Latest news with #Montgomeryshire
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Ensure no UK-made weapons used to ‘ethnically cleanse' Palestinians, MP urges
The UK Government must suspend all arms exports to Israel to remove the risk of British-made weapons being used to 'ethnically cleanse' Palestinians, the Commons has heard. Labour MP Steve Witherden said Gaza is 'already a slaughterhouse' as he urged ministers to detail their 'red line' which would halt further exports. The MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr added the 'true scale' of UK military exports to Israel 'remains unknown and unaccountable' before raising questions over the supply of 'crucial' components to Israel connected to the F-35 fighter jet programme. Business minister Douglas Alexander said the UK Government is not selling F-35 components 'directly to the Israeli authorities' and the export licence prevents 'direct shipments for Israel for use in Israel'. MPs were told the UK's exports of spare F-35 parts are part of a global supply network and exporters have 'no sight and no control over the specific ultimate end users for their export'. In September last year, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of around 30 arms sale licences to Israel amid concerns a 'clear risk' exists that they could be used to breach international humanitarian law. The Government said exports to the global F-35 programme would be excluded from the suspension decision, except where going directly to Israel, to avoid 'prejudicing the entire' scheme. Al-Haq, a Palestinian human rights organisation, which has brought a legal action against the Department for Business and Trade over its decisions, said the 'carve-out' gives 'rise to a significant risk of facilitating crime'. Mr Witherden, leading an adjournment debate on arms and military cargo export controls and Israel, told the Commons: 'The Foreign Secretary's recent condemnation of Israel's action as 'monstrous' was welcome but incomplete for my very same Government continues to facilitate such actions. 'We cannot have it both ways. We cannot condemn atrocity whilst simultaneously fuelling the machinery that enables it. We cannot claim to uphold international law while profiting from its breach.' Mr Witherden raised several issues, including asking the Government to explain how it defines 'defensive' weapons and what makes an F-35 component compatible with this definition. He said: 'It's the Government's position that the need to continue to supply F-35 components outweighs the risk of genocide and, if so, is there any circumstance that would lead to the UK stopping that supply? 'The Government has claimed that there are red lines that would trigger a halt to exports, but Gaza is already a slaughterhouse. 'Children are emaciated or dying of hunger. Hospitals have been intentionally destroyed. Israel's leaders vow to wipe out Gaza and still the weapons flow. 'So finally I ask the minister where is our red line? I call on this Government to suspend all arms exports to Israel to ensure that no British-made weapons are used in Israel's brutal plans to annexe, starve and ethnically cleanse the Palestinian population. 'The credibility of this House depends not just on what we condemn but on what we enable and history will remember we enabled too much.' Mr Alexander began by condemning the 'act of barbarism' by Hamas in Israel on October 7 2023, which killed around 1,200 people, before he warned that Israel's operations have been 'indefensible', 'disproportionate' and 'counterproductive to any lasting peace settlement'. The minister reiterated that the UK Government in September last year suspended arms exports licences for items to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) that could be used in military operations in Gaza. He said: 'This measure is still in place and I'd like to reiterate that based on our current assessment of potential breaches of international humanitarian law, we are not licencing military equipment provided directly to the IDF that could be used for military operations in Gaza. 'It is right to acknowledge that our export licences granted in relation to Israel cover a wider remit than simply those items that may be used in Gaza. 'There are a relatively small number of licences for the IDF relating to equipment which we assess would not be used in the current conflict, including – for example – parts of air defence systems that defend Israel from acts such as the major aerial attack from Iran in April 2024. 'We also think it is right for us to continue providing military grade body armour used by non-governmental organisations and journalists and to provide parts to the supply chain which are ultimately re-exported back out of Israel to support the defence of our Nato allies.' Mr Alexander also said: 'Undermining the F-35 programme at this juncture would, in the view of the Government, disrupt international peace and security, Nato deterrence and European defence as a whole. 'In relation to components for the F-35 aircraft, our exporters provide these to a global spares pool and the common production line for new aircraft where they have no sight and no control over the specific ultimate end users for their export. 'Put plainly, it is not possible to suspend licencing of F-35 components for use by one F-35 nation without ceasing supply to the entire global F-35 programme. It was therefore judged necessary by the Government to exclude F-35 components from the scope of the suspension. 'But let me be very clear, the UK Government is not selling F-35 components directly to the Israeli authorities and the licence that allows the export of F-35 components was amended in September to specifically make clear that direct shipments for Israel for use in Israel are not permitted.'
Powys County Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys holiday park hailed after being named best in Wales
An award winning leisure park in Powys received praise by Montgomeryshire MS Russell George as part of Wales Tourism Week. The Montgomeryshire Senedd Member visited Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park, a touring and holiday home park in Trefeglwys to congratulate the team on recent award wins as part of Wales Tourism Week celebrations. Opened in February 2022, the park is owned by Jonathan Williams and Lisa Hughes, and recently received the 'Best Caravan, Camping & Glamping' award at the National Tourism Awards for Wales. Clive Bowen, service manager at Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park said: "At Meadow Springs, we're proud to offer a wide range of leisure facilities to suit all interests and ages. "Whether it's paddleboarding or kayaking on our crystal-clear spring water lake, casting a line in our private stretch of river, or letting the kids explore our adventure play area, there's something for everyone. Guests can also enjoy scenic walks or cycle along our all-weather paths through the park. 'And at the heart of it all is Arthur's Restaurant & Bar, where we serve hearty, home-cooked meals made with locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed, friendly setting. 'I'm glad we had the opportunity to show Russell around what we believe, is a unique selling point for mid Wales tourism." During his visit, Russell George toured the park's facilities, learning about the park's recent £4 million investment, and its future investment of £3 million in new spa facilities with a swimming pool, sauna and gym. He said: 'The exceptional transformation over the last couple of years of the Meadow Springs site highlights the extraordinary innovation that is taking place in mid Wales' tourism industry. "Meadow Springs offers incredible opportunities for visitors, contributing significantly to our local economy and showcases the best of what our area has to offer. 'They continue to invest in improving the site to make it a truly unique mid Wales experience. 'I congratulate Jonathan, Lisa, and service manager Clive Bowen and their team on winning the award for 'Best Caravan, Camping & Glamping' at the National Tourism Awards for Wales, this is a testament to their hard work. The team are not resting on their laurels and it was exciting to hear about their future plans which will only enhance their offer to visitors but also the local community.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Welsh Labour MP to vote against disability benefit cuts
A Welsh Labour MP has told the BBC he will vote against the UK government's proposed cuts to disability benefits. Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr MP Steve Witherden said he had taken the "very difficult decision" because he believed "really, really vulnerable people" would be placed at risk by the changes. He is among Labour MPs across the UK who have particular concerns about plans to tighten some of the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) – which assess claimants using a scoring system. Witherden said he believed the scoring changes were not being consulted upon, although they are referred to within the public consultation into the wider welfare reforms. Witherden added that the cuts include "changes to the way you will be scored if you require assistance to go to the toilet, if you require assistance to eat, if you require assistance getting dressed". It would see "a lot of people, a lot of my constituents, deprived of their PIP if it goes ahead". Witherden said he believed it was "inappropriate" that MPs were being asked to vote on the PIP reforms in the coming months, despite being told a full impact assessment would not be published until the autumn. The UK government previously announced that the changes to PIP and to Universal Credit would save around £5bn a year by the end of 2030 and get more people into work, but it is believed Wales will be hardest hit by any cuts because it has a higher proportion of claimants relative to its population size. Witherden insisted he was not opposed to welfare reforms, saying that some aspects of the green paper, such as getting people back into work, were "positive". But he maintained that his "feeling" was that the government should not be looking to make cuts. He added: "We won in July what was effectively a cost-of-living election and I don't think it was a vote for further austerity. "So, I feel rather than cuts we should be looking at wealth taxes… these are the kind of things we should be looking at rather than cutting welfare for disabled people." Mr Witherden said that he had been clear since being elected that he would "speak up" for his constituents "whenever I thought there would be a proposal that could cause them harm and detriment and that's what I am doing here." BBC Wales has contacted every Welsh Labour MP to ask whether they will be voting with the government to approve the welfare reforms – so far none has replied, except Steve Witherden. However, Wrexham MP Andrew Ranger previously issued a statement saying that he could not support the changes to PIP in their "current form". Rethink "absolutely crucial" Witherden told BBC Wales that the welfare reforms had come up on the doorstep while he was campaigning ahead of the Runcorn-and-Helsby by-election, which Labour lost to Reform UK last week. He admitted that next year's Senedd election would be "challenging" saying that he was concerned that with only a year to go, there was not enough time for the public to see enough positive change as a result of Sir Keir Starmer's agenda. He said: "Unfortunately for the Senedd elections, we don't have that time because they're taking place in about a year's time so I am not naïve that those elections are going to be challenging. "But I am speaking to people in Welsh Labour all the time and they are optimistic about their campaigning and about the approach they are going to take." Mr Witherden said he believed that rethinking the PIP changes would be "absolutely crucial" if the UK government is to turn around its dwindling poll ratings. 'Difficult not to get angry' Asked if he was angry about how things had gone so far for Sir Keir Starmer's administration, Mr Witherden said it was "hard not to be angry about some things". "I like to think I got into politics for all the right reasons, I want to improve the lives of my constituents not make them worse. So It's very difficult not to get angry," he added. Asked if he believed the government was listening to his concerns about PIP, Witherden said he "hoped so" but admitted he had not had "many" discussions with ministers about the welfare reforms. Witherden said it "remained to be seen" whether there would be enough Labour rebels to defeat the government on welfare reforms, but said he was "one of a chorus" of MPs expressing concern. "I would never want to speak for anyone else but I do think there is growing anger and growing discontent in particular about this PIP issue," he said. "This is going to be a very, very big issue for a lot of MPs and a lot of people across the country." BBC Wales has contacted the Department of Work and Pensions for a response.
BBC News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Disability benefits: Labour MP Steve Witherden to vote against cuts
Welsh Labour MP to vote against disability benefit cuts 40 minutes ago Share Save Ewan Murrie Westminster correspondent, BBC Wales News Share Save UK Parliament Steve Witherden said "this is going to be a very, very big issue for a lot of MPs" A Welsh Labour MP has told the BBC he will vote against the UK government's proposed cuts to disability benefits. Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr MP Steve Witherden said he had taken the "very difficult decision" because he believed "really, really vulnerable people" would be placed at risk by the changes. He is among Labour MPs across the UK who have particular concerns about plans to tighten some of the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) – which assess claimants using a scoring system. Witherden said he believed the scoring changes were not being consulted upon, although they are referred to within the public consultation into the wider welfare reforms. Witherden added that the cuts include "changes to the way you will be scored if you require assistance to go to the toilet, if you require assistance to eat, if you require assistance getting dressed". It would see "a lot of people, a lot of my constituents, deprived of their PIP if it goes ahead". Witherden said he believed it was "inappropriate" that MPs were being asked to vote on the PIP reforms in the coming months, despite being told a full impact assessment would not be published until the autumn. The UK government previously announced that the changes to PIP and to Universal Credit would save around £5bn a year by the end of 2030 and get more people into work, but it is believed Wales will be hardest hit by any cuts because it has a higher proportion of claimants relative to its population size. Witherden insisted he was not opposed to welfare reforms, saying that some aspects of the green paper, such as getting people back into work, were "positive". But he maintained that his "feeling" was that the government should not be looking to make cuts. He added: "We won in July what was effectively a cost-of-living election and I don't think it was a vote for further austerity. "So, I feel rather than cuts we should be looking at wealth taxes… these are the kind of things we should be looking at rather than cutting welfare for disabled people." Mr Witherden said that he had been clear since being elected that he would "speak up" for his constituents "whenever I thought there would be a proposal that could cause them harm and detriment and that's what I am doing here." BBC Wales has contacted every Welsh Labour MP to ask whether they will be voting with the government to approve the welfare reforms – so far none has replied, except Steve Witherden. However, Wrexham MP Andrew Ranger previously issued a statement saying that he could not support the changes to PIP in their "current form". Rethink "absolutely crucial" Witherden told BBC Wales that the welfare reforms had come up on the doorstep while he was campaigning ahead of the Runcorn-and-Helsby by-election, which Labour lost to Reform UK last week. He admitted that next year's Senedd election would be "challenging" saying that he was concerned that with only a year to go, there was not enough time for the public to see enough positive change as a result of Sir Keir Starmer's agenda. He said: "Unfortunately for the Senedd elections, we don't have that time because they're taking place in about a year's time so I am not naïve that those elections are going to be challenging. "But I am speaking to people in Welsh Labour all the time and they are optimistic about their campaigning and about the approach they are going to take." Mr Witherden said he believed that rethinking the PIP changes would be "absolutely crucial" if the UK government is to turn around its dwindling poll ratings. 'Difficult not to get angry'
BBC News
05-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Tory Senedd leader Darrren Millar defended after Trump trip criticism
It is "unfair" to criticise the Tory Senedd leader for missing a vote on the Welsh government's draft budget after going to the United States for a prayer meeting, one his Cardiff Bay colleagues has said. Darren Millar and Montgomeryshire MS Russell George are attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, where President Donald Trump is expected to give a pair missed the first opportunity to vote on Labour ministers' spending plans for next Senedd Conservative colleague Natasha Asghar said he is a "very religious person" and it is "unfair" to use the US trip "as a political football". Labour won the vote on Tuesday, assisted by the abstention of Welsh Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds, as well as the absence of the two senior governing party has half the seats in the Senedd and cannot win if the opposition is united in voting against the news emerged that Millar and George would not be not present the vote had looked difficult for the government, as it was not clear what Dodds would do until late on vote was largely symbolic ahead of a final budget vote in March, but losing on Tuesday would have embarrassed the member of the Conservative group in the Senedd would give an interview to BBC Wales on the pair's speaking on ITV's Sharp End on Tuesday night, shadow education minister Natasha Asghar defended Mr Millar's trip to the US."He is a very religious person. He always has been, and from my understanding, the commitment he's gone to has been linked his faith," she said."Now I can't condemn somebody for being religious, I never, ever will. I would never expect anyone to, but I do know that it's a genuine reason why he's there."The Welsh Conservative South Wales East MS added: "The way it has been played as a political football today I think is very unfair, particularly when someone has gone for religious reasons. "It should not be something that's used as a political football as it has been today, which is a real shame." The National Prayer Meeting on 6 February is an important date in the US political calendar and the first since Trump's Tories are trustees of a Christian charity, the Evans Roberts Institute. Last year, the institute funded Rhys ab Owen to go to the same American event, while he was under investigation for his Conservative councillor David Fouweather told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast on Wednesday he was unhappy with the US trip taken by Millar and George."President Trump isn't here in Wales with this disastrous Labour budget.""Darren needs to be here. When you take on the role and responsibility of leader, then you have get your priorities right. "His priorities are here in Wales, leading the Conservatives, hoping to be the next first minister. "If you are leader of the opposition, you need to be there making your points".He added: "It wasn't long ago, last July, that he was aiming to be a member of [the UK] parliament, so there wasn't a commitment then to the Senedd"."He should have been there."However, the Conservative Senedd leader was backed by former north Wales Tory MP Robin Millar."I think Darren made the right decision actually. Power and proximity to power is everything and right now Donald Trump is making the news around the world and it's absolutely right," he told the programme. Analysis By Gareth Lewis, BBC Wales political editorAfter a day of taking stock - and criticism - some Conservatives are now coming out in support of Darren defences of the Trump trip are that Millar is a devout Christian and his religious beliefs should not be made that the budget vote was non-binding so not second argument is not consistent with the Conservative stance on the non-binding vote of confidence they called last year in former first minister Vaughan Gething. He lost it and the Tories called for him to all Tories have leapt to Millar's defence with worries at grassroots level, no doubt with an eye on next year's Senedd election.
