Wrexham C.I.C. £150,000 Cadwyn Clwyd and AVOW £350,000 WCBC Regeneration Team £347,524.57 WCBC Regeneration Team £347,524.57 Wrexham University £69,800 WeMindTheGap £481,414 MAAS Spectrometry Ltd £392,745 Derwen Joinery Ltd £392,745 Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) AMRC Cymru £378,341 City of Culture Trust £175,000 Groundworks £181,336 Bloci Ltd trading as BlociCarbon £61,500 North Wales Science (Xplore) £699,876.13 WCBC Youth Justice Service £111,500 The Uncommon Accountants Ltd £83,401 Ambition Board North Wales £103,246.89 WCBC Smart Towns £385,500 Net World Sports Ltd £223,500 Wrexham Cycling Club £66,750 Coleg Cambria £274,096.75 Coleg Cambria £380,381 WCBC – New Horizons Pupil Referral Unit £177,760 Brymbo Heritage Trust £109,460 This Is Wrexham C.I.C. £120,000 Brymbo and Tanyfron Regeneration Trust £188,810 The Little Learning Company Limited £219,612.50 Canal and River Trust £374,700 Eisteddfod Cymru £87,597.34
North Wales Live
6 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Hotel development, tourism attraction and port plan are all chasing £51m cash pot for North Wales
A hotel plan, tourism development, and port revamp are part of a 20 strong group of schemes chasing £51m. Ambition North Wales has announced a strong pipeline of new projects, which are being given the opportunity to bid for part of un-allocated Growth Deal funding in the future. The move aims to accelerate regional growth through the delivery of sustainable economic projects across North Wales, which will generate jobs and align with environmental commitments. Each potential new project, 16 confirmed - with a 17th subject to confirmation on scope, has been placed on a Reserve List (full list below). The projects must now produce Business Cases in order to secure part of the funding – which will be considered in terms of their impact for the region and how quickly they can move into delivery. The Reserve List has been drawn up following a review of its own Growth Deal projects by Ambition North Wales – freeing up an initial £51m of funding, and a subsequent expression of interest process. Ambition North Wales partners, Welsh Government and UK Government were invited to put forward their priority public and private sector proposals for consideration. The funding released by Ambition North Wales, following its portfolio review, was possible given its decision to withdraw two of its Growth Deal projects altogether, while moving three on to the new Reserve List - bringing the total number of schemes on the list to 20. Cllr Mark Pritchard, Chair, Ambition North Wales: 'Our name says it all – we have great ambitions for North Wales and we want to deliver faster and smarter for the region. This new Reserve List contains projects with the potential to do just that – as they should be in a position to produce Business Cases over the coming 12-18 months with a view to moving swiftly into delivery, should approval be given. The result will improve the pace of delivery of sustainable economic growth across the region.' The North Wales Growth Deal is a £240m cash pot backed by joint funding from Welsh and UK governments aimed at driving economic growth. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'We welcome the work undertaken by Ambition North Wales to review existing projects and identify a pipeline of potential new proposals. This provides an opportunity to take stock of progress to date and unlock new opportunities, maximising the potential to invest in transformational developments that can swiftly deliver sustainable growth and jobs across the region. We look forward to seeing this work progress over the coming months.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'It's great to see a strong reserve list of projects come forward for investment. 'The purpose of UK Government's funding of Ambition North Wales is to deliver economic growth to the region and create well-paid jobs that will put more money in people's pockets. It's important that successful projects help us to deliver on that commitment.' Full list of projects: Adventure Parc Snowdonia Deliver a significant new visitor experience on the site of the former Adventure Parc Snowdonia facility. Albert Gubay Business School Construction of the Albert Gubay Business School at Bangor University. Bangor Health Hub To develop an integrated Health and Wellbeing Hub in a vacant former shopping centre in the heart of Bangor city centre. Business Gateway Serving as a bridge between Wrexham University and local industry, fostering collaboration, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth. Innovation and Growth Fund To support North Wales businesses in agri-food, tourism, and high-value manufacturing to boost innovation, adopt new tech, and grow regional competitiveness. Kinmel Studios A project to support the film industry in North Wales. NEW-H2 This project will help kick-start the hydrogen economy in North Wales by supporting and delivering a hydrogen hub to include the supply and use of hydrogen. North Anglesey Sites and Premises Delivering 2,200sqm of business space in North Anglesey creating at least 59 jobs, and leveraging the Freeport and low-carbon energy growth. Parc Bryn Cegin - Phase 2 The delivery of a further 20,000 sq ft of employment units at Parc Bryn Cegin. Peboc Gateway Sites Unlocking 6,750sqm of business space in Llangefni, creating at least 186 jobs and maximising benefits of the Anglesey Freeport. Port of Mostyn Upgrading berth and regeneration of former industrial site. Project Prince Construction of 110kt rock mineral wool plant with submerged arc furnace (SAF), primarily to serve the UK and Ireland markets. Property Fund A Commercial Property Development Grant to close viability gaps for private sector developers of industrial and office property, with funding also available for similar public sector developments on a Joint Venture Agreement basis. Quarry Battery A £300m Pumped Storage Hydro / BESS Hybrid scheme in North Wales. Queens Market Hotel Development Provision of mid-range, mid size hotel - a key part of a wider masterplan that is currently being developed for the area. Society 5.0 - Manufacturing and Capability Project Enhance the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre to enable industry to access further world- class high precision engineering resources. St Asaph Business Park - Move on Accommodation Development of high-tech industrial units on St Asaph Business Park. Trawsfynydd A scheme which will include a building to include office spaces, laboratory spaces (exact specification to be confirmed) and ancillary facilities (meeting space, café/canteen etc), to support the nuclear and low carbon energy industry together with the scientific community, located on Trawsfynydd Site. Venue Cymru A project that will expand facilities at Venue Cymru, boost jobs, cut carbon, and attract major shows, conferences, and cultural investment.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Hotel development, tourism attraction and port plan are all chasing £51m cash pot for North 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 A hotel plan, tourism development, and port revamp are part of a 20 strong group of schemes chasing £51m. Ambition North Wales has announced a strong pipeline of new projects, which are being given the opportunity to bid for part of un-allocated Growth Deal funding in the future. The move aims to accelerate regional growth through the delivery of sustainable economic projects across North Wales, which will generate jobs and align with environmental commitments. Each potential new project, 16 confirmed - with a 17th subject to confirmation on scope, has been placed on a Reserve List (full list below). The projects must now produce Business Cases in order to secure part of the funding – which will be considered in terms of their impact for the region and how quickly they can move into delivery. The Reserve List has been drawn up following a review of its own Growth Deal projects by Ambition North Wales – freeing up an initial £51m of funding, and a subsequent expression of interest process. Ambition North Wales partners, Welsh Government and UK Government were invited to put forward their priority public and private sector proposals for consideration. The funding released by Ambition North Wales, following its portfolio review, was possible given its decision to withdraw two of its Growth Deal projects altogether, while moving three on to the new Reserve List - bringing the total number of schemes on the list to 20. Cllr Mark Pritchard, Chair, Ambition North Wales: 'Our name says it all – we have great ambitions for North Wales and we want to deliver faster and smarter for the region. This new Reserve List contains projects with the potential to do just that – as they should be in a position to produce Business Cases over the coming 12-18 months with a view to moving swiftly into delivery, should approval be given. The result will improve the pace of delivery of sustainable economic growth across the region.' The North Wales Growth Deal is a £240m cash pot backed by joint funding from Welsh and UK governments aimed at driving economic growth. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'We welcome the work undertaken by Ambition North Wales to review existing projects and identify a pipeline of potential new proposals. This provides an opportunity to take stock of progress to date and unlock new opportunities, maximising the potential to invest in transformational developments that can swiftly deliver sustainable growth and jobs across the region. We look forward to seeing this work progress over the coming months.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'It's great to see a strong reserve list of projects come forward for investment. 'The purpose of UK Government's funding of Ambition North Wales is to deliver economic growth to the region and create well-paid jobs that will put more money in people's pockets. It's important that successful projects help us to deliver on that commitment.' Full list of projects: Adventure Parc Snowdonia Deliver a significant new visitor experience on the site of the former Adventure Parc Snowdonia facility. Albert Gubay Business School Construction of the Albert Gubay Business School at Bangor University. Bangor Health Hub To develop an integrated Health and Wellbeing Hub in a vacant former shopping centre in the heart of Bangor city centre. Business Gateway Serving as a bridge between Wrexham University and local industry, fostering collaboration, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth. Innovation and Growth Fund To support North Wales businesses in agri-food, tourism, and high-value manufacturing to boost innovation, adopt new tech, and grow regional competitiveness. Kinmel Studios A project to support the film industry in North Wales. NEW-H2 This project will help kick-start the hydrogen economy in North Wales by supporting and delivering a hydrogen hub to include the supply and use of hydrogen. North Anglesey Sites and Premises Delivering 2,200sqm of business space in North Anglesey creating at least 59 jobs, and leveraging the Freeport and low-carbon energy growth. Parc Bryn Cegin - Phase 2 The delivery of a further 20,000 sq ft of employment units at Parc Bryn Cegin. Peboc Gateway Sites Unlocking 6,750sqm of business space in Llangefni, creating at least 186 jobs and maximising benefits of the Anglesey Freeport. Port of Mostyn Upgrading berth and regeneration of former industrial site. Project Prince Construction of 110kt rock mineral wool plant with submerged arc furnace (SAF), primarily to serve the UK and Ireland markets. Property Fund A Commercial Property Development Grant to close viability gaps for private sector developers of industrial and office property, with funding also available for similar public sector developments on a Joint Venture Agreement basis. Quarry Battery A £300m Pumped Storage Hydro / BESS Hybrid scheme in North Wales. Queens Market Hotel Development Provision of mid-range, mid size hotel - a key part of a wider masterplan that is currently being developed for the area. Society 5.0 - Manufacturing and Capability Project Enhance the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre to enable industry to access further world- class high precision engineering resources. St Asaph Business Park - Move on Accommodation Development of high-tech industrial units on St Asaph Business Park. Trawsfynydd A scheme which will include a building to include office spaces, laboratory spaces (exact specification to be confirmed) and ancillary facilities (meeting space, café/canteen etc), to support the nuclear and low carbon energy industry together with the scientific community, located on Trawsfynydd Site. Venue Cymru A project that will expand facilities at Venue Cymru, boost jobs, cut carbon, and attract major shows, conferences, and cultural investment. Wrexham Gateway To address viability and support delivery of the evolving Wrexham Gateway project.
The Independent
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Some Tories privately support PM's stance on Israel and Gaza, Conservative says
Conservative MPs privately support calls by Sir Keir Starmer and the UK's allies for Israel to cease its war in Gaza, one Tory has claimed. Mark Pritchard, Conservative MP for the Wrekin, also said he believed that the Prime Minister was on the 'right side of history' and humanity, in an interview with broadcaster LBC. Mr Pritchard would not be drawn into attacking his party leader Kemi Badenoch, who has criticised the Prime Minister's sanctions on Israeli settlers, as well as his joint statement made earlier this week with the leaders of France and Canada on the Gaza conflict. Sir Keir, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney condemned the Israeli government's 'egregious' actions in Gaza, warning the UK and allies will take 'concrete actions' unless Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu changes course. In a post on X on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu said Hamas wants to 'destroy the Jewish state' and 'annihilate the Jewish people'. He claimed the leaders of the UK, France and Canada were on the 'wrong side of justice' and the wrong side of history. Speaking to LBC, Tory MP Mr Pritchard said: 'Half the population of Gaza are children. They are being literally bombed to bits every single day. They are being slowly starved. 'It's absolutely right the UK Prime Minister, who so happens to be a Labour Prime Minister right now, would stand up on the right side. 'I push it back to the Israeli prime minister. I think Keir Starmer and those standing up for the children of Gaza are on the right side of history, the right side of humanity and are making the right moral judgment.' The Conservative MP, who self-describes as strongly pro-Israel, said he had 'changed to a position where I think we need to recognise a Palestinian state' immediately, having previously thought detailed groundwork was needed before this step was taken. He said: 'It may be symbolic, but I think it will be a huge symbol of support both for the Israelis that want to see that and also for the Palestinians. But the key point at the moment is the Israeli government need to be held to account. 'I support the UK Prime Minister and many more, by the way, in the British Conservative Party are coming up to me privately at the moment.' On Friday, Mrs Badenoch told broadcasters she was 'not surprised' Sir Keir had been criticised by his Israeli counterpart. She suggested that breaking off trade deal talks with Israel over the conflict in Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank were not the 'right way' to send a message to Mr Netanyahu's government. Mr Pritchard told LBC he was 'not coming here to attack' his party leader. 'I'm coming on to support Kemi on the comments on antisemitism, supporting the Prime Minister on his strong stand, finally, on what's going on in Gaza,' he added.
