Latest news with #WelshConservatives'
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Severn Bridge: Welsh Conservatives concern over 'bottleneck'
National Highways recently announced that from May 27, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) would only be permitted to use the bridge only if they weigh 7.5 tonnes or less. The weight restriction, expected to remain in place for 12 to 18 months, follows safety inspections revealing deterioration in the bridge's main cables. HGVs exceeding the weight limit will be redirected to the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge. This decision has sparked concern among Welsh Conservatives, who fear a detrimental effect on the economy. They are worried about the economic and logistical consequences for businesses, commuters, and local communities across Wales. Sam Rowlands, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, said: "The Welsh economy is heavily reliant on the two Severn bridges, and this decision will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the Welsh economy. "Businesses, hauliers, and commuters will all bear the brunt of increased congestion, particularly on the Prince of Wales Bridge, which is already struggling due to ongoing roadworks." Mr Rowlands also criticised the Welsh Labour Government for scrapping the M4 relief road, suggesting that this decision has left motorists and businesses without "a crucial solution to manage growing traffic demands." The weight restrictions and subsequent redirection of traffic are expected to cause significant traffic issues, as drivers are forced to find alternative routes or face queues on the M4. These issues are predicted to cause knock-on effects for Newport's Brynglas pinch point and older roads through villages like Magor and Undy. The restrictions are deemed a major setback for all road users and will raise traffic concerns from Chepstow through to Newport and beyond. Hauliers are expected to use both the Prince of Wales Bridge and long detours around Gloucester, when the M4 at Newport becomes a major problem. However, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, has reassured the public that efforts are being made to reduce the impact of the restrictions. He said: "We will be working closely with National Highways and are determined to minimise travel disruption to the public and businesses whilst the weight limit is in place." The Welsh Conservatives' comments highlight the ongoing struggle to balance infrastructure safety with the need for efficient traffic flow and economic stability. The impact of these restrictions will likely be felt keenly by businesses and commuters in the region over the coming months.
Pembrokeshire Herald
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Lifeboat launch turns out to be false alarm at Caerfai Bay
THE WELSH Conservatives' new education priorities have come under fire from a leading school leaders' union, which described the plans as 'tabloid headlines' disconnected from the real challenges facing Welsh schools. Ahead of the party's conference in Llangollen on Friday (May 17), the Conservatives outlined a series of pledges that include banning mobile phones in classrooms, reintroducing home economics, and allowing schools to convert to academy status – a system currently used in England but not in Wales. Laura Doel, national secretary of NAHT Cymru, was critical of the proposals, saying: 'The Welsh Conservatives' priorities read more like tabloid headlines than carefully considered policies for improving children's education. They are completely out of touch with reality.' Doel argued that many of the proposals were unnecessary, pointing out that home economics remains part of the curriculum under different guises, and that most schools already have effective mobile phone policies. She also dismissed the call for academies, saying: 'Changing the name above a school doesn't change the quality of teaching or experience of the pupils in it.' She added that the key concerns among school leaders remain unresolved: 'Our members' priorities are funding, the recruitment and retention of teachers, ALN reform, conditions of service for teachers and leaders, and support for small schools.' However, some of the Conservative proposals may reflect broader concerns among parents and communities. Recent surveys have shown public unease about classroom discipline, digital distraction, and pupil safety – concerns the Conservatives appear keen to address with more uniform policy approaches. A spokesperson for the Welsh Conservatives said their priorities were based on 'what parents are telling us,' and insisted that schools needed 'a clear framework for excellence, not excuses for underperformance.' They added: 'We want to empower schools, ensure pupils are learning practical life skills, and put an end to the distractions that undermine classroom discipline.' The debate comes as Welsh schools continue to adapt to the new Curriculum for Wales, amid ongoing concerns about funding pressures, teacher workloads, and falling attainment in some core subjects. A recent Estyn report found that while many schools are innovating effectively, others face 'significant challenges' in delivering consistent standards. As the Welsh education debate heats up in the run-up to the next Senedd election, all parties are expected to face scrutiny over how they plan to address long-standing structural issues in the system.
South Wales Argus
16-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Conservatives pledge to build M4 relief road
These are among a series of commitments made at the 2025 Welsh Conservative Conference in the Llangollen Pavilion. The party aims to 'fix Wales' with a range of policies targeting the NHS, education, transport, and the economy. The M4 relief road project was previously halted by Mark Drakeford in 2024, who said it was 'not in the long-term interests of Wales.' He admitted that the 'easy decision' would have been to proceed with the project, having spent £144 million on planning and preparation. However, he decided against it after 'careful consideration'. The Conservatives also plan to return the default speed limit to 30mph, unfreeze all road projects, and halt the creation of new cycle lanes until roads are fixed. In the health sector, they plan to declare a health emergency to reduce waiting times, ensure no patient waits more than 12 months for treatment, and introduce a seven-day GP guarantee. They also propose a public inquiry into the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the creation of an NHS Leadership Register to prevent failed managers from being rehired. In education, the Conservatives plan to automatically exclude children for carrying knives into school, ban mobile phones in schools, and reinstate home economics in the curriculum. They also propose a 1p cut in the basic rate of income tax, introduce a Welsh Winter Fuel Allowance and 'focus on the people's priorities'. Darren Millar, Welsh Conservatives' leader, said: "The Welsh Conservative 2026 manifesto will be the boldest and most ambitious in our history. "My team and I will present a comprehensive, fully-funded set of policy commitments to fix Wales ahead of the Senedd election." Sam Rowlands, Welsh Conservative policy director and shadow cabinet secretary for finance and transport, added: "The Welsh Conservatives are the only party being forthright with voters, not only by offering policy proposals to fix public services and address the people's priorities, but including how they will be funded. "Cutting waste and putting money back into people's pockets is central to our offer."
Powys County Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Powys Tory MS James Evans denies offer to defect to Reform
A war of words has broken out between Powys politicians over 'simply not true' rumours that one Conservative MS offered to defect to Reform. Conservative Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans accused Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick of 'gutter politics' after he highlighted rumours he considered defecting to Reform last year. An article in Nation Cymru reported an unnamed source in the Reform Party claiming Mr Evans had considered defecting to the party last year. The County Times has approached Reform for clarity on the reports, but Mr Evans has refuted the rumour and said: 'The claim that I was considering defection to Reform is simply not true." In a statement released today Lib Dem MP Mr Chadwick said Mr Evans needed to let 'the public know where he stood'. 'The latest accusations that he considered defecting to Reform UK six months ago are just one part of a long history he has had in flip-flopping on policy positions and the direction of his own party,' said Mr Chadwick. 'Nigel Farage has extreme views when it comes to issues like moving towards a private healthcare system, if James Evans considered joining them, it is all the more worrying, he is the Welsh Conservatives' Health Spokesperson." But Mr Evans hit back saying: 'Perhaps David Chadwick should spend a bit less time obsessing over me, and a bit more time doing the job he was elected to do.' 'I am, and always have been, fully committed to the Conservative Party. That's true now, and it will be true in the future. 'If this is the biggest issue on his radar, then frankly, he's not taking his responsibilities seriously. While I've been focused on standing up for my home and fixing our broken NHS, 'dropped-in David Chadwick' has been trawling Twitter for gossip. 'And as for claims about 'flip-flopping' that's a bit rich coming from an MP and a political party that's been sat on the fence so long they're stuck on the barbed wire. 'I've never flip-flopped on policy. Maybe David Chadwick should do his homework instead of chasing cheap headlines." He went on: 'Unlike David Chadwick, who was parachuted into Welsh politics, I live here, I serve here, and I care deeply about this place. 'I'm someone who's local, active in the community, and who has close friends and family in the area. I know how disillusioned people are with politics, I hear it every single day, and that's exactly why I'm getting on with the job of delivering real change. 'What Wales needs right now is serious leadership, not cheap, grubby attacks from a Lib Dem more interested in headlines than helping anyone. 'If David Chadwick finds all this too much, maybe he really would be more comfortable back in Gloucestershire.'
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The foods restricted in Welsh shops as ban approved
Supermarkets will be banned from displaying unhealthy snacks near tills or on their website homepages from next year after the Senedd narrowly approved obesity-tackling plans. The new rules mean junk foods including pizza, chocolate, and cereal will have to be removed from shop entrances and the end of aisles, while sugary drink refills and some buy-one-get-one-free deals will also end. The restrictions are aimed at stopping impulse buys at key selling spots in businesses with 50 or more employees, with shops found breaching them to face a fine. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said the rules, which will come into force in March 2026, would help "tackle Wales' growing obesity problem". Smaller shops and those specialising in one product – such as sweet shops and chocolatiers – will be exempt. The restrictions form part of a wider programme of measures, including encouraging manufacturers to revise ingredients in other products. The full list of foods which are "of most concern to childhood obesity", and therefore will not be allowed in key selling areas, are: Soft drinks Chocolate Sweets Cakes Ice cream Breakfast pastries Puddings Sweet biscuits Cereals Yoghurts Milk-based drinks with added sugar Juice-based drinks with added sugar Pizza Crisps and savoury snacks Ready meals Processed meat products such as burgers, chicken nuggets, breaded chicken/fish Chips and other potato products Unhealthy snack offers face Wales ban next year Free drink refills could be banned in Wales Unhealthy meal deals will be restricted in Wales Following a vote on the proposals in the Senedd this week, which saw them just pass by 25 votes to 24, Mr Miles said the move would have "a significant impact on the health of our nation for years to come". "We want to make it easier for people to make healthier choices and we'll achieve this by improving the food environment around them," he added. "If we ensure healthier food and drinks are more available, accessible and visible to people in shops and stores, it will support our efforts to reduce obesity rates and improve public health." Reacting to the outcome, James Evans MS, the Welsh Conservatives' health and social care representative, described the rules as "nanny state nonsense". "Keir Starmer promised to ease the cost of living and hasn't, with Welsh Labour following suit here by pushing up costs for working people," he said. "Welsh Conservatives believe in personal responsibility. Efforts to tackle obesity must be focussed on providing support for grassroots sports clubs, increase the amount of sport played in schools, and encouraging more people to get active – not forcibly pushing up the price of the weekly shop." Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru's health representative, warned obesity places "huge pressures" on health and care services, but accused ministers of offering "half a solution". "The stick is useful," he said. "But you need the carrot too. The regulations therefore are entirely inadequate." He added there was "little detail on how the policy will be implemented" and said the public would see it as "the government once again preventing people from doing things". But Miles hit back at accusations there has been a lack of public engagement, saying the proposals had been subject to two 12-week consultations. 'Cheap junk food to blame' for obesity Food firms must cut sugar and salt - health chief Only adverts showing junk food covered by TV ban
