Monday, April 02, 2007
2007 WELSH ASSEMBLY ELECTION MANIFESTO SPECIAL: CONSERVATIVES
>Well the Welsh Conservatives aren’t off to a great start the Introduction to the Welsh Assembly manifesto was written by David Cameron, the leader of the National British party. Moreover, the Manifesto was approved by the National Party, (although they are adamant that the manifesto was written by the Welsh Party). What right do English and Scottish conservatives have to pass judgement on the Welsh party a fact that seems even more extraordinary since there are plans a-foot by the English party to forbid Scottish and Welsh MPs from voting on matters that are solely English. They are hypocrites!
Nevertheless, here is my commentary on the Welsh Conservative Manifesto. This might be just me being very pedantic but the title of the document doesn’t particularly make you think that they are very optimistic about their chances:
“Vote Welsh Conservative for a change”
Page 3
This manifesto sets out how Welsh Conservatives will improve the quality of life for everyone in Wales. Our policies are made in Wales, for Wales. Better hospitals, better schools, more affordable homes, a more sustainable environment.
>The Conservative mission statements.
Conservatives believe that we’re all in this together – that we will only improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods if we each live up to our social responsibilities.
That means parents taking responsibility for their children. Neighbours looking out for each other. Businesses and households conserving precious energy. Everyone taking part in local democracy, so that the decisions which affect the community have the whole community’s endorsement. All of us working together to make Wales and Britain stronger.
For too long, Wales has been taken for granted by a single party, Labour. As a result – and despite millions of pounds of Welsh taxpayers’ money – little seems to change.
>It’s true Labour have taken their support for granted, and not delivered on their promises.
Page 5
Stability is the bedrock of economic success. We cannot have stability without sound money and a tight grip on public spending. Welsh Conservatives would spend the same as Labour overall on public services, but we would spend the Assembly’s block grant more effectively. All the spending commitments in this manifesto would be financed from an investment fund
Page 7
The NHS is our priority. Welsh Conservatives want to provide a first class NHS, free to all. We are committed to improving the NHS for everyone, rather than helping the few opt out.
We have a vision for the NHS and healthcare in Wales which trusts doctors and nurses. Professional responsibility, not state control,
>Well that makes sense, doctors and nurses know more about the clinical needs in Wales it should be up to clinicians to decide on the NHS priorities rather than politicians responding to media pressure (i.e. the massive increase of cancer treatment at the expense of STD treatments, and the use of expensive drugs like herceptin, which is partially the result of excellent marketing by the pharmaceutical companies).
Work with hospitals to improve nutrition and provide appetising food and clean wards;
Promote independent living at home by reducing inappropriate admissions to hospital and expanding the direct payments scheme which allows people to control their own care budgets;
>Not sure about that idea, the conservatives just said in the previous paragraph that they wanted to trust health professionals, how then can you say that people are better at determining their health needs than their doctor?
invest an additional £10 million each year from our investment fund to produce a comprehensive palliative care strategy which would provide up to 50% of core funding for hospices and expand the role of GPs and specialist nurses in palliative care at home;
Review the dental contract to ensure better access to an NHS dentist; we would invest finance from our investment fund in orthodontic services to guarantee NHS treatment for children;
Modernise the ambulance service (including support for the air ambulance);
Fully utilise the skills of pharmacists, particularly in chronic disease management;
>Again, you would think that the doctor or consultant would be best placed for this task rather than the pharmacists. In my opinion this is healthcare on the cheap.
We would seek an Order in Council from Westminster to allow the Assembly to pass a Mental Health Reform Measure. At the heart of this reform would be the principle of the early availability of clinically appropriate treatment with coercion used only as a last resort. We need to achieve a balance between therapeutic benefit and safety of the patient with protection of the public.
Page 8
The NHS should not be a political football. Welsh Conservatives believe that change and development should proceed on the basis of consensus. The current structure of
In 2003 Sir Derek Wanless told the Assembly that a political consensus was needed to agree a way forward. Regrettably, the Labour Welsh Assembly Government has largely ignored Sir Derek’s advice and pushed ahead with its own scheme, often in the face of considerable public opposition.
Welsh Conservatives would heed the advice to seek a consensus by establishing a special commission to examine the structure of hospital services.
The time has come to end the so-called ‘Berlin Wall’ between health and social care. We believe that Unified Care Agencies offer the best way forward. These Agencies would be:
Funded by a ring-fenced grant from local authorities;
Accountable to the local authority, but at arms-length in operational matters.
We would replace the existing 22 Local Health Boards with an all-Wales commissioning body, which would develop secondary and tertiary health services.
>So they said that they want to move decisions closer to communities, and then they want to remove the local health boards surely this will make decisions further remote.
GP practices would once again play a direct role in the commissioning of secondary services.
Welsh Conservatives would support staff and carers through a series of initiatives to:
Establish carers ‘contracts’ financed by our investment fund, to support those delivering a substantial amount of care, including young carers. The right to respite care would be at the centre of the contract;
Require information on any assault on health staff to be sent to the CPS;
>Assaulting people who are there to help in your hour of need must be dealt with seriously and I as a private citizen welcome this commitment to protecting our hospital workers.
Page 9
Looked after children
Promote the right to independent advocacy for looked after children, provided by a central all-Wales organisation, rather than by local authorities;
>Again looked after children – a definition please. This policy seems to be very similar to the Plaid policy and it all seems to describe the children’s commissioner. Is this convergence of policy indicative of anything else i.e. are they using the same government report to formulate this part of the manifesto?
Provide funding out of our investment fund for the recruitment of more social workers with priority given to Children’s Services;
It is clear that standards in social care need to be improved across the range of services. However, Welsh Conservatives would give particular priority to the following:
Services for people with learning difficulties,
Mental health services, especially supported employment or training, and access to education and suitable housing;
Government should not crowd out the voluntary and independent sectors from providing social care and health services. Each sector has a role to play. Health and social care commissioners should do more to nurture the voluntary and independent sectors and ensure that contracts and fee levels are fair and sustainable.
Page 11
A stable and enterprising economy is the basis of a strong, caring society. Wales is an integral part of the British economy, but there is much scope for ‘made in Wales’ policies. That is what successful devolution is all about.
>”Wales is an integral part of the British economy,” most people think of Wales as underdeveloped, or the lame duck economically – that’s the basis for most of the, ‘Wales will crash and burn’ doomsday scenario, but now its an integral part of the UK economy maybe we can stand alone as an independent country.
The challenges posed by globalisation cannot be ignored, but they should not be exaggerated. New opportunities exist that were previously undreamt of and cover fields as diverse as IT and fine food and drink, to more traditional products. Welsh Conservatives believe that at heart Wales is an enterprising nation. We need a Welsh Assembly Government that helps enterprise to flourish in local communities throughout Wales.
>So how will you encourage this, reduction of business rates / reduction of corporation of tax how?
Welsh Conservatives would introduce an Assembly Measure to promote and reward enterprise. This Measure would be the first step towards making Wales the most business friendly location in Europe. Small and medium sized businesses would be rewarded for: meeting energy conservation targets; reducing use of motor vehicles; allowing flexible working, e.g. for people with caring responsibilities; providing childcare.
Key to this reform would be an expanded business rate relief scheme financed through our investment fund. Small businesses, post offices and pubs would benefit throughout Wales.
Cutting red tape. The Welsh Assembly Government would be required to review all European regulations that it can adapt or influence to lighten the regulatory burden on business. The same procedure would apply to all Welsh Assembly Government legislation.
Page 12
Welsh Conservatives would ensure that Wales once again becomes one of the most competitive locations in Europe for large scale investments.
>How
Cohesion Funding: Creating Wealth in West Wales and the Valleys Welsh Conservatives believe that the private sector must become the driving force behind a successful cohesion funding programme. The SME sector in particular must be expanded if long-term development and wealth creation is
ensure that more Welsh companies tender for public contracts, and aim for 60% or more of procurement to be Welsh based (subject to EU regulations);
Social enterprise can empower key groups such as disabled people and the economically inactive. Welsh Conservatives embrace the co-operative ethos.
Encourage the growth of credit unions;
>What is a credit union? The Conservatives seem eager to commit businesses to develop the Welsh economy but what are they going to do, directly, especially as the manifesto subtitle says “creating wealth in West Wales and the Valleys” doesn’t that imply that some areas of Wales doesn’t have the business infrastructure to support such schemes.
The Business Eye initiative has had some solid success as a ‘signposter’ but it needs a more devolved mechanism that places the power of commissioning with local businesses.
Teamwork for more childcare Welsh Conservatives want to see more teamwork in the Welsh Assembly Government to improve access to childcare. Parents across Wales need greater access to affordable, high quality childcare.
Introduce incentives for employers to provide flexible working times for parents and carers, and new childcare facilities; encourage the development of after-school clubs and other
Forms of supervised activity; emphasise the provision of high quality childcare as part of the strategy to eradicate child poverty;
>I have to interject my commentary just to say how poorly laid out the conservative manifesto is they have what I can only describe a “policy boxes” in a seemingly random places throughout the document bearing no relation to subject that it intersects, it is distracting and detracts from the point that the document is trying to make.
Page 13
A modern communications network requires a careful balance between the different modes of transport and, above all, depends upon greater integration between rail, road, air
and other forms of transport. Public transport plays a vital part in any transport strategy and the Welsh Conservative Party believes that its role should be expanded.
encourage local authorities and the private sector to develop or expand car sharing schemes and ‘park and ride’ facilities;
improve commuter rail services through investment in rolling stock, station improvement, new signaling technology, and passing loops, to be funded by the Cohesion programme;
offer grant support financed by our investment fund to local authorities to introduce integrated public transport passes to allow people to utilise buses, trains, and community transport;
seek to establish a sustainable travel demonstration town or city in Wales to increase levels of walking and cycling;
set the following priorities for the road building programme:
the improvement of the A470 through the provision of passing points and by-passes;
a modern link road to Cardiff International Airport;
the dualling of the A40 to Fishguard;
work with Cardiff International Airport to increase the number of routes to Europe’s principal commercial centres, such as Brussels, Frankfurt, Milan and Barcelona.
Wales is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, but still far too few tourists are aware of our unique attractions. Ambitious marketing is the key to increasing the number of visitors to Wales. Welsh Conservatives would:
ensure that the Welsh Assembly Government’s tourism budget promotes a long-term marketing strategy linked to key attractions such as Wales as a location for walking holidays and adventure sports;
launch a Green Dragon marque for tourist facilities that meet sustainable development objectives;
highlight the cultural attractions of Wales such as Eisteddfodau and the uniqueness of the Welsh language, the Victorian architecture of Cardiff, and medieval Wales and its castles;
promote the voluntary bed and breakfast accreditation scheme. Participants would receive free marketing in a variety of official publications;
reject all forms of tourist taxes such as a bed tax.
>Is it just me being ignorant, but what is Eisteddfodau? Is that the plural or Eisteddfod? Well I suppose that is what you would consider joined up thinking: developing air travel from Cardiff and encourage tourism. But how will they reconcile the pollution from the increased air travel with their determination to cut C02 emissions?
We would establish the post of Chief Scientific Officer to the Welsh Assembly Government. The first tasks of the Chief Scientific Officer would be to review the teaching of science in Welsh schools, colleges and universities, and to produce a comprehensive science strategy for the Welsh Assembly Government.
Page 15
Welsh Conservative government would seek to introduce an Assembly Measure on energy so that in Wales we can set an outstanding example for other nations.
Welsh Conservatives would provide every household in Wales with £20 worth of energy saving light bulbs financed by our investment fund. Homes across the nation would
>Previously, they said they want to increase air travel out of Cardiff and now they want to reduce the countries footprint. I wonder what plans they have to off set any developments in air travel. Plaid wanted to establish a forest of native trees, to act as a carbon sink. I wait in anticipation of the conservative approach.
>Additionally, the conservatives are putting a lot of store in this investment fund, which makes it difficult for me to pick holes in it (compared to plaid – who were very forthcoming). Because if they have mentioned the value of such funds I’ve either missed it, or haven’t had the requisite knowledge for it to register and apply it to analysing this document.
We want to see all the green technologies come forward and play their part, but nuclear cannot be ruled out. Welsh Conservatives would be prepared to replace the Wylfa nuclear power station as part of a wide ranging policy to reduce reliance on carbon based energy.
>Hopefully, this means that the conservatives would invest (probably via their much fabled investment fund) in new technologies, which can be developed and made in Wales, adding an economic and skills benefit in Wales – however they haven’t said that explicitly – they just seem keen to increase renewables and not rule out nuclear.
>In my opinion, the opposition to nuclear is slightly erroneous. I base this on the fact that the majority of opposition is based around nuclear waste. Now this could just be the way I think, but surely it is better to have a fuel source that leaves a physical waste that you can dispose of in a managed and safe way. Rather than having it pumped irresponsibly into the atmosphere to do what damage it may.
Far too much waste goes to landfill. We need to recycle waste more efficiently and reduce the high level of packaging that smothers so many products.
>They give no details of how they would reduce packaging.
Give greater freedom to planning authorities to provide more land for affordable housing, especially in rural areas;
Require developers to measure the carbon footprint of developments;
>They don’t say require developers to reduce the carbon footprint.
Farmers are in the front line of protecting our environment. They also underpin rural communities. Welsh Conservatives believe that farming must be properly valued and we do not want to see large tracts of land abandoned. People all over Wales want to enjoy a well-managed countryside.
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Permit grant funding for renewable projects such as tidal power, bio-fuels, and hydro power;
Offer business users grant support for micro and community generation schemes as part of the business rate reform policy;
Devolve the planning process for renewable power generation projects over 50 MWs;
Devolve building regulations to the National Assembly.
Develop a strategy for the growth of biomass crops in Wales. Biomass technology has a key part to play in the provision of more renewable energy but the current competitive disadvantage Wales suffers compared to England must be removed.
Welsh Conservatives would look to enter into a partnership with farmers and the public to:
Manage the countryside responsibly, such as maintaining footpaths.
>The more I read of this manifesto the more bemusing it seems to become, it seems to be a manifesto saying if we get into power this is what we seek to make you do.
Launch a Welsh Food and Drink strategy to:
Increase the ‘value added’ element in production by taking opportunities to finish products nearer the farm gate;
Market Welsh food and drink with a special charter mark;
>Moving Welsh goods into a niche and more lucrative market.
Page 17
Welsh Conservatives want to protect and nurture the rural way of life. Welsh Conservatives would:
Act on the body of evidence regarding bovine TB. We would implement a strategy to control bovine TB and use those methods proven to be effective;
>Isn’t badger culling a proven method of controlling bovine TB?
In co-operation with the UK Government, strengthen security at ports and airports to prevent communicable animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth, entering the country;
>What do they mean in cooperation with – that is solely the responsibly of the British government, so what are they saying they will petition the British government to do this...
Create an enterprise grant scheme for young farmers entering the industry.
Welsh Conservatives believe that farmers and land managers should be encouraged to maximise the biodiversity opportunities that come from sensitive land-use and the development of well-managed ecosystem services. We are committed to the goal of ending the loss of biodiversity in Wales by 2010.
>Well, isn’t global warming responsible for some loss of biodiversity as the climate warms up it changes the conditions that some animals are adapted to. So this goal might be some what ambitions
Prohibit development on Sites of Special Scientific Interest unless sanctioned by a vote of the National Assembly;
Page 19
A good education opens the door to life’s opportunities. Good schools don’t just teach children how to read, write and add up. A good school inspires young people to learn and follow their interests, and teaches them to be responsible adults.
>Hear, hear.
We believe that Welsh schools should receive their basic core funding directly from the Welsh Assembly Government and on a three year budgetary cycle. Given this financial security, schools would be able to develop innovative business plans for development.
Use our investment fund to move to close the gap between the amount spent per pupil in England and Wales by 2011;
>Just how much money is in this investment fund – it has got to be empty soon.
Encourage LEAs to implement an IT strategy to make schools in Wales world leaders;
>Yes, Make Wales a world leading nation – why is this the first time this sentiment has been espoused?
Strengthen the ‘A’ level qualification, but allow for choice in developing a robust Welsh baccalaureate with a core element in the range of 10 to 12 hours per week, and support schools offering the International Baccalaureate;
>Surely schools which are good (which traditionally denotes that they are in well off, economically, areas will opt out of A levels and take up the International Baccalaureate.) reinforcing and increasing the economic inequities in Wales.
review Special Educational Needs policy in light of the Assembly’s Education and Lifelong Learning Committee’s reports; and improve the statementing process for children with Special Educational Needs; encourage the development of specialist schools, and
No school can be successful unless it is a healthy and safe environment in which all pupils can develop and prepare for the opportunities of adult life. Rewarding good behaviour and honest endeavour is as important as recognising academic excellence. While schools are much
More than buildings, a Welsh Conservative government would address the shortfall in capital spending that has developed in Wales.
Welsh Conservatives would launch a Wellbeing Strategy with the development of the whole child at its heart. It would ensure that:
Schools are served by a strengthened network of school nurses;
>The same as Plaid
A food and nutrition strategy is launched to improve the quality of school dinners and promote knowledge of food and cooking among all pupils;
our investment fund supports the introduction of a modern school transport system based on the use of single deck buses and appropriate supervision (or CCTV) and an end to the ‘three-to-a-seat’ rule;
>They really are building up this investment fund, and as you can probably tell I am not impressed. Modern school transport is good provided that parents use it and don’t continue to drop their children off at schools in cars to ensure that someone else who is dropping off their children at school doesn’t knock them over with theirs.
Abolishing the requirement to provide free school breakfasts, and focusing on activities such as after-school clubs.
>Could have some merit, but, research indicates that a good healthy breakfast increases the ability to concentrate in class – so why would you scrap that?
Page 20
A greater focus needs to be placed on physical education in schools as a preparation for exercise throughout life.
>So what are you plans to encourage education throughout life? Or are you just preparing them for an eventuality that will only come if they are lucky?
Without the dedicated work of teachers no school would succeed. More needs to be done to support teachers and give them real responsibility over their classrooms so that they can give of their best. Other groups – such as teaching assistants and school governors – need greater support. Welsh Conservatives would:
Use our investment fund to invest in a programme of professional development for teachers, teaching assistants and governors;
>Again this investment fund. They are basing their entire spending strategy on money that doesn’t yet exist.
>I’ve just gone back over the manifesto and found out where this investment fund was founded and here it is on page 5 “All the spending commitments in this manifesto would be financed from an investment fund generated by reallocating 1% of existing Welsh Assembly Government budgets.” so when they say that the investment fund will pay for this and pay for that, they are just saying this fund will pay specifically for things that the cut in the budget would prohibit them from doing. Although it could be a vessel of making department do things that the welsh assembly haven’t got the power to compel them to do via legislation. Or it cold just be a way to make us think that they have found more money to spend, when they are just restructuring the budget. Back to page 20.
Welsh Conservatives want to see more teamwork in the Welsh Assembly Government to improve
>This phrase has been used numerously in the conservative manifesto and always precede a universally agreeable statement, in this case “children’s services” so I think that this is the clearest statement that the conservatives expect a coalition for the next assembly government and therefore this is a tacit confirmation that they would be approachable for constructing a government. But if this manifesto is anything to go by I don’t think that they will gain any seats, it’s an appalling and uninspiring piece. Although the Plaid manifesto hit on some critical areas for me and has made me think that I am more socialist than I ever thought that I was.
If Wales is to achieve economic success in a highly competitive global economy, colleges and universities require greater investment and support.
>Please don’t say investment fund.
Invest in Higher Education, using our investment fund to move to close the funding gap that has opened up between Wales and England;
>Damn
encourage the growth of the Research and Development sector, including HE – private sector partnerships, to add much needed vitality to the knowledge economy;
>Excellent, enable business to help educate students so they have the skills the private sector needs plus if the university develop technologies I hope that they will have a cut in any wealth that is accrued via the use of this technology.
Examine ways to increase the amount of medical research undertaken in Wales;
>Same again.
Make Wales a more attractive choice for non-EU students by introducing a work permit scheme;
>As long as we don’t loose sight of educating Welsh people at Welsh universities.
Focus on key skills and examine the recommendations of the Leitch Review;
>Remind me to google the Leitch Review
The success of Welsh medium education is rightly a matter in which we can all take great pride. Welsh Conservatives are committed to ensuring the continued success of Welsh medium nursery, primary and secondary education and will respond to parental demand to see it expanded. However, a concerted effort is now needed to increase the number of
Further and Higher Education courses available in Welsh.
>Near enough to damn it the same as Plaid
Page 23
The lack of affordable housing blights many lives. It deprives communities all over Wales because young people are forced to leave their local areas.
Welsh
Conservatives would involve mortgage lenders, builders, landlords, housing associations, local authorities, tenants and other key groups in the development of our housing strategy.
>Would it include the WAG too? At least they didn’t say investment fund!
Inject an extra £16 million each year from our investment fund into the housing budget to increase the number of affordable houses being built, especially in rural areas;
>Spoke too soon
encourage home ownership – or part ownership – as a means to promote regeneration in the most deprived communities;
>Not sure how that would work.
Take the requirement to meet the WHQS as an opportunity to promote local regeneration by using local businesses and local skilled workers whenever possible;
>Good, spending Welsh public money on Welsh businesses.
Page 24
Communities cannot thrive unless people feel safe on the streets and secure at home. Many people feel let down by the authorities as the problems of alcohol and drug abuse are not properly tackled and remain the source of much crime and anti-social behaviour. We all have a role to play in tackling these problems – families, schools, the police, and local communities.
>The assembly doesn’t have power over policing.
Increase the number of alcohol and drug detox places, including residential care;
Create a network of local warden resource centres to tackle petty crime and anti-social behaviour;
>So does local warden resource centres mean a new layer of police style enforcements – community support officers, local wardens and the police? Is this how they are going to assume some domino over law enforcement.
Page 25
Look at the feasibility of ending compulsory retirement in the public sector by 2011.
Welsh Conservatives want to see community Post Offices flourishing all over Wales. Post Offices are at the heart of communities and offer a range of services to local people.
Many Welsh Assembly Government services and initiatives – such as economic and social regeneration – could do more to utilise the facilities of Post Offices.
Re-establish and enhance the Post Office development fund, investing £4 million in the scheme annually financed by our investment fund;
Page 27
Welsh Conservatives celebrate our nation's cultural achievements. Our language is one of Europe's most distinguished with a literary tradition stretching back 1,400 years. The arts flourish in Wales: in Welsh and English language literature, painting and sculpture, and in the performing arts. In the National Eisteddfod, Wales has one of the biggest and most vibrant cultural events in the world. Welsh Conservatives also celebrate Welsh sporting success and we want to see it grow. Sadly, Welsh Labour has failed to build on these successes. Labour's policies have been bossy and bureaucratic. Rather than fostering unity, Labour have helped to create unprecedented division in the cultural arena.
Welsh Conservatives believe that Welsh should be given official language status and that an independent language commissioner should be created. Partly as a result of Conservative policies between 1979-97, the number of Welsh speakers has increased for the first time since 1891, according to the 2001 census.
>Official language statement - my dad will not be pleased he dismisses Plaid as language extremists, but then he also says that Plaid is responsible for the FWA and the MG movement (ALL OF WHICH ARE UNSUBSTANTIATED AND JUST ILLUSTRATE HIS ALMOST RACIST ATTITUDE TOWARDS WELSH NATIONALISM)
We need to take another bold step and commit ourselves to the goal of creating a truly bilingual nation. A Welsh Conservative government would establish a language recovery unit to examine the international evidence in this area.
>Most countries in the World have bilingualism, and I don’t see how it can be a negative idea.
The National Eisteddfod and the International Eisteddfod are among the biggest cultural events held anywhere in Europe. And the Urdd Eisteddfod is a wonderful celebration of youth culture. Welsh Conservatives believe that these iconic cultural celebrations should receive reliable financial support from the Welsh Assembly Government so that the opportunities for tourism, education, and economic regeneration are fully grasped.
>Excellent
Attract more film and TV production work to Wales, taking greater advantage of the London-based market;
>I’m gonna be a star!
Promote policies to increase participation in the arts;
Identify ways to encourage audience sizes to grow;
Page 28
Welsh Conservatives believe that the arts can be used to illustrate the confidence and vitality of Welsh society. More should be done to market our cultural attractions, particularly abroad.
>Making the most of what Wales has to offer.
Undertake the necessary planning and consultations to create a National Gallery in Cardiff, linked to a series of local galleries across Wales;
>Don’t we already have this? Or are they talking about specifically art as painting?
Welsh Conservatives want to see greater emphasis placed on sport in schools and a general increase in sporting and leisure activities in the community. The voluntary sector is crucial to achieving a more active, sporting nation. Welsh Conservatives have already strengthened the secondary legislation to protect playing fields. We would take this principle further and introduce an Assembly Measure to protect playing fields, parks and open spaces in urban areas.
Nevertheless, here is my commentary on the Welsh Conservative Manifesto. This might be just me being very pedantic but the title of the document doesn’t particularly make you think that they are very optimistic about their chances:
“Vote Welsh Conservative for a change”
Page 3
This manifesto sets out how Welsh Conservatives will improve the quality of life for everyone in Wales. Our policies are made in Wales, for Wales. Better hospitals, better schools, more affordable homes, a more sustainable environment.
>The Conservative mission statements.
Conservatives believe that we’re all in this together – that we will only improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods if we each live up to our social responsibilities.
That means parents taking responsibility for their children. Neighbours looking out for each other. Businesses and households conserving precious energy. Everyone taking part in local democracy, so that the decisions which affect the community have the whole community’s endorsement. All of us working together to make Wales and Britain stronger.
For too long, Wales has been taken for granted by a single party, Labour. As a result – and despite millions of pounds of Welsh taxpayers’ money – little seems to change.
>It’s true Labour have taken their support for granted, and not delivered on their promises.
Page 5
Stability is the bedrock of economic success. We cannot have stability without sound money and a tight grip on public spending. Welsh Conservatives would spend the same as Labour overall on public services, but we would spend the Assembly’s block grant more effectively. All the spending commitments in this manifesto would be financed from an investment fund
Page 7
The NHS is our priority. Welsh Conservatives want to provide a first class NHS, free to all. We are committed to improving the NHS for everyone, rather than helping the few opt out.
We have a vision for the NHS and healthcare in Wales which trusts doctors and nurses. Professional responsibility, not state control,
>Well that makes sense, doctors and nurses know more about the clinical needs in Wales it should be up to clinicians to decide on the NHS priorities rather than politicians responding to media pressure (i.e. the massive increase of cancer treatment at the expense of STD treatments, and the use of expensive drugs like herceptin, which is partially the result of excellent marketing by the pharmaceutical companies).
Work with hospitals to improve nutrition and provide appetising food and clean wards;
Promote independent living at home by reducing inappropriate admissions to hospital and expanding the direct payments scheme which allows people to control their own care budgets;
>Not sure about that idea, the conservatives just said in the previous paragraph that they wanted to trust health professionals, how then can you say that people are better at determining their health needs than their doctor?
invest an additional £10 million each year from our investment fund to produce a comprehensive palliative care strategy which would provide up to 50% of core funding for hospices and expand the role of GPs and specialist nurses in palliative care at home;
Review the dental contract to ensure better access to an NHS dentist; we would invest finance from our investment fund in orthodontic services to guarantee NHS treatment for children;
Modernise the ambulance service (including support for the air ambulance);
Fully utilise the skills of pharmacists, particularly in chronic disease management;
>Again, you would think that the doctor or consultant would be best placed for this task rather than the pharmacists. In my opinion this is healthcare on the cheap.
We would seek an Order in Council from Westminster to allow the Assembly to pass a Mental Health Reform Measure. At the heart of this reform would be the principle of the early availability of clinically appropriate treatment with coercion used only as a last resort. We need to achieve a balance between therapeutic benefit and safety of the patient with protection of the public.
Page 8
The NHS should not be a political football. Welsh Conservatives believe that change and development should proceed on the basis of consensus. The current structure of
In 2003 Sir Derek Wanless told the Assembly that a political consensus was needed to agree a way forward. Regrettably, the Labour Welsh Assembly Government has largely ignored Sir Derek’s advice and pushed ahead with its own scheme, often in the face of considerable public opposition.
Welsh Conservatives would heed the advice to seek a consensus by establishing a special commission to examine the structure of hospital services.
The time has come to end the so-called ‘Berlin Wall’ between health and social care. We believe that Unified Care Agencies offer the best way forward. These Agencies would be:
Funded by a ring-fenced grant from local authorities;
Accountable to the local authority, but at arms-length in operational matters.
We would replace the existing 22 Local Health Boards with an all-Wales commissioning body, which would develop secondary and tertiary health services.
>So they said that they want to move decisions closer to communities, and then they want to remove the local health boards surely this will make decisions further remote.
GP practices would once again play a direct role in the commissioning of secondary services.
Welsh Conservatives would support staff and carers through a series of initiatives to:
Establish carers ‘contracts’ financed by our investment fund, to support those delivering a substantial amount of care, including young carers. The right to respite care would be at the centre of the contract;
Require information on any assault on health staff to be sent to the CPS;
>Assaulting people who are there to help in your hour of need must be dealt with seriously and I as a private citizen welcome this commitment to protecting our hospital workers.
Page 9
Looked after children
Promote the right to independent advocacy for looked after children, provided by a central all-Wales organisation, rather than by local authorities;
>Again looked after children – a definition please. This policy seems to be very similar to the Plaid policy and it all seems to describe the children’s commissioner. Is this convergence of policy indicative of anything else i.e. are they using the same government report to formulate this part of the manifesto?
Provide funding out of our investment fund for the recruitment of more social workers with priority given to Children’s Services;
It is clear that standards in social care need to be improved across the range of services. However, Welsh Conservatives would give particular priority to the following:
Services for people with learning difficulties,
Mental health services, especially supported employment or training, and access to education and suitable housing;
Government should not crowd out the voluntary and independent sectors from providing social care and health services. Each sector has a role to play. Health and social care commissioners should do more to nurture the voluntary and independent sectors and ensure that contracts and fee levels are fair and sustainable.
Page 11
A stable and enterprising economy is the basis of a strong, caring society. Wales is an integral part of the British economy, but there is much scope for ‘made in Wales’ policies. That is what successful devolution is all about.
>”Wales is an integral part of the British economy,” most people think of Wales as underdeveloped, or the lame duck economically – that’s the basis for most of the, ‘Wales will crash and burn’ doomsday scenario, but now its an integral part of the UK economy maybe we can stand alone as an independent country.
The challenges posed by globalisation cannot be ignored, but they should not be exaggerated. New opportunities exist that were previously undreamt of and cover fields as diverse as IT and fine food and drink, to more traditional products. Welsh Conservatives believe that at heart Wales is an enterprising nation. We need a Welsh Assembly Government that helps enterprise to flourish in local communities throughout Wales.
>So how will you encourage this, reduction of business rates / reduction of corporation of tax how?
Welsh Conservatives would introduce an Assembly Measure to promote and reward enterprise. This Measure would be the first step towards making Wales the most business friendly location in Europe. Small and medium sized businesses would be rewarded for: meeting energy conservation targets; reducing use of motor vehicles; allowing flexible working, e.g. for people with caring responsibilities; providing childcare.
Key to this reform would be an expanded business rate relief scheme financed through our investment fund. Small businesses, post offices and pubs would benefit throughout Wales.
Cutting red tape. The Welsh Assembly Government would be required to review all European regulations that it can adapt or influence to lighten the regulatory burden on business. The same procedure would apply to all Welsh Assembly Government legislation.
Page 12
Welsh Conservatives would ensure that Wales once again becomes one of the most competitive locations in Europe for large scale investments.
>How
Cohesion Funding: Creating Wealth in West Wales and the Valleys Welsh Conservatives believe that the private sector must become the driving force behind a successful cohesion funding programme. The SME sector in particular must be expanded if long-term development and wealth creation is
ensure that more Welsh companies tender for public contracts, and aim for 60% or more of procurement to be Welsh based (subject to EU regulations);
Social enterprise can empower key groups such as disabled people and the economically inactive. Welsh Conservatives embrace the co-operative ethos.
Encourage the growth of credit unions;
>What is a credit union? The Conservatives seem eager to commit businesses to develop the Welsh economy but what are they going to do, directly, especially as the manifesto subtitle says “creating wealth in West Wales and the Valleys” doesn’t that imply that some areas of Wales doesn’t have the business infrastructure to support such schemes.
The Business Eye initiative has had some solid success as a ‘signposter’ but it needs a more devolved mechanism that places the power of commissioning with local businesses.
Teamwork for more childcare Welsh Conservatives want to see more teamwork in the Welsh Assembly Government to improve access to childcare. Parents across Wales need greater access to affordable, high quality childcare.
Introduce incentives for employers to provide flexible working times for parents and carers, and new childcare facilities; encourage the development of after-school clubs and other
Forms of supervised activity; emphasise the provision of high quality childcare as part of the strategy to eradicate child poverty;
>I have to interject my commentary just to say how poorly laid out the conservative manifesto is they have what I can only describe a “policy boxes” in a seemingly random places throughout the document bearing no relation to subject that it intersects, it is distracting and detracts from the point that the document is trying to make.
Page 13
A modern communications network requires a careful balance between the different modes of transport and, above all, depends upon greater integration between rail, road, air
and other forms of transport. Public transport plays a vital part in any transport strategy and the Welsh Conservative Party believes that its role should be expanded.
encourage local authorities and the private sector to develop or expand car sharing schemes and ‘park and ride’ facilities;
improve commuter rail services through investment in rolling stock, station improvement, new signaling technology, and passing loops, to be funded by the Cohesion programme;
offer grant support financed by our investment fund to local authorities to introduce integrated public transport passes to allow people to utilise buses, trains, and community transport;
seek to establish a sustainable travel demonstration town or city in Wales to increase levels of walking and cycling;
set the following priorities for the road building programme:
the improvement of the A470 through the provision of passing points and by-passes;
a modern link road to Cardiff International Airport;
the dualling of the A40 to Fishguard;
work with Cardiff International Airport to increase the number of routes to Europe’s principal commercial centres, such as Brussels, Frankfurt, Milan and Barcelona.
Wales is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, but still far too few tourists are aware of our unique attractions. Ambitious marketing is the key to increasing the number of visitors to Wales. Welsh Conservatives would:
ensure that the Welsh Assembly Government’s tourism budget promotes a long-term marketing strategy linked to key attractions such as Wales as a location for walking holidays and adventure sports;
launch a Green Dragon marque for tourist facilities that meet sustainable development objectives;
highlight the cultural attractions of Wales such as Eisteddfodau and the uniqueness of the Welsh language, the Victorian architecture of Cardiff, and medieval Wales and its castles;
promote the voluntary bed and breakfast accreditation scheme. Participants would receive free marketing in a variety of official publications;
reject all forms of tourist taxes such as a bed tax.
>Is it just me being ignorant, but what is Eisteddfodau? Is that the plural or Eisteddfod? Well I suppose that is what you would consider joined up thinking: developing air travel from Cardiff and encourage tourism. But how will they reconcile the pollution from the increased air travel with their determination to cut C02 emissions?
We would establish the post of Chief Scientific Officer to the Welsh Assembly Government. The first tasks of the Chief Scientific Officer would be to review the teaching of science in Welsh schools, colleges and universities, and to produce a comprehensive science strategy for the Welsh Assembly Government.
Page 15
Welsh Conservative government would seek to introduce an Assembly Measure on energy so that in Wales we can set an outstanding example for other nations.
Welsh Conservatives would provide every household in Wales with £20 worth of energy saving light bulbs financed by our investment fund. Homes across the nation would
>Previously, they said they want to increase air travel out of Cardiff and now they want to reduce the countries footprint. I wonder what plans they have to off set any developments in air travel. Plaid wanted to establish a forest of native trees, to act as a carbon sink. I wait in anticipation of the conservative approach.
>Additionally, the conservatives are putting a lot of store in this investment fund, which makes it difficult for me to pick holes in it (compared to plaid – who were very forthcoming). Because if they have mentioned the value of such funds I’ve either missed it, or haven’t had the requisite knowledge for it to register and apply it to analysing this document.
We want to see all the green technologies come forward and play their part, but nuclear cannot be ruled out. Welsh Conservatives would be prepared to replace the Wylfa nuclear power station as part of a wide ranging policy to reduce reliance on carbon based energy.
>Hopefully, this means that the conservatives would invest (probably via their much fabled investment fund) in new technologies, which can be developed and made in Wales, adding an economic and skills benefit in Wales – however they haven’t said that explicitly – they just seem keen to increase renewables and not rule out nuclear.
>In my opinion, the opposition to nuclear is slightly erroneous. I base this on the fact that the majority of opposition is based around nuclear waste. Now this could just be the way I think, but surely it is better to have a fuel source that leaves a physical waste that you can dispose of in a managed and safe way. Rather than having it pumped irresponsibly into the atmosphere to do what damage it may.
Far too much waste goes to landfill. We need to recycle waste more efficiently and reduce the high level of packaging that smothers so many products.
>They give no details of how they would reduce packaging.
Give greater freedom to planning authorities to provide more land for affordable housing, especially in rural areas;
Require developers to measure the carbon footprint of developments;
>They don’t say require developers to reduce the carbon footprint.
Farmers are in the front line of protecting our environment. They also underpin rural communities. Welsh Conservatives believe that farming must be properly valued and we do not want to see large tracts of land abandoned. People all over Wales want to enjoy a well-managed countryside.
Page 16
Permit grant funding for renewable projects such as tidal power, bio-fuels, and hydro power;
Offer business users grant support for micro and community generation schemes as part of the business rate reform policy;
Devolve the planning process for renewable power generation projects over 50 MWs;
Devolve building regulations to the National Assembly.
Develop a strategy for the growth of biomass crops in Wales. Biomass technology has a key part to play in the provision of more renewable energy but the current competitive disadvantage Wales suffers compared to England must be removed.
Welsh Conservatives would look to enter into a partnership with farmers and the public to:
Manage the countryside responsibly, such as maintaining footpaths.
>The more I read of this manifesto the more bemusing it seems to become, it seems to be a manifesto saying if we get into power this is what we seek to make you do.
Launch a Welsh Food and Drink strategy to:
Increase the ‘value added’ element in production by taking opportunities to finish products nearer the farm gate;
Market Welsh food and drink with a special charter mark;
>Moving Welsh goods into a niche and more lucrative market.
Page 17
Welsh Conservatives want to protect and nurture the rural way of life. Welsh Conservatives would:
Act on the body of evidence regarding bovine TB. We would implement a strategy to control bovine TB and use those methods proven to be effective;
>Isn’t badger culling a proven method of controlling bovine TB?
In co-operation with the UK Government, strengthen security at ports and airports to prevent communicable animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth, entering the country;
>What do they mean in cooperation with – that is solely the responsibly of the British government, so what are they saying they will petition the British government to do this...
Create an enterprise grant scheme for young farmers entering the industry.
Welsh Conservatives believe that farmers and land managers should be encouraged to maximise the biodiversity opportunities that come from sensitive land-use and the development of well-managed ecosystem services. We are committed to the goal of ending the loss of biodiversity in Wales by 2010.
>Well, isn’t global warming responsible for some loss of biodiversity as the climate warms up it changes the conditions that some animals are adapted to. So this goal might be some what ambitions
Prohibit development on Sites of Special Scientific Interest unless sanctioned by a vote of the National Assembly;
Page 19
A good education opens the door to life’s opportunities. Good schools don’t just teach children how to read, write and add up. A good school inspires young people to learn and follow their interests, and teaches them to be responsible adults.
>Hear, hear.
We believe that Welsh schools should receive their basic core funding directly from the Welsh Assembly Government and on a three year budgetary cycle. Given this financial security, schools would be able to develop innovative business plans for development.
Use our investment fund to move to close the gap between the amount spent per pupil in England and Wales by 2011;
>Just how much money is in this investment fund – it has got to be empty soon.
Encourage LEAs to implement an IT strategy to make schools in Wales world leaders;
>Yes, Make Wales a world leading nation – why is this the first time this sentiment has been espoused?
Strengthen the ‘A’ level qualification, but allow for choice in developing a robust Welsh baccalaureate with a core element in the range of 10 to 12 hours per week, and support schools offering the International Baccalaureate;
>Surely schools which are good (which traditionally denotes that they are in well off, economically, areas will opt out of A levels and take up the International Baccalaureate.) reinforcing and increasing the economic inequities in Wales.
review Special Educational Needs policy in light of the Assembly’s Education and Lifelong Learning Committee’s reports; and improve the statementing process for children with Special Educational Needs; encourage the development of specialist schools, and
No school can be successful unless it is a healthy and safe environment in which all pupils can develop and prepare for the opportunities of adult life. Rewarding good behaviour and honest endeavour is as important as recognising academic excellence. While schools are much
More than buildings, a Welsh Conservative government would address the shortfall in capital spending that has developed in Wales.
Welsh Conservatives would launch a Wellbeing Strategy with the development of the whole child at its heart. It would ensure that:
Schools are served by a strengthened network of school nurses;
>The same as Plaid
A food and nutrition strategy is launched to improve the quality of school dinners and promote knowledge of food and cooking among all pupils;
our investment fund supports the introduction of a modern school transport system based on the use of single deck buses and appropriate supervision (or CCTV) and an end to the ‘three-to-a-seat’ rule;
>They really are building up this investment fund, and as you can probably tell I am not impressed. Modern school transport is good provided that parents use it and don’t continue to drop their children off at schools in cars to ensure that someone else who is dropping off their children at school doesn’t knock them over with theirs.
Abolishing the requirement to provide free school breakfasts, and focusing on activities such as after-school clubs.
>Could have some merit, but, research indicates that a good healthy breakfast increases the ability to concentrate in class – so why would you scrap that?
Page 20
A greater focus needs to be placed on physical education in schools as a preparation for exercise throughout life.
>So what are you plans to encourage education throughout life? Or are you just preparing them for an eventuality that will only come if they are lucky?
Without the dedicated work of teachers no school would succeed. More needs to be done to support teachers and give them real responsibility over their classrooms so that they can give of their best. Other groups – such as teaching assistants and school governors – need greater support. Welsh Conservatives would:
Use our investment fund to invest in a programme of professional development for teachers, teaching assistants and governors;
>Again this investment fund. They are basing their entire spending strategy on money that doesn’t yet exist.
>I’ve just gone back over the manifesto and found out where this investment fund was founded and here it is on page 5 “All the spending commitments in this manifesto would be financed from an investment fund generated by reallocating 1% of existing Welsh Assembly Government budgets.” so when they say that the investment fund will pay for this and pay for that, they are just saying this fund will pay specifically for things that the cut in the budget would prohibit them from doing. Although it could be a vessel of making department do things that the welsh assembly haven’t got the power to compel them to do via legislation. Or it cold just be a way to make us think that they have found more money to spend, when they are just restructuring the budget. Back to page 20.
Welsh Conservatives want to see more teamwork in the Welsh Assembly Government to improve
>This phrase has been used numerously in the conservative manifesto and always precede a universally agreeable statement, in this case “children’s services” so I think that this is the clearest statement that the conservatives expect a coalition for the next assembly government and therefore this is a tacit confirmation that they would be approachable for constructing a government. But if this manifesto is anything to go by I don’t think that they will gain any seats, it’s an appalling and uninspiring piece. Although the Plaid manifesto hit on some critical areas for me and has made me think that I am more socialist than I ever thought that I was.
If Wales is to achieve economic success in a highly competitive global economy, colleges and universities require greater investment and support.
>Please don’t say investment fund.
Invest in Higher Education, using our investment fund to move to close the funding gap that has opened up between Wales and England;
>Damn
encourage the growth of the Research and Development sector, including HE – private sector partnerships, to add much needed vitality to the knowledge economy;
>Excellent, enable business to help educate students so they have the skills the private sector needs plus if the university develop technologies I hope that they will have a cut in any wealth that is accrued via the use of this technology.
Examine ways to increase the amount of medical research undertaken in Wales;
>Same again.
Make Wales a more attractive choice for non-EU students by introducing a work permit scheme;
>As long as we don’t loose sight of educating Welsh people at Welsh universities.
Focus on key skills and examine the recommendations of the Leitch Review;
>Remind me to google the Leitch Review
The success of Welsh medium education is rightly a matter in which we can all take great pride. Welsh Conservatives are committed to ensuring the continued success of Welsh medium nursery, primary and secondary education and will respond to parental demand to see it expanded. However, a concerted effort is now needed to increase the number of
Further and Higher Education courses available in Welsh.
>Near enough to damn it the same as Plaid
Page 23
The lack of affordable housing blights many lives. It deprives communities all over Wales because young people are forced to leave their local areas.
Welsh
Conservatives would involve mortgage lenders, builders, landlords, housing associations, local authorities, tenants and other key groups in the development of our housing strategy.
>Would it include the WAG too? At least they didn’t say investment fund!
Inject an extra £16 million each year from our investment fund into the housing budget to increase the number of affordable houses being built, especially in rural areas;
>Spoke too soon
encourage home ownership – or part ownership – as a means to promote regeneration in the most deprived communities;
>Not sure how that would work.
Take the requirement to meet the WHQS as an opportunity to promote local regeneration by using local businesses and local skilled workers whenever possible;
>Good, spending Welsh public money on Welsh businesses.
Page 24
Communities cannot thrive unless people feel safe on the streets and secure at home. Many people feel let down by the authorities as the problems of alcohol and drug abuse are not properly tackled and remain the source of much crime and anti-social behaviour. We all have a role to play in tackling these problems – families, schools, the police, and local communities.
>The assembly doesn’t have power over policing.
Increase the number of alcohol and drug detox places, including residential care;
Create a network of local warden resource centres to tackle petty crime and anti-social behaviour;
>So does local warden resource centres mean a new layer of police style enforcements – community support officers, local wardens and the police? Is this how they are going to assume some domino over law enforcement.
Page 25
Look at the feasibility of ending compulsory retirement in the public sector by 2011.
Welsh Conservatives want to see community Post Offices flourishing all over Wales. Post Offices are at the heart of communities and offer a range of services to local people.
Many Welsh Assembly Government services and initiatives – such as economic and social regeneration – could do more to utilise the facilities of Post Offices.
Re-establish and enhance the Post Office development fund, investing £4 million in the scheme annually financed by our investment fund;
Page 27
Welsh Conservatives celebrate our nation's cultural achievements. Our language is one of Europe's most distinguished with a literary tradition stretching back 1,400 years. The arts flourish in Wales: in Welsh and English language literature, painting and sculpture, and in the performing arts. In the National Eisteddfod, Wales has one of the biggest and most vibrant cultural events in the world. Welsh Conservatives also celebrate Welsh sporting success and we want to see it grow. Sadly, Welsh Labour has failed to build on these successes. Labour's policies have been bossy and bureaucratic. Rather than fostering unity, Labour have helped to create unprecedented division in the cultural arena.
Welsh Conservatives believe that Welsh should be given official language status and that an independent language commissioner should be created. Partly as a result of Conservative policies between 1979-97, the number of Welsh speakers has increased for the first time since 1891, according to the 2001 census.
>Official language statement - my dad will not be pleased he dismisses Plaid as language extremists, but then he also says that Plaid is responsible for the FWA and the MG movement (ALL OF WHICH ARE UNSUBSTANTIATED AND JUST ILLUSTRATE HIS ALMOST RACIST ATTITUDE TOWARDS WELSH NATIONALISM)
We need to take another bold step and commit ourselves to the goal of creating a truly bilingual nation. A Welsh Conservative government would establish a language recovery unit to examine the international evidence in this area.
>Most countries in the World have bilingualism, and I don’t see how it can be a negative idea.
The National Eisteddfod and the International Eisteddfod are among the biggest cultural events held anywhere in Europe. And the Urdd Eisteddfod is a wonderful celebration of youth culture. Welsh Conservatives believe that these iconic cultural celebrations should receive reliable financial support from the Welsh Assembly Government so that the opportunities for tourism, education, and economic regeneration are fully grasped.
>Excellent
Attract more film and TV production work to Wales, taking greater advantage of the London-based market;
>I’m gonna be a star!
Promote policies to increase participation in the arts;
Identify ways to encourage audience sizes to grow;
Page 28
Welsh Conservatives believe that the arts can be used to illustrate the confidence and vitality of Welsh society. More should be done to market our cultural attractions, particularly abroad.
>Making the most of what Wales has to offer.
Undertake the necessary planning and consultations to create a National Gallery in Cardiff, linked to a series of local galleries across Wales;
>Don’t we already have this? Or are they talking about specifically art as painting?
Welsh Conservatives want to see greater emphasis placed on sport in schools and a general increase in sporting and leisure activities in the community. The voluntary sector is crucial to achieving a more active, sporting nation. Welsh Conservatives have already strengthened the secondary legislation to protect playing fields. We would take this principle further and introduce an Assembly Measure to protect playing fields, parks and open spaces in urban areas.
.
>Again, same as Plaid, but it is still a good idea. Although there is still no mention of the creation of new green spaces although they have said that they want to increase the number of new homes.
Prepare a bid by 2011 to host the Commonwealth Games in Cardiff-Newport in 2018 or 2022;
>Similar to Plaid but still HURRAH
Encourage the development of countryside pursuits and adventure sports such as walking, canoeing, climbing, riding, shooting, and fishing;
>Hurrah.
Emphasise the need to exercise for life and identify ways of improving ‘access for all’ to sporting and leisure facilities, and ensure that the needs of disabled people are addressed;
Ensure that training venues in Wales are properly marketed for the 2012 Olympics;
>In other words your resigned to not having any Olympic events in Wales, which kind of goes against the encouragement of sporting events.
Page 31
Sir Jeremy Beecham’s useful report Beyond Boundaries recommends the publication of local annual reports on public services.
Use our investment fund to introduce a £100 council tax discount for pensioner households each year;
>An advantage of living with my grandfather. (You guessed its this Investment fund again)
Ten years ago the people of Wales narrowly voted for devolution. Since then, with devolution in practice in Wales and Scotland and potentially in Northern Ireland, more and more people believe devolution is necessary for a strong Britain.
>I believe that it is becoming increasingly necessary for English Devolution in order for it to remain a strong union, in an America style federal system or a Swiss system.
Labour has undermined the devolution settlement that the people of Wales voted for in 1997. Cynically, and despite the condemnation of the independent Electoral Commission, Labour manipulated the Assembly’s election rules for partisan gain.
>True.
Seek to restore the reputation of Wales by abolishing the Labour Party’s much condemned manipulation of the Assembly’s election rules.
>THIS MUST HAPPEN WHAT EVER PARTY GETS IN!
Seek to establish St. David’s Day as a national holiday; introduce a Welsh symbol on car number plates; ensure that a separate Welsh option appears on census forms together with a question on the use of Welsh; petition the Queen to establish a Welsh order of chivalry.
>A Welsh order of Chivalry?
COMING NEXT: LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
¶ 6:43 PM >Again, same as Plaid, but it is still a good idea. Although there is still no mention of the creation of new green spaces although they have said that they want to increase the number of new homes.
Prepare a bid by 2011 to host the Commonwealth Games in Cardiff-Newport in 2018 or 2022;
>Similar to Plaid but still HURRAH
Encourage the development of countryside pursuits and adventure sports such as walking, canoeing, climbing, riding, shooting, and fishing;
>Hurrah.
Emphasise the need to exercise for life and identify ways of improving ‘access for all’ to sporting and leisure facilities, and ensure that the needs of disabled people are addressed;
Ensure that training venues in Wales are properly marketed for the 2012 Olympics;
>In other words your resigned to not having any Olympic events in Wales, which kind of goes against the encouragement of sporting events.
Page 31
Sir Jeremy Beecham’s useful report Beyond Boundaries recommends the publication of local annual reports on public services.
Use our investment fund to introduce a £100 council tax discount for pensioner households each year;
>An advantage of living with my grandfather. (You guessed its this Investment fund again)
Ten years ago the people of Wales narrowly voted for devolution. Since then, with devolution in practice in Wales and Scotland and potentially in Northern Ireland, more and more people believe devolution is necessary for a strong Britain.
>I believe that it is becoming increasingly necessary for English Devolution in order for it to remain a strong union, in an America style federal system or a Swiss system.
Labour has undermined the devolution settlement that the people of Wales voted for in 1997. Cynically, and despite the condemnation of the independent Electoral Commission, Labour manipulated the Assembly’s election rules for partisan gain.
>True.
Seek to restore the reputation of Wales by abolishing the Labour Party’s much condemned manipulation of the Assembly’s election rules.
>THIS MUST HAPPEN WHAT EVER PARTY GETS IN!
Seek to establish St. David’s Day as a national holiday; introduce a Welsh symbol on car number plates; ensure that a separate Welsh option appears on census forms together with a question on the use of Welsh; petition the Queen to establish a Welsh order of chivalry.
>A Welsh order of Chivalry?
COMING NEXT: LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
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- 2007 WELSH ASSEMBLY ELECTION MANIFESTO SPECIAL: PL...
- 07/03/07 – THE IDIOSYNCRASIES OF LABOUR
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