philedwards4aberconwy

A final word

2010-05-13T13:02:00.000+01:00

A final word just to say a very big thank you to everyone who has been in touch over the last week with their kind messages.

May I also thank the good people of Aberconwy for the warmth of their welcome and the support they gave to me and to my Plaid team of helpers prior to, during, and following my general election campaign.

Although we were obviously disappointed with the result, we are buoyed by the memory of having had the privilege of meeting and talking to a huge number of very nice people throughout the whole constituency who we would not otherwise have met.

This will be my lasting memory and I shall always be grateful for it.

Many thanks indeed.

Phil

Diolch o galon i bawb

2010-05-06T12:19:00.001+01:00

Beth bynnag fydd y canlyniad heno, mae'n tim ymgyrch wedi gweithio'n galed iawn dros Aberconwy a'r Blaid.

Diolch o galon i bawb.

Dros Gymru

Phil

Thanks to all for your help and support

2010-05-06T12:18:00.015+01:00

Whatever the outcome today, my campaign team has done Aberconwy and Plaid proud.

Thanks to all for your help and support.

For Wales.

Phil

Phil Edwards. Gwahaniaeth i Aberconwy. GALLWCH WNEUD GWAHANIAETH

2010-05-06T12:18:00.014+01:00

Phil Edwards. Gwahaniaeth i Aberconwy.

GALLWCH WNEUD GWAHANIAETH

Yn yr etholiad hwn mi fydd sicrhau Senedd mwy cytbwys yn San Steffan yn fuddugoliaeth i’r bobl.

Mi fydd pleidlais gref dros y Blaid yn fuddugoliaeth i Gymru.

Wrth i bobl baratoi i fwrw eu pleidlais o 7 y.b. ymlaen, mi allwch CHI fod yn rhan o’r ymdrechion i sicrhau fod y tim fwyaf erioed o Blaid Cymru yn cael ei hethol i San Steffan i ymladd dros Gymru. Mae’r polau piniwn yn awgrymu bod yna nifer sylweddol o bobl sy’n dal heb benderfynu i bwy y maent am bleidleisio – ac felly yn fwy nac erioed o’r blaen mi fydd pob pleidlais yn cyfri.

Mi allwn ni ethol ASau Plaid sydd yn rhannu eich gwerthoedd chi – fydd yn blaenoriaethu amddiffyn ein hysgolion, ein hysbytai, ein swyddi a’n pensiynwyr.

Mi allwch chi helpu i wireddu hyn trwy:

Bleidleisio!

Ffonio, tecstio ac e-bostio eich ffrindiau i ddweud wrthynt sut mae pleidlais i’r Blaid yn gwneud gwahaniaeth.

Dweud wrth bobl am y Blaid ar y Weplyfr, Twitter a rhwydweithiau cymdeithasol eraill.

Wirfoddoli i helpu eich ymgyrch leol.

Gallwch chi helpu i wneud gwahaniaeth dros ein cymunedau a thros Gymru.

Ieuan Wyn Jones AC

Arweinydd Plaid Cymru

O.N. Mae’r gorsafoedd pleidleisio yn agor rhwng 7yb a 10yh

O.O.N Cofiwch fynd i http://plaidlive.com! I gael diweddariad ar ddiwrnod yr etholiad! Gallwch weld a chyfrannu eich sylwadau drwy luniau, tweets, fideos a blogiau.

Think Different. Think Phil Edwards. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

2010-05-06T12:18:00.004+01:00

Think Different. Think Phil Edwards.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In this election a more balanced parliament in Westminster would be a victory for the people.

A strong vote for Plaid would be a victory for Wales.

As people go to the polls from 7am, YOU can help send Plaid’s strongest ever team to Westminster to fight for Wales. With the polls showing that many people are still to make up their minds - more than ever before, every single vote will count.

We can elect Plaid MPs who shares your values - who'll prioritise protecting our schools, our hospitals, our jobs and our pensioners.

You can help make this a reality by:

Going to Vote!

Phoning, texting and emailing your friends to tell them how a vote for Plaid makes a difference.

Spreading the word on facebook, twitter and other social networks.

Volunteering to help your local campaign teams.

You can help us make a difference for our communities and for Wales.

Ieuan Wyn Jones AM

Plaid Leader

P.S. Polling stations open from 7am-10pm

P.P.S Remember to visit http://plaidlive.com to view and contribute pics, tweets, videos and blogs of election day across Wales.

VOTE FOR WALES

2010-05-06T12:18:00.000+01:00

VOTE FOR WALES

A more balanced parliament in Westminster would be a victory for the people.

A strong vote for Plaid would be a victory for Wales.

Today, you have an opportunity to elect a local champion like Phil Edwards in Aberconwy to stand up for our communities and defend Wales from the worst of the London cuts.

Today, you can elect an MP who shares your values - who'll prioritise protecting our schools, our hospitals, our jobs and our pensioners.

With all the polls showing that a balanced parliament is the most likely outcome in the coming election, Plaid has never before been in such a strong position to get the best possible deal for Wales.

Joined by our allies in the SNP we'd create a formidable Celtic block to demand our fair share of funding to protect our hospitals, our schools and our jobs.

Yet another Labour, Tory or Lib-Dem to toe their London party line will not defend Wales from savage cuts - only a local Plaid champion will fight our corner.

A more balanced parliament in Westminster would be a victory for the people.

A strong vote for Plaid would be a victory for Wales.

Plaid will give YOU a voice in Westminster.

Ieuan Wyn Jones AM

Plaid Leader

PWY ALL RWYSTRO’R TORÏAID YFORY A SEFYLL DROS GYMRU?

2010-05-05T12:02:00.002+01:00

TORIADAU TRETHI I OGLEDD IWERDDON

+ TORIADAU SWYDDI I GYMRU

= FFORDD Y TORÏAID O LYWODRAETHU

Wrth ichi ddarllen hwn mae’r Torïaid yn closio at Aelodau Seneddol Unoliaethol Gogledd Iwerddon, gan gynnig toriadau sylweddol mewn trethi i fusnesau Gogledd Iwerddon mewn ymgais i ennill mwyafrif yn San Steffan. Mae hynny’n iawn i fusnesau yng Ngogledd Iwerddon – mae Plaid Cymru wedi bod yn brwydro ers amser maith am doriadau treth i fusnesau Cymru – ond beth am Gymru? O dan y Torïaid – dim byd ond rhaglen o doriadau llym ac oes newydd o galedi na welwyd ei thebyg ers dyddiau tywyll llywodraeth Thatcher.

PWY ALL RWYSTRO’R TORÏAID YFORY A SEFYLL DROS GYMRU?

Y CHI – TRWY ETHOL AELODAU SENEDDOL PLAID CYMRU, TRWY ETHOL PHIL EDWARDS

Cyn ichi fwrw’ch pleidlais –

YSTYRIWCH BLAID CYMRU. YSTYRIWCH PHIL EDWARDS

Diolch yn fawr

Who's going to stop the Tories tomorrow and stand up for Wales?

2010-05-05T12:02:00.001+01:00

TAX CUTS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

+

JOB CUTS FOR WALES

= THE TORY FORMULA FOR GOVERNMENT

Even as you read this the Tories are cosying up to Unionist MPs, offering massive tax breaks for businesses in Northern Ireland in a desperate attempt to gain a majority in Westminster. That's fine for businesses in Northern Ireland – Plaid has long campaigned for tax cuts for Welsh businesses – but what about Wales? Under the Tories – nothing except a savage programme of cuts and a new age of austerity not since the dark days of Thatcherism.

PLAID MPS CAN, PHIL EDWARDS CAN AND SO CAN YOU

Before you cast your vote – THINK PLAID. THINK PHIL EDWARDS

Thank you

Plaid Leader: We can win for the people of Aberconwy

2010-05-05T12:02:00.000+01:00

Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones along with Honorary President Dafydd Wigley and Elfyn Llwyd have yesterday visited the Aberconwy constituency to campaign with local candidate Phil Edwards and his hard working team of supporters.

Mr Jones told local activists in Conwy that only Plaid will fight for the future of Wales’ hospitals schools and businesses – as well as the most vulnerable people in our communities such as pensions.

In the event in Aberconwy, Mr Jones said that now is the time to ensure that the people of Wales know that Plaid is the only party that will go to Westminster focused on getting the best deal for Wales once the hung parliament negotiations begin.

Plaid’s Candidate in Aberconwy Phil Edwards said that the people of the constituency have only a day and a half left to ensure that they are not left with an MP who’ll put the orders of his party bosses in London above the needs of local communities.

Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones AM said:

“People across Wales are joining our campaign to make sure that our communities are funded fairly over the coming years of economic hardship. Only Plaid will stand up for our needs in Wales during negotiations in a balanced parliament.

“The cuts we’re facing are enormous – Labour have already announced almost £3 billion worth of cuts and the Tories and Lib Dems want even more. If that is allowed to happen before our economy has recovered sufficiently, jobs and communities will be hit doubly hard. None of the London parties seem to understand this.”

Plaid Cymru candidate in Aberconwy, Phil Edwards said:

“With the momentum behind our campaign here in Aberconwy, we now have a final few days to ensure strong, independent minded representation for this constituency. We need a strong team of Plaid MPs in Westminster – after all, only Plaid will prioritise the needs of our communities when it comes to the negotiations after the election. Plaid is accountable only to the people of Wales – and we will fight for the best possible deal for the people we represent.”

Sian Lloyd forecasts a sunny outlook for Plaid

2010-05-05T12:01:00.000+01:00

Following our visit to Clwb yr Efail we ended our campaign of meetings and events with a rally on Conwy Quay on Tuesday morning in the company of BBC and ITV .

Sian Lloyd off the telly forecasted a sunny outlook for Plaid, sending us a special message of good luck especially inscribed on a rather nice cake.

The rally, the message and the cake all went down very well!

Diolch i ti Sian.

Phil

Wigley: “Who do YOU want in Westminster to fight Wales’ corner come Friday?”

2010-05-05T11:59:00.001+01:00

Only Plaid will protect our interests in hung parliament

“Plaid will go up to Westminster to fight for the future of our jobs, hospitals and schools”, says Plaid Cymru Honorary President Dafydd Wigley.

At a campaign event in Aberconwy yesterday, Mr Wigley said that the cuts planned by the 3 London parties would be disastrous for the Welsh economy and that none of them would give a second thought to the needs of Wales during negotiations in a balanced parliament.

Mr Wigley added that Plaid Cymru is the only party that would focus 100% on the needs of Welsh communities during negotiations – the only party that will fight for our interests. He said that Tory, Labour or Lib Dem MPs returned on Thursday would be told to tow their party line and ignore the needs of their communities.

Plaid Cymru Honorary President Dafydd Wigley said:

"Never before have we faced such a fight to ensure the future of jobs and services in Wales. Labour has already announced around £3 billion worth of cuts to Wales over the next 3 years - the Tories propose to cut harder and deeper, and the Lib Dems are planning savage cuts.

“Be under no illusions - none of the 3 London parties will be giving a second thought to the needs of Wales in the event of a balanced parliament.

“The Conservative, as always, refuse to look after Wales, the Lib-Dems don’t know how to look after Wales and Labour are totally incapable of looking after Wales - they’re finished.

“There is only one team that can now be trusted to defend Wales’ interests around any negotiation table – a strong Plaid team will go up to Westminster to fight for the future of our jobs, our hospitals and schools.

“Come Thursday, we have the opportunity to give our communities real local champions, ready to go up to Westminster to protect our communities and defend our country from disproportionate London cuts – It’s time to put Wales first.”

Labour cannot and will not protect our communities come Friday – Plaid will

2010-05-05T11:56:00.000+01:00

Commenting on news that Peter Hain has asked Labour supporters to vote tactically to keep the Conservatives from winning a majority in Thursday's election, Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said;

“Even the Labour party now admit, that in constituencies like Aberconwy, where Labour are totally out of the race - only Plaid MPs can now protect Wales from the most savage of Tory cuts and defend our schools. This statement by Labour ministers is desperate but true – Labour cannot and will not protect our communities come Friday – Plaid will.”

Cameron lets cat out of the bag - Wales in line for massive cuts to public spending

2010-05-05T11:42:00.002+01:00

David Cameron admitted to Jeremy Paxman in his headlining interview screened on the BBC that Northern Ireland and the North East of England were to be first in line for cuts inflicted by an incoming Conservative Government because of the high level of public spending there.

Public spending amounts contributes to about 69% of the economy in the North East of England - which is exactly the same figure as in Wales.

But with Wales also more reliant on the public sector, Cameron's cuts would target Wales disproportionately.

With a glint in their eye the Tories threaten to bring a new age of austerity to the people of Wales unseen here since the dark days of Thatcherism.

Cameron's admission that he would start a massive programme of public sector cutbacks in the poorest areas of the UK before anywhere else is extremely bad news for Wales. We're in exactly the same boat as the north east of England when it comes to the public sector's contribution to the economy so I expect us to be next in line for Tory cuts. Wales is already underfunded from Westminster according to independent experts so it cannot be fair to slash public spending here first where the needs are greatest.

All three of the London parties are united in planning severe cutbacks but the Tories plans go further, quicker and deeper and Wales will be even worse off than it is now if a Conservative Government is elected in Westminster.

The need for a strong block of Plaid MPs to protect frontline public services in Wales has therefore never been greater and if I'm elected to represent the people of Aberconwy in Westminster I will do my utmost to prevent the Tory plans for Wales from beig realised. We're now in desperate need of a balanced Parliament where Plaid MPs will join with our Scottish colleagues in the SNP to create a formidable Celtic block of MPs ready to demand fair funding for our nations in order to protect our school, hospitals and jobs.

Plaid’s pensioner pledge travels length of Wales

2010-05-05T11:42:00.000+01:00

Plaid’s pledge to tackle pensioner hardship travelled from South to North Wales, gathering signatures from Plaid Cymru candidates for this election.
We've attacked the London parties for their lack of action on pensioner poverty – condemning all three for betraying the most vulnerable elderly people by refusing to promise a state pension that is sufficient to live on.

The Plaid ‘Living Pension’ policy is central to the Westminster election manifesto. We have argued that it should be the starting point for relieving pensioner hardship.

Meeting people on the streets of Llanrwst, I was delighted to sign the pledge accompanied by my colleagues, Aberconwy AM Gareth Jones and Plaid’s Honorary President Dafydd Wigley.

Thousands of pensioners die every winter, because the current state pension doesn’t enable them to heat their homes and put food on their plates.

What is increasingly obvious now is that Plaid is the only party standing up for our pensioners. In Aberconwy especially, with a very high percentage of pensioners, a living pension is a crucial issue. Having been involved in the care sector for many years, I understand the financial difficulties faced by older people. It is nothing short of a national disgrace that many of our pensioners are having to choose between heating or eating.

I’m very proud of the stance that Plaid has taken to tackle these circumstances – and for any of the three London parties to say that they can’t afford a proper pension disgusts me, while at the same time, they continue to mount illegal wars and fund weapons of mass destruction.

It’s a betrayal of thousands of people who have paid taxes their whole life in order to get a decent state pension. Plaid will always put the most vulnerable first – and it is a question of priorities this election.

Nobody can be sure how domestic fuel prices will rise over the coming years, but the forecast is extremely worrying.

The more Plaid MPs we have following this election, the stronger our voice will be to fight for a state pension that people can actually live on.

Phil

Wales First for Menyn's of Llanrwst

2010-05-05T03:43:00.001+01:00

Another successful local business I was delighted to visit is Menyn's of Llanrwst, a luxury private hire firm which under Terrance Jones' inspired leadership has just received the Investors in People award - a first for a transport company in Wales.

Gareth Jones and Elfyn Llwyd presented Terrance with the award.

Well done Menyn's of Llanrwst, Wales needs many more businesses like this.

Plaid's pledge to pensioners highlighted in Clwb yr Efail

2010-05-05T03:40:00.011+01:00

Was delighted to meet and chat with some of our senior citizens in Conwy's Clwb yr Efail today, a lovely little place part-funded by the Welsh Government.

A shame we couldn't stay longer but pleased that we could highlight Plaid's pledge to pensioners for a Living Pension.

Many thanks to all and especially Frank Greenwood, Chair of the Committee and Diana Hughes for the warm welcome.

Phil

Former Top Cops Backing Phil Edwards for Aberconwy

2010-05-05T03:13:00.000+01:00

I'm very grateful to two highly-esteemed former colleagues for the following testimonials.

Phil

I first met Phil Edwards in Dolgellau in 1971 in my second year of over 30 years’ Police Service, from which I retired (from the post of Assistant Chief Constable) in March 2000.

Over the intervening years I have got to know Phil very well through both professional and social contact, thereby enabling me to offer a well-informed opinion of him.

I regard Phil as a highly-principled person with sound moral values, whose professional and personal integrity have always been above reproach.

As a police officer, he could be relied upon to carry out his duties to the highest professional standards - always displaying sound personal responsibility, proportionality, common sense and empathy with the public in doing so. These qualities continue to be very much in evidence as he pursues his post-policing political career.

The high degree of respect Phil had built up as an operational officer amongst his Federation colleagues and Senior and Chief Officers in the North Wales Police prior to his election to the post of Secretary of the Joint Branch Board of the North Wales Police Federation in 1994, became further enhanced by the way he discharged the challenging responsibilities in that role right through to his retirement.

I have absolute confidence in advancing the view that Phil was by far the most discerning, astute, politically-aware, enlightened, progressive and influential Joint Branch Board Secretary the North Wales Police had during my entire service. Not only was Phil able to sustain the support and confidence of Federation members and the respect and esteem of North Wales Police senior management through a period of substantial and difficult changes, he also became a highly regarded and influential figure in his participation in regional and national Police Federation matters.

Phil is an individual who can not only be proud of what he attained as an operational police officer (in several different roles), but also of the substantial contributions he made and the influence he exerted in shaping developments within the police service in North Wales and beyond.

Particular mention should be made of matters affecting the welfare and wellbeing of colleagues, conditions of service and quality of service to the public.

Phil is an individual for whom quality public service has been a focal aspect of his entire adult life. I believe this to be a key strength in his political career for him and for the public he wishes to represent.

Elfed Wynn Roberts QPM, MPDA, BA(Hons) FCMI

Retired Assistant Chief Constable

North Wales Police

Recently retired Chairman of the North West Wales NHS Trust

I have had the privilege of knowing Phil Edwards, professionally and personally, for the best part of thirty-five years. He is best summed up as being a person of the utmost sincerity and integrity.

We last worked together between 1994 and 1999 when he was the Secretary of the Joint Branch Board of the North Wales Police Federation. This post is unique in any police force and demands a raft of skills and experience in the world of policing, both national and local.

Phil demonstrated an exceptional grasp of the demands placed upon UK police forces by changing political, financial and operational imperatives. His position required him to consider and comment upon legislation, strategies, policies and procedures affecting not only his members but also the wider policing community and public.

It is to his credit that he undertook these responsibilites in the most professional way and as a consequence made a considerable contribution to the welfare of police officers, to the impact of operational policing and to informing the policing debate throughout the region and elsewhere.

John Williams Cooke MA

Retired Assistant Chief Constable

North Wales Police

Ron Davies, former Secretary of State for Wales, urges Labour voters to support Plaid's Phil Edwards in Aberconwy

2010-05-04T10:02:00.000+01:00

Ron Davies, former Secretary of State for Wales, is urging Labour voters to support Plaid's Phil Edwards in Aberconwy to keep the Tories out on 6th May.

Mr Davies who was Secretary of State for Wales from 1997-1998 and Labour MP for Caerphilly from 1983-200, was hailed as one of the architects of devolution.

Now he has written to likely Labour voters in Aberconwy urging them to lend their vote to Phil Edwards, the Plaid Cymru candidate.

Phil Edwards said:

“I am delighted that such a distinguished and significant figure in Welsh poltics, and the Welsh Labour Party in particular, has offered me his support in this way.

“Ron Davies shares my belief that Aberconwy is a close two-horse race between Plaid and the Tories and if we are to prevent the Tories winning here it's vital that voters think carefully how best to use their vote.

“With Labour support slumping, their candidate cannot win and there is nothing to suggest that Clegg-mania has had any impact at all in Aberconwy. The only party with a realistic chance of defeating the Tories in Aberconwy is Plaid and I would be grateful if Labour voters would lend me their vote on this occasion.

“The alternative is the election of a right-wing, divisive Tory MP and an inexperienced Tory Government intent on inflicting a new age of austerity upon Wales, the like of which we haven't seen since the dark days of Thatcherism.”

Ron Davies' letter is reproduced below in full:

Ron Davies
Secretary of State for Wales 1997-1998
Labour MP for Caerphilly 1983-2001

Keep the Tories out on May 6!

Dear Elector

As we approach polling day after one of the closest election contests in modern times, it is more important than ever that we use our vote to the best effect for our families and communities.

There is a great deal at stake in this election. In particular, we should all be deeply concerned at the prospect of a Conservative government with their programme of massive cuts in public spending.

As a Labour MP during the 1980s I remember how difficult things were for many ordinary families. I look at the modern Conservative party and fear that they could be even worse than the government of the 1980s.

You may be aware that the new Aberconwy constituency is one that the Conservative party MUST win if it is to form a government.

This means that we can stop them in their tracks if we use our votes wisely.

All the evidence points to a close fight between the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru’s Phil Edwards. If we look at the only election held in Aberconwy so far, which was the Assembly election in 2007, the figures speak for themselves:

Plaid Cymru 7983
Conservative 6200
Labour 4508
Liberal Democrat 1918
Since then, Council and European election results have also confirmed the trend of tight contests between Plaid and the Conservatives.

Having been a Labour man myself for most of my adult life, I understand how difficult it can be to consider voting for anyone else. However, given that Labour have no chance of winning in Aberconwy, I urge you to lend your vote to Phil Edwards, the Plaid Cymru candidate.

This is the only realistic way to ensure that the Conservative candidate is defeated and help prevent the election of a Conservative Government that would turn our current crisis into something far worse.

Yours sincerely
Ron Davies

Ron Davies
Ysgrifennydd Gwladol Cymru 1997-1998
AS Llafur Caerffili 1983-2001

Cadwch y Torïaid allan ar Fai 6!

Annwyl Etholwr

Wrth inni nesáu at ddiwrnod yr etholiad, wedi un o’r gornestau agosaf ers blynyddoedd, mae’n bwysicach nag erioed ein bod ni’n gwneud y defnydd gorau o’n pleidlais er budd ein teuluoedd a’n cymunedau.

Mae llawer iawn yn y fantol yn yr etholiad yma. Yn benodol, mi ddylai pawb ohonon ni fod yn bryderus iawn am y perygl o lywodraeth Geidwadol gyda’u rhaglen o doriadau anferth mewn gwario cyhoeddus.

Fel Aelod Seneddol Llafur yn ystod yr 1980au, dw i’n cofio pa mor anodd oedd hi ar lawer o deuluoedd cyffredin. Dw i’n edrych ar y blaid Geidwadol fodern a dw i’n ofni y gallen nhw fod hyd yn oed yn waeth na llywodraethau’r 1980au.

Efallai eich bod chi’n sylweddoli fod etholaeth newydd Aberconwy’n un y mae’n RHAID i’r blaid Geidwadol ei hennill os ydi hi am ffurfio llywodraeth.

Mae hyn yn golygu y medrwn ni roi stop arnyn nhw yma os gwnawn ni ddefnyddio’n pleidleisiau’n ddoeth.

Mae’r holl dystiolaeth yn awgrymu brwydr agos rhwng y Ceidwadwyr a Phil Edwards dros Blaid Cymru. Os edrychwn ar yr unig etholiad i gael ei gynnal yn Aberconwy hyd yma, sef etholiad y Cynulliad yn 2007, mae’r ffigurau’n siarad drostyn nhw’u hunain:

Plaid Cymru 7983
Ceidwadwyr 6200
Llafur 4508
Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol 1918

Ers hynny, mae canlyniadau etholiadau cyngor ac etholiad Ewrop hefyd wedi cadarnhau’r tueddiad o frwydrau agos rhwng Plaid Cymru a’r Torïaid.

A minnau wedi bod yn ddyn Llafur am y rhan fwyaf o’m hoes, dw i’n deall pa mor anodd y gall hi fod i ystyried pleidleisio i unrhyw un arall. Fodd bynnag, drwy nad oes gan Lafur unrhyw obaith o ennill yn Aberconwy, dw i’n pwyso arnoch i fenthyg eich pleidlais i Phil Edwards, ymgeisydd Plaid Cymru.

Dyma’r unig ffordd realistig o sicrhau bod ymgeisydd y Ceidwadwyr yn cael ei guro ac o helpu rhwystro ethol Llywodraeth Geidwadol a fyddai’n troi’n hargyfwng presennol yn rhywbeth llawer gwaeth.

Yn gywir
Ron Davies

Talking business with the FSB in Llandudno

2010-05-04T09:57:00.000+01:00

Gareth Jones and I had the great pleasure of meeting Susan Morris, Chair of Conwy County FSB to discuss some good news on business rates which the FSB and others have widely welcomed.

The vast majority of businesses in Llandudno’s Mostyn Street are paying less in business rates from April following actions taken by the Welsh Government.

Approximately two-thirds of the two hundred-plus rateable properties in the main shopping street were already due to pay less from April after the Welsh Government raised the thresholds for qualifying for the rate relief scheme and decreased the multiplier from 48.9 pence in the pound to 40.9p.

And another reduction announced by the Welsh Government takes effect in October 2010 and will mean even more businesses paying less for the twelve months after, as a consequence of extra money in last week’s Budget to keep business rates down in England. .

The news was welcomed by local AM for Aberconwy, Gareth Jones who has been pressing the Government in Cardiff for action to do whatever it can to reduce the effects of the revaluation on smaller businesses. He said:

“I’m no great fan of business rates - it’s a regressive tax introduced by the Conservative Government in London in 1990 which unfortunately takes very little account of the success of the business or its ability to pay.

“But applying the recent changes to the thresholds and the multiplier to the draft valuations from the VOA suggests that about 139 or roughly two-thirds of the 205 rateable properties in Mostyn Street will pay less from this week.

“Even better, the Welsh Government's announcement means that from October, just over 170 businesses, some 84%, will be paying even less and thirty of them will pay nothing at all.

“Some critics have cited figures showing an average 15% rise in rateable values in Llandudno’s Mostyn Street as evidence of an increasing burden on all businesses. Clearly that’s not true and I very much welcome the fact that Plaid in Government is doing what it can to help protect smaller businesses from this unfair Conservative tax.”

A five-year revaluation of rateable values took effect from April 1st and most businesses will see those rise after the Westminster Government’s Valuation Office Agency reassessed every business based on its market rent in April 2008.

The changes are supposed to reflect rises in market rents since the last revaluation five years ago and are intended to be neutral overall with the businesses paying more balanced by those paying less.

The revaluation cannot be postponed by the Welsh Government as it’s a legal requirement under the system of national non-domestic rates introduced by the Conservative UK Government in 1990.

About half of small businesses in Wales will pay no business rates for the year from 1 October 2010 and roughly 20% more will see their business rates significantly reduced.

Mr Jones added:

“While most businesses across Wales stand to gain, I am of course aware that a minority of businesses will have to pay a more as a consequence of the revaluation. They can however appeal to the Valuation Office Agency if they can prove the rise is unjustified.”

Phil Edwards, Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Aberconwy added:

“I believe a much fairer system could be devised if the whole issue of taxing businesses was overhauled by the Westminster Government or if the Welsh Government was to get the power to do it itself. Plaid would scrap business rates and replace it with amuch fairer system.”

A hectic but enjoyable month of campaigning

2010-05-04T09:56:00.005+01:00

Apologies for the lack of blogging but since Easter I've been out with the campaign team virtually all day every day and a very enjoyable time it's been too.

But what with the hundreds of emails from various groups and people seeking my views also to attend to, coupled with meetings and visits here and there, I'm afraid blogging has had to take a back seat.

The blog will be updated shortly with some of the highlights of the last month of hectic campaigning.

But I should just make mention of two things:

First, the very warm welcome we've had from the people of Aberconwy, wherever we've been, and by now we've been everywhere. It's been a fantastic response and the feedback we're getting is that it really is a close two-horse race between us and the Tories. With the Labour vote slumping dramatically and no sign of Clegg-mania here, our messages are clearly getting through to the voters and all the signs point to an excellent result for Plaid in Aberconwy on 6th May.

Secondly, the response from our own members and volunteers has been amazing and I'd like to thank each and every one of them who has turned up to help. On some days we've had a couple of dozen enthusiastic door-knockers and leafletters out there and with the blessing of blue skies and warm sunshine we've done more door-to-door campaigning in the last four weks than I ever thought possible.

And a special thanks too goes to Plaid's most senior figures and familiar faces who despite the heavy demands on their time have been out and about with us in Aberconwy almost every other day: Aberconwy AM Gareth Jones, Plaid Leader and Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, President Dafydd Iwan, Hon President Dafydd Wigley, Llywydd Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, our Leader in Westminster Elfyn Llwyd MP and Hywel Williams MP.

Diolch o galon i chi i gyd.

Phil

Ministerial praise for the Queen’s Head

2010-05-04T09:56:00.002+01:00

One of the great pleasures of campaigning is visiting successful local businesses.

Early on in the campaign I had the great pleasure of inviting the Deputy First Minister to meet Rob Cureton, proprietor of the award-winning Queen's Head in Glanwydden to see for ourselves why this fantastic pub won the prestigious award of Pub of the Year Wales at the AA Hospitality Awards.

We visited the Queen’s Head for lunch and a brief respite during a busy day’s campaigning, and Ieuan was highly impressed by the quality of the food and the surroundings. It is very popular with the locals and visitors and it’s important that places like these continue to thrive as a hub in their communities. It was good to see so many people enjoying their excellent lunches. The Queen's Head is a great example of what can be achieved by smaller businesses, of which Plaid is very supportive.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Leader of Plaid Cymru, said:

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate Robert Cureton first hand on the achievement, which was clearly well-merited.”

Robert Cureton said at the time of the award:

“Winning the AA Pub of the Year for Wales is a marvellous accolade and a great achievement for which all our staff can be very proud indeed. We will continue to provide first class hospitality, delicious food and fabulous service and to be passionate about what we do.”
PHOTO: Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, Robert Cureton, Phil Edwards with the award plaque outside the Queen’s Head.

The Queens Head is a gastronomique pub acclaimed not just for its food and wine but also for its character and the welcome diners receive. It dates back to 1790 and was originally the wheel maker’s (Wheelwright) Cottage.

The AA say that they selected The Queen’s Head as Pub of the Year for Wales because "the proprietors and their team have over 27 years, built up an excellent reputation with both locals and visitors alike for excellent food, traditional ales, good wines and friendly service at this unique gastronomique pub.

The AA Hospitality Awards recognise and reward the services provided by the UK ’s very best establishments.

Wigley in Llandudno - Plaid’s biggest ever Westminster advertising campaign

2010-05-04T09:56:00.001+01:00

Plaid Cymru’s biggest ever advertising campaign has been underway in the run-up to the UK general election and our party’s Honorary President Dafydd Wigley made a special call at Llandudno to see for himself the impact we're making in Aberconwy.

Following a fund raising campaign by party activists, Plaid is using a combination of ‘tried and tested’ and ‘new and innovative’ methods of getting their message across.

One of the inventive means that Plaid is employing to communicate with people in communities across Wales is adverts on fleets of buses across the country. Plaid trialled the bus advertising in the Llanelli constituency in October last year. Following a very positive reaction, the party has rolled out the campaign to several constituencies across the length and breadth of Wales, including Aberconwy.

Plaid Cymru is the first party in Wales ever to use this kind of advertising for a political campaign. As well as the bus campaign which includes internal and external adverts, Plaid has been supplementing its intensive Wales-wide door-to-door campaign with innovative web marketing and use of social networking sites.

Dafydd Wigley said:

'Many voters are turning away from the Westminster-based parties in this election. Plaid's outstanding record of being clean of sleaze at Westminster, and of giving the lead to avoid such problems in the Assembly makes Plaid's candidates - like Phil Edwards here in Aberconwy - a natural choice for voters disgruntled with the London parties.

Plaid stands to win its highest-ever tally of seats in the new House of Commons. Every vote strengthens the party's hands in fighting for a better deal for Wales.

I’m delighted to see the message being broadcast loud and clear here in Llandudno both in the town centre office and on the streets.”

Phil Edwards said:

With the three London parties working with the broadcasters to stitch up the Leaders’ debates and exclude Wales’ voice, Plaid has intensified its campaign to speak directly to the people and communities of Wales. Our message on the doorstep will be simple - the choice between the same old politics of Westminster or an independent minded, locally focussed Plaid MP who will stand up for the needs and interests of the communities they represent.

Plaid has to find new and innovative ways of getting our message across to the communities we represent. This year we are running our most ambitious Westminster advertising campaign to date.

After a very positive response from the public to the initial bus advertising, we have now rolled this across Wales in places such as Bangor, Blackwood, Llandudno, Aberystwyth and Cardiff.

Plaid’s ability to embrace innovation and technology is a well recognised success. In addition to our existing presence on the web on websites, blogs and social networking, we will be using internet advertising on sites such as Google to get our message across to as wide an audience as possible.

All of this will of course supplement our Wales wide intensive door-to-door campaign. Plaid candidates for the coming election will all be out and about, talking to people in our communities and ensuring that we take the people’s priorities and values with us to Westminster when called upon.

SNP a'r Blaid yn datgelu '4 dros Gymru 4 dros yr Alban’

2010-04-01T17:58:00.000+01:00

Yr wythnos yma datgelodd arweinyddion yr SNP a Phlaid Cymru, Alex Salmond ASA a Ieuan Wyn Jones AC, '4 dros Gymru, 4 dros yr Alban’ - cytundeb rhwng yr SNP a Phlaid Cymru i sicrhau gwell bargen i bobl yr Alban a Chymru os digwydd senedd grog.

Gyda Dirprwy Brif Weinidog Cymru Mr Jones a Phrif Weinidog yr Alban Mr Salmond yn y gynhadledd i’r wasg yr oedd arweinyddion grwpiau’r SNP a Phlaid Cymru yn San Steffan, Angus Robertson AS ac Elfyn Llwyd AS.

Dyma fydd elfennau allweddol y rhaglen, sydd â phedair rhan:

1. Cyllido teg i Gymru a’r Alban

2. Amddiffyn gwasanaethau lleol a’r rhai mwyaf bregus

3. Camau i helpu’r economi werdd

4. Cefnogaeth i dwf busnes

Bydd Mr Salmond a Mr Jones yn llofnodi copi mawr o’r cytundeb yn y gynhadledd i’r wasg.

Meddai, Mr Salmond :

"Gyda gwir bosibilrwydd senedd gytbwys yn San Steffan, mae’r sefyllfa yn llawn cyfle i’r Alban a Chymru.

"Mae Llafur a’r Torïaid fel ei gilydd yn bygwth toriadau dwfn a llym fydd yn peryglu’r adfywiad yn yr Alban a Chymru."Mae’r Canghellor Alistair Darling eisoes wedi cyfaddef y bydd y toriadau sydd ar y gweill gan y Llywodraeth Lafur yn "llymach a dyfnach" na rhai Margaret Thatcher.

"Dim ond bloc cryf o ASau’r SNP a Phlaid, trwy ddefnyddio ein pleidleisiau a’n dylanwad i ennill consesiynau hanfodol, all amddiffyn yr Alban a Chymru.

"Fel y saif ar hyn o bryd, gall Llywodraeth y DG gymryd y gyllell i gyllidebau’r Alban a Chymru fel y myn, ac mae’n gwneud hynny. Mae fformiwla Barnett wedi siomi’r Alban a Chymru. Dyna pam fod arnom ni yn yr Alban angen annibyniaeth ariannol a bod ar Gymru angen bargen gyllido decach.
"Mae toriadau arfaethedig pleidiau Llundain yn fygythiad gwirioneddol i ysgolion, ysbytai a gwasanaethau rheng flaen yn yr Alban a Chymru. Rhaid i hyn newid.

"Gan weithio gyda’i gilydd, bydd ASau’r SNP a’r Blaid yn ymladd o blaid cyllido tecach a gwarant o ddarparu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus sydd yn hanfodol i’r rhai mwyaf bregus yn ein cymunedau."

Meddai arweinydd y Blaid Mr Jones:

"Yn eu ras am allweddi Rhif 10, mae pleidiau Llundain wedi anghofio beth sydd o wir bwys i bleidleiswyr yn yr Alban a Chymru, ond nid yw’r SNP na Phlaid Cymru wedi anghofio.

“Gyda phosibilrwydd senedd gytbwys yn dod yn fwyfwy tebygol, yr ydym ni’n credu mai etholiad na fyddai’n rhoi mwyafrif clir i’r un blaid fyddai’r canlyniad gorau oll i’n cenhedloedd.

“Byddai cynghrair Geltiadd o ASau Plaid ac SNP mewn sefyllfa i drafod manteision gwirioneddool i bobl Cymru a’r Alban. “Po fwyaf y bleidlais i’r Blaid a’r SNP – gorau fydd y fargen i Gymru a’r Alban. Dyma gyfle cyffrous i wneud gwir wahaniaeth.

“Buasem yn mynnu cylido tecach i Gymru a’r Alban i amddiffyn swyddi, ein hysgolion, ein hysbytai a’r mwyaf bregus mewn cymdeithas.

"Wrth graidd ein safbwynt byddaiangen hefyd gwir ymrwymiad i dyfu ein heconomiau trwy gysylltiadau cludiant cyflym a mwy o genfogaeth i greu miloedd o swyddi o ansawdd uchel yn sectorau’r diwydiannau gwyrdd a’r diwydiannau creadigol."

April Fuels Day - Labour's new tax raid on motorists starts today

2010-04-01T17:42:00.000+01:00

Today may as well be known as April Fuels Day as Labour's latest tax raid on motorists takes effect today.

Despite long-standing campaigns from Plaid and leading industry voices calling for fuel duty to be frozen, the Chancellor announced in his Budget that fuel duty would rise from today and againa in October and again next January.

By then, January 2011, there will have been six increases in fuel duty since December 2008 marking a 17% rise overall.

Fuel duty had already risen by 11.6% in the last 18 months and is rising again by a further penny per litre today.

Meanwhile, the AA estimates that the average cost of running a family car has increased by £52 per month in the last year.

The cost of petrol at the pump has increased by 17% since early-February.

These increases are hurting hard-working families, small businesses, public services and especially those in rural areas.

Plaid has already criticised this fuel duty hike in an Early Day Motion lodged at the start of the week we demanded a freeze in fuel duty and we repeat our call for the introduction of a fair fuel duty regulator which would cap fuel prices.

The price of petrol at the pump has risen significantly since early February and is starting to be felt strongly by people from all walks of life. For many people who rely on their car for work or family life, this is a heavy and unexpected burden at a time when they are economically stretched.

Labour will soon have pushed fuel duty up by 17% in barely two years, well above inflation.

We need to be supporting struggling communities and industries or we risk damaging a very fragile economic recovery.

This unfair fuel tax is another example of an uncaring, out of touch Westminster Government.

Phil

Tudno FM gets another boost from the Welsh Government

2010-04-01T16:52:00.000+01:00

Tudno FM has been awarded a grant of over £15,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Radio Fund to meet its ongoing costs in providing a service to the local community.

The news was welcomed by local Aberconwy AM Gareth Jones, Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones AM and Phil Edwards, Plaid's Aberconwy candidate.

“I am delighted that Tudno FM has won through and continues to be supported by the Welsh Government through this fund," said Gareth Jones AM. "The whole team does wonderful work for the local community in Llandudno and I wish them all continued success.”

Tudno FM is one of six local community radio stations to profit from a £100,000 fund in this year’s competitive bidding round.

Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, was himself interviewed live on Tudno FM last year and he added:

“These radio stations play a valuable role reflecting the issues affecting people living in these communities. They also provide opportunities for residents to gain new skills and in some cases employment. I’m very pleased to announce these grants and to congratulate the stations on the important role they play in their communities.”

The six stations were chosen for their commitment to their communities in a number of areas, including; encouraging healthy lifestyles, promoting training and social enterprise for excluded and vulnerable people and strengthening cultural and linguistic identity.

Phil Edwards, Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Aberconwy, took part in Tudno FM's live election hustings debate last week and launched the New Year campaign live on Tudno FM with the Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones. Phil commented:

“The staff and volunteers do a tremendous job in producing a radio station we can all be proud of and their strong commitment to the local community in English and in Welsh is clearly evident whenever I visit.”

Plaid’s Phil Edwards interviewed by the Howard League live on twitter

2010-04-01T16:32:00.000+01:00

A first for me today being interviewed by The Howard League for Penal Reform live on twitter today.

I believe that it’s important to use a wide range of media in connecting with the electorate, and very much enjoy using twitter for informing people about my campaign and especially for this interview.

Today I was able to engage with the debate on the future of criminal justice in a very new way and I’m thankful to the Howard League for the opportunity.

The Howard League, a much-respected organisation which focuses on reforming the criminal justice system, questioned me on the current legal system and as a former police officer and General Secretary of the North Wales Police Federation, I was able to draw on my own experiences in a thirty-year career.

Plaid Cymru wants to see a reduction in the number of people in prisons, but more importantly we want to see a reduction in the amount of crimes being committed. We need to sufficiently support young offenders once they are released back to the community in order to ensure that they do not re-offend.

We believe that a small prison should be built in North Wales, which would accommodate the needs of the area. As a former Police officer, I’m lucky to have an insight into the legal system, and I’m well aware of the challenges we face with issues of law and order. Plaid Cymru has the conviction and the policies which would reduce crime across North Wales, and ensure that our communities be kept safe from dangerous individuals.

It’s essential to use any means possible to discuss such important issues as this. Technology has become a major part of political communication, and I welcome any forum which allows us to debate on a range of matters, whether it be regarding health, law and order or education. If you would like any further information regarding my election campaign, please don’t hesitate in contacting me via twitter.

@PhilEdAberconwy

Fighting for a fair deal for Wales

2010-04-01T13:57:00.000+01:00

A letter published in the local paper this week:

If there is anyone left in Aberconwy or in any part of Wales who had any niggling doubts as to who would best serve Wales in Westminster after the General Election, those reservations must surely have been dispelled after the Chancellor sat down having delivered his election Budget.

There was nothing positive in it for pensioners, the low-paid or struggling businesses.

Their Budget was not about us the people, it was about them - London Labour pulling any trick in the book to try and get themselves re-elected in a few weeks time - and it won't work.

Wales was already underfunded to the tune of £300 million every year, we now know from the Auditor General for Wales that that figure is going to be closer to £1 billion a year under Labour.

The cuts which the Conservatives have promised and seemingly relish will be even deeper.

Plaid is the only party that is committed to fighting for Wales and protect our public services.

And fight we will.

Phil Edwards

More Nats = Less Cuts.....Plaid and SNP unveil ‘4 Wales 4 Scotland’

2010-03-31T17:52:00.004+01:00

The leaders of the SNP and Plaid Cymru, Alex Salmond MSP and Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, today unveiled '4 Wales, 4 Scotland' - the SNP and Plaid Cymru's joint agreement to secure a better deal for the people of Scotland and Wales in the event of a hung parliament.

Deputy First Minister of Wales Mr Jones and Scotland’s First Minister Mr Salmond were joined at the press conference by SNP and Plaid Cymru group leaders at Westminster, Angus Robertson MP and Elfyn Llwyd MP.

The key elements of the four part programme will be:

1. Fair funding for Wales and Scotland

2. Protecting local services and the most vulnerable

3. Action to help the green economy

4. Support for business growth

Mr Salmond and Mr Jones signed a large scale copy of the agreement at the press conference.

Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said:

"In their race for the keys to Number 10, the London Parties have forgotten about what really matters to voters in Scotland and Wales but the SNP and Plaid Cymru have not.

“With the prospect of a balanced parliament becoming more likely by the day, we believe that an election that gives no single party an overall majority would be the best possible outcome for our nations.

“A Celtic alliance of Plaid and SNP MPs would be in a position to negotiate real benefits for the people of Wales and Scotland.

“The greater the vote for Plaid and the SNP – the better the deal for Wales and Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference.

“We would demand fairer funding for Wales and Scotland to protect jobs, our schools, our hospitals and the most vulnerable in society.

"At the heart of our platform there would also need to be a real commitment to grow our economies through fast transport links and additional support to create thousands of high-quality jobs in the green and creative industry sectors.”

SNP Leader Alex Salmond said:

"With the real possibility of a balanced parliament at Westminster, the situation is redolent with real opportunity for Scotland and Wales.

"Both Labour and the Tories are threatening deep, harsh cuts which will endanger the Scottish and Welsh recoveries.

"Chancellor Alistair Darling has already admitted that the cuts planned by the Labour Government will be "harsher and deeper" than those inflicted by Margaret Thatcher.

"Only a strong bloc of SNP and Plaid MPs, using our votes and influence to win vital concessions, can protect Scotland and Wales.

"As it currently stands, the UK Government can and does slash the Scottish and Welsh budgets with impunity. The Barnett formula has let Scotland and Wales down. That's why in Scotland we need fiscal autonomy and Wales requires a fairer funding deal.

"The cuts proposed by the London parties are a real threat to Scottish and Welsh schools, hospitals and front line services. This must change.

"Working together, SNP and Plaid MPs will champion fairer funding and guarantee provision of public services which are vital to most vulnerable in our communities."

Think Different.Think Plaid.

2010-03-25T21:10:00.001Z

At the end of the live hustings debate on Tudno FM, Head of News, Siôn Pritchard asked all four candidates why people should vote for them at the forthcoming General Election.

Here's my response:

I've been knocking on doors for over twelve months now and people are telling me that they've never felt so angry, so let down, and so sick of the same old politics from the London parties.

Professors, Political Editors and Pollsters tell us that only Plaid can beat the Conservatives here.

So the people of Aberconwy have a clear choice.

They can either have a Plaid MP, answerable only to our communities, standing up for them and for Wales in Westminster, very possibly in a hung parliament, or a Conservative MP who would be bound by what his London party dictates.

A Tory victory isn’t a foregone conclusion here - it doesn't have to happen here in Aberconwy like it surely will happen elsewhere.

I'm standing for election to work side by side with our AM and colleagues in the Welsh Government, working to protect and improve our hospital not to cut NHS spending, working with our police and council officers - not against them, fighting for fair funding for Wales and for a better future for the people.

I'm standing up for our communities here, for farmers in the Conwy valley, for pensioners in poverty, for the small businesses and motorists and the average worker who have all been taxed till the pips squeak because these London parties have let the banks run riot.

It doesn’t have to be like this.

More and more of your listeners are turning to Plaid because they know Plaid offers something different to the rest. I don't have to toe their London party line. I am here to work hard for our people – for fair play, honesty and justice.

This isn’t a time for politics as usual. You can make this happen.

I urge you to Think Different.Think Plaid.

Why don't they sign the Real Policing Pledge?

2010-03-25T16:20:00.052Z

I took part in a lively and interesting hustings debate with the other three main candidates yesterday live on local community radio courtesy of Siôn Pritchard and friends at Tudno FM.

The first of the questions focused on our differing plans to improve policing in Aberconwy and I have to say while my fellow candidates can certainly talk a good game, their actions in reality fall far short of their rhetoric.

Despite a written invitation not one of my fellow candidates has backed the Police Federation of England and Wales in its campaign for Real Policing.

As an ex-police officer myself with thirty years' service, and as the former General Secretary of the North Wales Police Federation I find this complete disregard for their campaign deeply disturbing.

I have responded to the pledge and I support all five measures:

Commit to the office of constable as the bedrock of modern policing
Maintain the number of warranted police constables in England and Wales
Ensure that all constables are adequately trained to do their jobs
Commit to maintain an effective ratio of constables to support staff on community policing teams
Honour the Police Negotiating Board

It's not too late so I urge my fellow candidates to sign up to the Real Policing Pledge today.

Phil

More good news as pensioners to get £500 to scrap old boilers

2010-03-23T20:26:00.001Z

And here's the second bit of good news from the Assembly today, again courtesy of our AM Gareth Jones.

Phil

I have had a number of enquiries from constituents regarding the details of the boiler scrappage scheme so I'm pleased with news today from the Welsh Government that eligible homeowners over 60 will be able to scrap their old G-rated boiler and get £500 towards the cost of a new one.

The scheme is very much targeted towards those people regarded as being in fuel poverty, which is defined as spending 10% of household income on fuel bills.

If you think you are in this category then from the 6th April you’re advised to call 0800 316 2816 or register with the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme on their website at http://www.heeswales.co.uk/

If you need to know what kind of boiler you’ve got then from the same date 6th April EAGA can tell you if you ring the same number.

I’ve also had a number of enquiries from local plumbers and heating engineers and if they wish to to be considered as registered installers they too need to register from 6th April on the HEES website, http://www.heeswales.co.uk/

Anyone experiencing problems in registering is welcome to contact my office on 01492 642014.

Gareth Jones AM

Some shocking news from the National Assembly today

2010-03-23T20:26:00.000Z

Here's the first of a couple of good news items from the Assembly today, courtesy of my colleague Gareth Jones AM, that are sure to be of interest to people locally.

Wales today is leading the way as the first nation in the UK to ban the use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats. The tough stance on these shocking devices taken by my friend and colleague, the Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones AM is very much to be welcomed and we can be very proud of this simple and efficient Welsh legislation. Despite strong opposition from manufacturers of these collars, the vast majority of responses to the three consultations carried out by the Welsh Government were in favour of the ban. In terms of their use as a training aid I know from my long experience in North Wales Police working alongside police handlers and their extraordinarily well-trained dogs that these shocking devices are just simply unnecessary.

Phil

Over the last few years I’ve been very pleased to support the team from the Kennel Club and help promote their campaign to ban these electric shock devices in Wales. Inflicting pain and fear are neither humane nor effective methods by which to train any dog and that alone is a good enough reason to ban these devices but they have also the very clear potential for abuse and cruelty and that is not acceptable.

I have to confess that I was not brave enough to be shocked myself – some AMs were and I applaud their bravery – however for personal health reasons I chose not to - a weak excuse I know but therein lies another lesson. I had the choice not to be shocked – the poor animals who receive this shocking treatment don’t have that luxury – they have no choice in the matter.

All dogs can and should be trained by praise and encouragement just as those most highly-trained dogs already are by the police, military and all those organisations that have been training assistance and rescue dogs for decades. Dogs can be trained to the highest standards without any cause to use such shocking devices.

It’s not often that we get the opportunity to introduce Wales-only legislation in the Senedd – finding Welsh solutions to Welsh problems - so I am absolutely delighted that today my colleague Elin Jones has acted to outlaw this shocking practice and that the National Assembly has enacted this pioneering legislation in the UK.

Gareth Jones AM
Aberconwy

The National Assembly for Wales unanimously approved the Welsh Government motion to introduce this Wales-only legislation at 18:47 this evening.

Regulations including penalties and enforcement to be found here:

http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-guide-docs-pub/bus-business-documents/bus-business-documents-doc-laid/sub-ld7932-e.pdf?langoption=3&ttl=SUB-LD7933%20-%20Animal%20Welfare%20%28Electronic%20Collars%29%20%28Wales%29%20Regulations%202010

Stop this fuel tax disgrace - duty hike must be postponed

2010-03-22T20:56:00.001Z

Today we've renewed our calls for a freeze on fuel duty ahead of the Budget on Wednesday.

Fuel duty is set to rise by a further 2.55 pence per litre from April 2010 (1% above the rate of inflation) which will cost the average family an extra £200 a year and cause further problems to small businesses already struggling with higher fuel duties. Plaid has insisted that this duty hike should be postponed.

Campaign organisations such as the Road Haulage Association and local dairy farmers and contractors have come out in support of our calls for a fair fuel duty regulator. Under such a plan, an unexpected spike in petrol prices would lead to a freeze on fuel duty.

MPs from Plaid and the SNP have tabled an Early Day Motion urging a freeze on fuel duty and repeating calls for the establishment of a fuel duty regulator.

This will be the third time in as many years I have called for the introduction of a fuel regulator. It is the people of Aberconwy that will feel the pinch again if this fuel hike goes ahead. This will affect everybody from our dairy farmers, small businesses, and our struggling tourism industry. But as ever, it is always those who can afford the least who will be hit the hardest.

This is an issue that affects all parts of Aberconwy. Hard-working families feel the struggle of trying to run a car, but also these sky-high fuel taxes also impact on businesses, on prices in stores as costs rise to deliver food and other products to the shops, on the emergency services and on other public services.

Many people do not realise that when the VAT was decreased, the Westminster Government stuck an extra tax on fuel to compensate. That extra tax is still there and we are now facing another hike on top of it. This is deceitful and underhanded and I urge the Chancellor to come clean and give our people a break.

I'm pictured here with agricultural contractor Arwyn Vaughn who like every rural business will be badly affected by this fuel hike.

More from my colleague, Plaid's Parliamentary Leader Elfyn Llwyd MP, follows.

Phil Edwards

Rising fuel duty prices are already crippling industry – but it is also an unfair burden on struggling families, small businesses, rural areas in particular, and also sectors such as the emergency services will be hit especially hard by this.

This is just punishing ordinary people for a banking system failure that the London government helped to create. If the Chancellor needs to raise revenue he should do this by doing more to address tax avoidance by the affluent.

He needs to go much further than he has so far in introducing a genuinely progressive tax system. For example he could abolish the pension tax relief for the wealthy - not simply reducing it - and introduce he higher rate of tax at £100k not £150k.

We will continue to fight this fuel hike and urge the introduction of a fuel duty regulator at the Budget to ensure price stability as well as lower fuel taxes.

Elfyn Llwyd MP

Notes:

Plaid Cymru has long campaigned for a new mechanism to cap petrol prices. Together with the SNP, a motion to amend the Finance Bill in 2008 to create a Fuel Duty regulator, was voted down by Labour.

1. FUEL DUTY Early Day Motion, tabled this week by Plaid’s Adam Price MP and the SNP’s Stewart Hosie MP, reads:

That this House notes the recent unexpected spike in the price of petrol at the pump, recognises that unexpected increases in the price of fuel impacts significantly upon hard-working families, businesses of all sizes, seriously affects those living in rural areas who have no transport alternative except private cars, and impacts upon the costs of public services; recognises the need for greater research, development and support for reducing our dependency upon oil for everyday use, but in the short-term calls for a freeze on fuel duty in this Budget to protect those affected by the current price spike and further calls for a fuel duty regulator to prevent unexpected spikes in prices from affecting hard working families in future.

2. SNP/PC motion last vote on 2 July 2008 (Finance Bill) – 308 to 14. Labour voted against, Cons and Lib Dems abstained. PC and SNP voted for. 2 weeks later, 16 July 2008, Tories put down a similar motion.

The Tories just don’t get it do they?

2010-03-17T17:57:00.001Z

The Tories just don’t get it do they?

In his response last week to our quite fair questions about non-dom Lord Ashcroft’s tax-free donations to their party, David Jones MP may be correct to say that Lord Ashcroft’s donation was technically legal, but what he doesn’t say though is that they refused to allow their staff to be interviewed – so is this more a case of lack of evidence than innocent?

It was also technically correct for them to claim for duck houses, moats to be cleared and houses to flipped.

But it doesn’t make it right does it?

The Tories hope to take over the reins of government after the election – but even now, after everything that’s happened, they prove again they can’t be trusted to do the right and honourable thing.

Plaid calls for Milk and Supermarket Ombudsman after Aberconwy farm meeting

2010-03-15T16:59:00.001Z

Following a campaign led by Phil Edwards in support of Aberconwy dairy farmers, Plaid Cymru has stepped up calls for a milk and supermarket ombudsman to help dairy farmers ensure a fair price for their pint of milk, laying an Early Day Motion to back the findings of a recent Competition Commission report.

Plaid’s DEFRA spokesperson at Westminster, Elfyn Llwyd MP, has this week laid an EDM after a meeting with farmers at Eglwysbach with Plaid Cymru’s Aberconwy candidate, Phil Edwards and receiving a petition signed by a thousand people on the issue.

Mr Llwyd said:

“I have been involved with this campaign for some years now, but the testimony of the Eglwysbach farmers surprised even me.

“Ten dairy production farms per week have closed in England and Wales in the last five years, showing the crisis felt in the industry.

“Meanwhile the supermarket industry has grown to encompass 75% of grocery sales within just four major companies who have a stranglehold on the market.

“The UK government has begun to recognise the issue but we have to tackle this problem in a big way now.

Phil Edwards added:

“After a number of meetings with dairy farmers, I launched a petition at the Royal Welsh Show in 2009 to support our farmers because many of them are not even receiving cost price for their products. We must take positive action to stop this haemorrhaging from the dairy industry before it’s too late.

“The dairy farming industry is one of the backbones of Wales but they have been scandalously let down and have operated with virtually no protection for many years under almost cartel-like conditions from the major suppliers.

“We must stand up for them, we need a milk and supermarket ombudsman with real teeth that will ensure fair play for our farmers.”

EDM 1035 ELFYN LLWYD MP

SUPERMARKET OMBUDSMAN AND DAIRY FARMERS

That this House welcomes the announcement of the introduction of a supermarket ombudsman as called for by the Competition Commission report of August 2009; notes that 75 per cent. of UK grocery sales are from supermarkets; further notes that the amount of money that dairy farmers receive for their milk from the supermarkets often does not cover the cost of production; also notes that the price farmers get for a pint of milk has fallen in real terms whilst their costs of producing milk continue to increase, and that England and Wales are losing 10 dairy production holdings a week; believes that this is putting the Welsh dairy industry at risk as well as the viability and sustainability of Wales' rural communities, including the care of the countryside and wildlife; and calls for the supermarket ombudsman to be formed as soon as practicable and for its responsibility to include ensuring a fair price and a fair and level playing field for dairy farmers against the purchasing power and market share of supermarkets.

Plaid demands investigation into windfarm compensation payments

2010-03-15T16:59:00.000Z

Following concerns raised by Plaid’s Aberconwy candidate Phil Edwards about the compensation process for the Gwynt y Mor windfarm off Llandudno, Plaid Cymru’s leader at Westminster, Elfyn Llwyd MP, has laid an Early Day Motion demanding an investigation.

In the EDM, Mr Llwyd argues that the present system often favours international companies rather than the local councils who should be benefiting from the compensation schemes.

Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

“I am calling for an investigation of the current compensation system to ensure that local authorities and communities get the best possible deal when windfarms are erected so that they can address any negative impacts which may arise.

“At present, international energy companies are in a position where they can string out agreements on compensation over a long period of time and manipulate the planning process until it becomes a done deal on their terms.

“I want to see a situation where local authorities can get a fair deal for themselves and their tax-payers.”

Phil Edwards added:

“I am concerned that the amount of compensation paid to some communities and the processes undertaken by the multinationals.

“In the case of the Gwynt y Mor wind farm there have been interminable delays in the discussions between the Government, Conwy County Borough Council and nPower Renewables over the amount of money to be given to the Communities Fund.

“This is money that would go back into our local communities, but is being delayed because there is no efficient and fair method to ensure that the right amount of compensation is paid out by the company involved.

“As we know only too well here in North Wales, Plaid Cymru politicians have been standing up for our communities in Aberconwy. We're on their side in this struggle against the global giants and big business.”

EDM 1036 ELFYN LLWYD MP

WIND TURBINES AND THE COMMUNITIES FUND

That this House notes the ongoing discussions between Conwy County Borough Council and npower Renewables regarding the amount of money to be contributed to the Communities Fund as a result of the construction of the Gwynt y Môr field of wind turbines close to the North Wales coast; further notes that similar discussions are ongoing around the United Kingdom; expresses concern that the bargaining ability of local authorities and communities is dependent upon the stage of the planning process at which negotiations are taking place; finds it unfair that international companies can benefit from prolonged discussions over planning issues and find themselves in a stronger bargaining position so that they pay a reduced contribution to the Communities Fund; and calls for an investigation which will make recommendations into the best way to ensure a just and equitable system that will assist local authorities and communities in getting the best possible deal from such negotiations so that communities can have the best opportunity of addressing the negative impacts such projects can have on an area and local tourism industries.

Aberconwy is not for sale

2010-03-05T18:09:00.006Z

As the Conservatives gather for their party conference in Llandudno we've challenged David Cameron to come clean over which candidates' campaigns have directly benefited from the funds of their dodgy non-dom donor Lord Ashcroft.

We urge the Tories to be honest with voters - tell us where Lord Ashcroft’s millions have been targeted. Unless they do, the Conservatives actions are likely to further damage public confidence in Westminster politics.

My colleague, Plaid’s Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd MP and the SNP’s Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP have written to Tory party leader David Cameron calling for answers and a breakdown of where and how much money has been poured into campaigns.

Here's what Elfyn has had to say:

The Conservatives have to come clean on which Tory candidates are being bankrolled by Ashcroft’s millions. As they meet in Llandudno, I think the people of the Aberconwy constituency deserve to know how this man’s personal fortune is being used by the Tories in an attempt to buy their votes.

Aberconwy is not for sale. Voters deserve the truth, attempting to buy them is down right insulting.

Mr Cameron should put his money where his mouth is. Will he practise what he preaches on transparency in politics?

Ashcroft does not play by UK rules but is still using the millions of pounds at his disposal to try and buy this election for the Conservatives.

My guess is that many Conservative candidates in Wales and elsewhere are benefiting both directly and indirectly from Lord Ashcroft’s millions – either through it being pumped into constituencies or through campaigns at their central office in London.

While this man won’t pay taxes here, he’s perfectly happy to try to dictate how ours would be spent.

Welsh voters will not accept being played like this. I just hope that people will make a stand and send a clear message that we want people representing us who will stand up for our communities – rather than the candidates who has the biggest cheque-book.

Angus Robertson MP added:

Bankrolled and run by London, Tory candidates cannot claim to speak up for local interests. Only the SNP will champion Scottish communities.

The text of the letter to David Cameron reads:

It has now been confirmed that Lord Ashcroft broke an undertaking to pay full UK tax in order to become a member of the House of Lords ten years ago.

Since then, he has donated more than £5 million to the Conservative Party, much of which has been spent in target seats throughout the United Kingdom.

Given the public interest in this matter and your repeated calls for disclosure and transparency in politics, could you please confirm how much money from Lord Ashcroft’s donations have been used to fund constituency campaigns in Scotland and Wales and in which seats?

Historic Day for Welsh Language

2010-03-05T18:08:00.001Z

This Measure is an historic step which for the first time gives the people of Wales the right to receive services through Welsh; reaffirms the official status of the Welsh language and creates a strong Commissioner to protect and promote the language.

This is the beginning of a long scrutiny period and our Ministers will be keen to listen to other ideas regarding the measure and how to achieve our aims.

Were Plaid Cymru not in Government, none of the above would’ve happened – no strong commissioner, no more services through Welsh and no official status for the language.

Diwrnod Hanesyddol i'r Iaith

2010-03-05T18:08:00.000Z

Mae’r Mesur hwn yn gam hanesyddol ymlaen ac am y tro cyntaf yn creu trefn sy’n rhoi hawliau i bobl Cymru dderbyn gwasanaethau Cymraeg; yn cadarnhau statws swyddogol y Gymraeg ac yn creu Comisiynydd cryf i amddiffyn yr iaith.

Dyma dechrau broses sgriwtini hir ac fe fydd ein Gweinidogion ni yn barod iawn i wrando ar syniadau eraill ynglŷn a sut i gyrraedd ein hamcanion.

Pe na bai Plaid Cymru wedi bod yn rhan o Lywodraeth Cymru, fyddai dim byd newydd wedi digwydd – dim comisiynydd cryf, dim mwy o wasanaethau Cymraeg a dim statws swyddogol i’r iaith.

Three leaders – what about our three countries?

2010-03-04T21:44:00.001Z

Despite the Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain MP, urging voters this week to rally behind parties who can keep the Tories out, the BBC has restricted the televised election debates to the leaders of three London-based parties.

Here in Aberconwy we're in a head to head straight fight with the Tories, so why should three of the four nations comprising the United Kingdom be excluded from these debates, all of which are scheduled to take place in England?

Plaid Cymru is in coalition government in Wales, the SNP govern Scotland and both are excluded, along with politicians from the north of Ireland.

What a nonsense that these debates have now been labelled “prime ministerial debates”, when they include the Lib Dem Leader. Perhaps those responsible should read the recent article in the Independent newspaper, which spoke of Plaid’s three MPs having had more effect on Parliament than the entire Liberal Democrats - and there's sixty-three of them. This shows a complete lack of respect for our nations and voters, and a disregard for the changing nature of the way the UK is governed.

It’s time the broadcasters and the London-based political parties came to terms with the reality of devolution. It is clear that these debates will have an influence on how people vote, and the fact that Plaid Cymru is excluded flies in the face of democracy.

I would go so far as to say that the people of Wales are being misled, and certainly in this constituency of Aberconwy, the contest is between Plaid and the Tories: the other two participants in the televised debates are also-rans here.

What price now the BBC’s commitment to accuracy, fairness and impartiality?"

Plaid’s Director of Communications, my colleague Elin Jones AM, had this to say and I wholeheartedly agree:

“The people of Wales will rightly feel very aggrieved at being shut out from the democratic process in this way. In many of Wales' constituencies one or two out of these London parties barely feature in the running - yet they will feature prominently in this London stitch-up.”

Phil

Safeguard your right to vote

2010-03-03T19:06:00.002Z

Some handy advice here from Conwy County Borough Council.

While the date for the General Election is not yet known, don't wait until it's announced before you secure your right to vote.

Registering to vote only takes a few minutes.

Sometimes people don't realise they need to re-register every year. Conwy County Borough Council wrote to all households back in October 2009. If you are not sure you returned your form, or if you have moved house since then and have not re-registered at your new address, then take a few minutes to do so now, and make sure nothing stops you from having your say on election day.

Remember, if you are not registered, you can't vote!

Print off a form from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk the website of the independent elections watchdog, the Electoral Commission, or telephone the Council's Electoral Services Section on (01492) 576051.

Diogelwch eich hawl i bleidleisio

2010-03-03T19:05:00.002Z

Cyngor da iawn yma oddi wrth Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy.

Er nad ydym yn gwybod dyddiad yr Etholiad Cyffredinol eto, peidiwch aros i'r dyddiad gael ei gyhoeddi cyn i chi ddiogelu eich hawl i bleidleisio.

Mae ond yn cymryd ychydig funudau i gofrestru ar gyfer pleidleisio.

Weithiau nid yw pobl yn sylweddoli bod angen iddynt ailgofrestru bob blwyddyn. Ysgrifennodd Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy at bob cartref ym mis Hydref 2009. Os nad ydych yn sicr os anfonoch chi eich ffurflen yn ôl, neu os ydych chi wedi symud tŷ ers hynny a heb ailgofrestru yn eich cyfeiriad newydd, cymrwch ydychig funudau i wneud hynny rŵan, a gwnewch yn siŵr nad oes unrhyw un yn eich rhwystro rhag dweud eich dweud ar ddiwrnod yr etholiad.

Cofiwch, os nad ydych chi wedi cofrestru, fedrwch chi ddim pleidleisio!

Printiwch ffurflen oddi ar www.fymhleidlaisi.co.uk gwefan y corff gwarchod etholiadol, y Comisiwn Etholiadol, neu ffoniwch Adain Gwasanaethau Etholiadol y Cyngor ar (01492) 576051.

Payback time for Aberconwy Tories?

2010-03-03T18:54:00.000Z

Over on bestforwest our colleague Llyr Huws Gruffydd questions whether it's time that the Clwyd West Tories paid back the money they have received in the past from Lord Ashcroft, the non-dom, who as the Tories major donor and Deputy Chairman, has bankrolled to the tune of millions, many of their campaigns in marginal seats, without paying a penny in tax on his earnings offshore.

The same question should be asked of the Aberconwy Tories.

It's Plaid for Aberconwy - says Labour Minister

2010-03-01T19:18:00.000Z

Even the Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain has appealed to voters to back Plaid Cymru in Aberconwy - saying that voters should unite behind the only party that can beat the Conservatives.

With Labour out of the race in the Aberconwy Constituency, only Plaid can now see off the threat of a divisive right-wing Tory MP.

Following Mr Hain's widely reported remarks over the past few days, Plaid's Aberconwy candidate Phil Edwards said:

"This weekend we've been campaigning in Llanfairfechan, and, once again, the response has been magnificent and very warm. People I’ve never met are calling out ‘good luck’ across the street as we are out and about

"In the context of Aberconwy, Peter Hain is absolutely right: it's Plaid or the Tories, the tide and the mood are clearly with us. I would ask supporters of other parties to lend me their support in this coming election, to ensure that Aberconwy has someone in Westminster fighting for the interests of all constituents and to get a better deal from Westminster.

"Last weekend I took part in the Plaid pre-election conference. Everyone was in buoyant mood and I can rarely remember such a sense of optimism in advance of any election, let alone a General Election for the UK Parliament.

"Contrast this with the mood of this weekend's Tory conference, providing headlines such as 'Poll fears stalk Tory conference’."

Mr Edwards urged the people of Aberconwy to 'think different'.

"At a time when people in Wales have never felt so angry and let down by the same stale old politics in Westminster, there is the chance for some fresh and independent thinking here in Aberconwy."

Conwy Castle flies the flag on St David’s Day

2010-03-01T19:07:00.001Z

Phil Edwards has welcomed the sight of the national flag, Y Ddraig Goch - The Red Dragon, flying once more over Conwy Castle, after being absent from its flagpole for many months.

Following complaints from local people about the missing flags, Phil took the issue up with CADW and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Officials confirmed to Phil last week that the flag would be back flying over Conwy today, St David's Day, and so it was!

"Y Ddraig Goch - our national flag, had been absent from its flagpole over the Castle for some months now and, despite my best efforts to find out why, no-one in officialdom was providing me with a satisfactory explanation," said local Conwy man, Robin Jones, who then complained to Cllr Phil Edwards and Cllr Tony Tobin, leaders of the Plaid Group on Conwy County Borough Council.

Phil Edwards took up the issue with CADW and its boss, Heritage Minister Alun Ffred-Jones AM, asking for an explanation and an assurance that the flag would be flying in time to celebrate St David’s Day.

Responding on behalf of the Minister, a spokesman explained:

"There have been a number of health and safety concerns linked to the flying of the Ddraig Goch at Conwy which we have been seeking to resolve and which have prevented us flying any flags from the Castle. Primarily these relate to the hoisting mechanism, which causes some staff difficulties, particularly on windy days, and the problems with seagulls."

Phil Edwards said:

"Conwy Castle has towered over the town since the 13th Century and it’s slightly ironic that, given the brutality of Edward 1st towards the Welsh and the violent history surrounding Conwy Castle , 800 years later Health & Safety steps in and prevents us from hoisting a flag up a pole!

"St David was famous for saying ‘do the little things’ and the least we can do is to make sure that our proud heritage is protected and we fly our flag over Conwy on the day we remember and celebrate Wales ’ Patron Saint."

CADW’s spokesman then confirmed:

"We are continuing to explore solutions to these problems but have in the meantime taken the decision to continuously fly the Ddraig Goch between 1st March and 30th September each year (changing it when its condition dictates). I can therefore confirm that the Ddraig Goch will be flying on St David's Day this year."

Phil Edwards stressed the importance and significance of the flag being flown throughout the year adding:

"I’m hopeful that, whatever the difficulties are at the moment, they can be resolved before next September so as to allow the flag to be flown all year round."

Robin Jones, who first raised the issue with Phil, said:

"I’m delighted that CADW have finally responded in such a positive manner and I am very pleased that Y Ddraig Goch is flying once again from Conwy Castle on St David's Day."

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus i Bawb! Happy St David's Day!

2010-03-01T18:58:00.001Z

Apologies for the lack of blogging but following a great Spring Party Conference our fantastic team of volunteers has been busy out campaigning in Junction, Llanfairfechan and Penmachno - excellent response everywhere.

Happy St David's Day to you all.

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus i Bawb!

Phil

Phil calls for national debate on policing

2010-02-22T19:13:00.002Z

Had a hectic couple of days in Cardiff for Plaid's pre-election conference.

Everyone was in bouyant mood and great spirits and I can rarely remember such a sense of optimism in advance of any election, let alone a General Election for the UK Parliament.

Here's the speech I gave to the Civil Rights Panel in the Saturday morning session of conference.

Please feel free to comment on my call for a national debate on policing.

Best wishes

Phil

The issue of civil rights has a direct impact on our daily lives, whether we believe it or not, whether we like it or not.

It can't be seen as an abstract issue nor one confined to some policy document gathering dust on a shelf somewhere in the Home Office.

It may be true that in the past generally many of us may have taken our own rights for granted, understandably maybe because we want to be safe, we want to feel safe in our homes and walking the streets. But scaremongering is a very useful tool for a Government to use when it wants to get its own way.

ID cards to combat the threat of terrorism are a prime example. It was sold to us by a control freak government as a panacea that would resolve this threat and then keep us all safe, which of course is now widely accepted as being dangerous nonsense.

Most of us want the Government, and the by that I mean the Police, to catch criminals if they burgle our houses, lock away child molesters, murderers and rapists, and generally keep us from harm.

What we don’t want, or need, is to be spied upon constantly in our daily lives. That is what they used to do in the USSR under the Communists and still do in some other repressive countries.

Organisations like Liberty, an independent organisation that looks after human rights and our rights as free citizens, have taken a battering from the ‘establishment’ because they have dared to stand up and challenge them.

But we can’t afford to leave the protection of our civil rights to Liberty.

Our freedom and our basic rights were hard fought for - by our grandparents and great grandparents -we must protect those freedoms and cherish them.

We all have a duty to do that.

The role of the police changed fundamentally under the Thatcher Government. Ken Clarke, then Home Secretary launched an Inquiry into Police Responsibilities by Sir Patrick Sheehy – the Chairman of the British & American Tobacco company. An ideal man to protect our rights and look at policing? I think not.

By the way, Ken Clarke became a director of BAT a short time later.

They convinced themselves – as the Tories always do – that you can run everything like a business.

How stupid and dangerous a concept that turned out to be as Labour has grasped that concept and proved time and again that it will restrict our liberties at every opportunity. Labour has introduced some 3,500 new ways of breaking the law since it came to power.

The Tories, slavishly followed by Labour, embarked on a policy of setting targets and objectives which on the face of it may sound harmless enough – but actually that policy has taken bobbies off the streets, it has closed our police stations and it forces the police to focus on issues that are government-led.

So if it’s not a target or an objective - it’s not a priority. If it’s not a priority it doesn’t get done. If you can’t count it, it isn’t worth doing.

And basic police work like preventing crime is replaced by ASBOs and public reassurance is provided by people in uniform who are not attested nor have even basic powers of arrest or stopping vehicles.

The worst thing we can do now is to look at these issues in isolation or deal with them in a piecemeal fashion.

Policing in a democracy is a complex business. It is linked directly to our individual rights at citizens and it's my firm view that we need to have a national debate on policing. We, the people have a right to have a say about how we are policed which is the very basis of policing in the UK – Policing by Consent.

Lose sight of that basic principle and we are on very dangerous ground.

We need to revisit and review the laws that have been rushed in under the guise of prevention of terrorism acts and laws that allow councils to spy on its own rate payers.

Last week we launched a discussion paper on having our own Jurisdiction in Wales. When that arrives we need to commit Wales to review every law that currently stands and decide whether it becomes a Welsh Law or not

We need to have responsibility for policing in Wales to be devolved so that we can decide whether the current metropolitan system is what we need or whether we need to develop a new community-based system, accountable and answerable locally, with bobbies working in their own communities preventing and detecting crime.

And we need a system that is centred on justice for the victims of crimes and where there is honesty and faith in sentencing policy.

This will be a huge challenge but guided, as we will be, by the principles of justice, fairness and integrity as the very basis of our thinking, we will succeed.

Phil and Elfyn seek solution to Llanrwst football pitch problems

2010-02-19T17:52:00.001Z

Elfyn Llwyd MP is to take up the problem of Llanrwst United’s waterlogged football pitch with senior officers of Conwy County Borough Council following a meeting arranged by Phil Edwards.

Mr Llwyd was recently invited to see for himself the damage to the pitch which has allegedly got worse since the construction of new drainage systems under the road next to the new Hafan Gwydir development.

Such is the state of the pitch that Llanrwst United’s junior team is now forced to play in Betws-y-Coed.

Cllr Phil Edwards, Plaid’s Deputy Leader on Conwy County Borough Council, arranged for Elfyn Llwyd to meet local councillors Siân Lloyd-Jones and Ian Jenkins at the site along with John Berwyn Pritchard, Chairman of Llanrwst United’s Junior Section.

Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

“We cannot go on with a ruined football pitch and teams with nowhere to play. John Berwyn has every right to complain about this sad state of affairs and I will be writing to senior officers in Conwy to ask for their urgent assistance in sorting this problem out.

“I’ve had a similar case in Blaenau Ffestiniog where the football pitch had become waterlogged and unusable. That’s now been fixed and I hope the experience of putting that right will help in efforts to resolve this problem in Llanrwst.”

Phil Edwards added:

“I’m pleased that our local MP is now to take up the case. I hope that Elfyn’s involvement and his experience with similar issues in Blaenau will help bring about an early solution to this problem.”

Dairy farmers petition presented to local MP

2010-02-19T17:47:00.000Z

Phil Edwards has this week presented a 1000-name petition to local MP Elfyn Llwyd calling for supermarkets to pay farmers a fair price for their milk, so that the dairy industry in Wales can be sustained for future generations.

The petition, circulated throughout Aberconwy, has attracted widespread support and is the latest stage in a campaign on behalf of hard-pressed dairy farmers launched by Phil at the Royal Welsh Show last year .

The signatories included those people who signed Phil’s petition online and on Facebook and was presented by Mr Edwards to local MP Elfyn Llwyd , as they met up again with dairy farmers this week at Y Wern farm, Eglwysbach in the Conwy valley.

Phil also highlighted the campaign in a meeting with Rowen Young Farmers club at Tynygroes recently.

Phil Edwards said:

"The response from local people to the petition showing support for their dairy farmers has been excellent and I thank them for that. People understand that farmers cannot carry on producing milk for them at a loss and all that they want is a fair deal from the supermarket giants.

“The survival of the dairy industry in Wales is vitally important. It is just plain stupid for us to import cheap milk from abroad when we have world-class producers on our doorstep who contribute so much to our rural communities. We cannot stand by whilst so many farmers are being bankrupted by greedy supermarkets. We must protect dairy farming for future generations.”

The campaign is now to be stepped up a gear and taken to the UK Government in Westminster by Elfyn Llwyd MP who will be laying down an Early Day Motion seeking support from MP’s across the House of Parliament.

Elfyn Llwyd, MP for Meirionydd Nant Conwy, added:

“The principle of setting up a Supermarket Ombudsman has now been accepted by the Government. The Early Day Motion will seek to secure cross-party support to ensure that the anomalous position of our dairy farmers is addressed by the new ombudsman whenever he or she is appointed.

“This has been an important campaign which demonstrates the support our farmers have in their community and we must ensure that the Welsh dairy industry survives in the future. We can only do that if they are paid a fair price for their produce.”

Royal British Legion Llandudno - Plaid launches ‘Support for Veterans’ - Plaid yn lansio ‘Cefnogaeth i Gyn-Filwyr’

2010-02-16T19:08:00.001Z

Elfyn Llwyd MP and Phil Edwards launched Plaid's new policy paper on supporting veterans this week in the Royal British Legion, Llandudno.

The paper highlights several key areas for reform in the penal system and the need for a separate strategic review of expenditure spent on personnel leaving the forces.

As the UK Government looks to undertake a defence spending review, Plaid will be urging the Westminster government to address this particular area of forces and veteran welfare.

Following on from the spiralling cost of military procurement and the government’s inability to keep within its budget, especially over the war in Afghanistan, Plaid is campaigning for priority to be given to veteran welfare.

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd MP first highlighted this issue seven years ago and has pressed the Prime Minister many times on the matter.

Mr Llwyd launched the document at the Royal British Legion in Llandudno.

Elfyn Llwyd MP said:

“This work is part of Plaid’s ongoing commitment to supporting troops and veterans that are currently being let down by the UK Government.

“If the government is going to send our brave troops to illegal and immoral wars they must remember that they still have a duty of care towards them or they break the Military Covenant.

“Large numbers of soldiers are coming back from war zones (more than ever before), and on leaving the forces, it is increasingly apparent that the government is doing little to support them.

“Last year figures showed there were twice as many veterans in prison than British troops are in Afghanistan.

“Initiatives need to be put in place to target the social isolation experienced by many veterans - something which would doubtlessly lessen the numbers entering into custody or probation in the first place.

“We’re advocating several measures such as a more thorough ‘debriefing’ procedure pre-discharge from the forces and which would include psychological assessments plus drug and alcohol tests. Intervention at an early stage could help many veterans before they come into contact with the criminal justice system.

“A post-discharge support programme should be designed to combat the various strains of social estrangement experienced by many veterans. Basic initiatives such as tenancy support services and advice on debt management should be as integral to a support programme as physical and mental health checks.

“What is missing on a national level is a holistic support service and also a system of identification of veterans coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

“There are many more options that need to be considered and this is very much an ongoing project.

“Reform of the current penal system, as well as the way criminal proceedings are dealt with within the military, is desperately needed to ensure our veterans do not end up in this vicious circle.”

Copies of the policy document are available on request.

.......

Mae Elfyn Llwyd AS a Phil Edwards wedi lansio papur polisi newydd Plaid ar gefnogaeth i gyn-filwyr yn y Royal British Legion yn Llandudno.

Mae’r papur yn tynnu sylw at sawl adran allweddol o fewn y system cosbol lle mae angen diwygiad. Y mae’n gofyn am arolwg strategol ar wahan o wariant ar filwyr sy’n gadael y lluoedd.

Wrth i’r llywodraeth Prydeinig cynllunio i ymgymryd ag arolwg ar wariant amddiffyn, bydd Plaid yn galw ar lywodraeth San Steffan i gyfarch yr adran arbenning hwn o les cyn-filwyr.

Yn dilyn adroddiadau o gostau cynyddol caffaeliad milwrol, ac analluedd y llywodraeth i gadw o fewn ei gyllideb ar Afghanistan, mae Plaid Cymru yn ymgyrchu er mwyn i les cyn-filwyr cymryd blaenoriaeth.

Gwnaeth arweinydd Plaid Cymru yn San Steffan, Elfyn Llwyd AS, dynnu sylw at yr achos hwn yn gyntaf saith mlynedd yn ol, ac y mae wedi gofyn cwestiynau uniongyrchol i’r Prif Weinidog ar y mater sawl tro. Lansiwyd y ddogfen gan Mr Llwyd yn y Royal British Legion, Llandudno.

Dywedodd Elfyn Llwyd MP:

“Mae’r gwaith hwn yn rhan o ymrwymiad parhaol y Blaid tuag at gefnogi milwyr a chyn-filwyr sydd ar hyn o bryd yn cael eu siomi gan y Llywodraeth Prydeinig.

“Os ydy’r llywodraeth yn mynd i ddanfon ein milwyr dewr i ryfeloedd anghyfreithiol ac anfoesol, rhaid iddynt gofio bod dal ganddynt dyletswydd o ofal tuag atynt, neu maent yn torri’r Cyfamod Milwrol.

“Mae niferoedd mawr yn dychwelyd o barthau rhyfel (mwy nag erioed o’r blaen), ac wrth iddynt adael y lluoedd, daw hi’n fwy fwy amlwg nad yw’r llywodraeth yn gwneud digon i’w cefnogi nhw.

“Llynedd, bu ffigyrau’n dangos roedd nifer y cyn-filwyr yng ngharcharau ym Mhrydain dwywaith nifer y milwyr Prydeinig yn Afghanistan.

“Mae angen menterau sy’n targedi’r ynysiad cymdeithasol sy’n brofiaf i gynifer o gyn-filwyr. Heb amheuaeth, byddai menterau o’r fath yn lleihau’r nifer o gyn-filwyr sy’n dod mewn i gysylltiad gyda’r system cyfiawnder troseddol yn y lle cyntaf.

“Ryn ni’n argymell sawl mesur, fel trefn ‘ôl-drafod’ fwy trylwyr i filwyr cyn iddynt adael y lluoedd arfog, gan gynnwys asesiadau seicolegol a phrofion cyffuriau ac alcohol. Gall ymyriad cynnar helpu mwy o gyn-filwyr cyn iddynt ddod i gysylltiad â’r system cyfiawnder troseddol.

“Dylsai rhaglen gynnal wedi gadael y lluoedd gael ei gynllunio i wrthweithio’r ynysiad cymdeithasol sy’n brofiad i ormod o gyn-filwyr. Dylsai menterau sylfaenol fel gwasanaethau cynnal tenantiaeth a chyngor ar oruchwyliaeth dyled fod mor annatod i’r rhaglen gynnal hwn ag y bydd profion iechyd meddyliol a chorfforol.

“Beth sydd ar goll ar lefel cenedlaethol yw gwasanaeth gynnal holistig, ac hefyd system o ganfod cyn-filwyr wrth iddynt ddod mewn i gysylltiad â’r system cyfiawnder troseddol.

“Mae nifer o opsiynnau eraill sydd rhaid eu hystyried gan taw cynllun sy’n mynd ymlaen yw hwn.

“Er mwyn gwneud yn siwr nad yw ein cyn-filwyr yn bennu lan yn y sefyllfa anaddawol hwn, mae angen ystyried diwygio’r system cosbol presennol, ynghyd ag ail-ystyried sut mae’r lluoedd arfog yn ymdrin â threfniadaethau cosb milwrol.”

Mae copiau o’r ddogfen polisi ar gael pan wneir cais.

Police crackdown on old ladies

2010-02-16T17:41:00.000Z

Below is a letter written by Phil to the local papers. Phil served locally as a police officer for thirty years.

Dear letters editor

You will be aware that I have been campaigning for many years to get more bobbies back on our streets.

Imagine my surprise then when I was on my way to chapel on Sunday morning and saw at least a dozen officers standing at various points through Old Colwyn.

Sadly, my surprise turned to dismay the following day when I learnt that at least two ladies in their 70s were stopped on their way to another chapel and booked for not wearing seat belts.

We all realize how important it is to wear a seat belt of course, but surely some degree of proportionality and plain common sense needs to be exercised?

If the police do feel the need to turn out in force on a Sunday morning, stopping elderly ladies going to chapel, they can use some degree of common sense, discretion and sensitivity through the administering a caution rather than bearing down on them with the full force of the law.

Phil Edwards

Plaid yn lawnsio ‘Datblygu Awdurdodaeth Gyfreithiol i Gymru’ - Plaid launches ‘Developing a Welsh Jurisdiction’

2010-02-15T18:19:00.002Z

Mae Plaid Cymru wedi datblygu’i galw dros sefydlu system gyfreithiol unigryw er mwyn adlewyrchu corff gynyddol o ddeddfwriaeth Cymru, sydd wedi cael ei datblygu ers 1999.

Lawnsiodd aelodau Plaid Cymru, Phil Edwards, Nerys Evans AC ac Elfyn Llwyd AS, ‘Datblygu Awdurdodaeth Gyfreithiol i Gymru’, papur sydd yn trafod dyfodol y system gyfreithiol yng Nghymru, a sut y bydd yn gweithredu o fewn fframwaith ddatganoledig y wlad.

Eglurodd y tîm, fod y system gyfreithiol yn datblygu yn gyfatebol ag aeddfedrwydd datganoli yng Nghymru, ond mai nawr yw’r amser i drafod ei ddatblygiad mewn manylder clir.

Caiff opsiynau am y fath system ei egluro mewn papur a greuwyd gan Fflur Jones, cyfreithiwr sydd wedi ei sefydlu yng Nghaerdydd. Cred Plaid, wrth i Gymru fynd yn fwy hyderus fel cenedl unedig, fe ddaw yr amser i Gymru gymryd cyfrifoldeb llawn am ei system awdurdodaeth gyfreithiol.

Dywed Elfyn Llwyd AS, arweinydd Plaid Cymru yn San Steffan, sydd hefyd yn fargyfreithiwr:

“Yn sicr mae’r amser i greu Awdurdodaeth Gyfreithiol i Gymru wedi dod. Dywed y Prif Weinidog ei hun yn Nhŷ’r Cyffredin, bod dyfodol y system plismona mewn gwlad ddatganoledig yn fater hanfodol, yn enwedig o gysidro’r datblygiadau yng Ngogledd Iwerddon.

“Rydym yn gwybod bod cymorth sylweddol ar gyfer datganoli plismona, ac yn ddiweddar gwyddwn bod y pedwar Prif Gwnstabl yn ei gefnogi.

Mae cefnogaeth ar gyfer awdurdodaeth Cymru gyfan yn dod o’r lefelau uchaf yn ogystal â’r ynadaeth.

O gofio bod y Llys Apêl yn eistedd yn rheolaidd yng Nghymru, a bod ganddynt Lys Gweinyddol ein hunain, does bosib bod yr amser wedi dod ar gyfer system unigryw Gymreig o weinyddu awdurdodaeth? Yn enwedig gan fod cyfreithiau Cymru bellach wedi cael eu creu ar gyfer y deng mlynedd diwethaf, a nawr mae cylch gyfreithiol penodol ar gyfer Cymru gyfan."

Ychwanegodd Nerys Evans AC, Cyfarwyddydd Polisi Plaid Cymru:

“Nid mater gweinyddol yn unig yw hwn, mae diffyg awdurdodaeth gyfreithiol i Gymru yn cael effaith ddwys ar unigolion sydd yn gweithio ac yn delio gyda’r system gyfreithiol yng Nghymru.

“Mae gen i bryderon mawr ynglyn â’r defnydd o arbenigwyr honedig mewn achosion llys heb unrhyw ddealltwriaeth o Gymru neu’r materion sy’n effeithio ar fywydau pobl Cymru.

“Dwi wedi bod yn delio gyda dau deulu yn fy etholaeth sydd wedi bod drwy’r system llysoedd teulu ac wedi dod gerbron arbenigwyr addysg heb unrhyw wybodaeth na dealltwriaeth o addysg ddwyieithog nac addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg.

“Mewn un achos dywedodd yr “arbenigwr” y gall addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg achosi arafwch meddwl heb unrhyw heriadau gan y llys. Ni ddylai’r fath sylwadau, gan arbenigwr sydd yn gweithio yn Lloegr, ac sydd wrth gwrs heb unrhyw sail mewn ymchwil wedi ei gyhoeddi, gael eu mynegi heb son am eu derbyn.

“Dyma un esiampl o fethiannau’r system bresennol. Fel mae’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol yn datblygu corff o gyfreithiau gwahanol, mae’n iawn felly i ni ddatblygu awdurdodaeth gyfreithiol i Gymru er mwyn gweinyddu cyfiawnder a chyfraith yng Nghymru.”

Mae copi o’r papur “Datblygu Awdurdodaeth Gyfreithioli Gymru” ar gael yma:

http://www.plaidcymru.org/content.php?nID=44;catID=6;pubID=260;lID=2

.........

Plaid Cymru has today developed its calls for the establishment of a unique Welsh legal system in order to reflect the growing body of Welsh legislation that has developed since 1999.

Plaid’s Phil Edwards, Nerys Evans AM and Elfyn Llwyd MP launched ‘Developing a Welsh Jurisdiction’, a policy discussion paper on the future of the system in Wales and suggestions for how it would operate within a devolved framework.

The team explained that a Welsh legal system is already evolving as devolution matures, but stressed that now is the time to give much more discussion to its distinct development.

The paper, put together with Cardiff-based lawyer Fflur Jones, sets out options for such a system. Plaid believes that as Wales is growing in confidence as a nation, the time will come for Wales to take full responsibility for the administration of justice.

Plaid’s Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd MP, also a practising barrister, said:

“The time surely has come for the creation of an All Wales administration of justice. Recently, the Prime Minister himself has said in the House of Commons that the future of devolved policing, especially given the developments in Northern Ireland, is a vital issue.

“We know that there is considerable support for the devolution of policing and recently all the four chief constables were on the records as supporting this.

“There is support for an All-Wales jurisdiction from the highest levels and also the magistracy.
“Given that the Court of Appeal regularly sits in Wales, and that we do have our own Administrative Court, surely the time is now right for a distinctly welsh system of administration of justice? Especially as Welsh laws have now been created for the last ten years and there is now a distinct all-Wales legal circuit as well.”

Plaid’s Nerys Evans AM, Plaid’s policy director, added:

“This is not merely an administrative issue, the lack of a Welsh legal jurisdiction has a profound effect on individuals who work within and deal with the legal system in Wales.

“I have deep concerns about the use of so-called experts in court cases with no knowledge of Wales or the issue that affect the people of Wales.

“I have been dealing with two families in my constituency that have been through the family court system and have been faced with an educational expert with no knowledge or understanding of bilingual education or Welsh-medium education.

“In one case the so-called witness claimed that Welsh medium education could cause retardation and went unchallenged in the court. The comments, made by an expert practicing primarily in England, of course had no basis in published research, and should not have been aired let alone accepted.

“This is one example of the failings of the current system. As the National Assembly develops a body of law distinct for Wales, it is only right that we have develop a distinct Welsh legal jurisdiction to administer justice and law in Wales.”

A copy of ‘Developing a Welsh Jurisdiction’ is available here:

http://www.plaidcymru.org/content.php?nID=44;catID=6;pubID=260;lID=2

Plaid Cymru's fearsome threesome pack quite a punch

2010-02-10T19:28:00.001Z

According to Simon Carr in the Independent today, Plaid Cymru's fearsome threesome pack quite a punch.

Glad to see that a UK national newspaper has finally noticed that with Plaid MPs you get a bigger bang for your buck.

He thinks that Elfyn Llwyd and Adam Price have probably had more effect on Parliament than the entire Liberal Democrats.

We certainly wouldn't wish to disagree.

Diwrnod hanesyddol - Historic day

2010-02-09T19:09:00.003Z

Diwrnod hanesyddol

Mae heddiw - Chwefror 9ed - yn ddiwrnod hanesyddol. Mae diwedd y status quo gymhleth a glogyrnaidd y system LCO o fewn golwg ac edrychwn ymlaen at gefnogi'r ymgyrch 'IE'.

Mae hwn yn benllanw pwysig i ni fel plaid a diolchwn i’n haelodau ac i’n dim yn y Cynulliad am eu holl waith caled yn cyrraedd y pwynt yma.

An historic day

Today – February 9th – is a historic day. The end of the complex and cumbersome status quo of the LCO process is in sight, and we look forward to supporting the ‘YES’ campaign.

Today is an important landmark for us as a party, and we would like to thank our members and the Assembly team for all their hard work in helping us to reach this stage.

Sut gaiff gofal yng Nghymru ei ariannu? Dweud eich dweud - Paying for Care - Have your say

2010-02-09T18:32:00.001Z

Mae'r amser yn rhedeg allan i bobol Cymru cael deud eu deud ar sut gaiff gofal yng Nghymru ei ariannu.

There is a hugely important discussion going on in the National Assembly for Wales at the moment which could affect very many people in Wales.

A consultation is taking place about future plans on how we will be paying for care in Wales. There are various options being discussed including paying for care through general taxation.

There is a website available for further information http://www.payingforcareinwales.net/

I would urge anyone who has any views about this or any other option to make them known urgently. The consultation ends on 28th February 2010.

People can e-mail views to payingforcare@wales.gsi.gov.uk, or they can write to the Paying for Care Team, Older People and Long-term Care, Policy Division, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.

Phil

Plaid yn datgelu methiannau Canolfan Byd Gwaith yng ngogledd Cymru - Jobcentre Plus failings in north Wales revealed by Plaid

2010-02-08T21:28:00.001Z

Mae mwy na £275,000 wedi ei dalu i hawlwyr gan Canolfan Byd Gwith mewn taliadau am fethiannau yn ei gwasanaeth ar draws Cymru dros y ddwy flynedd a hanner diwethaf, gyda gogledd Cymru’n gyfrifol am elfen helaeth o hynny yn ôl ffigurau a roddwyd i Blaid Cymru.
Gwnaed y taliadau oherwydd i bobl golli budd-daliadau yn dilyn camgymeriadau, camweinyddiaeth, oedi, anghyfleustra difrifol, achosi cywilydd neu drallod difrifol.

Yn y flwyddyn ariannol 2007-08 roedd y cyfanswm a dalwyd allan yng Nghymru yn £104,537. Cododd hynny i £118,271 yn 2008-09 ac roedd yn £52,718 yn chwe mis cyntaf 2009-10. Mae’r ffigurau diweddaraf hyn yn datgelu bod gogledd Cymru’n gyfrifol am bron i hanner y cyfanswm.

Yn 2007-08 a 2008-09 cael hawl i fudd-daliadau oedd ar frig y rhestr o gwynion, yn cynrychioli 32% o’r holl gwynion yn 2007-08 a 35% yn 2008-09.

Yn ôl Canolfan Byd Gwaith, tra bod nifer y staff yng Nghymru wedi cynyddu o 4,562 i 5,398, roedd y nifer oedd yn hawlio eu bod yn ddiwaith wedi saethu fyny o 45,419 yn Ionawr 2007 i 78,234 yn Hydref 2009.

Dywedodd Phil Edwards, Ymgeisydd seneddol Plaid Cymru dros Aberconwy:

“Tra bod cynnydd wedi bod yn staff Canolfan Byd Gwaith, mae llawer o’r gweithwyr newydd ar gytundebau tymor penodol. Mae’n rhaid mesur hyn yn erbyn cau canolfannau gwaith, megis yn Llanrwst, a’r posibilrwydd o doriadau pellach yn y dyfodol. Mae’r gweithwyr o dan bwysau wrth i’w niferoedd parhaol leihau ac wrth i safleoedd gau ar draws y gogledd.

“Mae’n debyg bod symudiadau ar droed o fewn yr Adran Waith a Phensiynau (DWP) i drosglwyddo staff allan o ganolfannau gwaith i ganolfannau galw mewn ymdrech i wneud i bobl gysylltu â nhw ar y ffôn neu ar y wê. Ond yn amlwg mae’n well gan nifer fawr o bobl wneud cyswllt wyneb yn wyneb mewn amgylchiadau fel hyn, ac mae’r fath ddatblygiad yn annerbyniol.”

Nododd ymgeisydd seneddol y blaid dros Orllewin Clwyd Llyr Huws Gruffydd bod hysbysebion wedi ymddangos am weithwyr clreigol, ond nad oedd hynny o reidrwydd y newyddion da a ymddangosai:

“Mae nhw mewn gwirionedd yn dad-sgilio gwaith ac arbenigeddau mewn meysydd penodol gan ddisgwyl i weithwyr ddelio efo pob math o ymholiadau. Rydym wedi gweld bod disgwyl i staff mewn canolfannau galw masnachol gael pobl oddi ar y linell ffôn mor sydyn a phosib. Dydi hyn ddim yn awyrgylch addas i ddelio â materion cyflogaeth a diweithdra.

“Rwy‘n gofidio y byddai unrhyw doriadau mewn staff yn arwain nid yn unig at golli swyddi ond hefyd at fwy o hawliadau yn erbyn Canolfan byd Gwaith. Mae’n rhaid i’r rheolwyr ystyried yn ofalus holl oblygiadau unrhyw benderfyniad i leihau gwasanaethau a fydd yn effeithio’r cyhoedd.”

Ychwanegodd Phil Edwards:

“Ddylem ni ddim anghofio am funud bod hyn oll yn digwydd yn ystod dirwasgiad, a phan fod ein Llywodraeth Cymru’n Un yn gwneud pob ymdrech i amddiffyn gweithwyr trwy gynlluniau megis ProAct a ReAct.”

“Mae’n ymddangos o’r ffigurau yma bod toriadau swyddi yn yr Adran Waith a Phensiynau’n amlwg yn cael effaith ar ansawdd y gwasanaeth y mae staff sydd eisoes o dan bwysau yn medru ei roi.”

....................

More than £275,000 has been handed to claimants by Jobcentre Plus in payments for failings in its service across Wales over the last two-and-a-half years, and the north of Wales features prominently in figures obtained by Plaid Cymru.

The pay-outs cover loss of benefit due to benefit errors, maladministration, delay, gross inconvenience and embarrassment and severe distress.

In the 2007-08 financial year the total paid out in Wales was £104,537. That rose to £118,271 in 2008-09 and was £52,718 in the first six months of 2009-10. These latest figures reveal that the north and mid Wales region accounts for almost 50% of the total.

Both in 2007-08 and 2008-09 benefit entitlement was the top area of complaint, representing 32 per cent of all complaints in 2007-08 and 35 per cent in 2008-09.

According to Jobcentre Plus, while the number of staff in Wales have increased from 4,562 to 5,398, unemployment claimants have rocketed from 45,419 in January 2007 to 78,234 in October 2009.

Phil Edwards, Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Aberconwy, said:

“While there has been an increase in Jobcentre Plus staff, many of the new staff are employed on a fixed term basis. This has to be measured against job centre closures, such as Llanrwst, and the possibility of further cuts in the future. Staff are under pressure as their permanent numbers are reduced and sites closed across the north.

“There are apparently moves within the DWP to transfer staff out of job centres into call centres in an attempt to make people deal with issues by telephone or the internet. Quite clearly, there are many people who prefer face to face contact in these circumstances, irrespective of whether they have internet access, and I regard this development as unacceptable.”

Plaid’s Clwyd West candidate Llyr Huws Gruffydd pointed out that whilst there were advertisements for clerical staff at the moment, this was not the good news it seemed:

“They are, in fact, de-skilling work and specialists in certain areas of work will be expected to deal with all types of queries. We’ve seen in commercial call centres that staff are expected to get people off the line as quickly as possible, and that is not the right atmosphere for dealing with employment and unemployment matters.

“I am concerned that any cuts in staff will not only lead to a loss of jobs but also an increase in claims against Jobcentre Plus. Management need to think carefully about the impact of any decision to reduce services which will affect the public.”

Phil Edwards added:

“We should not forget for a moment that all this is happening during a recession, and when our One Wales Government is making strenuous efforts to protect workers through schemes like ProAct and ReAct.

“It seems from these figures that job cuts in the DWP are clearly having an impact on the quality of service which hard-pressed staff are struggling to provide.”

DIWEDD / ENDS

Nodiadau / Notes:

Special Payments: 2007-08
Wales: £104,537 (387 one-off payments)

North/Mid Wales: £29,911

SE Wales: £8,780

South Wales Valleys: £44,618

South West Wales: £20,709

Others: £517

Special Payments: 2008-09
Wales: £118,271 (441 one-off payments)

North/Mid Wales: £39,553

SE Wales: £9,303

South Wales Valleys: £40,078

South West Wales: £24,378

Others: £4,957
Special Payments: 2009-10 (April 1-September 30, 2009

Wales: £52,718 (174 one-off payments)

North/Mid Wales: £24,684

SE Wales: £6,025

South Wales Valleys: £13,850

South West Wales: £6,994

Others: £1,163
REGIONS

North and Mid Wales Includes Bangor, Caernarfon, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Rhyl

South East Wales includes Cardiff, Barry, Penarth, Newport, Cwmbran

South Wales Valleys includes Aberdare, Bargoed, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Llantrisant, Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd, Tonypandy, Treorchy

South West Wales includes Aberystwyth, Llanelli, Neath, Swansea, Carmarthen, Port Talbot

Conservatives lose their President to Plaid - Y Ceidwadwyr yn colli’u Llywydd i’r Blaid

2010-02-08T20:19:00.007Z

A senior councillor in Aberconwy has resigned from the Conservative Party and joined Plaid Cymru.

Deganwy Councillor Dennis Tew has stood down from the Conservative Party, the Conservative Group of councillors on Conwy County Borough Council and from his position as President of Aberconwy Conservative Association.

Councillor Tew, who had been a member for 46 years, has written to all constituents in the Deganwy electoral division to explain his decision. In his letter he explained that he had wrestled with his conscience for months before finally acting:

“During my year as Mayor of Conwy I worked very closely with Cllr Phil Edwards who was Mayor of Colwyn Bay at the time. I knew and respected Phil as a very effective colleague on the county council but in my year as mayor I got to see more of the real quality of the man on both a personal and political level.

“When I discovered that Phil Edwards was to be Plaid Cymru’s choice to be our new MP I realised that I could never vote for, or support, another candidate in preference to Phil. His experience in the police and in business, as well as his utter integrity and decency, mark him out as someone who would be an exceptional Member of Parliament. I feel Phil is the best person for the job”

Councillor Tew said that this had left him in an impossible position as President of Aberconwy Conservative Association, and as a member of the Conservative Party, and he had therefore resigned.

Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Aberconwy Phil Edwards said that he was naturally delighted that Cllr Tew had made the move:

“There has always been a mutual respect between us as fellow councillors, and I am delighted that Dennis has now felt able to make this move from the Conservatives to Plaid. Last week, I had the opportunity to introduce Dennis and his wife Mavis to Plaid Leader and Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM and my County Council colleagues and I will very soon be giving him a warm welcome to the Plaid Group on Conwy.

"This has been a difficult time for Dennis and Mavis Tew and I believe that they have conducted themselves with great dignity in committing to Plaid.

"The fact that we have also garnered support from people who were previously Labour and Liberal Democrat supporters confirms that people are thinking differently and turning to Plaid."

Councillor Tew said:

“During my time representing Deganwy, I have enjoyed a good working relationship with Plaid Cymru Councillors as well as with our Aberconwy Assembly Member Gareth Jones, and this will now be enhanced.

“I am also now free to explain in greater detail why I believe Cllr Phil Edwards is the best choice to be our new MP - Phil is definitely the man for Aberconwy.”

Here's the whole text of the letter Dennis sent out to his constituents in Deganwy:

I wanted you to be amongst the first to know about a very important decision I have made regarding my role as your local Councillor here in Deganwy.

I resigned recently from the Conservative Group of councillors on Conwy County Borough Council, from my position as President of Aberconwy Conservative Association and from the Conservative Party, which I had been a member of for 46 years.

This was not an easy decision and I had been wrestling with my conscience for months before finally acting.

During my year as Mayor of Conwy I worked very closely with Cllr Phil Edwards who was Mayor of Colwyn Bay at the time. I knew and respected Phil as a very effective colleague on the County Council but in my year as Mayor I got to see the real quality of the man on both a personal and political level.

When I discovered that Phil Edwards was to be Plaid Cymru’s choice to be our new MP I realised I could never vote for, or support, another candidate in preference to Phil. His experience in the police and in business, as well as his utter integrity and decency, mark him out as someone who would be an exceptional member of Parliament - he stands head and shoulders above all the other candidates.

This left me in an impossible position as President of Aberconwy Conservative Association, and as a member of the Conservative Party, and therefore I felt it only right that I resign.

During my time as a Councillor I have enjoyed a good working relationship with Plaid Cymru Councillors and with our Assembly Member Gareth Jones. After resigning from the Conservatives I took a few days to consider the next steps and I have decided to join Plaid Cymru and their Council Group.

On a day to day basis this will make no difference to my work on the Council so please feel free to contact me about any issues you feel should be raised with either the County or Town Councils.

I am also more than willing to explain in more detail why I believe Cllr Phil Edwards is the best choice to be our new MP.

Y Ceidwadwyr yn colli’u Llywydd i’r Blaid

Mae uwch gynghorydd yn Aberconwy wedi ymddiswyddo o’r Blaid Geidwadol ac ymuno â Phlaid Cymru.

Fe ymddiswyddodd y Cynghorydd dros Ddeganwy Cyng. Dennis Tew o’r Blaid Geidwadol, Grŵp Cynghorwyr y Ceidwadwyr ar Gyngor Sir Conwy ac fel Llywydd Cymdeithas Geidwadol Aberconwy.

Fe ysgrifennodd y Cynghorydd Tew, a fu’n aelod ers 46 o flynyddoedd, i holl etholwyr ardal etholiadol Deganwy i egluro’i benderfyniad. Yn ei lythyr, fe eglurodd ei fod wedi ymrafael â’i gydwybod ers misoedd cyn cymryd unrhyw gamau:

“Yn ystod fy mlwyddyn fel Maer Conwy fe weithiais yn agos gyda’r Cyng. Phil Edwards oedd yn Faer Bae Colwyn ar y pryd. Roeddwn yn nabod ac yn parchu Phil fel cynghorydd effeithiol iawn ar y cyngor sir ond yn ystod fy mlwyddyn fel maer fe sylweddolais cymaint o ŵr bonheddig yw Phil - a hyn ar lefel bersonol a gwleidyddol.

“Pan glywais mai Phil Edwards oedd dewis Plaid Cymru fel ein AS newydd sylweddolais na allwn byth bleidleisio dros, neu gefnogi, unrhyw ymgeisydd arall heblaw Phil. Mae ei brofiad yn yr heddlu ac ym myd busnes, ynghyd â’i gywirdeb a’i onestrwydd, yn golygu fod ganddo’r rhinweddau i fod yn Aelod Seneddol rhagorol. Rwy’n teimlo mai Phil yw’r person gorau am y swydd”

Dywedodd y Cynghorydd Tew fod hyn wedi’i adael mewn sefyllfa amhosibl fel Llywydd Cymdeithas Geidwadol Aberconwy, ac fel aelod o’r Blaid Geidwadol, ac felly penderfynodd ymddiswyddo.

Dywedodd ymgeisydd seneddol y Blaid dros Aberconwy Phil Edwards ei fod wrth ei fodd fod y Cyng. Tew wedi symud i’r Blaid:

“Rydym ni’n dau o hyd wedi parchu’n gilydd fel cynghorwyr, a rwy’n falch iawn fod Dennis yn teimlo ei fod yn gallu symud o’r Ceidwadwyr i’r Blaid. Yr wythnos ddiwethaf, fe gefais y cyfle i gyflwyno Dennis a’i wraig Mavis i Arweinydd y Blaid a’r Dirprwy Brif Weinidog, Ieuan Wyn Jones AC a fy nghydweithwyr ar y Cyngor Sir ac fe fyddaf yn ei groesawu’n gynnes iawn i Grŵp y Blaid yng Nghonwy yn fuan iawn.

"Mae hwn wedi bod yn gyfnod anodd i Dennis a Mavis Tew a credaf eu bod wedi ymddwyn yn barchus iawn wrth ymrwymo i’r Blaid.

"Mae’r ffaith ein bod hefyd wedi denu cefnogaeth gan bobl oedd yn arfer bod yn gefnogwyr i Lafur a’r Rhyddfrydwyr Democrataidd yn cadarnhau fod pobl yn meddwl yn wahanol ac yn troi i’r Blaid."

Dywedodd y Cyng. Tew:

“Yn ystod fy amser yn cynrychioli Deganwy, rwyf wedi mwynhau perthynas weithio dda gyda Cynghorwyr Plaid Cymru a gyda’n Aelod Cynulliad dros Aberconwy Gareth Jones, ac fe fydd y berthynas yma’n siwr o wella o hyn ymlaen.

“Rwyf hefyd yn gallu egluro’n fanwl pam rwy’n credu mai’r Cyng. Phil Edwards yw’r dewis gorau i fod ein AS newydd - Phil yn bendant yw’r dyn i Aberconwy.”

Aberconwy Campaign Office - Open for Business!

2010-02-05T16:09:00.021Z

We had a fantastic turn-out for the opening of the new office in Llandudno to mark the official launch of the campaign proper.

We're delighted that the Deputy First Minister and Leader of Plaid Cymru, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, was able to perform the official opening of Phil's new campaign office.

Phil Edwards said that opening the new premises in a central location in Vaughan Street was another boost for Plaid’s campaigning activities:

“I’m sure that people in Llandudno and the whole of Aberconwy know that we mean business: we're in the business of winning elections and providing the best possible service to local people.

“Opening this office in such a good location in Llandudno will certainly help us to do that. It will be staffed every day, initially on a part-time basis, and we anticipate that the centre will be an asset to the town, and one which will help us to make a difference. One immediate difference is that we will be far more accessible to people in Llandudno and the surrounding area."

Ieaun Wyn Jones AM, Deputy First Minister and Leader of Plaid Cymru, said:

"It's a fantastic office in a great location and Phil, Suzanne and the team have done wonders in getting it open for business so soon.

"Most people now accept that the election in Aberconwy will be a close fight between Phil Edwards and the Conservative candidate.

"With his policing background and business experience Phil is exceptionally well- qualified to represent Aberconwy as our MP. He was re-elected to Conwy County Council at the last election with the highest vote of any councillor in Conwy which shows how his hard work is appreciated by people."

Phil added:

"The new office is open from 10:00am to 1:00pm Monday to Friday. Anyone who wants to help our campaign or find out more about us is welcome to call in. Many people are telling us they are totally fed up with the old style of politics, the spin, the lies and the deceit. So now is not the time for politics as usual and our new base in Llandudno lays down the shoots of a fresh new era."

Croeso i Phil Edwards i Aberconwy! Welcome to Phil Edwards for Aberconwy!

2010-02-05T15:36:00.013Z

A very warm welcome to our new blog - philedwards4aberconwy.

We hope to see Cllr Phil Edwards, Plaid's Westminster candidate in Aberconwy, elected as the first ever MP for this new constituency.

As well as Phil's campaign to become Aberconwy's first MP, we also hope to feature some of the work of the Assembly Member for Aberconwy, Plaid's Gareth Jones.

This blog is run by a team of people all committed to seeing Phil elected.

Anyone wanting to lend a hand is welcome to get in touch.

Contributions are welcome in Welsh or English.