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Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
From landslide to mudslide, the PM's been buried under the sludge of Labour dissent: QUENTIN LETTS on the welfare reform vote
Welfare minister Liz Kendall put down her novelty spectacles and summoned all the resolution in her slender veins. 'This Government,' she squeaked, 'must not and will not duck the big challenges!' Three and a half hours later: capitulation. Even then, Deputy Whip Mark Tami was prowling the chamber, gazing doggy-eyed at Labour MPs. Treasury minister James Murray – looks like a mortuary assistant – sat sniffing a fishy breeze. He soon scuttled away, as did Ms Kendall. Panic klaxons honked. Cave-in came at 5.25pm when Sir Stephen Timms, the Herman Munster of the operation, announced that the Bill was going to be neutered. Labour MPs cheered at having made Sir Keir Starmer look a fool. Landslide a year ago. Now mudslide. Sir Keir had been buried under the sludge of dissent. All that remains: two legs akimbo and a muffled, nasal voice saying 'the people voted for change'. If No 10 hoped the concession would end Labour in-fighting, it was wrong. Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) gloated at the disarray. Show pony Imran Hussain (Bradford East) was on his hooves, over-egging his wheezy outrage. Ian Lavery (Blyth) shouted: 'This is crazy, man.' Ian Byrne (Liverpool W Derby) said belief in Labour had been 'shattered' by an 'immoral' shambles. The Bill began its second reading after lunch. Off it drifted, like the Hindenburg from Frankfurt in May 1937, amid brave boasts as pennants fluttered. There were hopes that Sir Keir would make a rare visit to his Westminster plantations to sit beside Ms Kendall. This would allow the PM to assert his leadership. Sir Keir was nowhere to be seen. Welfare minister Liz Kendall put down her novelty spectacles and summoned all the resolution in her slender veins in the Commons, writes Quentin Letts Pensions minister Torsten Bell was on parade. I saw him half turn and give a dazzling smile. Oddly, there was no one obvious in his orbit. He did not seem to be aiming that smile at anyone. Just practising his routines. You would not entrust young Torsten with a laden tea-tray. Kemi Badenoch led from the front for the Tories and shook her right arm in animation. She goes all crazy when she does that and it's rather pulse-quickening. You glimpse a wild woman within. Opposition leaders seldom speak in Bill debates but she is making a habit of it. Useful time in the nets. She is growing in confidence. A little. Welfare spending was out of control. 'The rider is getting heavier than the horse.' The Tories were 'the only party calling for restraint'. Nigel Farage's Reform MPs, since you ask, were absent. The day being hot, some used fans. Nadia Whittome (Lab, Nottingham E) and Stella Creasy (Lab, Walthamstow) had battery-operated jobs. Cat Smith (Lab, Lancaster & Wyre) fluttered an elegant Spanish one. Kim Johnson's was as big as a squash racket. She waved it with such vigour that the resultant gale caused havoc with the hairdo of her neighbour Rebecca Long-Bailey. A clerk chewed gum. Clive Betts (Lab, Sheffield SE) muttered to himself. The Lib Dems' Steve Darling held the paw of his guide dog. More than one Labour MP spoke of 'encouraging people to try work', as if work were an exotic starter at a Persian restaurant. Sheep's eye in custard. We must encourage people to try it. Chris McDonald (Lab, Stockton N) deplored Mrs Badenoch's lack of 'empathy' to welfare recipients. What about 'empathy' for Stockton taxpayers who rise at dawn and slog off to work only to have half their wages nicked to pay for welfare grabbers that Ms Kendall used to call 'Mickey takers'? Rachael Maskell (Lab, York C) was affectingly tearful and even quoted Nelson Mandela. Marie Tidball (Lab, Penistone) was a ball of impressively theatrical fury. Jeremy Corbyn (Ind, Islington N) spoke for his former tribe: 'If it does cost more money, so be it.' It was, in short, a day of prime ministerial panic, when Starmerite greasers saw the mirage fade and the Left reasserted its dominance. Tony Blair faced a similar rebellion in December 1997. I remember Harriet Harman afterwards hugging members of the sisterhood. Blair stood his ground and won. Starmer folded.
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
His Majesty's Birthday Honours List: Wrexham and Flintshire
1,215 recipients in total have been awarded for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus this year on those who have given their time to public service. This year's recipients include dedicated community champions, role models in sport, pioneers in the arts, passionate health workers, and supporters of young people. Recipients from Wales make up 6% of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year. Across Wrexham and Flintshire, four individuals are being honoured, and two with connections to the region. The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: "Huge congratulations to the incredible individuals from Wales who have been recognised in The King's Birthday Honours List. 'Each award recipient has demonstrated dedication, passion, and commitment to their communities, making significant contributions that resonate far and wide. 'Your work in supporting vulnerable people, championing the arts, increasing access to sport and improving lives in countless ways, serves as an inspiration to all. Thank you for your exceptional service.' Here are the 2025 recipients from the Wrexham and Flintshire region: The Rt Hon Mark Tami is to receive one of the highest honours in the UK, a Knighthood granted by His Royal Highness for Political and Public Service. Mark Tami MP (Image: Newsquest) Mark Tami is the Labour MP for Alyn and Deeside, and has been an MP continually since June 2001. He currently holds the Government post of Treasurer of HM Household (Deputy Chief Whip, House of Commons). In response to the news, Mark Tami MP said: "I'm surprised and delighted to receive such a great honour." Muriel is receiving an MBE for services to the community in Wrexham. At the age of 88-years-old she has only recently retired from her 50-year career in the Royal Voluntary Service. Beryl Morgan (Image: UGC) During her time in RVS she coordinated volunteer drivers to take elderly and vulnerable people to medical appointments they might not otherwise be able to make. She worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure the service was maintained and that even in one of the most challenging times for the service, their service users were still able to attend critical medical appointments. 56-year-old Rebecca will be honoured for services to Mountain Rescue. She is a role model and mentor, breaking down barriers for women in the team, and her diversity policy has been adopted by other teams. Becky Ashcroft (Image: North Wales Mountain Rescue Association) Rebecca has led the North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2020, utilising her knowledge of charity law, protocols, and procedures. She is also a highly qualified Search Manager, recognised as one of the best in the UK. Rebecca, from Mold, has served as a Trustee since 2016 and as Chair since 2022 of NEWSAR. As the Trauma Incident Manager, she assists the public and supports team members who have experienced stressful and disturbing events during mountain rescue operations. Rebecca joined the Mountain Rescue team at the age of 17 in February 1986, having already been involved through volunteering with NEWSAR as part of her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Iain is an Operations Officer for the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association, and is to receive the honour for his services to Mountain Rescue (Mold, Clwyd). Married to Rebecca, the pair met as volunteers for the rescue service when Iain interviewed her for the role. Iain Ashcroft (Image: North Wales Mountain Rescue Association) Between them, Becky and Iain have over 60-years of volunteering across all terrains, in all weathers, at all times of the day and night. While they will often respond to a call out together, they have different strengths and skills, and may find themselves heading in different directions dealing with different call outs, or different elements of the same call out. Humbled at being put forward, Iain says, 'We feel very honoured and immensely proud that someone has recognised the contributions we have made to mountain rescue over the years and has taken the time to submit a nomination. The fact that both of us have been recognised at the same time is amazing. 'We are also delighted that the work that North East Wales Search and Rescue does is recognised. We could not do what we do alone – there is a huge and committed team of volunteers behind and alongside us – and we know that our award is also a reflection of their dedication and professionalism.' Ann, a celebrated mezzo soprano from Corwen, gained her degree from the University of Wales and initially pursued a teaching career before winning a scholarship to study singing at the Royal Academy of Music in London. MOST READ In addition to her being the Artistic Director of the North Wales International Music Festival she is also the Musical Director of Côr Meibion Trelawnyd and Côr Meibion Bro Glyndwr. From 2002 to 2009 Ann was also Musical Director of the Fron Male Choir who found fame and became known as the "Oldest Boy Band in the World" releasing several albums which topped the pop charts as well as the classical chart. In 2022, she received an honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in recognition of her contribution to music. Founder and Head of Services at Your Space Charity in Wrexham, Rachel, originally from the Wirral, is to be honoured for her services to charity. Your Space, based in Llay, provides support for young people with Autism and their families. It provides a network of support for our families through our Outreach Team and Family Support Service.
ITV News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
All the Welsh people to be given honours by the King
A total of 65 Welsh people have been recognised by the King in his 2025 birthday honours list. Those nominated range from people who have dedicated their lives to the NHS, public service, sport and education among others. This year's awards acknowledge exceptional contributions by individuals in their sector, particularly highlighting community champions and acts of selfless giving. The list for Wales includes a Knighthood for The Rt. Hon. Mark Tami, Member of Parliament for Alyn and Deeside. for his Political and Public service work. Earlier this week Rugby League player Billy Boston from Cardiff also received a Knighthood for his services to the sport, becoming the first Rugby League player to receive the honour. He received the accolade earlier due to concerns about his health. Billy has not been officially included in the list of Welsh people provided by the UK Government's Wales office due to living in Wigan at the time of the award. Among those honoured is ITV Cymru Wales weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth for her services to victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Speaking after receiving the award, Ruth said: "It feels all a bit surreal and completely unbelievable, and I'm over the moon. It's just the biggest honour I think I have ever had in my entire life. "This is not just for me this is for my family, my friends and everybody who has been on this very strange journey that I've been on, everybody who has supported me. "And this is for everybody who is going on journeys of their own as well because it's not easy and domestic abuse is out there and it's everywhere. "That's why this honour is also so important because it allows me to keep that conversation going. I'm going to use it wisely and then hopefully one day we won't have to talk about domestic abuse because it won't be an issue anymore. "But until that point, this honour is for everybody who has been affected by domestic abuse and I'm just so proud." David Lewis, the founder of Young Voices, has also been awarded a OBE for his notable contributions and services to music in Britain. Young Voices has reached millions of children across the globe, giving them the opportunity to sing in world-class arenas alongside professional artists. "When I founded Young Voices 30 years ago, it was for a simple reason: to give every child a live music experience they would never forget. "This honour is something I will cherish as it reflects the countless memories created over the years for thechildren, their families, and above all, our incredible Young Voices music teachers," said David Lewis. The full list of Welsh people named in the Kings birthday honours 2025 Knighthoods The Rt. Hon. Mark Richard TAMI MP Member of Parliament for Alyn and Deeside. For Political and Public Service (Wrexham) CBE Professor Meriel Evelyn Mary JENNEY Paediatric Oncologist, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. For services to Cancer Treatment and to Research in Children and Young People (Cardiff) Jane Tranter, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Bad Wolf. For services to Television (Bristol) Officers of the Order of the British Empire Allison Dowzell - Managing Director, Screen Alliance Wales. For services to Broadcasting (Cardiff) Professor David Vincent Ford - Professor of Informatics, Swansea University. For services to Social Science (Swansea) Susan Ann Horne MBE - Lately Head of Space Exploration, UK Space Agency. For services to Space Exploration (Swansea) Mohammed Umar Hussain MBE - Police Staff, Chief Finance Officer, South Wales Police. For services to Policing (Newport) David Wyndham Lewis - Founder, Young Voices. For services to Music (Haverfordwest) Lynne Mills - Cluster Manager, Criminal Courts, HM Courts and Tribunals Service Wales. For Public Service (Newport) Professor Brian Morgan - Director of the Creative Leadership and Enterprise Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University. For services to the Welsh Economy (Cardiff) Ian Price - Director, Confederation of British Industry, Wales. For services to Business and to Charity (Swansea) Ruth Elizabeth Taylor - For services to Victims and Survivors of Domestic Abuse (Cowbridge) Professor Iain Stuart Whittaker - Professor of Plastic Surgery, Swansea University Medical School and the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery. For services to Plastic Surgery (Swansea) Members of the Order of the British Empire Steven John Amor - Lately Watch Manager, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Mid Wales (Llanwrtyd Wells) Iain Keith Ashcroft - Operations Officer, North Wales Mountain Rescue Association. For services to Mountain Rescue (Mold) Rebecca Denise Ashcroft - Chair, North East Wales Search and Rescue. For services to Mountain Rescue (Mold) Ann Elizabeth Atkinson Sharp - Opera Singer and Artistic Director, North Wales International Festival. For services to Music (Corwen) Simon Alistair Bareham - Lately Senior Specialist Adviser, Radioactivity and Industry Policy. For services to the Protection of Air Quality and Biodiversity in Wales (Bangor) Dr Ian Bowler - Chair and Clinical Lead, Medserve Wales. For services to National Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (Cardiff) Paul Bromwell - Founder, Valley Veterans. For services to Veterans and to Vulnerable People (Pentre) Anwen Butten - For services to Lawn Bowls, to Cancer Care and to the community in Wales (Lampeter) Christopher Norman Davies - For services to Running and to Health and Wellbeing (Newport) Stephen Robert Davies - BEM Co-Founder, Team UnLimbited. For services to People with Disabilities and to Charitable Fundraising (Swansea) Louise Margaret Harris - Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tramshed Tech. For services to Digital Entrepreneurship (Cowbridge) Riazul Hassan - Head of Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, Welsh Government. For services to Community Relations and the Vision of a Racism-free Wales (Swansea) Patricia Mary Johnson - For services to Women 's Golf (Porthcawl) Sarah Elizabeth Ann Lowe - Senior Research Officer, Welsh Government. For services to Data Research (Abertillery) Dr Roger Lloyd Morris - Lately General Practitioner, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. For services to Healthcare, to Charity and to the community in Cardiff (Cardiff) Dr Modupeola Obilande - Principal General Practitioner, St Paul's Clinic, Newport. For services to the community in Newport Michael Charles Parry - Head of Analysis, TARIAN Regional Organised Crime Unit, South Wales Police. For services to Policing (Bridgend) Dr Glen Peters - Eco Entrepreneur. For services to Green Energy and Eco Housing (Cardigan, Dyfed) Victoria Poole - Lately Deputy Chief Inspector, Care Inspectorate Wales, Welsh Government. For Public Service to Social Care (Prestatyn) Dr Alastair John Roeves - Lately National Clinical Lead for Primary Care and Community Services for Wales, NHS Wales Executive. For services to Healthcare (Dinas Powys) Dr Tracey Fiona Sandom - Lately Chair, British Association of Dental Therapists. For services to Dental Therapy and to the NHS in Wales (Amlwch) John Trevor Scott - Lately Chair, South East Wales Branch, Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association. For services to Veterans (Abergavenny) Kelvin Eusabio Shorte - Deputy Director, Individual and Small Business Compliance, HM Revenue and Customs. For Public Service (Cardiff) Peter Clive Stanley - Senior Specialist Advisor on Abandoned Mines, Natural Resources Wales. For services to Geoscience and Metal Mines (to be dated 2 June 2025) (Bridgend) Oliver James Sykes - Children's Author and Lead Artist and Producer, Stories of Care. For services to Access to the Arts for Underprivileged Young People (Denbigh) Clive Edward Thomas - Assistant Head of Estates Wales and the West Midlands, Defence Infrastructure Organisation. For services to Defence and to Reservist Troops (Brecon) Shaun Edward Tobin - Race Director, Richard Burton 10K. For services to the community in Afan Valley, West Glamorgan (Port Talbot) Annette Ware - Volunteer and Trustee, The Samaritans. For services to the Samaritans (Newport) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire Maureen Anne Butler - For services to People with Disabilities, to Young People and to Charity (Llanfyrnach) Sabrina Cresswell - Founder, Tasty Not Wasty. For services to the community in Cwmbran (Cwmbran) Julian Simon Davenne - Play Services Manager, Torfaen County Council. For services to Young People (Cwmbran) Idwal Davies - Member, Llanelli and District Hospital Friends. For services to Veterans and to the community in Llanelli (Llanelli) Margaret Anne Fuller - For services to the Royal Society of St George and the community in Gloucestershire (Chepstow) Louis William Hiatt - Watch Manager, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. For services to the community in Aberdyfi and Tywyn (Tywyn) Alan Stephen Hubbuck - For services to Professional Forestry in Wales (Neath) Glen Kelsall Johnson - For services to Heritage (Cardigan) Susan Jones - For services to People with Cerebral Palsy (Aberdare) Richard Charles Knight - For services to Nature Conservation in Rhayader and Powys (Llandrindod Wells) Karen Irene Morgan - National Lymphoedema Clinical and Education Lead for Wales, Swansea Bay University Health Board. For services to Lymphoedema Care (Swansea) Muriel Beryl Morgan - Lately Volunteer Driver and CoOrdinator, Royal Voluntary Service. For services to the community in Wrexham (Wrexham) Roberta Morrall - For services to the Arts in Nefyn, Wales (Pwllheli) Jennifer Mary Mountstephens - Welfare Administrator, 14 Signal Regiment. For services to Service Personnel and the community in Brawdy (Haverfordwest) Dr John Anthony O'Connor - Director, Angling Cymru. For services to Recreational Angling in Wales (Narberth) Sandra Wyn Owen - Director, Sandville Self Help Centre, Porthcawl. For services to Charity (Porthcawl) Norman Parselle - Chief Executive Officer, County in the Community. For services to Sport and to the community in Newport (Newport) Derek Alfred Picken - Chair, Rogerstone Welfare Cricket Club. For services to Cricket in South East Wales (Newport) Diane Lorraine Powles - Strategic Education Adviser, Health Education and Improvement Wales. For services to Nursing and to Education (Caldicot) Tara Rees - Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. For services to Nursing (Caerphilly) Santosh Sharma - Volunteer, Oxfam. For Charitable Service (Cardiff) Joan Mary Vaughan - For services to Older People and to the community in Conwy (Conwy) Christopher David Williams - For services to the community in Anglesey (Anglesey) Victoria May Williams - For services to the community in Anglesey (Angelsey)
Leader Live
24-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Deeside Dragons ice hockey club appeal for sponsors
Deeside Dragons are now reaching crowd numbers of almost 500 on match nights, and 700 during games against Widnes after regrouping from having their facility used as a coronavirus vaccination hub. MP Mark Tami recently revisited the club at Deeside leisure centre, having last visited management in 2022, and lauded its progress, including a revamp of the changing room to align with professional facilities. He said: "It's been great to meet Jake and Mike today and see the progress since my last visit. "Deeside Dragons are going from strength to strength and are giving back to the community's young people. "I would encourage any businesses who are in a position to do so to consider supporting them." Jake Witkowski, one of the team's two permitted professionals and a former USA NCAA Division I player, has taken on the role of business manager, focusing on youth team development and sponsorship. READ MORE: Tough calls for Carl ahead of North Wales Crusaders' Keighley trip He said: "Ice hockey is the most attended indoor sport in the UK, with its rapid growth trajectory suggesting a promising future. "With 130 in our junior club we're well placed to be at the forefront as the sport continues to develop. "We aim to create opportunity for young people through structured sport, personal development, and accessible training programmes." Despite ice time costs being comparatively lower than other rinks, the club would like more funds for exciting investments like Hudl software, which would facilitate training improvements. Businesses interested in sponsoring Deeside Dragons or helping the club continue its trajectory can learn more about sponsorship opportunities at
